"The magic array lit up? Someone else got sent up?"
In the spacious hall, a somewhat shrill voice rang out. "Has anyone gone down before?"
"No, I don't think so."
A slightly deep voice replied, "No one on the registry has gone down. They must have been sent up from below. Maybe some big shot's household is short on 'livestock' again?"
"Oh, one's a man and one's a woman, and they're both pretty good-looking. Looks like some noble is short on toys again."
The shrill voice laughed.
"Those big shots all bear gifts and possess tremendous strength. A little rough handling leaves people dead or injured."
The deep voice chuckled. "These two look sturdy enough, but they'll probably be reduced to a pile of parts before long."
"That's how it is with big shots' toys. They get replaced quickly."
Accompanied by crisp footsteps, the shrill voice slowly approached. "But neither of these two is registered. We need to brand and shackle them first, then take them to the confinement room. If they escape on the way and offend some big shot, we're finished."
"Fine."
The deep voice carried a trace of doubt, but it still quickly drew closer.
At that moment, He Ao, standing in the center of the hall, raised his head and looked around.
This was a magnificent Round Hall. All sorts of rare beasts were carved around its walls, while bright lights dotted the domed ceiling like stars, bathing the entire hall in splendid radiance.
Rui Lin was clearly unaccustomed to the light before her. She blinked, not immediately reacting.
"The two of you are awake."
The shrill voice sounded beside them, and a long, narrow face entered He Ao's view.
He wore a carefully designed, crisp modern uniform in gold and white. Flowing cloud-like patterns had