Chapter 439 - 19

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood at the entrance to Phoenix Ancient City, large travel backpacks slung over their shoulders, their eyes filled with excitement and anticipation.

"Hey, Old Li, this Phoenix Ancient City is famous for a reason! I hear it’s supposed to be stunningly beautiful," Huang Pengfei said with a wide grin as he adjusted the straps of his backpack.

Li Xiao smiled in response. "That’s for sure. Every place we’ve visited on this trip has had its own unique charm. I’m sure Phoenix Ancient City won’t disappoint us."

The two entered the Ancient City with a spring in their step, as if walking into a dreamlike world. Ancient buildings were nestled against the mountains and along the water, bluestone paths meandered through the streets, and the Tuojiang River flowed through the city, its surface gently shimmering.

"Whoa, this scenery is absolutely breathtaking," Huang Pengfei couldn’t help but exclaim.

Li Xiao nodded. "It really is. It feels like we’ve walked right into a painting. Come on, let’s go check out the famous sights first."

They first arrived at the former residence of Shen Congwen. The old, traditional courtyard was steeped in history. Standing at the entrance, Li Xiao said softly, "Shen Congwen’s novel, *Border Town*, was set here, wasn’t it?"

"That’s right," Huang Pengfei replied. "I heard he spent many happy years here. Come on, let’s go inside and take a look."

Inside the residence, photos, manuscripts, and personal belongings of Shen Congwen were on display. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei examined the exhibits closely, discussing their thoughts on the author’s works.

"Do you think when Shen Congwen lived here, he was as captivated by the beauty of this Ancient City as we are now?" Huang Pengfei asked.

Li Xiao thought for a moment. "Definitely. Who could help but be moved by such a beautiful place? His writing is filled with his love for this land."

After leaving Shen Congwen’s former residence, they made their way to the banks of the Tuojiang River. Ancient stone bridges spanned the water, bustling with tourists. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei walked onto one of the bridges and leaned against the railing, admiring the scenery on both banks.

"The water’s so clear you can see the stones on the bottom," Huang Pengfei said, pointing at the river.

Li Xiao smiled. "Yeah, the environment here is incredible. Look, there are people boating over there."

In the distance, small boats glided slowly across the water, carrying tourists whose joyous laughter echoed as they enjoyed the beautiful day.

"Let’s go for a boat ride, too," Huang Pengfei suggested.

"Good idea," Li Xiao readily agreed.

They found a small boat, and the boatman skillfully worked the oars, taking them on a tour of the river. A gentle breeze brushed against their faces, bringing a refreshing coolness. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei quietly admired the beautiful scenery on both banks, soaking in the serenity of the Ancient City.

"This Phoenix Ancient City is just so beautiful. Every single view is like a painting," Huang Pengfei said with a sigh.

Li Xiao nodded. "Mhm, the architecture, the scenery, the culture... it’s all so captivating. If I get the chance, I’d love to come back."

After their tour of the Tuojiang River, their stomachs began to growl.

"Come on, let’s go try some of the local food," said Li Xiao.

They found a local restaurant and ordered several specialty dishes, including Blood Cake Duck, Miao Family Sour Soup Fish, and Phoenix Cured Meat. Before long, the food arrived.

"Wow, this looks so appetizing!" Huang Pengfei said, eagerly picking up his chopsticks.

Li Xiao also picked up a piece of Blood Cake Duck and popped it into his mouth, savoring it. "Mmm, this is really good. The duck is tender, the blood cake is soft and chewy, and it’s fragrant and perfectly spicy."

Huang Pengfei took a bite of the Miao Family Sour Soup Fish and was full of praise. "This sour soup fish is amazing! The sourness is just right, and the fish is so fresh and flavorful."

They chatted while enjoying their delicious meal.

"The food in Phoenix Ancient City is truly unforgettable," said Huang Pengfei.

Li Xiao smiled. "Yeah, every place has its own unique flavors. We’ve eaten so much good food on this trip."

After dinner, they went to watch a folk performance. The venue was packed with tourists. On stage, performers dressed in vibrant traditional costumes presented a show of Miao Clan songs, dances, and acrobatics.

"These performers are incredible! The show is amazing," Huang Pengfei said as he clapped.

Li Xiao was also deeply captivated by the show. "Yeah, the culture of the Miao Clan is so rich and vibrant. These folk performances really give us a better feel for the local customs."

After the show, they wandered the streets of the Ancient City, shopping for local specialties. There were all sorts of handicrafts, like Miao Clan embroidery, silver jewelry, and ginger candy.

"Old Li, look how beautiful this embroidery is," Huang Pengfei said, picking up an embroidered handkerchief.

Li Xiao took a look. "It really is beautiful, and the workmanship is so delicate. We could buy some to take back as gifts for our friends."

They picked out a few local specialties and tucked them into their backpacks.

"Well, I guess that wraps up our tour of Phoenix Ancient City," Li Xiao said.

Huang Pengfei sounded a little wistful. "It’s over already? I’m not ready to leave yet."

Li Xiao laughed. "Don’t worry, there are still plenty of places we haven’t seen. So, where to next?"

Huang Pengfei thought for a moment. "How about we go to Guilin? I hear its scenery is the finest under heaven."

"Sounds good," Li Xiao said. "To Guilin it is."

After a long journey, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei finally arrived in picturesque Guilin. Standing there, the two were stunned speechless by the magnificent view before them.

"Oh my god, Old Li, the Guilin Scenery really lives up to its reputation!" Huang Pengfei’s eyes went wide as he gazed at the rolling mountains in the distance and the jade-green river.