Chapter 11: Sneaking into the Kingdom
Andy asked him while driving carriage.
"He turned to Feng Yun with a curious expression. "But how are you planning to enter the city?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Feng Yun's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered the question. He looked at Andy, his gaze piercing. "Are outsiders not permitted to enter the kingdom?" he asked, his tone neutral
Andy smiled reassuringly. "No, outsiders are more than welcome to enter the kingdom. However, you will need to show your identification," he explained, his voice clear and concise.
Feng Yun's expression turned guilty, and he looked down, his voice barely above a whisper. "Oh, I'm sorry... they took my ID as well."
Andy's expression turned thoughtful, and he asked, "Do you happen to know anyone who resides within the kingdom? Someone who could vouch for your identity and assure the authorities that you're not, say, a thief or anything?"
Feng Yun shook his head; his expression resigned. "I don't have anyone who lives in the kingdom. Actually, I reside in the mountains," he explained, his voice matter-of-fact.
Andy's expression turned serious, and he warned, "You know the guards won't let you in without an ID. It's a strict policy." Feng Yun's eyes sparkled with thought as he lifted his hand and began rubbing his chin. He gazed out at the road ahead, his expression contemplative.
As Feng Yun sat in silence, lost in thought, Andy's mind began to wander. A sly grin spread across his face as he thought to himself, "Haha... Now's my chance to play my game. I'll make him owe me a favor, and then I'll ask him to help me deliver these heavy crates of fruit to the Royal Palace. With this plan, I won't have to pay for labor, and I can save some money for my drinks at the bar."
Andy lifted his hand, waving it near Feng Yun's face to snap him out of his reverie. Feng Yun's eyes focused on Andy, and a smile spread across his face. "Hey, don't worry, my friend," Andy said reassuringly. "I have a plan. You can hide in the back of my carriage, behind the fruit crates. When we enter the city, I'll let you know when it's safe to come out, alright?"
Feng Yun's eyes welled up with tears, and he bowed his head in gratitude. "Yes, that would be perfect, thank you so much for helping me," he said, his voice choked with emotion.
Andy's face lit up with a warm smile, and he chuckled. "Hey, don't thank me that much," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "If I don't help those in need, who will help me when I need it?"
Just as Andy was about to continue, Feng Yun interrupted him, his voice low and urgent. "I think it's best for me to hide now. I can see the guards up ahead." Andy glanced at the gate, his eyes scanning the area before nodding in agreement. "Y-yeah, sure. Go hide behind the crates. Be careful."
Feng Yun nodded hastily and slipped into the back of the carriage, disappearing from view. Andy called out in a hushed tone, "Remember, not a sound. The guards are right in front of me."
As Andy spoke, the guard approached him, a friendly smile on his face. "Welcome to the kingdom! Please show me your identification." Andy rummaged through his pockets, producing his ID card with a flourish. The guard examined it briefly before handing it back and opening the gates. "You're clear to enter. Enjoy your stay!"
As they entered the city, Andy nodded and called out, "Sir, you can come out now. We've cleared the gates." Feng Yun emerged from the back of the carriage, brushing off his clothes before taking a seat beside Andy. "Thank you so much, Mr. Andy," he said, his expression sincere.
Andy smiled warmly and replied, "No need to thank me, but I did forget to ask your name." However, Feng Yun dodged the question, his expression turning polite but distant. "I'm sorry to interrupt you, but you can drop me off here, if you don't mind."
Andy brought the carriage to a stop and turned to Feng Yun, a playful glint in his eye. "Hey, remember you owe me one, and I could really use your help right now with –" However, Feng Yun cut him off, his face straight and unyielding. "I don't owe you any favors."
As Feng Yun walked away from the carriage, he gazed out at the sprawling city before him. The streets were lined with vibrant food stalls, grocery stands, and an assortment of shops selling everything from toys and clothing to exotic goods. People of all ages and backgrounds thronged the sidewalks.
Feng Yun's eyes widened as he took in the sights and sounds of the bustling metropolis. He couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity, reminiscent of the cities he had encountered in his cultivation world. Yet, despite the similarities, he was struck by the distinct cultural nuances and fashion trends that set this world apart.
"This city is remarkably similar to those in my cultivation world," Feng Yun mused to himself, "but the culture and attire are uniquely different."
As Feng Yun stood absorbed in the city's vibrant atmosphere, his contemplation was suddenly disrupted by Andy's irate outburst. Andy, his face frozen in a shocked expression, leapt down from the carriage and sprinted towards Feng Yun.
"Hey, you ungrateful bastard!" Andy bellowed, his voice reverberating through the crowded streets. "I helped you, and now you're not even acknowledging it!" The surrounding onlookers, drawn in by the commotion, turned to stare at Feng Yun and Andy.
As Feng Yun became the focal point of attention, he couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. He thought to himself, "The people and culture here are indeed vastly different, but one thing remains strikingly similar – people's fascination with others' dramas."
With a calm and collected demeanor, Feng Yun turned to face Andy, who was now standing behind him, his chest heaving with agitation. "I didn't ask for your help," Feng Yun said, his voice even and unruffled, a subtle, knowing smile playing on his lips.
Andy's face turned red with indignation. "W-what are you saying?" he stuttered. "I helped you by giving you a ride, and what's more, I even helped you sneak into the city!" He lowered his voice to a menacing whisper. "If you don't help me out, I'll report you to the guards. You know, tell them how you entered the city without an ID? You got that? So stop playing dumb and help me out."
Feng Yun's expression remained calm and unruffled. "I'll say it again: I never asked for your help," he repeated, his voice firm but measured. "And if you're so eager to tell the guards how I entered the city, be my guest. But before you do, let me offer you some advice: if you reveal how I entered the city, they'll likely throw you in prison as well. After all, as you so proudly claimed, you're the one who helped me enter the city."