Early the next morning.
When Yi Yang opened his eyes, the sky had only just begun to pale, and a layer of morning light filtered through the window paper.
He did not linger on his meditation cushion. He rose, washed, and changed into clean gray cloth clothes. After tucking the Nether Spring Office's black Command Token close to his body, he prepared to leave. He had plenty to do today.
Jiang Yuexin had not yet risen. Faint sounds of her turning over drifted from the other room.
To avoid disturbing her, Yi Yang slipped quietly out of the courtyard and followed the alleys toward the eastern city, relying on his memory.
His goal today was clear: the Judgment Hall's Armory.
He wanted to see whether there were any suitable arts and whether he could strengthen his offensive repertoire.
The prefectural city was far livelier at dawn than Yunlin County.
Early-rising vendors and Patrol Guards coming off duty moved along both sides of the street. Lively chatter filled his ears, painting a scene of everyday city life.
After walking for roughly half an hour, Yi Yang's view suddenly opened up.
He had reached the Judgment Hall in the eastern city.
This was the very heart of the Suining Prefecture Heaven Patrol Office.
Aside from the two visits he had made while reporting for duty, this was only his third time at this central headquarters.
Yi Yang swept his perception across the entrance. Even the weakest guards stationed there were at the qi-blood sixth level.
Two were even at the first inner qi level.
Yi Yang climbed the steps and approached one of the Patrol Guards at the entrance.
The guard did not let him pass merely because he wore a Nether Spring Office Command Token at his waist. He raised a