The elevator began to rise, smoothly and swiftly.
The floor numbers flashed rapidly across the display.
Di Tian stood at the front of the elevator with his back to the three of them, saying nothing.
Xie Xie tried several times to ask something.
But every time he saw that silent figure, he swallowed his words.
Only the faint mechanical hum and the four occupants' distinct breathing remained in the elevator.
Soon, they reached the top floor of the Spirit Pagoda Headquarters.
When the elevator doors opened, a spacious, brightly lit room unfolded before them.
The office was larger than any they had imagined.
Dark wooden panels lined the walls, and several enormous murals depicting the history of soul beasts and humans stretched from ceiling to floor.
Windows faced the city, letting the evening sunlight spill into the room and spread a warm wash of golden orange across the polished floor.
Gu Yue sat behind the broad desk, a badge marking her as the Spirit Pagoda's deputy pagoda master pinned to her collar.
When she looked up, her face was calmer and more distant than Tang Wulin remembered.
Di Tian turned and left.
Xie Xie spoke first, wearing his usual smile as he tried to break the ice.
"Gu Yue, it's been a while."
"You're the Spirit Pagoda's deputy pagoda master now."
"We came to congratulate you."
Seated behind the broad desk, Gu Yue closed the file in her hands, set it aside, and lifted her eyes to the three of them.
Her gaze was indifferent, as casual as a glance at the scenery through a passing window. It lingered on Xie Xie's face for a moment, shifted to Xu Xiaoyan, and finally settled on Tang Wulin's silent face.
"What are you here for?"
Xie Xie's smile stiffened slightly, but he