The magnificent, enormous city stood like a beast amid the wind and snow.
Along the way, there were many others besides Li Ping'an.
Some carried things on their backs, trudging step by step against the wind and snow blowing into their faces.
Some brought their whole families, looking like refugees from somewhere.
Others drove enormous elk, making their leisurely way toward the city...
Who knew how many gateways this great city had, yet even so.
The common folk entering each day still clogged those gateways from time to time, forming interminable lines in the snow.
Li Ping'an and the ox were also queuing with the cat.
The line stretched a long way. Orange Cat took a look and asked Li Ping'an how long they would have to wait.
Li Ping'an said probably two days, and Kitten drew back that round head and went back to sleep.
The soldiers up ahead were rummaging through luggage, checking everyone's belongings.
For those who handed over money, the inspections went a little faster.
Wind and snow battered them, and the cold night was approaching.
The packed line showed no sign of moving at all.
Li Ping'an simply sat down and took out a flatbread with Old Ox.
Cold water swirled in his hand for a while, then began to give off wisps of steam.
He added some seasoning and cracked in two eggs.
It became piping-hot egg drop soup.
They ate it with the flatbread.
Once they had nearly finished eating, they soaked the remaining flatbread in the soup.
Only when it was soaked through was it time for Orange Cat's meal.
The cat ate in tiny bites.
Yong Province's cold was unlike that of the other provinces.
Here, even Martial Warriors with vigorous Qi and Blood found the cold wind bone-piercing.
Moreover, prolonged