The setting sun was red as blood, spilling over Hidden Spirit City's towering walls and draping the great city in a veil of gold and crimson.
At the city gates, people came and went in an unending stream.
Though it was no festival, joy shone on every face, as though some immensely happy occasion was about to arrive.
A party of travelers hurried along, yet their haste could not conceal their extraordinary bearing.
The man at their head was named Li Zexin. He stood tall and straight, his blue robes stirring in the wind, his face bearing a touch of scholarly refinement.
Beside him, the young woman Lingzhu had brows like distant, misty mountains and eyes like stars. Dressed in a pink silk skirt, she was lively and playful.
The others all carried themselves with distinction as well, and their faces and clothing marked them as either wealthy or noble.
After disguising themselves, they passed the guards and stepped through Hidden Spirit City's gates.
Upon entering the city, they saw shops lining both sides of the streets, with tavern banners fluttering overhead.
Red silk and colorful ribbons adorned eaves and branches, dancing in the breeze.
Though no holiday had arrived, signs of celebration were everywhere.
People thronged the streets and alleys, and cheerful voices and laughter rang out without end.
Children held sugar figurines as they laughed and chased one another, shouting auspicious blessings for the Island Lord's wedding.
As the party approached an inn, its sharp-eyed waiter had already spotted these unusual guests.
Seeing their distinguished appearance, he hurriedly straightened his clothes and greeted them with a broad smile:
"Honored guests, are you stopping for a meal or staying the night? Our humble inn is clean and tidy, and our prices are fair!"
The party followed the waiter inside.