Chapter Twenty Eight: Gates Opened To Old Friends

The group took off once again this time nearing the grand gates. These were the most guarded walls Yi Lian had ever seen and he grew up in a palace. There was someone on watch every metre down the line. The walls themselves were the size of mountains of different stones, like they had been built on and built on after many many years. It was intimidating but the line of mysterious and loud beings at the entrance made it seem really too funny.

A guard called out, "Next."

All one would do is show a small piece of paper and no other question would be spoken.

Yi Lian had traveled far and wide and never seen such an operation at this scale.

Yi Lian, "Will the King not be alerted that demons are all flooding his gates?"

Nie Asreal shook his head. "He is on a trip to the temple in the Zhou Sect. It would be long before he hears anything of this."

Ragnou had thought this through. He had thought it through but what had he thought through was the question. It was a big move to hold a Demonic party at a mortal king's palace. Motives were still unknown.

The group came to the front. "Next."

Thorn put a hand into his sleeve and produced a snowy white scroll, only the size of a small dagger. The guard took it but quickly handed it back with a nod.

The party laughed and walked on. Yi Lian was lost in thought about this poor king when a hand grabbed his arm.

It was a guard. "Sir, are those the robes of the Yi Sect?"

Local ears perked up. Yi Lian's blood froze. He stuttered, "ye- why do you ask?"

The guard retracted his hand and smiled. "I was once part of it myself! I thought i'd never meet a member again after last time."

Yi Lian thought his wording was strange. "When were you a disciple?"

The guard flushed under the clunky armor. "Truefully I never made it that far; I was only thirteen and weak minded haha. I'm sorry to disturb you. I just thought I'd seen you in the recent past."

He was smiling as if feeling nestanga which warmed Yi Lian's heart that the sect, even for the trail disciples, was a nice memory, until his heart dropped.

Nie Asreal noticed and squeezed his hand. 'What's wrong?"

Yi Lian looked into the cheerful guards eyes in horror. "Was the one you saw, in the recent past, a royal of The Island?"

The guard nodded quickly. "Yes! A Yi Jian I believe. Truthfully he wasn't as pleased when I recognised him… scary person. He visited not long ago, a few years ago maybe."

Yi Lian swallowed.

"Is there something wrong Sir?"

Yi Lian looked down before replying, "There was never such a scheduled trip."

The guard frowned. "I- I'm sorry Sir. That is strange indeed. I'll stop being a bother and let you enjoy your night now."

Yi Lian brought his hands together in respect and carried on with an absent look.

Thorn dropped back. "Demons like to ear drop. Be careful tonight."

Nie Asreal thanked him for his worries.

If Yi Jian came here only a few years ago that did not sound good. The Demon capital of the mortal realm and he made a secret trip there. It didn't look good at all.

The upper tier was like a dream world. The houses were high and bright, all lit up by magically coloured flames and strung with colourful banners and lanterns giving all sorts of wishes for those who entered.

The streets themselves were alive and rything. All kinds of beings walked the roads. Stalls were still out under the moonlight selling all sorts of extravagant goods. Some of which Yi Lian recognised. He peered over as they walked and found a man selling talismans with excessive cursive for simple things like luck and protection. Another that caught his eye was a man selling dull crystals.

He walked over to the stall on their way.

The man shouted to the gathered crowd, "Come and buy my Energy Crystals! Finest in the region, straight from The Island- Daoshi, erm…"

Yi Lian stepped over and picked up the crystal. It was white, thin, dull and lifeless. There was as much spiritual energy in it as there was in the table it sat on.

Yi Lian sighed. "These do not come from where you claim nor do they hold what you claim."

The group trusted this finely dressed cultivator over the scams men so the crowd quickly moved on.

One woman stayed.

Nie Asreal, "Can I please watch you do that all night."

Yi Lian smiled and looked to the woman rummaging around her purse. "Miss, do not buy from this man it is a scam."

The woman put her purse to the side and looked up.

She said softly, "How else do I help my son? His father was a cultivator, a good one too! I don't know what else to do."

Yi Lian looked to Nie Asreal. "Have him join the local Sect. How old is he?"

"Twelve Daoshi."

He nodded. "Perfect age. They will look after him."

The woman frowned. "But the Deserted Capital is such a scary place! An'er will be very afraid."

Yi Lian, "He is young. If he is to be a cultivator he will prevail."

The woman nodded slowly. "Thank you for the wise advice Daoshi… be careful in this place, I'll be taking my leave."

Yi Lian brought his hands together then looked to Nie Asreal. "That woman… she was a bit too well read to be wondering the streets looking for useless merchandise."

Nie Asreal looked around the group that walked about them.

Nie Asreal, "Something feels amiss here. First the guard then a crazed woman. Quite popular aren't you?"

Yi Lian shrugged.

Things were so foreign. He couldn't possibly navigate it on his own. Luckily he has Nie Asreal or he'd be in the nearest inn calling for Yi Vian.

They had arrived at the palace finally. It was amazingly tall however Yi Lian frowned.

Nie Asreal chuckled, "What's the matter?"

Yi Lian caught his expression and flushed. "It's not as nice as my home."

Nie Asreal smiled. "If I had a sect we would have a palace three times nicer than the best palace you've ever seen."

Yi Lian smiled. "A nice thought."

Nie Asreal smiled back and looked into his sleeve for something.

He pulled out a black mask that covered the top half of his face and brought another to Yi Lian's. It was white and looked just as royal and expensive as his but with an extra hint of elegance. Yi Lian took it gently into his palm and let the silk ribbon tie fall and flutter in the air around his hand.

Nie Asreal cleared his throat and took it back. "Turn around."

Yi Lian turned. He felt the mask fall gently upon his face as it tightened slightly.

In the demon world this was somewhat common for parties.

Hiding one's identity was key to having a good time, for you can't regret your actions if no one knew who's actions they were.

Tonight it wouldn't matter. Cultivators, even at a low level, can see through discuses and recognise the demon however, this was determined by the demons power.

Yi Lian would probably be able to see through every single demon there but if the demon could compare to him even just a little then it would take a little more effort.

As if sensing his mind at work Nie Asreal cleared his throat and spoke, "let's relax. We can have a good time and if we see him then we'll talk to him, if not then that's fine too."

Yi Lian took a breathe.

This was meant to be his night away. He let the thoughts dissolve and relaxed. Nie Asreal offered his arm. Yi Lian happily took it and with that they ascended the stairs.

It was quite the sight. A cultivator is white, flowing, royal robes, looking as if he had ascended from heaven itself accompanied by what looked like a ruler of the demonic realm. All eyes drew to them as soon as they left the safety of the messy crowds.

As Yi Lian climbed a stair the white stone was left stained by frost. Creating a true image of beauty. One would never forget.

Inside were musicians, fancy dressed lords and ladies and drinks only scholars could create. Of course here less eyes were drawn as the dress code that occupied the event ranged from formal evening dress to the complete bazar. One stuck out though like a rose among a swamp. A man, not only handsome in a mysterious prince manner but also dressed head to toe in black with a shining golden hairpin decorated with water shards. For one to create jewelry out of energy crystals was quite the sight however Yi Lian didn't have the ability to enjoy it as his eyes suddenly burned upon a glance. "Definitely him. It's Ragnou." Nie Asreal looked over to the man. "Well isn't this quite the situation."