The closer they came to Guanlan Commandery, the heavier the moisture in the air grew.
Waterways lined both sides of the official road, one after another.
On the afternoon of the second day, the city rose above the horizon.
Its walls were considerably thicker than those of other commandery capitals, their surfaces covered in scars: broad, dark stains left by floodwaters, gouges hacked out by blades, and a few patches of newly laid brick several shades lighter than the rest.
Rivers crisscrossed outside the city. Watchtowers stood every few miles along their banks, the lights atop them burning day and night.
The Demon Suppression General's Residence stood in the west of the city.
Yang Xiao had imagined that Pei Xuance's residence would be grand and imposing, with soldiers everywhere.
Instead, the entrance was utterly deserted.
Only a few Demon Suppression Guards stood watch at the gate. Though the gates were open, not a single figure could be seen inside.
Yang Xiao dismounted and took out his documents, about to ask the gatekeeper to announce him.
Someone behind him spoke first, his voice uncertain.
"Are you... Yang Xiao?"
He turned.
A middle-aged Deputy General stood a few steps away. He was around forty, with an old scar running from his brow ridge to below his cheekbone.
The man first studied his face, then raised his gaze to the spear on his back.
He stared at the spear for two breaths, and his expression suddenly changed.
Yang Xiao knew what he was looking at.
That night on the Guanlan River, countless Demon Suppression Guards from Guanlan Commandery had personally witnessed Pei Xuance hand this spear to him.
Cai Yuanzhen hurried over and lowered his head to examine the transfer orders Yang Xiao handed him. Only after inspecting the vermilion seal, the handwriting,