By the time dawn arrived, the two had reached the outskirts of the Kang Capital. Hu Xiaotian did not rush into the city, choosing instead to rest briefly at an inn outside its walls. He booked a room and went inside with Murong Feiyan. Before setting out for the Imperial Mausoleum to find her, he had made thorough preparations. He took out a Human-Skin Mask and handed it to her, then produced a change of clothes for her to put on. While Murong Feiyan washed and changed, he quietly slipped out to a tea shop to gather news. He had barely sat down when he saw a vast column of troops marching from Capital City toward the Imperial Mausoleum.
The customers drinking tea around him also began asking questions. Judging by the size and scale of the column, there had to be at least twenty thousand men. Something major must have happened for Capital City to dispatch an army of that size. None of the customers knew what had happened at the Imperial Mausoleum, and speculation buzzed among them.
Hu Xiaotian listened closely, but after a while, he still had not heard anything useful. Just then, a handsome young man strode over and sat beside him. A closer look revealed that it was Murong Feiyan in disguise. Hu Xiaotian could not help smiling. This mask was much easier than Changing Appearance, and the result was far easier on the eyes. He had been practicing Changing Appearance for some time, but every transformation made him uglier. It would be nice if he could make himself more handsome instead.
Murong Feiyan picked up the teapot and poured herself a cup. Watching the troops pass in front of them, she murmured, "It looks like the Imperial Court has been alerted."
Hu Xiaotian nodded,