When that streak of azure light cut across the sky and slowly descended before Anping County's weathered yet imposing gate, a soldier on guard rubbed his eyes.
What kind of man was this?
He wore a loose black robe, its broad sleeves billowing like clouds in the wind. His long hair was strangest of all: one half dark as ink and brimming with life; the other white as winter snow, carrying the desolation of one who had witnessed countless ages.
Yet the moment he landed, the soldiers who had trembled under his overwhelming pressure jolted when they saw his young, handsome face.
"Is... is that Lord Chu?" An old soldier rubbed his eyes, his voice shaking uncontrollably.
"Just Magistrate Chu! Our Just Magistrate Chu has come back!"
No one knew who shouted first. The quiet city gate instantly erupted like water brought to a boil.
Chu Bai stood still, watching the people surge toward him like a tide. He had thought that after the baptism of blood and fire in the Heavenly Abyss Fragment Realm, after swallowing a hundred thousand years of resentment from its living beings, his heart had hardened into the stone of the Heaven-Burying Abyss.
But when he saw Anping's plainly dressed, healthy-looking people and the fervent devotion in their eyes, pure and free of any thought of gain, the restless [black-purple lotus] demonic mark between his brows, with its eerie violet glow, miraculously settled.
"My lord, these meat buns just came out of my steamer. Please, try one!"
"My lord, I set up a longevity tablet for you and have burned incense before it every day. You've finally come home!"
Countless people knelt of their own accord along both sides of the street. There was no fear in them, only heartfelt joy.
Chu Bai walked slowly