Watching from the Shadows

The air currents whipped up by the Unicorn's wings had yet to fully dissipate when its snow-white form streaked through the morning mist like a beam of light. In just a few breaths, it carried the three of them above the palace complex.

At Xun Er's gentle command, it spread its wings and slowed, its four hooves stepping upon faint halos of Dou Qi. At last, it descended gradually into the open area at the heart of the palace complex, its hooves touching down without stirring even a speck of dust.

The moment they leaped down from the Unicorn's back, gazes flooded toward them like a tide. The Gu Clan had already gathered here for today's Coming-of-Age Ceremony. Seeing Xun Er personally bring two people with her, many looked upon her with reverence while eyeing Xiao Ling and Xiao Yan with curiosity. Even the surrounding clamor seemed to quiet by several degrees.

"Let's go." Xun Er seemed wholly unaware of those gazes. The intimate manner in which she had held Xiao Ling's arm earlier had quietly vanished, and the elegant authority belonging to the Gu Clan's divine maiden surfaced once more.

She spoke softly, her voice still gentle yet carrying a touch more calm composure. Then she took the lead toward the enormous square ahead, shrouded in an ancient aura.

Xiao Ling nodded slightly. His pace was half a step slower than Xun Er's as he walked alongside her, his eyes inconspicuously sweeping over their surroundings.

Seeing this, Xiao Yan hesitated briefly before quickly following after them.

His gaze fell upon the row of Black Mist Army soldiers in black armor around the square.

Those soldiers stood as straight as pine trees, their hawk-sharp eyes constantly sweeping over the entire square. Yet when their gazes landed on Xiao Ling, they