Qin Suguan

Chen Yuan and the others entered the Capital City without much trouble.

The outer city was merely the Capital City's first line of defense. Although inspections were required at the gates, there were far too many merchants and travelers coming and going for the checks to be overly thorough. The guards merely glanced over their identification and travel permits before letting them into the city.

Chen Yuan and the others entered the second outer city of the eastern auxiliary city. For convenience, Capital City locals simply called the four auxiliary cities East City, West City, South City, and North City.

The eight outer cities were named according to whichever auxiliary city they bordered—for instance, East First City, East Second City, West First City, West Second City, and so on.

The eight outer cities were connected by gates, but entering one of the four auxiliary cities required a pass issued by the court.

Mr. Bei had long had people from the Horizon Sea Pavilion merchant guild arrange an inn. Once inside, Chen Yuan and Liu Bai removed the human-skin masks from their faces.

These things were exquisitely crafted, able to imitate even the slightest facial expressions with lifelike precision. No one could tell they were disguises.

Their only flaw was the tiny formations inscribed within them. Since they were worn against the skin, they conflicted somewhat with one's true qi, causing a slight discomfort.

Thus, after putting on a human-skin mask, one could only use physical strength. If one used a large amount of true qi, it would clash with the formations on the mask and might even damage it.

"Mr. Bei, has your Horizon Sea Pavilion already investigated the situation regarding the Dragon Vein Branch in the Capital City?"

Bei Tianya shook his head. "It isn't that easy. Although I