A sudden drizzle washed away the oppressive air that had long hung over Yi City. After the rain, a faint fragrance of grass and trees drifted through the freshly cleansed streets, refreshing the heart and soothing the spirit.
Under the astonished gazes of the soldiers guarding the city, a powerful Crimson-Patterned Tiger raced along the official road outside, only slowing when it came within a hundred zhang of the gates.
Yet it was not the spirit tiger that drew their attention. Though far more imposing and muscular than an ordinary Crimson-Patterned Tiger, it paled beside the figure on its back, seeming utterly unremarkable by comparison.
An Immortal Maiden in white sat gracefully sidesaddle upon the tiger, her eyes bright and her teeth pearly. Her face was exquisite, her skin like creamy jade, and her long hair streamed like a waterfall, lending her an even more otherworldly air.
"It's the Third Young Miss!"
"The Third Young Miss has returned!"
The soldiers stared blankly for a moment before calling out in surprise.
Alerted by the commotion, the guards on the gate tower hurried out to look. The officer on duty promptly ordered the gateway cleared. Everyone stood respectfully and saluted, watching the Crimson-Patterned Tiger carry the white-robed Immortal Maiden into the city and head along familiar streets toward the southern district, where the Wen lived.
The white-robed Immortal Maiden whom the soldiers called the Third Young Miss was none other than Wen Qingfei of Yi City's Wen clan. News of her sudden return from her travels immediately drew great attention throughout the moderately sized city.
Over the years, the Wen of Yi City had planned for as many as two Earth Rank Experts, with two corresponding places to inherit their legacies. Such was the scope of a great regional clan.
Wen Qingfei's