315: Gathering at Tianxiang Tower (asking for monthly tickets)

As Chen Yuan decided to set off and make arrangements at the Dao Fu Division, eight thousand li away, Xiong Prefecture was shrouded in mist, with a formidable pass nestled among towering mountains.

Between heaven and earth lay a wondrous sight: north of the pass, the mountains were verdant and lush, filled with the lively sounds of birds and insects.

South of the pass, heavy snow fell, covering the mountains in white, and a chilling wind howled, truly a scene where all birds had vanished from the thousands of mountains, and all traces of humans from the myriad paths.

This pass was Tianxiong Pass, connecting to Lian Prefecture in the north, with the Western Regions accessible by crossing the Sea of Death to the northwest, and the Central Plains to the east, making it a crucial fortress connecting Shu Land to the outside world.

The entire Tianxiong Pass was currently enveloped in wind and snow, a world of ice and snow, yet the city itself was bustling and prosperous.

Just like Jinguancheng, this city had recently seen a large influx of outsiders.

Some rode exotic beasts, majestic and roaring to the heavens, clearly disciples of major sects; others, covered in dust from their journey, drove horses through the wind and snow—Jianghu vagrants.

Soon, this fortress became a mixed bag of people, and the waters ran much deeper.

With more people came more trouble; startling fights broke out in the city from time to time, with heroes from all walks of life vying for attention, and instances of immediate brawls over a single disagreement were countless, almost causing the local Sky Patrol Division to lose control.

Why did this situation arise?

Because a great Luck had descended upon Shu Land!

This rumor attracted various groups, who rushed into the pass and entered Shu Land, this vanguard station, and then it spread like wildfire throughout the city, becoming almost common knowledge.

However, in the past two days, the conflicts in the city had lessened somewhat, because it was rumored that the imperial court had dispatched a new Town Demon Envoy to Shu Land!

Some people, on their way from the Central Plains, had seen a mighty army of armored soldiers heading towards Tianxiong Pass, due to arrive soon.

And a Vanguard Army of theirs had already arrived at Tianxiong Pass and taken up residence in the city!

In the afternoon, in the southern part of Tianxiong Pass, a hundred-zhang tall building stood tall, with vermilion walls and green tiles, flying eaves and pavilions, and bells hanging from the eaves, exuding an ancient charm, with a dome at the very top adding a touch of exotic flair.

Outside, cold wind and snow drifted, the chill biting to the bone; inside the building, fragrant smoke curled, warm as spring, with the sounds of stringed instruments and flutes intermingling with the clinking of cups.

Outside the door, a troop of cavalry galloped up, startling the bustling entrance into chaos and drawing angry glares.

"You..."

A Young Master in luxurious clothes, startled by the horses, almost slipped and opened his mouth in anger, about to curse.

But then, he saw his arm quickly pulled by his companion, who frantically gestured with his eyes.

The Young Master looked towards the cavalry, only to see a troop of blue-armored riders on tall horses, with a red-armored figure at the very front.

The red-armored figure sat atop, looking down from a commanding height, his eyes filled with arrogance, glancing askance at the Young Master who was about to speak.

His cold gaze sent a shiver through the Young Master's body, and his throat involuntarily gulped, swallowing the words he was about to utter.

Then he hurried away in a panic, and in his haste, he still slipped and fell, but he paid no mind, scurrying away in such a disheveled state.

The surrounding people, seeing these armored soldiers, showed suspicious expressions; these armored soldiers did not seem to be Tianxiong Pass's garrison, their armor styles were different.

The Sky Patrol Division's cavalry armor style was not so refined, and some parts were different, whereas the cloud-scale patterns on these armored soldiers' armor were exquisite and intricate, smooth and gleaming, shimmering with dazzling light, clearly meticulously crafted by artisans.

Subsequently, someone whispered nearby, and some people suddenly understood.

These were the troops who had entered Tianxiong Pass two days ago!

It was rumored to be a Vanguard Army sent by the new Town Demon Envoy, and it was said that these troops were even dispatched from the Imperial Capital.

Immediately, their gazes turned to reverence.

