Sunlight bathed the streets of Forest City's West District in a pleasant, mellow warmth.
A-Huan carried two bulging bags of food, his steps so light he almost seemed ready to float.
After the affair at the Judgment Court, the Alliance had finally announced that it was rescinding the Oath of Embers' designation as an evil cult. At Lin Sheng's suggestion, he and his master, He Ping, had immediately moved back to settle in Forest City. They no longer had to hide in dark corners, living with their hearts perpetually in their throats.
Now, dressed in clean, tidy everyday clothes, he walked along the bustling street with his head high and chest out. He felt comfortable all over, and even every breath tasted of freedom.
I hear the food at the grand hotel in the inner city is really special. I'll get a jug of fine wine too, then have a proper celebration with Master when I get back. A-Huan hummed an off-key tune as he planned dinner, the smile never leaving his lips.
He was full of hope for the future now. Not only had his cultivation fully recovered, but he had also successfully entered the peak master realm and made considerable gains at the master level. Perhaps, in the near future, he would have a real chance of breaking into the martial corrosion realm.
Lost in these delightful thoughts, A-Huan turned into a quiet alley, hoping to take a shortcut back to the Residence. His steps quickened further.
But just as he rounded the corner at the alley entrance, a figure suddenly stepped out from the side, and the two collided before either could react.
Clatter-
The bags slipped from A-Huan's hands and fell to the ground. Several dishes spilled out, bouncing and scattering across the bluestone pavement as