After two weeks on foot, the three finally arrived at the closest Mid-rank Kingdom, the Xiang Kingdom.
The Xiang Kingdom was on the edge of the Mid-Rank Kingdoms. One could sense a bit more abundance in spiritual energy compared to Low-rank Kingdoms. It may not be as prosperous as the other Mid-rank Kingdoms, but it was still much better than the Low-rank Kingdoms.
As the three musketeers arrived at sunset, their dashing and mysterious appearance caught the attention of everyone, especially the ladies. Yi Ling, acting as the leader, was walking in front, while Linyu and the Green Viridis walked behind her. Yi Ling was the shortest of the three, but she stood out the most. She looked like a young noble master, guarded by the two. The ladies swooned at them, and the men were envious. Everyone wanted to know the newcomers.
The three decided to get a room at an inn first, then eat. Mostly for Yi Ling's needs. She felt dirty and starving. The journey had been quite far.
After two hours, they walked out of a restaurant. Yi Ling was full but still wanted to roam the night before going to rest. She still had some money left from the last auction, but she knew it wasn't going to be enough. She needed to earn more.
Instead of going to the Auction House this time, she went to the Medicine Pavilion. She wanted to see if they had spiritual herbs or regular herbs that she didn't have yet. She could always turn them into spiritual herbs, she thought.
Inside the Medicine Pavilion, it wasn't as crowded as the streets. When the three of them came in, everyone looked their way. They didn't realize they emitted such a strong presence.
Yi Ling walked to the reception. With her manly voice, she asked politely,
"Can you give me a list of all the herbs that you keep in stock? I would like to see if you have anything that I need."
The poor maiden who had the task of being the receptionist for the night was starstruck. She had never seen a man this attractive, and he was wearing a mask! Even his companions were handsome with their masks on. They had the aura of nobility and justice.
She handed him a list and couldn't help but keep glancing at Yi Ling. She blushed. The most handsome man in the kingdom was the crown prince, and he was untouchable.
While Yi Ling was reading, Linyu and the Green Viridis were quiet. Before coming into the Kingdom, Linyu commanded the Green Viridis to only talk if his opinion was needed. Otherwise, Linyu threatened to leave him behind. The Green Viridis tree didn't like being left behind, so he acted like a cute little puppy (more like a big bad wolf pretending to be a puppy) in front of Linyu. He was literally Linyu's tail.
Out of nowhere, a servant came running and yelling,
"Where's Elder Bai? I need to see Elder Bai! The crown prince needs him!" He was out of breath, having run too fast and from a great distance.
"Elder Bai left earlier this afternoon. He didn't mention where he was heading," the starstruck receptionist replied.
"$(%#@&! What am I supposed to do? The crown prince needs him!" The servant was now sweating hard. He'd be punished badly if he couldn't bring Elder Bai with him.
Yi Ling, who was standing by the side, smiled behind her mask. Her eyes lit up when she heard what the servant had said. It seemed she had just found her new source of income. She knew how much of a difference status could make. She formulated her plan instantly and walked towards the servant.
"Hello, I am Yi Jin, a Doctor from the High-Rank Kingdom. May I know why the crown prince needs Elder Bai?" She cupped her fist as a sign of respect.
She was a liar and a fraud. She acted like she knew Elder Bai! Linyu's eyes went wide. He knew his master well, but he didn't know she could act like this! On the other hand, the Green Viridis didn't really care. The only thing that mattered to him was his King.
The servant couldn't believe his luck! A Doctor from the High-Rank Kingdom! That was much better than Elder Bai!
Yi Ling smirked behind her mask. She smiled at the thought of her made-up name. Yi was her last name, and Jin was for Brother Jin.
"Brother Jin, wait for me. I will find you!" she promised herself silently.