Verdant Grain County, atop a tall building.
Qinglü, High Cultivator, stood alone in the evening breeze, her figure cool and aloof, her hands clasped behind her back.
She slowly drew back her gaze from the distance and murmured, "I never thought Yunche was hiding such extraordinary footwork..."
As her words faded, her spiritual sense spread silently, tracing the path by which the three black-clad men had appeared and sweeping across the streets and alleys.
Anyone who dared touch her disciple would pay in blood.
Just as Liu Yunche had said—the Yellow Springs Road was long, and someone would go to keep them company.
In the north of the city, on Clear Breeze Street.
The Heavenly Prodigy Banquet had ended only recently, and all of Verdant Grain County remained steeped in noise and excitement.
The Clear River Teahouse was especially packed. Scholars held forth, martial artists chatted, and merchants came and went. Laughter filled the hall, steam rose from the hearths, and prosperity seemed to brim from every corner.
On the teahouse's second floor, in a quiet corner by the window.
Three middle-aged men dressed as wandering martial artists sat around a table, drinking tea in silence as they waited for news.
"Big Brother, Fourth has been gone a long time and still hasn't returned. I'm afraid something's happened."
The third brother pulled the brim of his straw hat low. His voice was hoarse, and unease lurked in his eyes.
The eldest brother sat at the head of the table, his face grave. Worry flickered in his eyes, but he forced himself to remain calm and reassured him:
"Fourth has always been cautious and reliable. He's already reached Tendon Forging. Taking down a junior at Flesh Tempering should be more than easy enough. Don't worry."
The third brother remained silent and