Shinnosuke followed closely behind Ijiri Matabei Yoshitoshi, stepping carefully as if afraid of disturbing the long-dormant spirits of this mystical land. With every step, his eyes, filled with curiosity and anticipation, darted back and forth, greedily drinking in all the novel sights around him.
Finally, they stepped into the ancient city. Everything within unfolded before Shinnosuke like a meticulously painted scroll. The layout was exquisite and elegant, and the pine trees in the courtyard stood tall like loyal guards, meticulously pruned into a breathtakingly orderly beauty. Stone lanterns emitted a soft, warm glow, intertwining with the sound of a babbling brook to weave a wonderful, soul-soothing melody.
In stark contrast, however, Qin Xiao, standing to one side, appeared exceptionally calm and collected. He shared a strong interest in the city, but did not display the extreme astonishment that Shinnosuke did. After all, for Qin Xiao, the Dragon Kingdom possessed a profound historical foundation and a brilliant cultural heritage accumulated over thousands of years. Having witnessed countless magnificent buildings and grand imperial palaces, the city before him, while undeniably beautiful, fell far short of causing him any profound shock.
Chapter 1542