As evening fell, the lanterns of an inn named Guiyun Inn lit up beside the official road.
Numerous travelers gathered here, making it the only lively spot in the vast, open wilderness.
The Fang Family's carriage slowly came to a stop in the inn's courtyard. The steward, Fang Zhong, was in the yard making arrangements for the night with the coachman and guards, while Fang Han disembarked with the Patriarch, Fang Lingyuan, and walked into the inn.
The inn's main hall was already filled with travelers from all corners of the land. Amid the clamor, several tables of men dressed like martial artists were loudly discussing the county's most prominent figures.
"Have you heard? Wang Miao from nearby Lishan City has climbed the Celestial Pride List again! He's ranked ninety-fifth now!"
"I can't believe a small place like ours could produce such a genius!"
A man with a thick, curly beard chugged a mouthful of wine, his booming voice filled with a sense of shared glory.
