Luoshui City.
In the warm sunlight approaching dusk, only a scattering of carts, horses, and pedestrians passed through the low city entrance, lending it the quiet unique to a remote county town.
Jiang Ning walked through the entrance. The soldiers guarding the city wore slightly indolent expressions, touched with easy contentment.
Some spoke in low voices, discussing which tavern to visit for drinks once their shift ended.
One soldier suggested drinking at a brothel today.
Jiang Ning passed through the gateway tunnel and entered the county town.
Walking along streets far narrower than those of the Royal Capital, he nevertheless saw a distinctive ease in the people around him.
The afternoon sun slowly sank.
Its light carried a hint of orange, and the air was no longer as sweltering as it had been at noon.
Carrying a jar of wine, Jiang Ning headed unhurriedly toward the Blue-Wave Martial Academy.
The wine in his hand was the most famous variety he had bought from a tavern in the Royal Capital.
It was called Dream Immortal.
Rumor had it that anyone who drank deeply of this wine and became thoroughly drunk could see an immortal in their dreams.
Luoshui County was not large.
It was nowhere near as prosperous as the Royal Capital.
Though he walked leisurely, Jiang Ning crossed the boundary between the outer and inner city in no time.
Another short while passed.
He arrived at the gates of the Blue-Wave Martial Academy.
He climbed the stone steps.
Knock, knock, knock-
Jiang Ning gently rapped his knuckles against the vermilion-painted bronze gate, and the sound spread.
"The gate isn't shut. Just push it open!" A familiar female voice came from behind it.
A flash of surprise immediately crossed Jiang Ning's eyes.
Then.
He placed his palm on the vermilion-painted bronze