Logan Barrett naturally didn’t end up leaving.

First, they had already reached the city gate—it would be a real pity to just leave like that. Second, he truly had nowhere else to go.

They lingered by the pier for a while, and soon those two sword-bearing disciples approached.

Logan Barrett noticed that both of their silver sword tassels had a peach blossom carved from jade, and their waist tokens were engraved with the character “花” (flower). He guessed they must be from a “Hua” family in Spring Banner City. To be entrusted with guarding such important places as the port and city gate, their status must be high—a prominent immortal clan.

“Are you all planning to enter the city?” The two disciples saluted and said, “There have been some disturbances nearby these days, so entry and exit are being watched closely. If we offend you in any way, please forgive us.”

They looked at Henry Collins and the one with the severed arm, their expressions cautious: “Are these two young men… unwell?”

It was understandable for them to be suspicious—these two had barely set foot on shore before fainting and vomiting in front of the statue, which was a rather strange reaction.

If it weren’t for the unresponsive Logan Barrett and Owen Fletcher accompanying them, the disciples would have drawn their swords on the spot.

Henry Collins didn’t bother to explain. He pinched his fingers, and his fingertips became as sharp as blades.

Logan Barrett quickly pressed his hand down and said, “They’re seasick.”

“Oh…” The sword-bearing disciples glanced at the black-awning boat again, half-believing, half-doubting. “Where are you all coming from?”

The city lord forbade them from speaking, so Henry Collins could only wipe his lips and say, “From Wuduan Sea, the Posa Path.”

“Oh! No wonder. There was thunder and wind all night there—it must have been hard to sail.”

This time, the two disciples believed them.

They glanced at Owen Fletcher several more times, but before they could speak, Henry Collins quickly interjected, “This is my young master’s… puppet.”

Owen Fletcher: “……”

Logan Barrett thought to himself, with Henry Collins’s big mouth, if he stayed here for two days, he’d spill all their secrets to the whole city.

But puppets themselves weren’t rare—immortal sects liked to use them. Especially with the world growing more chaotic, it was common for wealthy young masters to bring a few puppets for protection when traveling. Nothing suspicious about that.

It was just that this puppet’s height, looks, and bearing were all too striking, drawing attention and making the two disciples uneasy.

Out of courtesy, they didn’t stare directly at Owen Fletcher. But as they left, Logan Barrett overheard them whispering.

“That puppet—haven’t we seen him somewhere before? Why does he look so familiar, like we’ve met him before?”

“Hiss, actually, that Young Master Cheng also…”

……

***

In the end, only Logan Barrett and Owen Fletcher entered Spring Banner City.

Because a huge stone statue had been erected inside the city, right on the main road past the gate. The bronze altar in front of the statue was filled with incense, smoke curling in the air. Henry Collins and the one-armed man turned green on the spot, waved their hands, and ran off, leaving behind, “City lord, we’ll wait for you in the mountains outside the city.”

This suited Logan Barrett perfectly.

With those two troublemakers gone, Logan Barrett immediately dragged Owen Fletcher into an alley.

“Immortal, do me a favor. I’m afraid I can’t go to the Yiwusheng family looking like this. Help me change my appearance—” He walked a bit deeper into the long alley, made sure no one was around, then turned back.

He saw Owen Fletcher being pulled along, his gaze falling on the wrist Logan Barrett was holding, his expression unreadable.

Logan Barrett froze for a moment and let go.

Only then did Owen Fletcher lift his eyelids. “Is this how you usually ask for help?”

Logan Barrett raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

Owen Fletcher glanced over the hand that had grabbed him so carelessly, then looked at the alley.

The alley was too narrow, and he was tall—he blocked out most of the already dim daylight.

Only then did Logan Barrett realize it was a bit too secluded.

He smiled. “I don’t usually ask for help. You don’t see alleys this winding even in Que City.”

That was true.

Back in Que City, he only had to reach out his hand and didn’t even need to speak—someone would promptly deliver whatever he wanted. He really never needed to ask for help.

Logan Barrett: “Besides, I never had to do anything that required avoiding prying eyes before.”

Owen Fletcher looked at him for a while, making no comment.

“Disguise, right?” Owen Fletcher asked.

He didn’t wait for Logan Barrett to answer, just switched his sword to the other hand. He lowered his head, bent his finger and pressed it against Logan Barrett’s chin, his thumb lightly brushing a few spots on his face—cheek, chin, and forehead.

“Don’t make me too ugly,” Logan Barrett couldn’t help but say.

“……”

Owen Fletcher’s fingers paused for a moment, then continued silently.

After a while, he finally said in a low voice, “Too late.”

Fine…

Logan Barrett gave up struggling and let him work.

The alley was indeed too secluded and quiet, making even a moment feel long.

“Is it done?” Logan Barrett asked.

“Mm,” Owen Fletcher replied.

His hands had already dropped, but after a moment, he raised them again to adjust Logan Barrett’s brows and eyes.

“What is it?” Logan Barrett was puzzled.

“Nothing.” Owen Fletcher was quick and efficient, finishing the disguise without delay and heading out of the alley.

But as he turned, Logan Barrett heard him say, “Your eyes are too recognizable.”

Logan Barrett was stunned for a moment, then strode after him. “Owen Fletcher.”