Ermu
Chapter 1062: News of the Blazing Flames
Although some still glanced at them a second time, it stopped there. Everyone was in a hurry, and not even a loafer could be seen on the street.
"Father, this place..." Luohan looked around in surprise.
"Mm." He nodded slightly.
This kind of bustling scene was a first for Gulci.
He had traveled to many cities in the Northern Lands, and the most profound impression those cities left on him was prosperity—this was also a characteristic of the Northern Lands: land and resources far exceeding the Southern Territory created extraordinary cities, the only difference being that each one was better than the last. He originally thought that the Grand Chieftain's royal city would reach a new height in this regard, but what first caught his eye was not the flat black stone street under his feet, nor the neat rows of houses, but the people here.
Even if the inner city was vast and the castle magnificent, there were always vagrants, beggars, and rats lying around the corners, as if they were indispensable decorations of the city.
But walking in Neverwinter, not only could he not see those decorations, but the expressions on people's faces were also completely different from before. This energetic appearance was rare even in newly emerging major clans.
Gulci had always believed that the Sand People were not much different from the people of the Northern Lands, and were even more enterprising due to the pressure of the environment. Although the Northern Lands were rich in resources, their overly comfortable life made them indulge in enjoyment, and their courage and will were inferior. If the strength of the clans could be united, they could have obtained a broader place to live.
However, he was no longer so sure now.
That kind of heartfelt pride and confidence could not be faked.
Even without firearms, it was best not to be enemies with a city composed of such citizens.
"Father, should we find LuoJia first, or submit the paperwork to the castle?" Luohan didn't feel so deeply, and his curiosity seemed to outweigh his surprise.
"What's the rush? If the Grand Chieftain places us in the castle district, how will we investigate his promises?" Gulci glared. "Of course, we'll stay for a few days and learn more about the city."
"But..."
"I've decided." He interrupted. "Hmm? What are those people doing?"
A crowd was gathered on one side of the square, with a constant uproar, looking very lively.
Luohan followed his gaze. "Probably snagging discounted goods from merchants?"
"Go and see." Gulci instructed.
"Yes."
The latter pulled up his hood and quickly squeezed into the crowd, taking advantage of his height.
Watching his eldest son's nearly six-foot figure, Gulci couldn't help but feel a bit emotional. In terms of physique alone, he should have been the most valiant warrior in the clan, but he never liked fighting. In the end, it was LuoJia, who had nothing to do with being strong at birth, who supported the Flaming Fury Clan. It was for this reason that the Third Princess became the heir in the eyes of the clansmen, and Luohan had always been unable to hold his head up. Even though they were siblings, they rarely even talked to each other. It could only be said that fate was tricky.
But the clan chief was still somewhat disappointed in his heart.
Especially when LuoJia was being sought after, Luohan didn't even have the slightest intention of resisting.
The Mojin people prefer the strong.
Even if one's skills are inferior, an indomitable will can win the respect of others. At least it's better than surrendering without a fight.
Therefore, even after LuoJia left, he had not yet made up his mind to let his eldest son take over as clan chief.
Although Luohan had good performance in other aspects, a leader who is afraid of competition can easily lose his original advantages bit by bit through hesitation.
This was also the reason why Gulci brought his eldest son on this trip.
He hoped that by broadening his horizons, he could bring about some change in him.
Half an hour later, Luohan quickly squeezed out of the crowd, looking rather strange. "Father, they are all here to sign up for the games."
"Games?" Gulci wondered, "What is that?"
"A trial held by the Grand Chieftain, said to be to select the fastest person in the world." Luohan explained, "And the first place winner can get a reward of one hundred Gold Dragons, which is why so many people are signing up."
"Ha, isn't this just like the Sacred Duel? Except without bloodshed." Gulci laughed, clapping his hands. "It seems that the Grand Chieftain has also learned a lot from the Sand People. What are the registration requirements? Since it's the fastest in the world, we should be able to participate as well."
"We?" Luohan was stunned. "Father, are you going to participate too?"
"Of course, I once walked through half the desert on foot, leaving the camels behind. My leg strength has never lost to anyone!" Gulci twitched his beard. "What, do you think I'm old? Quickly take me to sign up!"
Seeing that he couldn't stop him, Luohan had no choice but to agree. "There are too many people there, it's better if I go alone."
"It doesn't matter."
"Father—"
"Hmm?" Gulci glanced at him. "Is there something else you haven't told me?"
"Uh..." Luohan hesitated for a while before whispering, "I saw Third Sister."
"In the crowd?"
"No," the eldest son shook his head. "She was... painting, wearing clothes that didn't cover much, and people were pointing and gossiping..."
"What!" Gulci's brows furrowed immediately. Was the Grand Chieftain humiliating her? After he wrote a letter to LuoJia last time, Neverwinter quickly responded. He thought His Majesty was treating her well. If LuoJia was enduring humiliation only for the sake of the Flaming Fury Clan's status, then he would rather not have those green hills and clear waters.
Thinking of this, he walked towards the crowd with a gloomy face.
The paintings Luohan mentioned were hung on one side of the square, looking extremely eye-catching, and there was more than one. When Gulci saw them, his body couldn't help but freeze in place.
This is... LuoJia?
It was the first time he had seen his daughter so beautiful and moving—she stood in the pure white snow, the white gauze and brocade of her dress fluttering in the wind. It was a court dress that LuoJia had never worn. In Iron Sand City, she always wore short clothes and trousers most suitable for combat, with bandages wrapped around her chest and limbs, either covered in dirt or stained with blood. And when she didn't need to fight, she would always wrap herself up tightly, hiding her non-human characteristics under thick clothes.
What Luohan meant by "not covering much" was this.
LuoJia exposed her furry ears and tail, revealing them completely, and as if deliberately attracting attention, she wore a crystal ruby earring on one of her long ears, that touch of bright color seemed to make the whole picture come alive.
And the surrounding people were not discussing her with disgust or rejection, praise occupied the vast majority, which was the most surprising thing to Gulci. In their conversation, he also heard a new word: Demon Image.
So that's how it is.
"Everyone should be treated equally in the Kingdom of Graycastle"—is this what the Grand Chieftain is doing?
He turned around and slapped Luohan on the back of the head, annoyed. "Don't make such a fuss next time. So what if she's showing her half-wolf form? Your sister isn't a monster."
"I didn't think that way..." The latter rubbed the back of his head, feeling aggrieved.
"In any case, let's go sign up for that Sacred Du... Games first," Gulci instructed. "Then go find out where you can buy viewing tickets for the Demon Image. No matter the price, buy them all for me, understand?"