Before, Tang Monk would have immediately frowned and recited, "Those who have left the secular world must not indulge in pleasure." But now, he merely smiled and patted White Dragon Horse's neck, nodding. "Since Benefactor Chu is in such high spirits, this humble monk shall follow the host's lead. But Sun Wukong, your appearance is rather unusual. You should change your form a little before entering the city, lest you alarm the townsfolk."
"Don't worry, Master. Isn't that easy enough?"
Sun Wukong chuckled. With a flicker of his body, he transformed into a capable-looking middle-aged martial artist with two small mustaches. He shrank the Golden Staff into an embroidery needle and held an ordinary quarterstaff in his hand, looking quite convincing.
"Let's go!"
With a wave of his hand, Chu Yang led the three of them boldly across the drawbridge over the moat. Following the stream of people entering and leaving the city, they stepped into Tianfeng City.
The moment they passed through the city gates, an immensely noisy, vibrantly alive wave of heat rushed toward them.
Shops lined both sides of the broad bluestone street. Peddlers carrying shoulder poles weaved through the crowds, calling out their wares—tanghulu, rouge and powder, bolts of cloth—their cries rising and falling without end. At the street corners were performers and acrobats: fire-breathers, men smashing boulders on their chests. Crowds gathered around them, cheering as the clinking of copper coins hitting the ground rang out incessantly.
This was the true mortal world!
Chu Yang took a deep breath. The murky yet lively air felt more comfortable than even the immortal aura atop Longevity Mountain.
"Brother, where are we going first?" The middle-aged martial artist Sun Wukong had become leaned close to Chu Yang's ear and asked excitedly.
"Is that even a question? Of course