The Endless Promise

106. Yu Shui City

.

The first night in Yu Shui City was the definition of 'Caution'.

Sect Leader Xu guided them all to a large sprawling inn where the Wulin had arranged accommodations for the top five Baishan sects.

There, he insisted they all remain in their rooms for the night, except for him and two elders who scouted the inn, and then the streets around.

Even their dinner, snacks, wine, drinks, water, and tea were thoroughly checked for anything strange, and all went to sleep with an eye open, the elders taking turns to watch over the entire inn.

The next day, Sect Leader Xu let up a little.

"Exploring will do them some good." 1st Elder Xu said to him, and they glanced left where a Sect leader in purple led a crowd of purple-robed cultivators. "The other Sects arrived during the night and are sending their disciples into the City.

"I doubt this city will be bold enough to harm so many Sects!"

Sect Leader Xu was still a bit unwilling, but at least they had the seals on every Yueyan representative. They would be able to tell if any member encountered danger...

He summoned a member each from the Sect Warriors, Senior, and Junior disciples. For the Junior disciples it was Tao Yun, the eldest amongst them.

"You all are in charge of your parties today, so ensure they behave and don't stray anywhere questionable." Sect Leader Xu instructed. "You will also run into other sects' disciples, so carry yourselves with proper conduct!"

Then he gave each a talisman. "This will reverse summon you all to Elder Zhou's inn room, if there's danger."

"Understood!" They all bowed respectfully and led the rest away.

.

.

Yu Shui City was one word,

Spectacular!

Despite all the mystery, one couldn't help but admire the beauty of the city, and they marvelled at the perfect surroundings around them.

"Wah!" Li San had noticed a wide field of plum blossoms in the distance.

The streets were immaculately clean, with houses and stalls arranged neatly on every street, and there was a central lake with crystal clear waters which reflected azure skies, making it resemble a *large piece of jade.

(*Yu Shui = Jade water)

"This must be Yu Shui Lake!" Li San exclaimed gleefully and Xu Wen scowled.

"It's just a lake!" But none of them, himself included, could deny the sheer beauty of the scene, with floating lotuses gently swaying as a mild breeze teased the water's surface.

A little later, they found the markets which were bustling with life, and the disciples happily explored as vendors called out to them.

"Candied haws! Sweet Candied haws!"

"Fresh peaches! Sweet as spring dew!"

"Silks from the Northern Hills!"

"Fresh plums, picked at dawn!"

"The best dumplings this way! Hot and steamy!"

Here and there, street performers pulled crowds as they danced, or carried out flawless acrobatics, and a large crowd oohed and aahed at a boy who juggled knives while balancing on a pole, and a fire breather whose flames formed images.

Away from the bustle were endless fields of flowers stretching into the horizon, and they could make out rows upon rows of vibrant chrysanthemums, plum blossoms, golden osmanthus, and countless more.