1314: A Thousand Peonies Bloom
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Ground odor. My hands... It was like holding a grass. Fatigued but surely, Shuwan began to open his eyes. Apparently true. I've been out of that place.

He also got up and sat down. He looked around and found his friends who were also asleep like him.

“Zhang, wakeup. We are safe,” Shuwan said as he shook Zhang's body.

Zhang's eyes, which had been closed, slowly opened. His eyes glare because he is on his back, with a straight look towards the sun. As soon as possible he got up and sat down. “There where are we?” ask Zhang.

“Entaihlah, but, look ahead there,” Shuwan said as he pointed straight ahead.

Suddenly Yu Hao woke up. “Why didn't you guys wake me?” said Yu Hao slightly disappointed. He then straightened his gaze as Zhang and Shuwan were still focused on looking ahead. “Can it be Luoyang city? Huh... Finally after a long time we walk in the wilderness, there is also a place worth visiting,” said Yu Hao jubilant.

“Luoyang?” Zhang surprised. “Then, doesn't that mean we're off the main road to Cloud Country?” zhang asked to confirm his conjecture.

“You're right, we may be off the main road. But, we'll still arrive. Just by changing the route,” said Yu Hao.

“Uh.... You guys forgot me,” Jiao woke up and said it right away.

Shuwan laughed softly, “Sorry Jiao, we were too happy to forget you,” Shuwan said.

“Blessed? Is it because we're out of that dungeon?” jiao asked confusedly.

“Of course. But there is something else that makes us happy. Take a look ahead there,” said Shuwan while showing the city of Luoyang under the hill where they are currently.

“I-it... Isn't that urban? I think we're just going down valleys, forests, mountains, and rivers. Hufft..” Jiao was relieved by the condition that brought them this time.

The story of the Red Book has changed. Likely to happen, I can't predict. The journey has really started. Am I able to solve the obstacles that will come later? Inner Shuwan is constantly plagued by worries.

“Because we have arrived here, we have to stop by there to buy some supplies,” said Zhang cheerfully invited his friends to go to the city.

“But... We don't have enough money to buy it,” Shuwan said explaining their financial condition.

“Maybe we have to find a job there,” Jiao said breaking the silence.

“What Jiao said is true,” Yu Hao chimed.

“The problem is, we are not natives of Luoyang City, how are we going to find work?” ask Shuwan.

Jiao smiled, starting the explanation of the work she was referring to. “Our background is swordsman. By utilizing the abilities we have, we can become a mercenary bodyguard. What do you think?”

Zhang held his chin. His brain worked hard so as not to misstep. “Can only. But, we will only accept it if it is to uphold justice or help the weak,” Zhang said wisely.

“It can be set,” Yu Hao responded while embracing Jiao.

“Because we have decided, then let's hurry there,” cried Zhang to immediately point to Luoyang City.

I don't know why I feel a little unsure about this job. What could really earn just by being a mercenary? Inner Shuwan continued to be turbulent, but he could not reveal it to others.

They also went down the hill, and walked leisurely so as not to get tired. The warmth of spring coupled with the charm of the blooming flowers accompanied them on their way to Luoyang City.

“True. Try to tell us, so we are not curious to make,” pinta Yu Hao.

Shuwan sighed, “Alright. Since you guys asked for it I'll tell you.” Shuwan recounts what happened to them while in the palace.

After hearing the story they became shocked, “What?” they said it simultaneously.

“Yes, that's how it happened. Be grateful, since we have survived from there,” Shuwan said ending his story.

Zhang only looked at Shuwan, but Shuwan was unaware of it. Shuwan, you are always interesting with every mystery you always present. Inner Zhang who felt astonished at Shuwan.

Not feeling it, they finally reached the gates of Luoyang City. Zhang showed his special token in order to get past the guards and into the city.

“Hah... This is a sight I really miss. Although it only traveled a while ago, but it feels like it has been almost a year,” said Yu Hao happily.

“At least, we enjoy for a while the atmosphere here. Well, count-down as a self-entertainer and fatigue reliever,” Jiao chimed in.

Zhang whose face looks serious also started to speak, “Remember, don't forget what our purpose is when we get here. We don't have enough money to just have fun.” Yu Hao leisurely embraced Zhang.

“You just calm down. I have already found the place where we will start,” Yu Hao said. He then pointed to a place that was in front of them, “There. Near the tea shop. I'm sure those who came must be rich people. Hopefully someone will hire us,”.

“I agree,” replied Shuwan who had just been silent looking around. “It will be a suitable place for us to start a business,” Shuwan continued.

“Alright, I think you guys are right. Then we'll start there. But, we have to find a billboard so that people realize that we open services as a mercenary,” Zhang explained.

They also went around in the crowd of the market, until finally found a good board to write on.

Finally, Shuwan was in charge of writing on the board. It also makes it look beautiful with some colored ornaments. After they finished making the billboard, they sat in front of the teahouse. They waited a long time.

“It turns out that it is difficult to find money. My stomach has started rumbling,” said Jiao.

Shuwan just smiled as he looked at the cute Jiao polah, he then said, “Tennah Jiao, soon there will definitely be someone hiring us.”

Jiao let out a long sigh, “I hope so,” he said.

Not long after Shuwan and Jiao had a conversation, there came a young man of tall stature and stopped right in front of their advertisement. His eyes then looked at Shuwan and the others.

This fellow... Looks like a spoiled kid. Just look at how he holds the fan. He must come from a family and always followed his wishes. Inner Shuwan.

Zhang with a friendly face then asked the young man, “Master, are you interested in hiring our services?”

The young man replied, “Yeah, I am indeed interested,” in short. “I am interested in him,” continued the young man while pointing at Shuwan who became his attraction. Of course it makes the others shocked and dropped their eyes on each other.

Shuwan was only speechless with a sharp look of eyes aimed at the young man before him. What does this brash young man mean? His words annoyed me. Inner Shuwan emotion. He chose to take his eyes off the young man.

“His face is beautiful, her skin is pure white, her body is well proportioned, plus her charming black hair and eyes. Very suitable to be made a wife,” said the young man who suddenly shocked the four of them and made everything look at Shuwan.

As for Shuwan, he still remained silent and did not utter a word at the startling statement of the foreign youth before him at this moment.