The three retraced their route. When they reached the foot of the mountain, Song Yaoyao checked the time. It was still early.
The horses were still tied to the trees, just as they had been when they left, though much of the grass around the trees had been eaten.
As Song Yaoyao untied the reins, she said,
"If we hurry now, we can still reach Illusion City, the capital of the Night Central Kingdom, before dark."
Liu Zheheng also looked up at the sky and nodded in agreement.
"That's right. We need to pick up the pace and get inside before the city gates are locked."
Song Qinghui said, "Mm, I agree. I have no desire to sleep out in the countryside."
An hour later, Song Yaoyao and the others entered Illusion City.
With Guagua's guidance, the three first found an inn to stay in. It was already getting dark, and curfew would begin soon.
They planned to get a good night's rest.
The next day, after breakfast, Song Yaoyao suggested,
"Eldest Brother, Second Brother, let's go out and have a look around."
"Sure."
"No objections here."
The three walked along the streets of the Night Central Kingdom. People streamed to and fro, and the city was exceptionally bustling...
The Frontier was engulfed in the flames of war, and tensions ran high, yet the Capital remained a picture of peace.
As she walked, Song Yaoyao asked Guagua,
[Guagua, judging by the look of things, the people in the Capital still don't know Frost City has fallen.]
[That's right.] Guagua replied.
*[Qi Yanzhen, the emperor of the Night Central Kingdom, already knows they've lost a city. A few ministers at court know as well.*
*To avoid causing panic among the people, Qi Yanzhen ordered a news blackout. Many