These elite infantryn were completely different from those on the city walls.
They wore uniform chainmail and iron helts topped with black feathers, and they carried steel scimitars and iron-clad round shields.
They were all level fifteen, five levels higher than ordinary infantry.
Their formation was orderly and their movents were swift; every scimitar strike, shield block, and footwork shift was clean and efficient, without any unnecessary flair.
The sounds of commands, clashing shields, and rhythmic footsteps blended together, creating an aura as grand as a rainbow.
At the very front, a burly officer stood on a high platform with his hands behind his back, his gaze like a torch as he scanned the soldiers below.
With every command he shouted, five thousand n responded in unison, their voices shaking the surroundings.
Standing at the edge of the training ground, a hint of a smile finally appeared on Hamza's face: "Delhi Sultanate elite infantry, five thousand n, all level fifteen, with green-quality equipnt and high morale. They are a completely different story from those ordinary soldiers on the walls."
Lin Feng looked at the Elite Soldiers and nodded inwardly.
These were soldiers truly capable of ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) fighting; those ordinary infantryn on the walls were barely enough for defense, but sending them out for field battles would be suicide.
By the ti they finished inspecting the military district, the sky had already darkened.
The last afterglow on the snowy mountain peaks disappeared behind the horizon, and magic lamps lit up on the city walls, their orange light swaying in the night breeze.
Hamza led Lin Feng and Liu Zhenshan through the streets of the East District to a three-story stone building.
The building wasn't tall, but it was very grand.
The exterior walls were covered in deep blue tiles painted with golden patterns that shimred under the lights.
A wooden plaque hung above the lintel with three characters written on it—'Banquet Tower.'
Two waiters stood at the door wearing clean white shirts and black vests; seeing Hamza, they hurriedly bowed and pushed open the doors.
In the second-floor hall, a long table had already been set.
Ali Khan sat at the head, Hassan sat to his left, Faizan to his right, and Zayn and Zala sat beside Faizan.
The table was covered with a dark red tablecloth and set with silver cutlery and glazed wine glasses.
The chandelier was made of bronze, illuminating the entire hall brightly.
Seeing Lin Feng's group enter, Ali Khan stood up and waved to them.
"Co, co, co, sit! Today we won't talk about the war, only drink wine and eat at!"
Everyone took their seats; Lin Feng was arranged next to Liu Zhenshan, Hamza sat opposite him, and the waiters began serving the dishes.
The first dish was Snow Cal Hump. Snow Cals are livestock unique to the Tieba Kingdom that live on the snowy mountains, and the hump is the most choice part of their body.
The hump was sliced thin and arranged on an ice platter; the at was pinkish-white with clear marbling, looking like the patterns in marble.
The dipping sauce was made from wild honey and spices specialty to the snowy mountains; the at lted in the mouth, tender with a hint of sweetness and a faint milky fragrance.
Lin Feng picked up a slice, put it in his mouth, and nodded; it was delicious.
The second dish was Roasted Snow Cal at. Large chunks of cal at were marinated in spices and then slowly roasted over charcoal, making it charred on the outside and tender on the inside, rich with juices.
When sliced open, the aroma of the at mixed with cumin and chili, making one's mouth water.
People in the Tieba Kingdom love at, and Roasted Snow Cal at is one of their national dishes, a must-have for treating honored guests.
There were also pilaf, naan, yogurt, dried fruits, and candied treats... all sorts of specialties filled the table.
The wine was Snow Mountain Wine, deep red in color, llow to the taste, and with quite a kick.
After two glasses, Liu Zhenshan's face turned red and he beca talkative, chatting with Ali Khan about old tis fighting the Nightmare Tide together.
Lin Feng stopped drinking after a few glasses.
Zala drank the most; after three glasses, he beca a chatterbox, pulling Lin Feng to spar with him until Zayn slapped him on the back of the head, making him behave.
Faizan drank very slowly, closing his eyes to savor every sip as if he were tasting sothing extraordinary.
Hamza sat opposite Lin Feng, serving him food and pouring wine, his hospitality making Lin Feng feel a bit embarrassed.
After eating for an hour, most of the dishes on the table had been cleared, and several jars of wine had been consud.
Ali Khan raised his glass toward Lin Feng and Liu Zhenshan and said in a booming voice: "Deputy City Lord Liu, Lord Lin, thank you for coming from so far away. This glass is to the friendship between Great Xia and the Tieba Kingdom!"
Everyone raised their glasses and drained them in one gulp.
By the ti the banquet ended, it was nearly nine o'clock in the evening.
Hamza led Lin Feng through the streets of the East District to a secluded courtyard.
The courtyard wasn't large but was very exquisite, with vines climbing the walls and leaves rustling in the night breeze.
A few small trees were planted in the yard with white pebbles spread beneath them; the main room was a bedroom with a wooden door carved with simple patterns.
Hamza pushed open the door and stepped aside for Lin Feng to enter: "Lord Lin, this is the room arranged for you. If you need anything, just call soone at any ti."
Lin Feng nodded and walked into the room. It wasn't large but was decorated very thoughtfully, with a thick wool carpet on the floor that was soft and silent to walk on.
The bed was made of wood with intricate vine patterns carved into the headboard, covered with pristine white sheets and several thick quilts.
A pot of blooming flowers sat on the windowsill; the petals were light purple and emitted a faint fragrance.
Most striking was a Hot Spring Pool in the corner of the room, about two ters square and made of stone; the water was crystal clear and emitted white steam.
Clean bath towels and a bottle of essential oil were placed on a shelf by the pool.
Several maids stood in the room wearing plain robes and white headscarves; they were good-looking and stood with their heads bowed and hands folded in front of them in a respectful posture.
Seeing Lin Feng enter, the leading maid bowed slightly and said in a soft voice: "My lord, do you need a massage? Our techniques are very good and can help relieve your fatigue."
Lin Feng complained inwardly: A massage? At a ti like this? Is this the front line or a wellness spa?
But he remained calm on the surface and simply said: "I'll have it after I finish my bath."
The maids received their orders and withdrew outside the door, gently closing it behind them.
Lin Feng took off his leather armor and boots, leaned his Wildfire Spear against the bed, and walked barefoot to the Hot Spring Pool.
The water was clear, and the pebbles at the bottom were visible.
He reached out to test the water temperature; it wasn't too hot or too cold, just right.
He stepped into the pool and sat down; the spring water reached his chest, warm and very comfortable.
The steam from the hot spring rose up like a thin veil under the lights.
He leaned against the pool wall and closed his eyes, feeling the spring water gently washing over his skin.
The exhaustion from the day, the weariness of the journey, and the tension in the Council Hall slowly seeped out from his bones and were washed away by the hot spring water.
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