The journey was completely unobstructed.
Three days later, the group entered this unfamiliar yet familiar city once more.
The difference from before was that Heaven Dou City had become visibly more desolate. Many shops had already closed, and the once spacious, clean streets were littered with fallen leaves that had yet to be cleared away. The pedestrians no longer carried their former vigor either. Instead, they hurried along, seemingly unwilling to linger outside for too long.
Although the situation was somewhat worse, the city's defenses had not weakened in the slightest. The deployed troops and the strength of their members were more than a level stronger than before, though it was completely useless...
The group rode in carriages all the way to the hotel they had sponsored for a time during their last visit. Then, surrounded by a group of enthusiastic yet properly mannered maids, they simply carried their luggage in and checked in. The process went smoothly, though it somehow felt as if something was missing.
Shen Hanyu accepted two cups of clear wine from a maid and handed them to Snow Empress and Shui Ningbing. The maid tactfully brought another cup to Shen Hanyu.
The three leaned against the balcony railing and gently raised their cups...
Shui Ningbing let out a soft sigh before saying,
"Alas, does Heaven Dou City still look anything like the capital of a nation? The atmosphere is so tense that anyone would think Spirit Hall and the Star Luo Empire were about to join forces and attack..."
Snow Empress remained silent. Shen Hanyu swept his gaze into the distance before replying calmly,
"It's normal. Xue Ye doesn't have much time left to live, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect no longer has the imperial family's trust. They're like frightened birds now. Otherwise,