Three days earlier, at Crossing Peak Stronghold.
An unassuming carriage slowly came to a stop before a sprawling residence in the stronghold's central district.
Although the carriage looked ordinary, anyone with a discerning eye could tell that its body was made from costly deep mystic wood. Its smooth surface bore not a single unnecessary carving, yet exuded an understated luxury.
A well-defined hand lifted the carriage curtain, and a young man wearing a moon-white robe, with a jade pendant at his waist, stepped out first.
He looked about twenty-five or twenty-six, his face as flawless as polished jade and his eyes as bright as stars. Every movement carried a poise and nobility that ordinary people could scarcely imitate.
His bright eyes also seemed capable of seeing through everything.
He was Xia Haoyun, a prince of the Great Yu Dynasty.
Once Xia Haoyun had steadied himself, he turned and carefully helped a young woman out of the carriage. She wore a pale yellow dress and a thin veil over her face.
"Brother, is this the place?" the young woman asked quietly.
He nodded, then looked up at the two imposing stone lions outside the residence's entrance before turning his gaze toward the bustling street in the distance, complex emotions flickering in his eyes.
Along his journey these past days, he had witnessed the prosperity of this frontier stronghold.
Countless martial artists and merchant caravans poured in from every direction like sharks drawn by the scent of blood, bringing unprecedented vitality to this untamed land.
Every tavern and inn was packed, and the markets and streets teemed with people.
A treasure artifact worth only ten spirit crystals in the Prefectural City could easily sell for twenty here.
A piece of refined iron found everywhere in the interior cost several times as much