By the time Di Hong left the Crown Prince's Mansion, it was already dark. Heaven Dou City was beautiful at night as well. Beneath the glow of starlight and lanterns, the streets bustled with people. Couples walked together in cheerful pairs.
Di Hong strolled alone, in no hurry to return to the Earl's Mansion.
This place was not far from the Crown Prince's Mansion, yet the two felt like separate worlds. The Crown Prince's Mansion was quiet and solemn, while the streets outside were teeming with noise. Vendors called out energetically, and customers appraised the goods at each stall before paying for anything they liked.
To maintain order, the City Defense Army patrolled without pause. Of course, people from Spirit Hall were patrolling as well.
The two sides went their separate ways. If they happened to meet face-to-face, the City Defense Army would generally yield to Spirit Hall. This also reflected Spirit Hall's status within the Heaven Dou Empire.
Di Hong stopped at a stall selling accessories and looked over the wares with interest.
"Young master, why not buy a hairpin? This one would suit you perfectly."
As he spoke, the owner picked up a fiery red men's hairpin and began introducing it.
Di Hong had long hair, so he did have need of hairpins to tie it up.
"How much?"
"Three Gold Soul Coins." The owner held up three fingers.
Di Hong took out three Gold Soul Coins and handed them to the owner. After receiving the hairpin, he prepared to leave.
He had only walked a short distance when he spotted a streak of black light swiftly passing overhead.
"A Spirit Master—and a Soul Emperor-level expert at that."
Di Hong looked up in the direction the black light had flown.
"That place?"
"The Crown Prince's Mansion."
Di Hong