The next morning, Gu Deyuan came to call.
Shi Lan followed Gu Deyuan out of the inn alone and headed for the City Lord's Mansion.
Wu Lingkong stayed behind at the inn to keep an eye on the supplies.
Naturally, the martial tournament was not open to everyone. Candidates had to pass round after round of selection in their respective cities, distinguish themselves from the crowd, and then be recommended by their City Lord before earning the right to compete in the final tournament.
Gu Deyuan naturally wouldn't let Shi Lan waste time on those entirely unnecessary preliminaries. He took her straight into the City Lord's Mansion, led her to the study, and introduced her to his father, Gu Rentong, the City Lord of Gu Feng City.
Gu Rentong looked only a few years older than Gu Deyuan, perhaps just over fifty. His hair was jet-black, without a single strand of gray, and he seemed even more vigorous than Gu Deyuan. His aura was dozens of times stronger, clearly indicating that he had reached the Earthly Baleful Realm.
"Yesterday, I heard from Deyuan that Miss Shi's bearing was no less impressive than a man's. Now that I've met you, I see he was still being modest. Ordinary men pale far in comparison to your grace."
Gu Rentong began with a string of compliments. His courteous manner left Shi Lan feeling a little wistful. It seemed that Gu Deyuan's youngest son really was rather doted on.
Gu Rentong was the City Lord, and on top of that, a powerful Earthly Baleful Realm cultivator. He had spent years in a position of authority, so it was rare and admirable for him to humble himself so much.
"You flatter me, City Lord Gu." Shi Lan shook her head.
Gu Rentong said no