At dawn, when the first ray of sunlight shone upon Daying City's tallest Star Gazing Platform, this magnificent city wedged between the mountains seemed to awaken from slumber, suddenly becoming noisy and bustling.
The last beast cart laden with night soil had just passed through the city gates. Many shops were removing their door panels, and more and more pedestrians appeared on the streets, hurrying about with busy footsteps.
At a steamed bun stall by the roadside, an attendant set steaming bamboo baskets onto the counter. The rising white vapor instantly melted into the slightly cool air.
Two or three calls rang out from nearby—it was familiar neighbors greeting one another.
Wang Chen strolled leisurely along the long street, taking in the unique warmth and bustle of mortal life, his heart calm and tranquil.
This was his sixteenth day in Daying City.
Over the past half month, with the Xi Family's support, Wang Chen had straightened out the internal affairs of the Upper Xun Celestial Master Pavilion and established his authority as the Protector Heavenly Master.
Though he could not yet be said to truly hold power, at the very least, no one would dare look down on him or regard him as soft meat for the taking.
Wang Chen did not impatiently move against the lower-ranking stewards, lest he further intensify the conflict with the local forces led by chief administrator Wu Jingwei.
But neither would he remain unmoving within the Heavenly Master Pavilion like a mountain, allowing his opponents to make their moves at will.
Nor would Wang Chen place complete faith in the Xi Family.
Just yesterday, Wang Chen had announced that he was entering seclusion, then activated the Heavenly Master Pavilion's defensive array.
In truth, he had quietly slipped out of the residence early this morning.