Chapter 38: Chapter 38 – The Capital.

The Capital was a sprawling city. Where it met the ocean, the river split into many forks and wetland puddles. The Capital was built over the whole area of the estuary. Every dry piece of land was covered with a Clan Compound or several shops. Walkways of wood were built out over the water to expand the available area.

Every rise to a slightly higher elevation was claimed by a cluster of sect buildings. It was almost as if the sects were trying to keep the tradition of building sects on top of mountain peaks alive.

The Royal Palace was constructed on a bit of rock that bisected the main river. Built on to two small rock islands were the Thunder and Crystal Sword sects. The sects were the most powerful apart from the royal clan.

The morning that Xiulan and the Opulence arrived the city was covered in mist. The streets were already busy however and there was a low buzz of noise permeating the chill air.

On the whole Xiulan was unimpressed. The city was not particularly beautiful and overall possessed a dreary air. It felt more like a cultivator refugee centre than it did a mighty Capital of a kingdom.

Xiulan had to admit it did have one thing going for it. The Qi. It was noticeably richer. It would take Xiulan awhile to adjust to the change. The air almost felt heavier against her skin. It was like humidity but a humidity that did not affect the temperature.

Xiulan had her new parrot perched on her shoulder. The colourful bird ruffled its feather and feathers and pushed its claws a little harder into her skin.

“I know that the Thunder sect could kill me if they wanted to. We will just pass through on our way to the seas we will not even stop in the city,” Xiulan dismissed.

Her bird seemed far from mollified and flew over to Yen Wen who was eating from a bowl of grapes.

Yen Wen paused to scratch behind the Parrot’s head when it landed next to her and said, “I do not like this either. We are already attracting attention with this flashy boat. So much wealth sailing down river is unheard of.”

Xiulan sighed and attempted to change the subject, “have you thought about what I asked you?”

Yen Wen let herself be led off topic but gave Xiulan a stern look to let her know that she noticed the diversion tactics. “What marriage? I have thought about it but it does not really matter to me. I think for most of us just knowing that we have each other is enough.”

XIulan bit her lip in worry and mumbled, “but I think Bai Meirong really wants to get married and I do not what to hurt her. Then again if I only marry her then will the rest…”

Yen Wen cut her off, “do not worry if the two of you want to get married then that is fine. As long as it does not change how you both treat the rest of us, I am fine with it. The others feel the same. Besides if she is your wife then Bai Meirong can more easily exercise authority in the Combine.”

Xiulan breathed out a relieved breath of contentment, “how did I get so lucky?”

Yen Wen laughed and joked back, “well, being rich helps.”

They were making good time through the city and had reached the shadow of the Royal palace. It was one of the last buildings before the estuary let out into the open ocean.

As they were passing its shadow two people jumped from the Palace walls and started gliding down to their boat on umbrellas. The pair did not seem to be aggressive but if they could manipulate air currents like that they must be powerful cultivators.

Xiulan appraised them as they descended:

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Princess Lijuan – Cultivation first level of energy focusing. Violent Breeze spiritual roots. Worth: one million gold coins. Double to eliminate.

Qi Shen – Cultivation seventh level of energy focusing. Fourth level forced spiritual roots. Worth: 200 000 gold coins. Double to eliminate.

Xiulan was confused. Why would a Princess be interested in them? Still she pulled Yen Wen to stop her from getting too defensive and walked towards the Princess as she alighted on the bow of the boat.

Xiulan bowed and said, “welcome Princess. May I ask what brings you to this humble servant’s boat?”

The Princess smiled at the word humble. She had not believed the reports, but the boat really was gaudy.

Qi Shen was a muscular man with several scars running down his face. He growled at Yen Wen when she did not bow to the Princess, but Lijuan did not seem to mind.

“I need a lift to the western domain and your boat seemed well appointed enough. I trust a humble servant like you will not mind if I tag along,” Lijuan said with a chuckle.

Xiulan was sure there was more to it than that, but she accepted the fiction.

“Of course, Princess I will clean out my room for you. Although it is customary in these situations to charge for passage…”

Qi Shen snorted, “how ungrateful. It is just like a merchant to think to charge the Princess money.”

“Qi Shen,” admonished the Princess sternly, “we are guests on this boat and the lady is correct. The royal clan are not misers depending free accommodation.”

The Princess took put a pouch of gold from her voluminous sleeve and tossed it to Xiulan. “Enough?” she asked.

XIulan opened the pouch and saw that there were 100 gold coins inside. She snapped the pouch closed and said, “not only will this be enough Princess, but I will also even provide you free food and entertainment.”

Xiulan guided the Princess into her own luxury chair at the pavilion at the back of the boat and presented her with the grapes Yen Wen had been eating.

Yen Wen shook her head at the shameless money grubbing. Qi Shen looked at Yen Wen with suspicion and warned, “if any of you whores try to do anything to the Princess, I will kill you.”

He kept his threat low so that it did not carry to Lijuan’s ears. This pair was going to be a headache.

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