My sister is Luna

Chapter 164 Accommodation

This is the market town of Xuanyong, the only area with a relatively strong commercial atmosphere.

Located in Zhuolu, Xuanyong did not promote trade and rarely had foreign merchants staying. The main visitors were foreigners, so the market here was much less bustling than the main streets of Chang'an.

After all, for the residents of Xuanyong, joining the army, becoming a soldier, and fighting on the battlefield is the best and most practical way to rise above others. The strong are respected wherever they go.

The revered and renowned generals Meng Tian and Bai Qi rose from the lowest ranks of soldiers to become generals. Most of the nobles in the city were also military officers who had rendered meritorious service in killing enemies, and military generals in the court also had considerable influence and were respected.

Moreover, the people of Xuanyong are mostly pragmatic, as can be seen from the clean and simple style of the city's architecture. They don't like flashy and impractical things; simplicity and practicality are what they love. So no matter how flowery or fancy the merchants' words are, they won't buy things that are not very useful, no matter how colorful or beautiful they are. Instead, local merchants who understand the local conditions are more popular and can make money from them.

This is due to the system of Xuanyong. In contrast, the powerful Tang Dynasty's Chang'an was extremely luxurious, with a dazzling and frivolous prosperity. Business opportunities were everywhere, the market was huge, and merchants' goods were endless. The economic development made Chang'an stand out from the crowd. However, Xuanyong was also powerful, and its economy developed steadily. This is just a difference in the national system.

"Roasted yam, fragrant roasted yam."

"Spinach, spinach on sale, five coins each."

"White tofu, tofu that is both tender and white."

Early in the morning, people had already arrived at the market, set up their stalls, and started hawking their wares.

There aren't many merchants here, and the stalls are arranged in an orderly manner, creating a harmonious and coordinated atmosphere without feeling crowded.

Order is fully embodied in Xuan Yong, and that is its strength.

People gradually arrived at the market, and what started as a sparse crowd has now grown into a gentle, flowing river of people that is not crowded at all.

People come here for the lively atmosphere, which is human nature; or to see if there are any novel things to do for entertainment and relaxation; or to buy everyday food or a new piece of clothing for their child.

Cain was among them. His tall, upright figure and striking long white hair would draw the attention of those around him, who would think he was an outsider before turning their gaze to the stalls to find what they needed.

"Xuanyong only has this one market. I hope I can find a place to stay here, otherwise I'll have to sleep on the streets or ask someone for lodging." Cain muttered to himself as he looked around and moved with the crowd.

The market area was quite large, and Cain eventually found a shop that looked decent, at least much larger than the others.

"Dragon Gate Inn." Cain looked at the signboard.

Then, carrying his bag and luggage, he went inside.

"Ah, welcome to Dragon Gate Inn. Are you here for a meal or to stay overnight, sir?"

The proprietress, who was idly resting her chin on her hand at the front desk, greeted the guests with a beaming smile.

"How much for lodging? Is this enough?" Cain asked, pulling fifty gold coins from his pocket.

"That's quite a generous gesture!" The proprietress's eyes lit up, and she nodded in surprise, saying:

"That's enough! I can stay for a month without any problem, and it'll be the best room!"

"Then I'll stay for a month. Take me to my room." Cain pushed the gold coins over.

"Wait a moment, sir. Checking into an inn or similar accommodation usually requires registration; otherwise, we won't provide lodging services, no matter how much money you offer. Please fill out this form." The landlady took out a form and pen from the drawer and handed them to Cain.

Cain glanced at it; it was just some simple information to fill in, so he didn't pay much attention and started writing.

"Sir, are you from out of town? You have excellent taste to choose our inn. Our Longmen Inn is the best inn in Xuanyong, and we're sure to satisfy you," the landlady said to Cain while he filled out the form.

"What brings you to Xuanyong, sir? Perhaps I can help you in some way. However, the laws of Xuanyong are quite strict in some areas, so I hope you won't make things difficult for me," the proprietress said, resting her chin on her hands as she looked at Cain.

“I’m here as a tourist from Jixia Academy. Here, the form is filled out,” Cain said, handing the completed form back to him.

"Jixia Academy?! Where are you from, sir? That's truly impressive. You said you came here for tourism, but you're actually here for training and observation, right? And after graduation, you plan to develop your career in Xuanyong?"

"Who doesn't know the name Jixia Academy? It's a sacred place that countless students yearn for, a campus that parents trust and affirm most. Even if you don't know it, you've heard of it."

"More or less," Cain said calmly.

"Oh, I almost forgot! Here, sir, this is the key to room 404. Please take it. The room is on the 4th floor, the number is on it. It's a deluxe single room. Have a pleasant trip!" The landlady handed the key to Cain, speaking with a bright smile. There was clearly a hint of ingratiation in her tone.

"Thank you," Cain said, taking the keys.

He went up the stairs to the 4th floor and saw the door number 404. Cain turned the key and pushed the door open.

The building maintains the same clean and tidy architectural style, with a neatly laid-out bed, table and chairs, bathroom... everything you need is there, like a small, everyday home room, small but complete.

"This place is quite nice." Cain put his luggage away, sat by the window, and took a sip of tea. The aroma of the tea made him feel comfortable and his mind was clear.

Room 404 has windows on both sides, the innermost and the outermost. The outermost window offers a view of the market outside, while the innermost window leads to a small alleyway, located at the back of the entire Longmen Inn.

Cain sat by the window at the far end, looking down into the dark alley.

"The lodgings are all settled. Come to think of it, I haven't seen a single vampire on this entire journey. Are they really that rare?" Cain muttered to himself.

"It's probably in either a residential area or a slum. As for the royal palace, the political center of Xuan Yong, it's unlikely. There is Bai Qi, but that's about it. After all, Mi Yue is a cautionary tale, not only for her beauty and ruthlessness, but also for her identity as a vampire..."

"Ha, what I said came true, God really favors me."

Suddenly, Cain was surprised to sense an aura approaching, similar to the aura of Wang Wu, whom he had dealt with in Chang'an when he became a vampire, yet with some differences. Compared to Wang Wu, it lacked the stench of blood and possessed a purity that was more like clean blood without any foul smell.

Soon, the person carrying this aura appeared before Cain. It was a ragged woman who ran through the alley in a panic.

Cain noticed that the woman's pupils were blood red, one of the distinctive features of vampires.

Is he a down-on-his-luck vampire?

Cain thought of it.

They also decided to follow her and see if they could find her companions or tribe; they were bound to find some clues.

Cain believed that Mi Yue would not sit idly by and wait for her fate. She was currently enduring hardship and imprisoned deep in the palace, most likely brewing some kind of conspiracy.

The vampire rebellion of the past swept away many victims, leaving behind a group of vampire victims who wanted to fight back and had supporters. These vampires left over from the vampire rebellion were a great help.

……