The moment the Order Divine Chains withdrew completely into the void, the gray mist that lingered year-round in the Boundary Prison seemed to be swept aside by an invisible hand, and the bone-piercing chill instantly faded.
Qin He stretched his limbs, stiff after so long. His muscles and bones gave soft cracks, but he showed none of the dejection of someone newly released from prison. The Fire Aperture he had temporarily opened beneath his collarbone circulated steadily, sending pure fire-attribute Origin Power through his meridians and utterly suppressing the lingering aura of decay.
Fang Qishan looked at Qin He, genuine relief in his eyes. He stepped half a pace forward and lowered his voice, his tone carrying an elder's admonition as well as insight into the workings of the Realm Patrol Bureau. "Lin Yan, Lord Ling's intervention had a great deal to do with your safe release from the Boundary Prison. Both sentiment and reason demand that you observe the proper courtesies."
Qin He nodded, regardless of whether Ling Tianfan had been upholding the Realm Patrol Bureau's rules or expressing displeasure with the penal officials on Li Wuming's side.
The man had shown him respect; he could not play dumb.
Within the Divine Court's domain, where every step concealed a blade, the tacit approval of one more figure with real authority was far safer than a head-on clash.
"You're right to remind me, Uncle Fang. I'll go thank him now."
Qin He inclined his head slightly, his tone composed. He perfectly reproduced the manner Long Qingyun had described for Lin Yan: sparing with words and free of flattery, yet mindful of propriety.
Fang Qishan was all the more satisfied. He raised a hand and guided Qin He through the Boundary Prison's black iron gates.
Beyond the gates lay a law