Chapter 60 Chapter 60: Ling
Chapter 60: Ling
The Yumen market was bustling, as it usually was during the few days when the Nomadic City docked.
You could see traditional peddlers carrying loads on shoulder poles and hawking their wares, as well as some rather modern-style shops with bright lights.
Yet it all seemed remarkably harmonious, without any sense of fragmentation. This peculiar blend of ancient atmosphere and contemporary style was not uncommon within the walls of Yumen City.
For decades, they had lived this way.
Civil Affairs Office,
"Take these, they are your temporary permits."
After quarantine checks, neither Kevin nor Fiammetta were found to be Infected, and their stated identities showed no apparent issues.
Therefore, the Civil Affairs Office officials did not give the two any trouble.
"Though I'm reluctant to admit it, Yan is truly very different from Ursus."
Stepping out of the Civil Affairs Office door, Fiammetta pinched the permit and sighed.
Inside the city, armed individuals carrying swords and blades were noticeably more numerous. Perhaps due to it being a border city, the martial spirit here was strong, the folk customs were bold and fierce, and the common people all possessed some degree of martial skill.
"Hmm?"
Kevin suddenly looked towards a high point on the city wall, meeting a pair of bleary, drunken eyes.
——————
Pale purple eyes brimmed with intoxication, her face adorned with an alluring flush.
Glug glug glug—
Her tail wrapped around a gourd, holding it upside down. Crystal-clear liquor traced a dazzling arc as it poured into her mouth.
"Burp~"
Satisfied, she let out a belch. The woman wore attire that seemed a blend of military uniform and Daoist robe, yet even such conservative clothing couldn't completely conceal her curvaceous figure. Her fair feet were clad in black embroidered cloud-patterned shoes. Her ash-blue hair, reaching her hips, was tied into a bun and secured with a small crown.
Though clearly a woman, she exuded a heroic spirit and remarkable bearing, her every movement brimming with boldness and grandeur.
"Oh? Finally not completely drunk today. Never thought Yumen would welcome some interesting folks again."
Meeting those sky-blue eyes, the woman's drunkenness seemed to fade slightly, revealing an expression of interest.
"Should I... forget it, no hurry, no hurry. Let me finish this cup first."
She withdrew her gaze, reclining leisurely on the city wall, and continued drinking.
......
"Is she one of this city's 'powerful ones'?"
Kevin wasn't surprised. After all, it was a border city; it would be abnormal if there weren't a few strong individuals stationed here.
Fortunately, the other party only glanced over before looking away, seemingly without any ill intent.
"Let's go, Kevin."
"Mm."
The two casually found an inn to settle in, again opting for one room with two beds.
Afterwards, they briefly strolled through the Yumen market. It must be said that even though located on the frontier, the local goods and snacks here were extremely distinctive.
"Hiss~ Ha, try this, Kevin."
A chopstick-full of bright red spicyliangpi (liangpi - a type of noodle) was lifted up. A hint of mischief lurked in Pozëmka's eyes.
"Mm."
Disappointingly, Kevin did not show the expression she had anticipated.
"Is there something on my face?"
"Nothing at all. Let's continue."
......
Evening. Having spent the entire afternoon exploring the Yumen market with great interest, Fiammetta returned early to the inn. Combined with the morning's journey, even with a Lupo's endurance, she was somewhat unable to hold up now.
After a simple wash, she went to bed—the kind that falls asleep as soon as her head hits the pillow.
Youth is good; you can sleep as soon as you lie down.
Kevin walked out of the room, closing the door gently behind him.
"Since we have a guest, there's no need to hide your presence."
"Mmm~ Ha~, you really don't have to mind me. I can wait until you've rested properly. Having traveled from afar to Yumen, we certainly shouldn't neglect the courtesy due to guests."
The woman lying on the eaves put down her wine pot. Her pair of pale purple eyes seemed to contain divine light.
Her lazy demeanor made it truly difficult to feel any hostility towards her.
And she was serious; if Kevin hadn't come out to find her, she really would have slept on the eaves for the night.
With heaven as a blanket and earth as a bed—occasionally, it's not such a bad thing.
"You... are different from anyone I've met before."
Kevin stated this, a hint of confusion coloring his eyes.
Everywhere he went, someone like him should be regarded with caution. He was acutely aware of his own destructive potential. To any ruler, he was an uncontrollable variable; it was normal for them to feel this way.
The other party approaching so politely instead left him somewhat at a loss.
"Don't misunderstand; it's just that dreams have no effect on you..."
Ling spread her hands, speaking quite honestly.
If given a choice, she might indeed have chosen such a polite method. But before that, some probing was always necessary.
Sending a dream, having a chat—wouldn't that be fine? Why bother making this trip in person?
"I see."
"Follow me."
Ling leaped down from the eaves. Her lantern staff casually hooked the wine pot. Her long dragon tail swished as she swayed unsteadily outward, as if affected by the alcohol.
——————
Whoosh!
Exiting the lodging area and arriving at the market, the clamor immediately intensified.
Even though it was already evening, the liveliness here hadn't diminished in the slightest.
"Brother, where do you hail from? With your level of skill, you surely aren't someone unknown."
Ling took a swig of wine and asked curiously.
Just based on him being completely immune to her dreams alone deserved her praise.
In all of Yan, those with such capability could be counted on two hands. Even her younger brothers and sisters couldn't do it.
"Kazdel."
"Oh, I hear it's quite chaotic there... Well then again, that kind of chaos probably doesn't affect someone like you."
Ling scratched her head. She wasn't very good at finding topics with outsiders. With her elder brother or those younger siblings, she could still banter a bit and flaunt her authority as the eldest sister.
But now... after speaking a little, the atmosphere grew cold.
"My name is Ling."
"Kevin."
"So it's Brother Kai. My apologies for not recognizing you earlier."
Ling clasped her fists in salute. Kevin extended his hand. Then both simultaneously awkwardly withdrew their gestures. When they extended them again, it became the complete opposite scenario.
Kevin clasped his fists; Ling extended her hand. The two looked at each other and tacitly agreed not to mention this again.
He added quietly.
"Kevin... is my name."
"Ahahaha, sorry."
Ling rubbed her hair with the handle of her lantern staff. She really was so drunk her head was getting muddled.
But fortunately, the other party didn't seem particularly clever either.
Sigh... came to Yumen to guard the border for big brother for a hundred years. Now it's the final year; about to leave soon.
Yet right under her nose suddenly appears someone even she cannot see through. Big brother entrusted Yumen to her before leaving; she can't just ignore such a person. Such a headache~
Thinking this, Ling couldn't help but take another gulp of wine.
However, adding wine to worries only deepens them; drinking cannot solve the problem at hand.
The two walked silently together to a place brightly lit by lanterns. Ling's tail suddenly perked up, her eyes lighting up.
She had an idea!
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