Past the golden doors, more like huge towering gates, manned by fifty red and white clad Wen Disciples on either side. They look upon Nightless City with complete and utter awe.
Being a mountainous area, the dips and valleys of the city are pristine and strategic, made to showcase the extravaganza that is Wen Ruohan's playground. His leadership has made excellent use of the terrain, even from setting the first footstep into his land. The grand golden gates are resting upon elevated ground, giving them an unhindered view of this magnificent city, and that is just the beginning.
The city itself stretches further than the eye can see, serrated layered roofs resembling a sea of buildings, wave upon wave of architecture that caresses one's eyes, a grandeur that soothes rather than irks, unlike the wealth of the Jins and their blinding Golden Carp Tower, and the hundreds of golden steps leading up to it.
And it seems as if no expense has been spared in readying the city for its expected guests.
Garlands of red and white carnations adorn every doorway, sashes of red and white silk hang from the rooftops, cascading swags of the two-colour silk organza sways in the lilting breeze. Bunting flags swing and flutter, connecting every single building, and rows and rows of red lanterns dangle between them like tassels hanging off an elaborate shawl.
But that is just the city.
Its inhabitants are just as luxuriously dressed, even the few children they see as they begin their descent into the township. Every merchant and customer is dressed to the nines with heavily beaded or embroidered robes, luscious turquoise silks and rich verdant greens, dark purples, and plums scattered with the paler colours of their twin shades. It's not just their clothes.
Ladies walk in pairs, daintily holding silk parasols with beautiful artistic depictions of classic scenes, or natural wonders, many held by richly dressed servants following them about and guarding them from the harsh rays of the sun. Both the men and women have elaborate hairstyles, with jewelled adornments winking as they catch the light, and expensive jade tassels hang from their sashes.
Brocade robes and silk hanfu styles greeted their eyes as they walked down wide pavements. These, too, are decorated with grand vases full of flowers lining their path.
No crowds molested their way, and instead, there is a healthy scattering of folks. They are greeted by every single vendor who plies them with freshly brewed hot tea and warm snacks, and when Uncle Qiren tries to pay them, they cheerfully announce that it is not necessary, that everything is settled with their courageous and brave leader.
It is during one such conversation between Uncle Qiren and a tea merchant, that Wei Ying and Lan Zhan wander away, not very far but it's on the pretext of looking at some toys displayed in a window.
"Look, Wan Zhan! Waah! That's so cool! It's a bunny," Wei Ying says loudly enough to be indulged and ignored by the rest of their group.
Then, when it looks like they're no longer being noticed, Wei Ying darts around the corner of the shop. He lifts a finger to his lips, signalling Lan Zhan that they should be quiet.
Lan Zhan wants to ask why, but then they're interrupted by two deep, gravelly voices from around the corner. From where they're standing, they can't be seen, but they can hear everything.
"How long before we can go back to being normal? My face hurts from smiling for so long!"
"Hush, now. The Lans are the fourth Sect to arrive, not counting the lesser cultivators. It's only the Jiangs left and we have to maintain this facade until they've gone."
"You mean to tell me I've got to keep changing my clothes like this? For how long?" The person sounds shocked and worried.
"Humph! You've only got to worry about your wardrobe. I'm housing the homeless idiots that the soldiers brought to my home last night. When I tell you how scared we all were, that's no lie. Part of the whole act. Though, they did say they would be coming later tonight to take them away, so it's only temporary, and what a relief that is!"
