The [Mystic Gate · Trace-Seeking Crane] flew even faster than Lin Yan had imagined.
It seemed to ignore air resistance entirely, becoming a straight streak of gold that flashed across the sky.
Lin Yan had to draw on his true qi and use his movement technique just to keep pace with it.
And so, a man and a crane began a silent chase across the vast land.
The paper crane flew ahead, leading the way without hesitation.
Lin Yan followed behind at a steady pace.
He passed skyscrapers that towered into the clouds and low, dilapidated slums.
He saw smartly dressed professionals hurrying along, and ragged beggars huddled in corners.
Prosperity and decay, light and darkness, intertwined and coexisted in this world.
Yet Lin Yan's heart remained as still as an ancient well.
These were merely the outward appearances of the world. They had nothing to do with his path.
He was only a passing path seeker.
The chase continued for a day and a night.
By dusk the following day, when the last ray of sunlight was about to vanish beyond the horizon.
The paper crane that had been leading the way finally began to slow.
It started circling above a rather disorderly-looking district.
Most of the buildings here were old and rundown.
Drunken, burly men and idle young people with hostile eyes were everywhere on the streets.
The air reeked of alcohol, sweat, and cheap perfume.
Lin Yan concealed his presence and landed soundlessly on the roof of a building.
Watching the paper crane still circling overhead, he knew their destination must be nearby.
Sure enough, after a few more circles, the paper crane seemed to exhaust the last of its energy.
It gave a mournful cry, then burst into flame in midair with a soft puff.
It