Turns Out She Was Used to It
Jialing Pass is situated right in the middle of the valley of the Tianling Mountain Range, with two steep peaks on the left and right forming a natural barrier, leaving only a narrow valley in the middle. The entire pass is built against the mountain, firmly controlling the north-south passage.
The city wall was built entirely of blue stone slabs several meters long, reaching a height of a hundred meters and a thickness of a hundred meters. Soldiers in armor and wielding spears stood indistinctly on the crenellations, their black iron armor gleaming coldly in the sunlight. From time to time, squads of Soul Master patrolled along the top of the wall, their steps orderly and their killing intent chilling.
Below the city was a moat formed from a natural mountain stream. The river was wide and the current was rapid, the sound of rushing water could be heard from afar. A long drawbridge spanned the water, which was now in place, and the carriages and horses were lined up in a long queue, being checked one by one by the city guards.
"My goodness, this wall is so thick..." Xiao Wu murmured, "If a fight broke out, how many people would it take to get over it?"
"That depends on who's attacking and who's defending," Dugu Bo's voice came from ahead, carrying a hint of barely perceptible seriousness. "Jialing Pass is the last gateway to the Central Plains. Controlling this valley means controlling the throat of the north-south trade and military routes. The Heaven Dou Empire has stationed a full 20,000 troops here, along with a 1,000-strong Soul Master."
Lin Chen didn't speak, but just gazed at the majestic pass, secretly admiring it in his heart.
He knew better than anyone that in a few years, this place would be the front line of war across the entire continent. A million-strong army would be arrayed outside the pass, and the Spirit Hall and the Heaven Dou Empire's defenders would fight hand to hand, their Soul Skill blotting out the sky and their blood staining the moat. That kind of scene would truly shake the mountains and rivers.
Today, this majestic pass stands quietly in the valley, dignified and steadfast, as if silently accumulating strength, waiting for the inevitable storm to arrive.
The carriage moved slowly forward with the caravan. The city guards only asked a few simple questions, and seeing that they were ordinary merchants dressed and their luggage contained ordinary goods, they waved them on.
After crossing the suspension bridge and passing through the deep city gate, you've left the core territory of the Heaven Dou Empire. Further southwest lies the territory of the Hilves Kingdom, which is under the jurisdiction of the Heaven Dou Empire.
The mountain roads gradually became more numerous, and the carriage slowed down a bit. The villages along the roadside gradually decreased, and occasionally one could see post station couriers riding by on fast horses, kicking up a trail of dust.
After walking for another two hours, the sun gradually began to set in the west, and the sky turned a deep orange-red, gilding the distant mountain peaks with a layer of gold.
In the valley ahead, the outline of a city came into view.
The city walls weren't high, but they were built in a staggered and orderly manner. Most of the houses had pointed stone walls, giving them a rugged and heavy feel that was unique to Hilves. The fiery phoenix flag of the Hilves Kingdom fluttered on the city walls, rustling in the evening breeze.
"We've arrived at Silves City." Dugu Bo's voice came from ahead, slightly hoarse. "We'll rest here tonight and continue our journey early tomorrow morning."
"Silves..." Xiao Wu murmured the tongue-twisting name, "Is it also under the jurisdiction of the Heaven Dou Empire?"
"You could say that." Lin Chen lowered the carriage curtain. "The Silves Kingdom is one of the vassal states of the Heaven Dou Empire. It is granted fiefdoms by Heaven Dou Heaven Dou submits to it. The royal title is a hereditary title bestowed by the Heaven Dou Emperor. However, it has its own administration and army, and considerable autonomy in taxation and trade. The Central Plains is a fertile land and a hub of border trade routes, a place where various forces converge."
"Is this place very chaotic?"
"Order amidst chaos." Seeing her curiosity, Lin Chen elaborated, "The Kingdom of Silves relies on this trade route for its livelihood, so it won't openly allow bandits to run rampant and tarnish its reputation. But the undercurrents are much deeper than what's visible. The Spirit Hall has a second-class branch here, garrisoned by a cardinal of the Soul Douluo level, who has gathered many Soul Master under his command. The Heaven Dou Imperial Family has also planted spies here, monitoring the movements of various caravans to prevent anyone from using the trade route to smuggle contraband."
"But it has nothing to do with us. We're just passing through and will leave first thing tomorrow morning."
The carriage entered the city gate, where the city was bustling with activity. Shops lined the streets, their cries of vendors rising and falling, and the taverns were filled with merchants and mercenaries, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
"Wow, it's so lively!" Xiao Wu lifted the carriage curtain to look outside. "What are they selling over there? It smells so good!"
"Grilled lamb skewers, a local specialty." Dugu Yan peeked in as well. "I came here once with my grandpa when I was little. The skewers from the roadside stalls paired with local jujube wine were delicious."
"Red date wine?" Xiao Wu perked up immediately. "Can we drink it tonight?"
"See if Grandpa will let us through." Dugu Yan gestured with her chin, indicating the motionless figure on the carriage shaft ahead.
Xiao Wu pouted and sullenly shrank back into the carriage.
Dugu Bo drove his carriage, making several turns, and stopped in front of a medium-sized hotel.
The hotel is a three-story stone building with clean exterior walls. A dark wooden sign hangs at the entrance, bearing the bold characters "Stuart Hotel." A friendly waiter stands by the door, craning his neck to attract guests.
"Sir, would you like to stay the night or have a meal?" The waiter rushed up, his face beaming.
"Three superior rooms, adjacent to each other." Dugu Bo jumped out of the carriage and casually tossed over a Gold Soul Coin. "Also, send some hot water and simple food to the rooms, and hurry."
"Alright! Please come in, sir!" The waiter touched the Gold Soul Coin, his smile becoming even more ingratiating, and quickly led the four of them inside.
Dugu Yan and Xiao Wu were a little tired after walking for a while. They climbed the wooden stairs with a thud, chattering about their journey for tomorrow.
Upon reaching the second floor, the waiter led the four to see the rooms. There were three guest rooms side by side; the middle one was for Dugu Bo, and the two on either side were for Lin Chen and the two girls, respectively.
Just as Lin Chen was about to push open his door, Xiao Wu's voice came from behind him. "Wait!"
He turned around and saw Xiao Wu looking at him expectantly. "Brother Lin Chen, I... can I share a room with you?"
"Cough cough--" Dugu Bo was taking a sip of tea when he almost choked.
Dugu Yan also stopped in her tracks, her eyes darting back and forth between the two of them before a cryptic smile appeared on her lips, "Oh--?"
"No! I... I'm just used to it!" Xiao Wu quickly waved her hands, her face already flushed. "At the academy, when I'm late cultivating, I always stay with Brother Lin Chen to drink tea and chat; when I'm tired from traveling, I rest by his side. I only feel at ease when he's there."
Dugu Yan smiled and leaned against the doorframe with her arms crossed, "Oh~ so you're used to it."
Dugu Bo coughed heavily. "Alright, alright, you're all acting like children. You're all tired. Finish your meal and get some rest. We have to travel tomorrow morning."