Water Pavilion

Bodhi Garden was famous throughout the Western Regions for its Four-Colored Lotus. Every year, when the flowers bloomed, they became one of Jade City's favorite topics of discussion. Some people even hid in corners by the wall just to catch a whiff of the fragrance that could never drift outside. In recent years, however, the question of who truly owned the garden had sparked endless arguments.

In the past, Bodhi Garden had unquestionably belonged to the Meng Family. Two years ago, it was given to the nominal daughter-in-law, Shangguan Ru. After the Twins of Golden Peng Fortress openly "betrayed" their Lineage and became the Dragon King's subordinates, the garden's status suddenly grew awkward. Both the Meng Family and the Shangguan Family seemed entitled to own the famous garden, yet neither side had ever stepped forward to assert its claim.

The dispute finally came to an end half a year ago, when the master of the Meng Family, Meng Yuzun, entered the garden to recuperate. It seemed the Unrivaled King still had some scruples and had not used his daughter to seize his friend's estate.

Bodhi Garden was still beautiful in autumn. The lotuses had faded, but other flowers, grasses, and trees filled the gaps. If he had not been burdened with the duty of protecting the Dragon King, Nie Zeng truly would have liked to admire the scenery. As things stood, he could only crouch in the bushes like a piece of wood, silently counting in his mind at a fixed rhythm.

"...Four hundred and one, four hundred and two, go."

Two guards emerged from behind the artificial hill a dozen or so paces away. After glancing left and right, they headed toward the next hiding place.

Taking advantage of the brief opening, Nie Zeng followed the Dragon King forward