Luo Qingyin followed the direction the little boy had pointed out and reached a slightly wider street corner.
The crowds were much thicker here. A somewhat imposing courtyard stood at the corner, with a wooden sign bearing the words "Goldwater Lane Administrative Office."
This must be the place.
Several men squatted by the entrance, their cultivation ranging from Nascent Soul to Spirit Transformation, casually sizing up the passersby.
Luo Qingyin's appearance instantly drew their attention.
Though her face showed fatigue, her cool, ethereal bearing was utterly at odds with her surroundings.
Her face, in particular, was so beautiful that it seemed out of place.
The men's gazes immediately changed, and they exchanged meaningful looks.
Luo Qingyin grew wary, but her expression remained calm as she headed straight toward the courtyard.
"What are you here for?"
One of the men stood up and blocked the entrance.
"To register," Luo Qingyin replied succinctly.
The man looked her up and down, then stepped aside. "Go in. Steward Zhao's inside."
Luo Qingyin nodded and stepped into the courtyard.
The courtyard was empty. Only the room directly ahead had its door open.
An old man sat inside, with thinning hair and a few strands of yellowed goatee, his eyes narrowed as he dozed.
Although she could not see through his cultivation, Luo Qingyin was accustomed to seeing the elders of her sect.
It was not hard to judge that this man was probably... around the Void Refinement stage.
Hearing footsteps, the old man opened his eyes and looked her up and down.
His scrutiny made Luo Qingyin somewhat uncomfortable, but she still approached and cleared her throat. "Excuse me... are you Steward Zhao?"
"Mm."
The old man grunted. "New here?"
"What's your name?"
"Luo Qingyin."
"Where are you from?"
This question made Luo Qingyin hesitate.