Dust rose before the stone steps, and the clatter of hooves came to an abrupt halt. The official runner stood still, steadily holding a wooden casket in his hands. The War Ministry seal on its strip of paper gleamed dark red beneath the sun.
Chen Wuya stood beside Bai Zhi, his fingertips lightly brushing the cloth belt at his waist. The jade token hidden close against his body was still hot, its heat boring through his skin as though something inside him were humming low. Without betraying a thing, he fixed his eyes on the messenger's face—thin brows, sharp eyes, skin too pale. His Adam's apple shifted slightly as he spoke, as if he were reciting lines rehearsed long ago.
"By order of the War Ministry Deliberation Bureau, I deliver this document for the Azure Peak Sect Master's personal perusal." The messenger's voice was clear, yet lacking the gravity it ought to have carried. "Also enclosed is an imperial edict, which must be read aloud in person. Sect Master, please receive the edict in accordance with protocol."
Bai Zhi lifted a foot to step forward.
Without drawing attention, Chen Wuya reached out and pressed his fingertips lightly against the inside of her wrist. In that instant, her step halted and her gaze turned toward him. He gave a faint shake of his head, so slight that only those nearby could notice it.
"Wait." He stepped half a pace forward, standing at the center of the stone stairs directly across from the messenger. "You say it's an imperial edict? Could you let me see the document first?"
The messenger frowned. "Who are you? How dare you obstruct the court's proclamation?"
"My name is Chen Wuya." He smiled, revealing the dimple in his left cheek. "I'm no official, and I'm not under