The chariot flew swiftly through the skies, passing over varied landscapes. They glided over towering mountains, their peaks dusted with snow, and dipped low over fast-flowing rivers that wound through the valleys below. Vast swamps stretched out like an endless sea of murky waters and twisted trees, followed by plains covered in tall, wild grasses swaying gently in the breeze. The carriage maintained a relentless pace, covering ground quickly.
Han Xiao observed the changing scenery with a keen eye. Despite the speed, he didn’t spot a single human or sign of settlement for hours. Hmm, so this area is still quite remote, he mused, noting the vast stretches of untouched wilderness.
As the afternoon wore on, the landscape gradually began to change. First, he noticed a small, isolated village nestled at the edge of a forest. Then, as they continued, more villages came into view, dotting the land with increasing frequency. Soon, they passed over towns, each larger and more developed than the last. The infrastructure improved noticeably—wider roads, sturdy bridges, and cultivated fields.
Finally, in the distance, a grand city appeared. Its skyline was dominated by traditional Chinese-style buildings with curved, tiled roofs, tall pagodas, and bustling streets filled with people and activity. Han Xiao gazed at the city with interest, feeling the pull of civilization after the long journey through the wilds.
As the chariot descended toward the city, Han Xiao’s eyes were drawn to the vibrant display of flags fluttering in the breeze. The banners of the Zhao Nation stood tall, their bold colors and intricate designs visible from nearly every vantage point. The symbol of the Zhao—a fierce dragon coiled around a sword—was proudly emblazoned on each flag, a testament to the nation's strength and unity. These banners were not just decorations but symbols of authority and pride, reinforcing the city’s identity and allegiance.
The city itself was encircled by towering walls, their ancient stone construction a testament to the centuries they had stood guard. Outside these formidable barriers, a bustling world thrived—a stark contrast to the remote wilderness they had flown over for hours.
Vendors lined the roads leading to the city, their stalls brimming with goods of all kinds: colorful fabrics, fresh produce, handcrafted wares, and steaming street food that filled the air with mouthwatering aromas. It was a chaotic symphony of life, with people moving in every direction—traders bartering, travelers resting, and children playing by the roadside.
There were four massive gates, one for each cardinal direction, but only the southern gate was open for entry and exit. The remaining three were firmly shut, their enormous wooden doors reinforced with iron. The open gate was flanked by guards in full armor, their stern faces scanning the crowds that passed through.
As the chariot slowed its descent, Han Xiao's eyes flickered between the scene below and the distant walls. He'd seen such images countless times in period dramas from his previous life, where grand cities with towering walls and bustling markets were commonplace. But seeing it in person, feeling the hum of life, and the sheer scale of it all—it was a surrealistic thrill that sent a shiver down his spine.
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"This... this is something else," he muttered to himself, his heart racing with excitement. The experience felt dreamlike as if he had stepped back in time and into one of those shows he used to watch. The blend of the familiar and the utterly foreign left him in a daze, a strange sense of belonging mixed with the uncanny sensation of being an outsider.
He couldn't tear his eyes away, even as the chariot made its final approach toward the city's gate. Every detail, from the grand architecture to the small, seemingly insignificant interactions between people, felt vivid and alive in a way he had never imagined possible. The sight of the Zhao banners waving proudly above it all only heightened the surreal atmosphere, making the moment all the more striking.
As the chariot descended closer to the southern gate, Han Xiao's gaze was drawn to a large signboard positioned above the entrance. The sign was crafted from polished wood, its surface weathered yet still holding a sense of grandeur. Bold and mighty strokes spelled out the words "Welcome To The Ancient Tàiyáng City" in a calligraphy style that exuded strength and elegance.
The characters were etched deep into the wood, their black ink contrasted sharply against the warm, aged timber. The strokes were deliberate and powerful, conveying a sense of history and authority that matched the imposing walls surrounding the city. It was clear that Tàiyáng City was not just any ordinary settlement; it was a place steeped in tradition and significance, a true cornerstone of the Zhao Nation.
The signboard, with its commanding presence, seemed to welcome visitors not just to a city, but to an experience—a journey into the heart of a civilization that had stood the test of time. Han Xiao felt a rush of anticipation as he read the words, his excitement growing with each passing moment. The ancient city, with its rich history and vibrant life, awaited just beyond the gate, and he was eager to explore every corner of it.
“Mesmerized, right?” Ji Ying asked, her smile radiant and captivating. “I had the same feeling when I first visited this place.”
“Right! Words can’t capture how I’m feeling right now. I love this place,” Han Xiao responded, his eyes still wide with awe.
“Don’t get too attached. We won’t be staying here too long. Anyway, welcome to the Ancient Tàiyáng City, the City of the Sun.” Her smile was so bright that, for a moment, even the sun seemed to dim in comparison.
“City of the Sun. The name suits it perfectly,” he muttered under his breath, still entranced by the sight.
Mesmerized, my arse! Han Xue thought with a glare, feeling a mix of irritation and embarrassment. And where’s the dignity of a Han Prince, swooning over a cesspool like this? She shot him a look and snapped, “It’s just an ancient, war-torn city. Stop acting like a country bumpkin and get your ass down.”
With an awkward smile, Han Xiao followed the ladies down from the chariot. As soon as his feet touched the grassy ground, a warm, welcoming gust of wind swept over him, leaving him feeling refreshed.
Ji Ying laughed lightly, flailing her sleeve as the golden chariot vanished into thin air. The distant crowd erupted in clamorous whispers at the spectacle. “Are you that happy?” she teased.
Han Xiao nodded, his grin widening.
“Then I made the right choice bringing you out of that place,” Ji Ying said, their eyes meeting in a moment of shared amusement, smiles plastered across their faces.
Han Xue, feeling irritated, cut in sharply, “Stop flirting! Aren’t we going inside?”
“We’re not!” both Han Xiao and Ji Ying replied simultaneously, their voices in perfect sync. This only further annoyed Han Xue, and she stomped her foot down hard onto Han Xiao’s. “Dumbass!” she muttered, marching off toward the long line of people waiting before the gate.
As soon as they joined the queue, a guard shouted, “Only those with the City Token can pass through the gate. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase one—ten silver coins per person.”
Ji Ying didn’t miss a beat. She flipped her palm, and a coin spun through the air, landing perfectly in the guard’s hand. “How about this?” she asked, her voice cool. “I need three entry tokens. Can we get inside?”
The guard’s eyes widened as he realized the coin was gold. He quickly nodded, excitement barely concealed as he handed them three wooden tokens, each engraved with intricate sigils. “Of course, ma’am, sir! You must have important business in the city. Please, go right ahead.”
Ji Ying accepted the tokens, passing one to each of the siblings. She answered the guard nonchalantly as she stepped through the gate, “Nothing I can recall.”
Behind them, the crowd erupted into a mix of reactions—some murmured in awe at the display of wealth and generosity, while others grumbled, criticizing the extravagance. But the trio paid no mind, disappearing into the city and leaving the chatter behind.