The carriage had descended down the mountain and sped down the forest road while Ikasa and Chu Qing decided on the terms of their bet. Beasts and their drivers alike were looking forward to reaching their destination and having a long rest.
Soon, the three carriages from Birch City slowed as they also joined the line of numerous other vehicles waiting to enter the City Gates.
They had to wait for a long time as the queue moved at a snail's pace. When Ikasa's carriages joined the line, it was noon. But when their turn came, the sky had already turned orange.
The reason for the delay became obvious when they neared the first gate.
Unlike the tier-3 cities, where the City Guards at the gates were merely for decoration, the Guards here strictly checked each person and recorded their soul signature.
Ikasa and everyone in their group also had to drop a drop of blood on the strange artifact that registered the Soul signatures.
