When Lu Piao ran in through the courtyard gate, his steps were hurried, his soles clattering against the stone paving.
Before he had even steadied himself, he spoke, his voice brimming with excitement, still breathless from running. "Nie Li! Sikong Yi sent word! They found the Radiance Stones-more than sixty of them! He wants you to head to the hall right away!"
Nie Li stood beside the courtyard's stone table, slowly absorbing Spiritual Power from a Scarlet Blood Crystal in his hand. At the news, he set the crystal down and brushed the fine dust from his hands.
He did not move immediately. He first glanced at Lu Piao to make sure there was nothing wrong with the message, then turned toward Shen Fei, who was sitting on the stone steps beneath the covered walkway.
Shen Fei was looking at him too. Their eyes met. Nie Li said nothing, merely tipping his chin slightly toward the courtyard gate.
The gesture was subtle, but its meaning was clear: come with me.
Shen Fei stood and brushed the dust from the hem of his clothes.
He casually tucked the half-used Scarlet Blood Crystal into his robe and fell into step behind Nie Li.
One after the other, they passed through the Guest Courtyard's covered walkways, rounded the screen wall, and followed the stone path toward the main hall.
There were more than twice as many guards along the walkways as usual.
Some stood in plain sight, while others hid in the shadows behind the pillars. Their gazes settled on the two young men and tracked their steps, but none spoke up to stop them.
Nie Li led at an unhurried pace, with Shen Fei half a step behind him. They exchanged no unnecessary words, but their steps kept the same rhythm.
When