After the day's matches ended, the crowd on the Drill Ground began to disperse.
Carrying his weapon, Tiger Roar, Yi Yang jumped down from the edge of the arena. His boots struck the ground, kicking up a thin layer of yellow dust.
He sheathed the saber and slung it across his back, then flexed his right wrist a couple of times. Those matches had consumed more than half the Yi Wood True Qi in his meridians. He would have to find time to replenish it.
But before Yi Yang had taken more than a few steps, two figures approached from the raised platform and blocked his path.
The man on the left held a folding fan. His features were gentle, and his smile felt like a spring breeze. He was Wen Shiheng, Deputy Chief Inspector of the Knowledge Office.
The man on the right had his hands behind his back, slightly high cheekbones, and the bearing of a schoolteacher as he walked. He was Ji Yunzhang, Deputy Chief Inspector of the Evil-Breaking Office.
Seeing the two Deputy Chief Inspectors, Yi Yang slowed and stopped, unsure what they wanted.
Half a year ago, both men had looked through his file. One had chosen Wei He, while the other had thought nothing of him either.
Yi Yang cupped his hands, suppressing his speculation as he greeted them. "Lord Wen, Lord Ji."
Wen Shiheng closed his folding fan and tapped its ribs against his palm twice before smiling courteously. "Brother Yi, there's no need to stand on ceremony. You fought beautifully today."
"If all four semifinalists had been outsiders, people would probably be talking about our Heaven Patrol Office's three-hundredth Grand Celebration as a joke for years to come."
Ji Yunzhang did not beat around the bush. He raised a hand, patted Yi