Ling Tianfan walked slowly into the Treasury Supervision Office. His crimson brocade robes shimmered in the dim light, their dragon-and-phoenix patterns glowing faintly gold. He did not deliberately release any pressure, yet each step stirred a resonance in the laws of heaven and earth. The jade patterns on the floor lit up faintly, and even the air grew still and heavy.
His gaze swept over Qin He, his tone calm and utterly unruffled, as though he were merely asking in passing. "Lin Yan, how has your recuperation gone these past few days? How are your injuries and cultivation recovering?"
Qin He lowered his head, avoiding Ling Tianfan's gaze, and answered steadily and humbly. "Thank you for your concern, Lord Ling. I have been recuperating in peace these past few days. My injuries are no longer serious, and my cultivation is recovering steadily. I expect it will not be long before I can fully return to duty."
Ling Tianfan nodded slightly without asking anything further, then turned to Zhou Yan beside him. His tone remained calm, but carried an unquestionable authority. "Deputy Supervisor Zhou, fetch me the Realm Patrol Northern Frontier Volume."
"Yes! I will fetch it at once!" Zhou Yan hurriedly answered. Not daring to delay for even a moment, he turned and strode toward the inner hall, his steps somewhat flustered.
Qin He slowly straightened, a trace of helplessness flashing in the depths of his eyes.
Zhou Yan was timid and afraid of trouble. With Ling Tianfan present, accepting bribes or helping someone browse old files was out of the question. He would not even dare say a single word out of line.
For a long time to come, Zhou Yan would be especially cautious. He would probably avoid even exchanging another word with Qin He, lest it arouse