The group descended as they neared the outer walls of Golden Scales City. Little Shrubby landed softly on a stone-paved road that led to the massive city gates, which stood open and bustling with activity.
Guards in golden lamellar armor stood at either side of the gate, their halberds gleaming in the sunlight. Dozens of merchants, cultivators, and travelers queued up to enter, but the moment the guards caught sight of Lin Mu and his companions, they gave a respectful nod and quickly waved them through.
It didn't take much for them to tell these weren't just some common cultivators.
As they stepped into the city proper, the sounds of commerce washed over them like a tide. The streets were wide and meticulously clean, paved with dark jade tiles that reflected the sun in gleaming ripples. Grand buildings lined either side, most adorned with golden trims and painted signs that displayed the various businesses—tea houses, weapon shops, formation scroll vendors, and apothecaries.
