Heaven Dou City.
No one could remember when the overcast weather had begun.
The occasional low rumble of thunder foretold an imminent downpour, one that would wash away the filth clinging to all things.
There were unusually few pedestrians on the streets, and even fewer shops than usual had opened their doors, as though heralding the arrival of a storm.
The atmosphere within Heaven Dou City was somewhat oppressive. A trace of biting chill hung in the air, while the armor and weapons of the soldiers marching past in patrol formations glinted coldly. Their somewhat disorderly footsteps carried remarkably far.
Several lavishly decorated carriages slowly entered through Heaven Dou City's gates, their massive wheels rolling over the ground with crisp clattering sounds.
Ning Fengzhi slowly lifted a corner of the curtain and looked out at the darkened sky before letting out a soft sigh.
Surprisingly, the one accompanying Ning Fengzhi this time was Bone Douluo, rather than Sword Douluo, who usually traveled with him.
On closer inspection, a trace of sickly pallor brought on by anxiety and exhaustion had appeared on Ning Fengzhi's face, which had once shown no signs of age at all.
After a long silence, Bone Douluo, seated beside him with his arms folded, let out a low sigh and said:
"Fengzhi, stop staying silent. Our current situation isn't actually that bad, is it..."
Ning Fengzhi gave a quiet laugh, then rubbed his brow with one hand and said:
"I wonder why His Majesty summoned us to the palace this time. Could it be that, seeing all hope lost with Skywater Academy, he has turned his attention back to our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect..."
Bone Douluo fell into an uncharacteristic silence, utterly unlike his fiery temperament. After a long while, he finally said softly:
"Fengzhi, I