Qin City was a hub for commerce and trade with massive markets, luxurious mansions and noble villas, as well as the administrative office of the city officials.
It was located in a prosperous area bordering Sichuan and Shaanxi province where there was a large amount of trade traffic coming through it, and thus brought great profit to its owners.
Outside of it was a large sign hung up by the guards showing a list of rules regarding what could or couldn't be done within city limits. Many carriages were lining up on the street as they waited to get inside while merchants bargained with the gatekeeper to get an easier time entering through the gate.
"Be respectful and don't cause trouble here."
Peng Li-Yue said as she sat within a carriage looking at Anya. The blonde-haired woman had been strangely quiet this entire journey towards Qin City and only hummed cheerfully to herself. It was obvious that she was too excited to watch the tournament since this was the first time she experienced something like this.
Seeing the lack of answer, Peng Li-Yue sighed and turned to Leo, who sat next to Anya.
"Can you tell her to act more like a normal human and less like an... uneducated girl? I am afraid she will make trouble."
"It's fine. We won't cause trouble." Leo replied calmly. "Maybe."
The young lady from Peng Clan didn't seem to believe what he said, making him chuckle. He looked out the window and saw Shui ride a horse with a soft smile. He wore a black and purple robe that covered his body while holding a sword in his waist, the one Leo took from Peng Li-Yui before.
He was disguised as a wandering martial artist who joined Hallowed Insects to avoid suspicion. That was Shui's identity to hide his 'strange' power.
Not that it would matter.
With Nanites, he could imitate a Qi sword attack or hid his true power perfectly, even changing his body structure, if he wanted to.
'I don't want those stuck up martial artists to say his win is invalid because he uses a strange power. Worse, Shui could be branded as a member of the Evil Demonic faction and our plan will be thrown into jeopardy.'
Only three members joined this trip. It was Leo himself, Shui, and Anya. Jessica was staying in the base, supervising Chiaki and Jack and preparing for the next plan as well as gathering funds.
Entering Qin City was easy. With Peng Li-Yue's identification, they didn't need to stop and queue. They could go through a special gate without checking. After 2 days of journey, getting checked was the last thing Leo wanted. So this was a blessing.
Of course, her arrival would be announced to Tang Clan's manor, where she would most likely stay for the night with her representative and guard, Shui. If guests were possible, Leo and Anya would stay in the same place. But if it wasn't possible, they had to find an inn near the manor and wait for Shui to report his progress to them.
Tang Clan's manor was at the heart of the city. The sheer size and splendor of it spoke volumes of its wealth and status.
In the courtyard were lush trees and beautiful gardens full of flowers in all colors imaginable. Guards dressed in Tang Clan's uniform were posted at the gates and around the perimeter of the mansion, and various servants could be seen bustling around inside the manor itself.
Upon entering the gates, one would be greeted by a large, spacious hall with a high ceiling supported by two rows of columns on either side. Fortunately, Leo was allowed to enter with Peng Li-Yue after being introduced as her servant.
He exited the carriage and stood behind the young lady. Anya and Shui were next to him as they followed her into Tang Clan's manor.
The moment they entered, there was a young man with dark brown hair who smiled faintly at them. His average face and his bright eyes showed fake happiness to see them while wearing a luxurious crimson robe with a green dagger embroidered on his chest that hugged his chubby body loosely.
"It's been a long time, Li-Yue." He spoke softly as he gestured toward them to enter the manor. "I am glad to see you are still in good health."
"Same to you, Tang Jiuyang." Peng Li-Yue replied without warmth. Let alone friendly, her voice was colder than usual when she looked at him. "So I guess this means father sent you here to welcome me?"
The man simply shrugged and said, "Of course. The moment I heard that you arrived after missing for a few days, I have been waiting for you to arrive here."
He then turned his gaze toward Leo and the other two standing behind her with an unreadable expression on his face. "Who are these people? A bodyguard and servants, perhaps? They have strange clothing, but the girl looks beautiful. Say, will you serve me? I will pay you double than her."
"Leader, did he say he wanted me to serve him?" Anya asked innocently, putting her index finger in her lip. She wasn't wearing her claws gauntlet right now. "I will beat him up."
Leo shook his head with a smile as he lightly tapped her shoulder with his fist, "No, it's fine, Anya. We will not beat him. Shui will."
"Ah, is that so? Okay." She replied in a dejected tone while looking at Tang Jiuyang. "But if you change your mind later, can I beat him?"
"Why not?"
They weren't even trying to keep their voice down. Tang Jiuyang could hear everything. His face reddened from anger as he gritted his teeth.
On the other hand, Peng Li-Yue facepalmed as she shook her head helplessly. This was why she asked Leo to stop Anya from talking before. She didn't want to cause trouble here.
'To think he even encouraged her!'
She was wrong about him.
"Those manners... Are you even a maid?!" Tang Jiuyang fumed angrily as he pointed toward them with a shaky finger. "Guards! Capture them!"
Before anyone could react, dozens of guards charged forward like a herd of water buffalo and surrounded them before raising their weapon in preparation to attack them. More specifically, Leo and Anya.
"Tang Jiuyang, what are you doing?" Peng Li-Yue asked with a frown.