Chapter Three: Entering Fire-Thunder Mountain City

The little boy and the little girl had been inside the Fire-Thunder Mountain City for nearly an hour. Han Tianyue and his companions had waited outside the city gates for the same amount of time, yet no one had emerged. "Could it be that they have no intention of receiving us?"

"Perhaps we should disguise ourselves again!" Feng Shang turned to look at Han Tianyue and Mao Xuanzi, whose expressions clearly signaled that entering the city was non-negotiable. Recalling their experience in the Women's Kingdom, Feng Shang quickly chimed in. In truth, his main motivation was the prospect of dressing as a woman again, which would allow him to mingle with the local ladies; he firmly resolved that this time, he would not be found out.

Han Tianyue, however, remarked, "If we are meant to enter, we would be able to do so even if we were disguised as women. It seems we truly are not welcome."

Han Tianyue’s words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly deflating the once-enthusiastic Feng Shang.

"Then which way should we go now?" Mao Xuanzi asked earnestly. Their current path was leading south, while the direction taken by Crown Prince Mao was to the east. Although they were already a great distance from the Hanlin Academy, heading east might still lead to encounters with the academy's students or Bo Ka and his group.

Just as Han Tianyue was deep in thought, a voice rang out from within the Fire-Thunder Mountain City, "So it is Brother Feng Shang and his three young companions! Do come in!"

Hearing the voice, Feng Shang immediately recognized the speaker. "Hahaha! I never expected it to be Lei Dong. This is wonderful!"

Feng Shang rushed forward, looked at Lei Dong, and smiled. "Lei Dong, are you a resident of this mountain city?"

Lei Dong nodded. "My home is within these walls. I am sorry for the lack of a proper welcome upon your arrival."

"Nonsense!" Feng Shang patted Lei Dong on the shoulder. "If not for you, we might have left already. Really, we should be the ones thanking you."

Lei Dong did not reply. Han Tianyue, Mao Xuanzi, and Fang Zhe stepped forward to greet him, though they kept their words brief due to their lack of familiarity.

Feng Shang, however, felt differently. Having spent considerable time with Lei Dong—and being a man of many words—he had much to discuss. "It seems your Lei clan has quite a substantial foundation here!"

Lei Dong nodded again.

Feng Shang continued, "Then why didn't your clansmen come to rescue you when you were captured?"

At these words, Lei Dong’s complexion paled.

Han Tianyue noticed the change in Lei Dong’s expression and glanced at Feng Shang. Realizing his blunder, Feng Shang quickly stopped his questioning.

Lei Dong looked back at Han Tianyue, then at Feng Shang, and replied, "The clan has its own rules. Back then, it was our own willfulness that led to such an end. I have come to terms with it now. From this day forward, I shall never leave Fire-Thunder Mountain City again."

Feng Shang did not know how to respond, and a moment of awkward silence fell over the group.

After a while, Lei Dong smiled and asked, "How is it that you have come this far south?"

Feng Shang glanced at Han Tianyue and said, "We were being pursued, so we had no choice but to head south. That is how we arrived at your Fire-Thunder Mountain City; we were hoping to rest here for a few days."

Lei Dong nodded and asked, "Why were you being pursued?"

Feng Shang recounted the sequence of events. Lei Dong listened in silence for a moment before saying quite solemnly, "I have experienced so much, only to return to my own family in the end. If you would take my advice, turn back. The world outside is not what you imagine it to be."

Though Lei Dong’s words were bitter medicine, Han Tianyue and his friends had already made their decision. They offered a faint, strained smile before entering the city.

The interior of Fire-Thunder Mountain City was the complete opposite of the exterior. The streets and alleys were bustling with people, and the area was filled with shops and markets. Bypassing the lively thoroughfare, Lei Dong led them to a secluded little house in the back streets. "This is my home. You are welcome to stay as my guests."

Pushing the door open, the entire house was visible at a glance. It was remarkably simple and austere, and there was no one else present. Feng Shang felt a sudden, inexplicable pang of sorrow.

Lei Dong offered hospitality, "Brother Feng Shang, young friends, please sit. It has been a long time since I have had guests, so please forgive the lack of preparation."

Feng Shang looked around and asked, "Do you live here all alone?"

Lei Dong gave a forced smile. "Not entirely. Sometimes my cousin, Lei Cong, comes to keep me company. Now that Lei Min is gone, he is the only one who still remembers me."

Lei Dong poured tea for Han Tianyue, Mao Xuanzi, Fang Zhe, and Feng Shang, then sat down. "It is a humble home; please bear with me."

Han Tianyue surveyed the room. Aside from a single table, four stools, and three spirit tablets placed in the main hall, there was nothing else.

After holding his tongue for a long while, Feng Shang finally spoke up again, "Lei Dong, why don't you come with us when we are finished resting?"

Lei Dong shook his head, his gaze fixed on the three spirit tablets.

Feng Shang looked back; the center tablet belonged to Lei Min.

"Cousin!" Just then, a voice called out from outside. Lei Cong had arrived.