The dizziness lasted only an instant, as though an invisible hand had gently nudged their souls.
The next second, the scorching fire origin power and bone-chilling killing intent vanished completely, replaced by the Divine Court's uniquely refreshing spiritual energy. Imbued with the order and weight of laws, it enveloped the four wounded men.
Two stewards in ink-black official robes strode forward, their expressions solemn. Pale golden divine sense glimmered at their fingertips as they scanned the Realm Patrol Tokens at the four men's waists.
The runes on the tokens lit up, resonating with the jade slips in the stewards' hands. Only after confirming their identities did the stewards bow slightly. "Thank you for your efforts, Realm Patrol Envoys. You have all worked hard on this investigation in the Eastern Domain."
Zhao Yan held himself upright despite his injuries and nodded slightly. "We were only doing our duty. We must proceed to the office immediately to report."
The stewards said no more and stepped aside to clear the way. A flicker of understanding crossed their eyes as they glanced over the four men's wounds, but they asked no questions—patrolling the realms was dangerous work, and returning injured was nothing unusual.
The Divine Court Office stood on the western side of the Divine Court, built of blue bricks and gray tiles, with sweeping, upturned eaves. Bronze bells hanging beneath them swayed without wind, their chimes carrying the power of laws.
The four entered the office, where clerks and attendants hurried back and forth, each attending to their duties. All wore matching official uniforms, their auras condensed and steady.
A white-haired clerk received them, holding a jade register, his expression utterly placid.
"Record your investigation accounts in turn. Report truthfully on the Strange Flame in Flamewind Valley in the Eastern Domain and the