Imperial Capital, a very distant word; most people had never stepped out of Tianxiong Pass in their entire lives, let alone gone to the Imperial Capital!

That place was synonymous with all beautiful imaginings: magnificent prosperity, Prodigies like Dragons, and beauties like clouds.

These troops had sharp eyes and exuded a formidable aura; they clearly were not to be trifled with.

And the commotion at the door also alerted many people inside the building; some noticed this troop of cavalry and happened to know their origins, letting out a sneer in a certain corner!

They were nothing but a bunch of pampered soldiers!

The troops they led were all private soldiers from prominent Families, who had merely changed their appearance to become regular soldiers.

If they truly went to the battlefield, hah!

Just then, a fair-faced man wearing a red flying fish robe, with a hint of shrewdness in his eyes, walked quickly out of the door.

This man was wearing the flying fish robe of a Sky Patrol Division captain!

His identity was naturally revealed; he was a captain of the local Sky Patrol Division.

Upon seeing this troop of cavalry, the man cupped his fists, his eyes smiling, with a hint of flattery,

"Deputy General Hu graces us with his presence, it is my honor!"

"This is Tianxiang Pavilion, a famous establishment in our city, where the Hu dancers and musicians are unparalleled, a great place for drinking and enjoying dances.

I have already prepared a table; please, Deputy General and brothers, follow me!"

As he spoke, the man's gaze shifted, looking to the side.

Standing beside him at this moment was a grinning, bowing old Hu man.

The captain kicked the old Hu man, his tone indifferent, "What are you still standing there for? Go lead the horses for the sirs."

As he spoke, he tossed over a bag of money.

The old Hu man skillfully caught the bag, speaking in pure Shu dialect, "Thank you, Captain, for the reward."

As he spoke, he quickly ran over, intending to lead the white horse beneath the red-armored soldier, reaching out to grab the reins on the horse's head.

But the next second, a "smack" sound echoed.

The old Hu man cried out in pain, clutching the hand he had just extended as he fell; that hand was clearly stripped of a layer of skin and flesh, bleeding profusely.

The red-armored soldier, sitting high on the white horse, looked indifferently at the old Hu man groaning in pain on the ground, clutching his hand, and slowly said in a cold voice, "Filthy wretch, who told your dirty hand to touch it."

As he spoke, the hand holding the horse whip pointed towards his stirrup.

"Come here, kneel down, and lie flat!"

This scene made the surrounding people frown deeply.

Several Hu waiters from Tianxiang Pavilion, seeing this scene, rushed out the door, angrily shouting "Bowa" (a term of address for grandfather or elder in the Hu language), wanting to rush up and intervene.

As a result, there was a series of "clink, clink, clink" of swords being drawn, and several blue-armored soldiers glared with cold light.

A shout also rang out in response, "What are you doing?"

The local captain in the red flying fish robe glared at the several Hu waiters, "Are you looking to die?"

Then he glanced at the red-armored soldier and said with a smile, "Deputy General Hu, give me some Face.

Today's banquet is not suitable for military action."

As he spoke, he looked at the old Hu man who had gotten up, somewhat annoyed, "Why aren't you doing as the sir ordered?"

The old Hu man saw this scene and shook his head at the several angrily restrained Hu waiters, then crawled to the red-armored soldier's stirrup, kneeling and arching his back.

The several Hu waiters from Tianxiang Pavilion felt their temples throb, but they could only suppress their anger tightly.

Then, the red-armored soldier stepped on the old Hu man's back to dismount.

In the Imperial Capital, they treated Hu slaves like this!

Subsequently, this person led his troops, accompanied by the local captain in the flying fish robe, into Tianxiang Pavilion.

The old Hu man was quickly helped up by several Tianxiang Pavilion waiters and went in through a side door.

This scene was like a small interlude.

Soon, no one paid it any mind.

But in the alley corner opposite Tianxiang Pavilion, a rough, irritable voice came.

"Damn fellow, truly disgracing our Western Regions.

He deserves to be trampled to death."

Another voice, full of charming allure, then sounded.

"So this is the Tianxiang Pavilion that the Young Master of Northern Liang asked us to investigate."

"Seems a bit interesting!"

"Let's go, let's go in and take a look!"