77: West Lake City

Inside the Mission Hall, Qin Feng finally selected a mission suitable for a long-term stay and relatively stable—heading to West Lake City in the southeastern border of the Qianyuan Kingdom to assist the local branch of the Hundred Flowers Palace for one year.

This mission was rated as "Grade B-Medium," usually taken by veteran Advanced Disciples or ordinary Deacons. Qin Feng chose it partly because West Lake City was far from the barbarian threat in the north and had not been touched by the fires of war, making the environment relatively peaceful; on the other hand, he had heard that the scenery of West Lake City was exquisite, known as a "paradise on earth," and thought that taking Xiao Chun along would serve as both a mission and a journey of cultivation.

An even more important reason was that the City Lord of West Lake City was a long-renowned Martial Emperor expert! With such an expert presiding over it, the city was safe and secure, making it perfect for him to low-key consolidate his cultivation while slowly searching for an opportunity for a Breakthrough to Martial King.

When Qin Feng told Xiao Chun about this decision, the little girl almost jumped with excitement, full of anticipation at being able to follow Qin Feng out on a "journey."

A few days later, the two bid farewell to Hua Qianying and set off on their journey to West Lake City. Relying on the special routes of the Hundred Flowers Palace, they were spared the long, meaningless trek, and ten-odd days later, they arrived at the boundaries of West Lake City.

Upon arriving at West Lake City, a blast of moist, fresh air carrying the faint fragrance of flowers and grass hit them, starkly different from the rich aroma of the Hundred Flowers Valley and the killing intent of Star South City.

Looking up, both Qin Feng and Xiao Chun couldn't help but feel a flicker of amazement.

They saw distant mountains cloaked in emerald, with peaks rising one after another like the furrowed brows of a beauty. Nearby, the houses were orderly, and the streets intersected, all built with white walls, black tiles, and wood-carved window frames, exuding the unique gentleness and refinement of a Jiangnan water town. The streets were paved with bluestone slabs, polished warm and smooth by time and footsteps; shops lined both sides with banners fluttering, vendors and travelers bustled about, and the sounds of hawking, laughter, and music intertwined to form a vivid and prosperous picture of urban life.

Even more refreshing was that beyond the prosperity, the water shimmered and green waves stretched for miles—a massive lake, like a brilliant pearl embedded in the earth, came into view: that was the West Lake.

It was springtime, and along the lake embankments, the weeping willows hung low, their fresh green strands like a young girl's hair, lightly brushing the water's surface and creating ripples. Peach Blossoms, cherry blossoms, magnolias, and various other flowers bloomed in competition, dotting the landscape between the lake and mountains like a tapestry. Painted pleasure boats and multi-storied ships cruised slowly on the lake, with the faint sound of singing and music drifting from them. There were also literati and scholars boating on the lake, reciting poems, or playing chess and sipping tea in pavilions and water-side terraces, presenting a scene of leisure and elegance.

"So... so beautiful!" Xiao Chun's eyes widened. Looking at this scenery, which was completely different from the Hundred Flowers Valley and even more open and ethereal, she couldn't help but exclaim in wonder. Having grown up in Star South City, she had never seen such a gentle water town scene.

Qin Feng's mind also settled slightly. The blood and fire of Star South City and the disturbances of the Hundred Flowers Palace seemed to have been quietly washed away by this scenery. Although the Spiritual Qi here was not as dense as in the Hundred Flowers Valley, it had a unique charm of tranquility and far-reaching peace, making it indeed a good place to cultivate one's Heart-Nature and settle one's cultivation.

"Let's go, we'll report to the branch first." Qin Feng composed himself and, following the map, led Xiao Chun through the bustling market streets.

The streets were crowded with people, and Martial Artists carrying blades and swords could be seen everywhere, but their auras were mostly peaceful, with little hostility. Clearly, under the rule of the Martial Emperor City Lord, the public security of West Lake City was quite good. Besides ordinary items, many things with Jiangnan characteristics were being hawked along the streets: exquisite silks, delicate Su Embroidery, fragrant Longjing Tea, and various cakes and snacks... Xiao Chun was dazzled, occasionally pulling Qin Feng's sleeve and whispering in surprise as she pointed at some novel thing.

The two walked along the lakeside road and finally found a quiet courtyard in a busy area near the inner city. The courtyard gate was not ostentatious; a plaque hung on the lintel with four characters written in a graceful hand: "Hundred Flowers Villa." The handwriting was consistent with the style of the Hundred Flowers Palace.

After showing their tokens and explaining their purpose, the gate-keeping Disciples respectfully led the two into the courtyard.

The steward of the villa was a middle-aged female deacon surnamed Rong, with a cultivation level at the Martial Master Peak. Learning that Qin Feng was a Gold-Medal Deacon sent from the headquarters, her attitude was very polite. She personally arranged two adjacent superior rooms for them and briefly introduced the situation of the West Lake City branch and their duties for the coming year—mainly assisting in the daily operation of the villa, handling some ordinary negotiations with local forces, and representing the Hundred Flowers Palace at certain occasions when necessary, with no mandatory combat missions.

"Deacon Qin has come from afar and had a long journey. Please rest well today and familiarize yourself with the environment. Tomorrow, I will hand over the specific duties to you," Steward Rong said with a smile.

"Thank you for your trouble, Steward Rong." Qin Feng nodded in thanks.

After seeing off Steward Rong, Qin Feng and Xiao Chun stood in the small building within the villa. Opening the window, they could see the misty and vast West Lake not far away.

As the sun set, the golden afterglow spilled over the lake's surface, shimmering with light. The distant mountains were like dark eyebrows, and returning boats dotted the water, resembling a well-balanced ink wash painting.

"Big Brother Qin, it's really nice here." Xiao Chun leaned against the window, looking at the beautiful scenery with a satisfied smile on her face.

"Mhm." Qin Feng responded softly, his gaze distant. Beneath this peace and harmony, he did not completely let down his guard. The System information still refreshed daily, and the threat of the Yin Demon Sect had not been resolved. However, at least for this year, they could temporarily enjoy this rare tranquility and slowly accumulate strength by the banks of the West Lake.

A new environment, a new beginning. The story of West Lake City quietly began.