Outside Hangzhou's inner city, the outer city was at least three times larger and more prosperous, thanks to its thriving commerce and convenient location. The population of residents and traveling merchants was several times greater, too!
Many merchants—especially those who dealt in tea—weren't willing to enter the city. It would waste their time, and they'd also have to pay the authorities a hefty entrance tax.
Over time, the inner city within the walls became home to officials, wealthy families, and the old residents of the established neighborhoods. The outer city, meanwhile, became the domain of merchants, boatmen, fishermen, and all manner of people from the Three Teachings and Nine Streams.
Take the Yuelai Inn beside the main road in the outer city, for example. It had once been a place where passing merchants could stop for a meal and a rest. Many merchants had regularly dropped in to eat, drink, and rest their horses.
But lately, the inn had stopped serving the public. Its usual banners had been replaced by several strange, unfamiliar flags, making it obvious that some martial sect had taken over the place.
And that sect was none other than the Dali-based Infinite Sword Sect!
In the inn's main hall, dozens of men and women from the Infinite Sword Sect sat in groups around square tables. Dressed alike in green robes with swords at their waists, they carried themselves with a spirited air as they ate dinner.
After all, it was already the hour of the Rooster. If they didn't eat now, it would be hard to see once night fell. Lighting the entire hall with oil lamps or candles would cost a pretty penny.
At the square tables, wine jars were stacked high and the dishes were plentiful. Steam rose from the food, mingling with the