Shi Lan and her companions stood out a little in the city of Purple Flame. They hadn't gone far before someone blocked their way.
There were about seven or eight people stopping Shi Lan and the others, all dressed in robes of alternating blue and black.
Their leader was a burly man who looked to be under forty. He was of average height, with thick, rounded arms. His short jacket left his arms bare, revealing bulging muscles.
"Everyone, my master has something to ask you. Please come with me to the City Lord's residence."
The man stepped forward and cupped his hands to the people on horseback. His tone was reasonably courteous.
Shi Lan looked them over. "Lead the way."
Before long, they stopped in front of a gatehouse nearly five zhang tall. The courtyard walls were snowy white, and the gate was almost three zhang wide.
"Please dismount."
"Wang Ning, come in with me. The rest of you stay here."
Shi Lan turned to give the order, then sprang down from her horse.
The rest of the Demon-Suppressing Army dismounted at the same time. Their perfectly synchronized movements made the leader's pupils contract slightly.
"Please follow me," the man said, turning to lead the way.
Following him into the courtyard, Shi Lan took in the carved beams and painted rafters, the artificial hills and flowing water. She couldn't help feeling surprised. If nothing else, the City Lord's residence in Purple Flame was, in her experience, second to none in its lavish splendor.
After walking for nearly a quarter of an hour, Shi Lan followed the man to a somewhat secluded courtyard. A giant tree of an unknown species grew there, its branches reaching beyond the courtyard walls. Though it was winter, the tree remained lush and green, its canopy