Chapter 407 - 3: The Romance and Poetry of Dali

Chapter 407: Chapter 3: The Romance and Poetry of Dali

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei shouldered their bags and embarked on a wonderful journey through the Xia Kingdom. Their first stop was Dali, a city brimming with romance and poetry.

The pair arrived at Dali Airport by plane, and the moment they stepped outside, they were captivated by Dali’s clear blue sky and pristine white clouds. A gentle breeze brushed past, carrying a hint of coolness that was instantly refreshing.

"Wow, Old Li, the sky in Dali is gorgeous! It looks just like a painting," Huang Pengfei exclaimed, spreading his arms wide as if to embrace the whole beautiful world.

Li Xiao smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I’ve long heard of Dali’s famous ’wind, flowers, snow, and moon.’ Seeing it today, it really lives up to its reputation. Come on, let’s go drop our luggage off at the inn first, then we can properly explore."

They arrived at the inn they had booked in advance, which was quaint and rustic, filled with the characteristic architectural style of the Bai Clan. After dropping off their luggage, the two eagerly set off for their first attraction: Erhai Lake.

As they strolled along Erhai Lake, the water was so clear they could see the bottom, perfectly reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and the distant Cangshan. A gentle breeze swept by, sending ripples across the surface of the lake in a breathtakingly beautiful display.

"Hey, Old Li, look how clear this water is! I feel like I could drink it straight," Huang Pengfei crouched down, gently swirling his hand in the lake.

"You’d better not actually drink it, or you’ll get an upset stomach," Li Xiao teased with a smile.

"Haha, I was just talking! But seriously, Erhai Lake is stunning—even more beautiful than in the photos I’ve seen." Huang Pengfei stood up, gazing at the distant scenery with a look of pure bliss.

They admired the beautiful scenery while taking photos to capture the memories. From time to time, they would run into other tourists, and they would all exchange nods and smiles, sharing in the wonderful moment.

As they continued their walk, they saw some locals by the lakeside selling specialty snacks. Huang Pengfei’s eyes immediately lit up.

"Old Li, let’s go try those snacks! I’m starving."

"Alright, let’s go."

They walked up to a snack stall, where the vendor enthusiastically introduced the various local treats. There were roasted milk fans, flaky pastries, and more. Huang Pengfei eagerly bought a serving of the roasted milk fan and took a bite.

"Wow, this is really good! It’s sweet and has a milky flavor. Old Li, you have to try it." Saying that, he held the roasted milk fan out to Li Xiao.

Li Xiao took a bite and nodded in approval. "It really is delicious. The food here in Dali is certainly one-of-a-kind."

After finishing their snacks, they continued along Erhai Lake. Before long, they reached a spot where they could take a boat tour of the lake. Without a moment’s hesitation, the two bought tickets and boarded the tour boat.

On the boat, they took in the panoramic view of Erhai Lake, feeling utterly content as the gentle breeze washed over them.

"Old Li, how can a place like Dali be this beautiful? I don’t ever want to leave," Huang Pengfei said with a sigh, leaning against the boat’s railing.

"Haha, then why don’t you just stay here? But we still have a lot of other places to see, and I’m sure the sights to come won’t let us down," Li Xiao replied with a laugh.

After a while, the boat arrived at a small island. The island was covered in shady green trees and flourishing with flowers and plants. They strolled around, soaking in the tranquility and beauty of nature.

By the time they returned from the island, evening had fallen. They decided to try one of Dali’s famous specialty dishes: clay pot fish. They found a local restaurant and ordered a pot. Before long, the steaming hot dish was brought to their table. The fish was tender, the broth was rich, and the flavor was exquisite.

"Wow, this clay pot fish is incredible! Old Li, let’s have it again tomorrow," Huang Pengfei said between bites.

"Sure, as long as you don’t get sick of it," Li Xiao responded with a smile.

After dinner, they wandered the streets and came across some folk performances. They stopped to watch, captivated by the exciting show. When the performance was over, they also bought some local specialties, such as tie-dyed crafts and silver jewelry.

The next day, they went to Cangshan. They took a cable car up the mountain, where the scenery was even more spectacular. From there, they could look out over the entire Dali Ancient City and Erhai Lake.

"Old Li, look! This view is absolutely breathtaking," Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

"It is. Cangshan and Erhai Lake are truly the iconic landscapes of Dali," Li Xiao couldn’t help but marvel.

They spent the entire day on the mountain, admiring all the beautiful sights. It was only at dusk that they reluctantly left Cangshan.

"Old Li, Dali was incredible. Where are we heading next?" Huang Pengfei asked.

"Let’s head to Lijiang next. I hear it’s beautiful there, too," Li Xiao said.

And so, the two packed their bags and set off for Lijiang, eager for the new surprises and wonderful memories that awaited. The next Chapter of their travels through the Xia Kingdom began: The Gentle Times of Lijiang.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in Lijiang full of anticipation. The moment they stepped off the train, they were enveloped by the city’s unique atmosphere. The ancient buildings and narrow streets all exuded a rich sense of history.

"Old Li, this Lijiang place feels totally different from Dali," Huang Pengfei remarked, dragging his suitcase along as his eyes constantly darted about.

"Mm, Lijiang has its own unique charm. Come on, let’s go drop our things off at the inn," Li Xiao said, leading Huang Pengfei toward the one they had booked.

The inn was located within the Lijiang Ancient City. Its wooden structure and elegant, traditional decor made them feel as if they had traveled back in time. After settling in with their luggage, the two eagerly began their exploration of Lijiang.

Their first stop was the Lijiang Ancient City. Inside, the bluestone-paved streets wound and twisted between old wooden buildings. The area was packed with shops and extraordinarily lively.