The streets of Xia City were far grander than Southwind's. Straight rows of neatly paved stone, properly spaced. The roads were well connected and well planned, an efficient network linking up high-rise buildings that one could lose oneself in.

There was no end to the people. Noisy, bustling—the roar of the crowd was omnipresent.

This was Xia City, the heart of the Xia Kingdom.

While Li Luo was contemplating this intimidating city from his carriage window, Si Qiuying was on another street, stopping in front of an inn at a prime location by the road. She entered a posh room.

"Oh, you're back?"

A youth was sipping tea, lazily watching the street. He smiled when she walked in.

He cut a handsome, noble figure, his brow sharp and his eyes keen. However, he had the same hair as Si Qiuying, green and smooth. It was a family trait.

This was Si Qiuying's elder brother, Si Tianming.

"What's...