Night fell like ink, shrouding the entirety of Tianyuan City.
The city's bustle gradually faded. Most shops had already closed for the night; only a few pleasure houses and taverns remained lit, strains of silk and bamboo music drifting from within.
Shen Xiu sat by the window of the inn's Heaven-grade room, a cup of clear tea in hand as he calmly gazed at the night sky beyond the window.
This room was located on the inn's highest floor, offering an expansive view that took in Tianyuan City's entire nighttime scenery. The distant imperial palace blazed with light, while patrol guards occasionally passed through the nearby streets and alleys. Everything appeared so peaceful and serene.
But Shen Xiu knew that beneath this calm surface, undercurrents were surging.
"Young Master Shen." There was a soft knock at the door, followed by Liu Qingyan's voice from outside. "May I come in?"
"Please."
Liu Qingyan pushed the door open and entered. Today, she had changed into a pale blue dress, her hair simply tied up. She had lost some of a young girl's liveliness and gained a touch of dignified grace. Clear worry lingered between her brows; she was evidently still concerned about the Dark Church.
"Miss Liu, you haven't gone back to rest yet?" Shen Xiu asked with a smile.
"I can't sleep." Liu Qingyan sat across from Shen Xiu, hesitated for a moment, then said, "Young Master Shen, I've already sent word back to the Liu Family. My father said he would send several elders to help. But the Liu Family's strength is limited. The strongest force we can mobilize is only at the peak of the Saint Emperor Realm, so I'm afraid..."
"I appreciate Miss Liu's kindness." Shen Xiu set down his teacup and looked at her earnestly. "But this