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墨書 Inktalez
Misha kept his word and spent three whole days and nights reciting scriptures in Kishu Castle, attracting countless spectators. Everyone was curious about his buzz-cut appearance, but anyone who heard him chant would no longer doubt his identity as a High Monk. Many even came specifically to burn incense and kneel in worship before him.
During these three days, Riri also met Sang Qingxiao several times. She had forgotten who Sang Qingxiao was, but after reintroducing herself, Ji Rui, with her innocent demeanor, constantly sought her out to play. Ji Rui didn’t remember meeting the Holy Overlord, didn’t recall having given birth, and certainly didn’t remember that her son had died. Her memories were stuck in the time before she got married. In truth, if Old Vine had intervened, it could have been treated. But everyone felt that this was how things were meant to end.
Ji Rui's parents from the Ki Family wielded considerable influence, prompting the entire city to come together to help Ji Rui create a beautiful life story. Before leaving Kishu, Qi Xiaomian finally managed to pull Sang Qingxiao into the Makeup Customization Shop. At first, Sang Qingxiao felt awkward, but before long, she became completely absorbed in it and chatted happily with the shopkeeper. The beauty ideas from the future opened the shopkeeper's eyes wide.
What started as a trip to buy cosmetics turned into a business discussion; contracts were signed one after another until nightfall, and both of them were still eager for more. The female shopkeeper had a keen eye and gifted Sang Qingxiao a set of the most festive makeup as she left, which made Qi Xiaomian’s expression brighten considerably.
On their way back, Sang Qingxiao hugged her makeup box and happily hummed a tune while boasting, "Look what the shopkeeper gave me! I saved money and made money; how am I so capable!"
Ah! The initial plan to help Sang Qingxiao with her eyebrows and select her makeup had completely shattered. Yet this little girl still pretended to be clueless, which was quite infuriating. Well then, aside from pampering her and indulging her whims, what else could be done?
The group chose to leave the city early in the morning when the city gates first opened; they were the first to head out. Indeed, over the next few days of travel, aside from mountains there were still mountains. Perhaps because they were getting closer to their destination, Qi Xiaomian felt increasingly relaxed.
After climbing mountains for several days, Li Cu jumped in front of Qi Xiaomian and asked suspiciously, "In this remote corner, you’re not planning to sell us out, are you?"
"Li Cu, why would you think that?"
"I may not have been here before, but I've seen military maps. If we keep going like this, we should be nearing Dayu soon."
Sang Qingxiao asked, "Will we run into troops from both countries?"
Li Cu shook his head. "No chance of that. Although this area is at the border between two nations, due to the terrain it doesn’t require any garrisoning. Great Jing has cliffs and steep walls on this side while Dayu has flat valleys on the other; the difference in elevation is too great and complex for either side to cross over. Great Jing can’t descend here and Dayu can’t ascend there—it's a natural barrier that both nations have agreed to abandon."
"You seem quite familiar with this place."
Li Cu glared at Qi Xiaomian. Years ago, a nation had built a hell on earth, named Black Flame City, taking advantage of the steep cliffs and low valleys. "Qi Xiaomian, you don't mean to take us there, do you?"
Qi Xiaomian no longer hid the truth; you guessed it right.
Li Cu was angry. "Xiaoxiao, we are not going there. That place is not for anyone."
It had been around for several years, having witnessed the rise and fall of multiple dynasties and dozens of emperors. Yet every monarch had chosen to preserve it and stationed heavy guards around it. It was said that those imprisoned within were the most heinous and vicious criminals.
Qi Xiaomian nodded in agreement with her statement and continued to explain that it was the most terrifying place of exile on the continent. The Chongjing Emperor had once considered communicating with the Great Yu Emperor to send the Sang Family there. However, due to his paranoid nature, fearing that the Sang Family would unite with Dayu to retaliate against him, he abandoned that idea.
Sang Qingxiao listened in confusion. "So why are you bringing us here?"
"Because this is my secret territory."
Li Cu exclaimed, "Qi Xiaomian, you must be joking! How can Black Flame City belong to you? Not to mention the evil people and complex terrain inside, you wouldn't be able to handle the thirty thousand generals guarding it!"
Moreover, I have heard that the Great Yu Emperor values this place highly and sends people to inspect it every year. Even if you managed to replace all thirty thousand generals with your own men, the Great Yu Emperor would notice. How could he tolerate such arrogance on his territory?
"Everything is possible if one puts their mind to it. We've already rested for half a day; let me explain everything in detail."
Qi Xiaomian sat cross-legged first, and the others curiously gathered around her.
Taking her time, Qi Xiaomian began recounting the general history of Black Flame City. Li Cu's earlier point was correct. Most rumors claimed that Black Flame City was a one-way street; once someone entered, not only would they never leave in their lifetime, but even their descendants born inside would never see the light of day.
The horrors of Black Flame City did not end there. Women who entered were subjected to brutal fates; children faced dismemberment and were treated worse than beasts for entertainment until they were consumed alive.
After a person was tortured to death, their soul would remain trapped in Black Flame City, accumulating resentment over time. People said that a legion of evil spirits would eventually emerge from Black Flame City to wreak havoc upon the world.
Thus, Black Flame City was also known as Ghost City.
Various terrifying legends frightened many exiles before they even set out; some died from fear while others took their own lives. In the end, only a few remained.
However, when I accidentally entered, I discovered that things were not as dreadful as rumored. The people inside had indeed become eccentric and extreme after years of confinement, but they were not as evil as one might think. Resources in the city were scarce, leading to struggles for survival that resulted in casualties—similar to conflicts elsewhere.
Without rules to govern them, casualties were simply more frequent.
As I entered, the situation gradually improved, and the matter of opening the city was still hanging in the balance. On the surface, things seemed obedient.
"Open the city?!" Li Cu questioned. "You don't mean to let them out, do you?"
"Reformation comes first," I replied.
Li Cu felt that opening the city was a difficult task. She began to discuss the geography of Black Flame City with everyone.
The city was surrounded by mountains on three sides, with peaks soaring into the clouds, stretching endlessly to the left. Only to the east and west were there two large openings. At the eastern opening stood a watchtower, with city walls about several meters high, solid and smooth. Under the sunlight, they emitted a dark silver metallic sheen.
The city gate was unlike any other; it was located in the middle of the wall rather than at the bottom. It was merely a small opening wide enough for two people to pass side by side, requiring one to descend along a long, narrow staircase.
The smooth walls, the narrow suspended gate, and the towering watchtower above, combined with thick walls housing mechanisms and tens of thousands of guards, created numerous obstacles that effectively trapped the entire population within.
Not to mention that directly to the west lay the Misty Forest, where poisonous fog lingered at the opening, leaving no vegetation in sight. If anyone inhaled even a slight amount, they would immediately meet their demise.
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