In Sichuan, it consists of Yueming City, Yunshu City, and Yunjin City. These three cities are adjacent to each other, yet each has its own unique characteristics.
The three cities stand in a tripod formation in the heart of Sichuan.
Moonlit City, as its name suggests, is a place where the moonlight is bright and the night is picturesque.
As night falls and all is quiet, a bright moon hangs high in the sky, its silvery light bathing the city streets and alleys, casting a soft and mysterious glow over the ancient streets.
The people in the city were mostly skilled in poetry and prose, and reciting poems under the moon, playing chess and sipping tea had become an indispensable part of their lives.
Yunshu City is known for its rolling sea of clouds and beautiful mountains and rivers.
The city is built against the mountain, shrouded in clouds and mist, like a fairyland.
In spring, wildflowers bloom in profusion, and amidst the rolling sea of clouds, the peaks appear and disappear like fairy mountains on the sea, captivating all who visit. In summer, the lush greenery provides shade, and a gentle breeze brings a refreshing coolness, making it an ideal place to escape the summer heat. In autumn, the refreshing breeze brings vibrant colors to the forests, with fiery red maple leaves and golden ginkgo leaves weaving together to create a magnificent picture. In winter, the landscape is covered in silver, with the sea of clouds and snow-capped mountains reflecting each other, showcasing a unique northern landscape.
The residents of Yunshu City have made their living by farming for generations. They are hardworking, kind, and live in harmony with nature, leading a peaceful and happy life.
Yunjin City, on the other hand, is the most prosperous commercial center in Sichuan, renowned for its exquisite brocade weaving techniques.
The city is crisscrossed by streets and alleys, lined with shops, offering a dazzling array of goods.
In particular, Yunjinfang brings together the world's top brocade weavers. Their skillful hands weave silk, gold and silver threads and other materials into colorful and exquisitely patterned pieces of Yunjin, which are truly breathtaking.
Yunjin City attracts merchants and travelers from all directions.
Although each of the three cities has its own unique characteristics, they are closely connected and work together to maintain the prosperity and stability of Sichuan.
The cultural charm of Moonlit City, the natural beauty of Cloud Comfort City, and the prosperity of Cloud Brocade City complement each other.
The Hidden Sect's branch is located in Yunjin City, where the intelligence system is relatively well-developed.
Li Xi was sitting at the head of the table enjoying tea when the branch manager appeared shortly afterward.
"Young Master, this is the intelligence that just arrived." Hall Master Zhong respectfully handed the bamboo slip to her.
"Thank you." Li Xi looked at the middle-aged man in front of her, who appeared to be around forty years old.
This Master Zhong is gentle and refined, with an extraordinary demeanor.
Unlike the other branch leaders, he always exuded a scholarly air, as if even amidst the turbulent world of martial arts, he could maintain a rare composure and detachment.
She continued, "I heard you became a father! Congratulations! The addition of a new member to the family is a great joy in life. Master Zhong must be overjoyed! Is the baby healthy? What's the name?"
Upon hearing this, Master Zhong's face broke into a loving smile, and his eyes sparkled with happiness.
"Thank you for your concern, young master. My daughter's name is Zhong Yi, which means to transcend worldly affairs and live a carefree life."
It's said that he had a child late in life. His wife was thirty-six years old, old enough to be a grandparent, and naturally she doted on this precious child.
If their son were still alive, he would probably be married and have children by now, but life is unpredictable.
Thinking of this, an indescribable sorrow swept through his heart.
Li Xi understood that back then, Master Zhong was a wealthy merchant in Sichuan, but his only son joined the Red Lotus Sect and unfortunately lost his life in a sectarian conflict.
He went to the sect to argue but to no avail, so he joined the Hidden Sect.
He used his wealth to help the sect leader establish a branch of the Hidden Sect in Yunjin City, vowing to drag the Red Lotus Sect into hell.
Then Li Xi took out a wooden box from her backpack: "Master Zhong, these are some small gifts for your daughter. Please forgive me, I came in a hurry this time and didn't prepare properly."
Master Zhong quickly waved his hand, his smile filled with gratitude and warmth: "Young Master, you flatter me. It is my greatest honor that you care about my daughter. Moreover, your kindness is more precious than any gift."
He took the wooden box as he spoke.
Upon opening the wooden box, one finds it filled with a box of rare gems.
He was astonished: "This, this is too precious. My daughter is unworthy of such kindness from the young master!"
Chu Ran and Chen Quan had already secretly transported the treasures they had obtained earlier back to the Hidden Sect headquarters in batches.
Li Xi: "I don't know what kind of jewelry Madam Zhong likes. We just happened to get some raw stones, which is perfect for making some jewelry."
In order for the Hidden Sect to grow and prosper, in addition to force and wisdom, it also needs to win the hearts and minds of the people.
The contributions of the Zhong family to the Hidden Sect should not be underestimated, especially his deep hatred for the Red Lotus Sect, which made Li Xi feel that he should repay them even more.
She continued, "Master Zhong, you're too kind. The Hidden Sect was able to gain a foothold in Yun Jin City thanks to your mediation."
Upon hearing this, Master Zhong's eyes reddened slightly, and he was deeply moved: "Young Master is not only exceptionally skilled in martial arts, but more importantly, he is broad-minded and knows how to care for his subordinates. I, Zhong, am truly fortunate to follow the Sect Master and Young Master."
Doing underground intelligence work is very tough; you have to brave the wind and rain and travel all over the country.
To increase the bond between members and the Hidden Sect, we must do a good job of showing humanistic care.
Li Xi and Master Zhong began to study the clues they had just obtained.
Half an hour later
"Alright, I understand. I'll leave this to you. I have important matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now. If you discover any new clues, please send them to my maternal grandfather."
After giving his instructions to Hall Master Zhong, Li Xi stood up and left.
As night deepened and the lights of Yunjin City dimmed, Li Xi's figure moved through the narrow alleys.
She walked into a small tavern.
"Please come in, sir!" The waiter greeted them warmly, deftly wiping a newly vacated wooden table with a rag in his hand.
Li Xi looked around the store and saw the person not far away, so she sat down in the direction the waiter pointed.
The shop is dimly lit and cozy, and the wooden decor exudes a sense of timeless elegance. Several ink paintings hang on the walls, adding a touch of refinement to this simple space.
In the corner, a man dressed in a blue robe, with his hair in a slightly disheveled bun, was sipping his drink with his head down. He looked to be about forty or fifty years old.
He fiddled with a slightly rough wine pot in his hand, occasionally glancing up at the window, as if waiting for someone.
Li Xi glanced at him casually.
"Sir, what would you like to drink?" The waiter's voice interrupted her thoughts.
Li Xi came to her senses and said, "Just a pot of your signature liquor, and two more snacks to go with it."
"Alright, please wait a moment!" The waiter responded and left.
Before long, a pot of steaming hot wine and several plates of delicious-looking side dishes were placed on the table.
She took a small sip of the wine; it was rich yet delicate, and the warmth slowly spread across her tongue, reaching her heart.
My gaze drifted back to the man in the blue robe, who got up and walked to the door.
"Brother, you've finally arrived."
She smiled and addressed a somewhat well-off man in his forties.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com