Li Yun slowly withdrew from the Council Hall and pulled its heavy door shut behind him, sealing the oppressive atmosphere inside.
Sunlight fell across him, driving away the hall's chill. He looked toward the scattered courtyards of the Hu Hai Escort Agency, a faint smile flickering in his eyes.
Repair the plank road in plain sight, cross to the hidden storehouse in secret.
The plan was risky, but it suited him perfectly.
With no escort team to lead and no one else to consider, he could act alone, free to move as he pleased.
He knew why the agency's leaders had entrusted him with such a secret mission. For one thing, he acted steadily without drawing attention to himself.
For another, he had only recently joined. He had no reputation among the powers of Falling Star City and was hardly someone the Qing'an Escort Agency would watch closely.
And the peak Middle Sage strength he had revealed was enough to handle most unexpected dangers.
What none of them knew was that he had already broken through in secret. He was now an Upper Sage, stronger than many of the leaders present.
That hidden strength left him with no fear of the journey to White Marsh City. Instead, he felt a measure of calm.
As Qin Lie had instructed, Li Yun did not return to Escort Team No. 79's courtyard. He headed straight for his own residence.
As he passed the team's courtyard, he happened upon Ye Chen and several escort guards he knew. They hurried over to greet him.
"Chief!"
"Chief Li, did the chief escort summon you urgently for a new assignment?"
Li Yun answered evenly, "Nothing important. Just a few agency matters. I gained some insight during my earlier Seclusion, so I need to return to my residence