Yet the man bowed first and smiled modestly. "Young Master Pei, just call me Yuanqi-did you sleep comfortably last night?"
"...Yes, very comfortably." The sight of this "Zhao Zhang" treating him with such deference had clearly startled the boy. He certainly did not dare address the man by name. "Lord Cheng, what is it?"
Still smiling modestly, Cheng Yuanqi stepped back to clear his path. "The Prefectural Office and the Immortal Platform have finished their discussions. Your honors will be conferred on the Jade Sword Platform before sunset tomorrow. We would like you to visit the Prefectural Office first to make some preparations."
"...Oh, all right, all right. I'll follow your arrangements."
He had come here to settle the Kongtong affair, and would head to the Divine Capital once everything was wrapped up. Pei Ye naturally did not delay, following him outside.
Yet the moment he reached the street, he was stunned again.
-Two full ranks of thirty armored soldiers stood in perfect order. Before them, a black carriage waited outside the entrance, neither colorful nor lavish, yet inspiring awe at a single glance. Two magnificent snow-white horses stood silently, a full head taller than ordinary horses.
Pei Ye did not recognize them yet, but these were "Immortal Hunter Foals," available in small numbers only within the imperial court. Diluted Bian blood flowed through their bodies; even ten of Falling Blossoms Mountain's carriages drawn by black horses with snow-white hooves could not buy a single one.
On the morning street, countless people cast furtive, curious, envious, or seemingly indifferent looks their way-Pei Ye suddenly realized how familiar those gazes were.
Cheng Yuanqi walked to the carriage and lowered his head to lift the curtain for him.
Pei Ye instinctively gripped the sword at his waist before emerging from the shadows