The rest of the journey passed without incident.
News that the Sun-Eater Alliance had lost a veteran elder and more than a dozen elders naturally stirred towering waves in Hongfang, but neither Lu Changfeng nor Ji Xian cared.
The convoy arrived safely at the foot of Qiongju Peak. From afar, they could already see the buildings arranged across the broad plain-the capital residences of the Deathless Kingdom's Four Lords.
They were four separate estates, each occupying its own quarter, none adjoining another.
The Southern Lord's residence was called the Jade Splendor Lodge. With white walls, dark roof tiles, and magnolias planted throughout its grounds, it was not as extravagant as the Orchid Bathing Palace on Jade Splendor Mount Hua, but possessed a refined, distinctive elegance all its own.
The residence steward had already gathered the servants outside to await them. As Ji Xian's carriage slowly approached, they all bowed. The steward stepped forward twice and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, the Jade Splendor Lodge has been swept and cleaned, and your baths are ready. Please come inside with your consort and rest."
Ji Xian hummed an acknowledgment, then alighted with Lu Changfeng and went inside.
Yan Huan and the others knew their way around and went off to tend the horses and settle their luggage.
Ji Xian acted as their guide herself, holding Lu Changfeng's hand as she led him through a moon gate to tour the estate.
The Jade Splendor Lodge occupied a sizable area. Its front courtyard housed a council hall and study, while the rear courtyard had bathing pools fed by a channel from a hot spring. Several old magnolias grew beside the pools, now in full bloom, their fallen petals gently swirling across the water.
A small protective formation stood at each of the courtyard wall's four