1314: A Thousand Peonies Bloom
Tiba

Climbing began. He tied the mine tightly given the shopkeeper at the waist of Zhang, Jiao, and Yu Hao.

Yu Hao guided with a hike at the beginning, Zhang was in the middle of carrying Shuwan, while Jiao was under Zhang, anticipating that something would happen to Zhang.

Just now that the cliff had been climbed for 5 meters, the wind seemed to be blowing fiercely. Zhang who was carrying Shuwan was a little worried as well. Why is the wind so strong? Even at a beginning like this.

“Zhang, are you okay?” yelled Jiao from below.

“A-I'm fine. Stay focused on climbing.”

They also try to ignore the wind. Although the wind that hit the stronger as the climb higher.

The cliffs are composed of hexagon-shaped rocks. The size is very fitting for the soles of the feet. Although it looks easy, but it takes effort to get through it step by step.

“We'd better take a break. My hands and feet are starting to cramp,” shouted Yu Hao who was in the top position.

“Good. We take a break for a while,” Zhang added.

The three of them were looking for a comfortable position to rest on the cliff. 

Meanwhile, Zhang continued to be careful not to slip. Shuwan, you have to hold on. Rest assured that we will arrive soon. Zhang tried to strengthen his heart. His eyes looked up, trying to guess, how much more distance he had to take to get to the Cloud Country.

Once they feel enough, they immediately continue the journey. The hardest thing they had to go through was the wind. The more night, on the cliff feels increasingly cold. The wind was blowing as if it could freeze anything that was there.

The three of them were getting tired. Their hands were hurt because they were hurt. But because of a determination wrapped in promises, they also continue to survive and do not give up just like that.

In the middle of the climb, suddenly the stone that Jiao stepped on cracked.

“Ah!” Jiao fell. But his body was still tangled in the rope that bound his body.

“Jiao!” As much as Zhang's energy held the mine tied between the three of them. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. I'm not okay. Don't mind.” Shouted Jiao from behind the fog blocking the view.

Time keeps rolling. Not felt, they have been on the cliff all day. Now the night has come once more. The air again felt colder. 

“Hey, cheer up! We'll be here soon!” said Yu Hao who was leading the climb after taking a glimpse of the peak from the cliff they were climbing.

With great difficulty, they finally reached the surface. There was a short road directly connected to a large, sturdy, high gate that protected the Land of Clouds.

“Wuah, is this the appearance of the Land of Clouds? From the outside it is incredible. How about inside?” jiao said in amazement.

Zhang still holding Shuwan touched Shuwan's hand. Instantly his eyes were wide. “Shuwan's hands are starting to get colder. We'd better find the alchemist soon,” Zhang's attack in panic.

They finally approached the gate of the Cloud Country. The guards stopped them.

“What are your goals? And where did it come from?”

“We..”.

Zhang stopped Yu Hao from speaking. He took something from behind his pocket. “I came here as a messenger,” Zhang said as he showed a token of his family emblem.

“Token this?" the two guards copy the look.

"Ah, I remember. This token is a special token given by the founder of this country to 7 large families as a form of cooperative relationship. You must be one of them, right?”

“True. I come from the Zhang family. I'm here to meet the Lord of the Cloud Country. There's something I need to tell him.”

The two guards seemed to understand the meaning of Zhang's words. They also let all four in.

The gate was opened. There are many urban landscapes of the population. With shops and a well-organized residence. What a sight that amazes anyone who sees it.

Yu Hao and Jiao entered first. They were like a child amazed at the pile of gulali. 

“I-this is really cool!” Yu Hao praised the scene that now stretched before him.

Zhang followed behind him. But before he entered, Zhang stopped his steps. “Do you guys know an alchemist named Luo Shu?” 

“Ah, the alchemist! He lives in a corner of the country. Since the death of his son, he's been a loner.”

“Is it far from here?”

“If you ride a horse, it will likely arrive within 3 hours. But if you walk, chances are you'll be up to 6 hours later.”

I can't wait that long. Shuwan could be in danger. His current condition was also very worrying. “Then do you have horses? Can I borrow it? My friend is in critical condition. If not fast he could be in danger.”

“Then I'll borrow it. When my friend is fine, I'll give it back soon.”

“You don't have to hesitate. If that's not possible, you don't have to give it back. But if it even becomes a burden for you, then give it back if you spare.”

Zhang smiled haru. “You guys are good people. I owe you guys. Hopefully I can reply to him someday.”

“Well, the most important thing to save someone's life is an honor for us who became soldiers. Already, you better start the journey.” Before Zhang left, the guard handed Zhang a piece of paper. “This is the Cloud Country Plan. This was Luo Shu's alchemist mansion. Just follow the path, and you will get there.”

“Good. Thank you very much.” Zhang lowered his head in honor. He then rushed up the horse to head for Luo Shu's residence. 

Yu Hao and Jiao were still dumbstruck by the sight of the place. “This place is very beautiful and orderly. It will definitely be fun to start a new life here,” said Jiao, who enjoyed the ride on horseback with Yu Hao.

“You're right. May our lives be better when we stay here,”.

Zhang suddenly stopped his speeding horse on the city streets. He then looked at Jiao and Yu Hao. “If you want to rest here, then rest. I, will bring Shuwan alone to meet the alchemist.”

Yu Hao brought his horse closer towards Zhang's horse. “No. We'll go with you. Because you're the one we can get here.”

“Um, true! How can we let you go alone. Anyway, I have to make sure that Shuwan will be fine,” Jiao said.

“Alright,” Zhang smiled with relief at the sincerity of his two colleagues. "First we will go to the alchemist's place. After that, we only met the ruler of this place," he continued.

As he was about to start racing the horse, something happened to Shuwan.

“Uhukk!”

Shuwan who was unconscious from yesterday suddenly vomited blood. 

Zhang who saw it was getting more panicked, because the blood that Shuwan spewed out was pitch black. “Shuwan! Shuwan!” Zhang shook Shuwan's body, but did not show any reaction. 

“We'd better move fast. My hunch is getting worse,” Yu Hao said.

They also increase the speed of the horse. Zhang was very worried about Shuwan's deteriorating condition. Shuwan, we'll be here soon. Hang in!

“Hyat!”

The two horses were speeding through the city in the Land of Clouds at full speed. Although the streets are crowded, but the road there is quite wide. No need to worry about an accident.

***

While at the gate of the Cloud Country.

“Is it time for us to rotate officers?” said one.

“True. It's almost time. Then I'll report to the watchtower.”

When one of the guards was about to leave, suddenly a crowd of people came to the place. His steps were stopped, and the two guards were again on standby.

“Who are you? And what's your purpose here?” ask guards.

“We are a group of entertainers who will perform during the anniversary celebration of Cloud Country.”

One of the guards squinted his eyes. “Can you show official proof that you are invited guests?”

The blind man in the group of entertainers took out a scroll. “This is proof that we were indeed invited here.”

The two guards were also bearded. “Good. Then please sign in.”

The mysterious group also entered easily into the Land of Clouds. Don't know what they really want to do.

While the two guards who had just allowed in suddenly became hesitant. “Eth why I feel restless. Does this have anything to do with the group that just entered?”

The other guard also grabbed the restless guard's shoulders. “Already. I think it's because you're tired, that's why there's a disturbing feeling. How about we eat first?”

“You're right. Maybe I'm exhausted, so most think that's not.”

“Then let's go, we head to the culinary world that is waiting for us.”

“Hahaha! You're his mind eat it.”

“I really like to eat. But it's comparable to my services.”

“Yes,ya,ya. It's up to you.”