Phungrei City [1]

After that, a day passed.

During that period of time, Fang Yuan was already deep into the Northern Regions, trekking across the frost-bitten wilderness with his robes hidden beneath a thick cloak.

Though the landscape was hostile, his steps were light, carefree even.

Currently: Phungrei City.

A border town of modest size and sharp paranoia.

The banners of the Gu Household fluttered on every street, their symbol, an orchid carved onto armor, lanterns, and even the side of the local well.

He was currently disguised as a wandering middle-aged cultivator, complete with a slightly hunched posture, fake mustache, and a bulked-up frame hidden beneath padded robes.

Fang Yuan had blended in almost too well.

He didn't look like a mere passerby. He actually looked like trouble.

And right now, Fang Yuan sat in a smoky little inn tucked between two weathered guard posts, a shallow lantern flickering overhead.