Early morning, April 8.
Fenlai City awoke from a night of silence, its clamor gradually rising. Street vendors had set up their stalls early, and steaming breakfasts gave off tempting aromas. Their calls mingled with haggling voices and the rumble of wheels over stone-paved streets. Shops along the streets took down their door boards one after another to begin the day's business. More pedestrians appeared, and the city regained its usual vitality.
Outside the city, a caravan of fifteen or sixteen people slowly approached the gates along the main road. The caravan looked somewhat weary, and quite a few guards still bore minor wounds that had yet to heal, but their spirits were decent, their eyes carrying the relief of having survived a disaster. Inside a relatively plain carriage in the middle of the caravan, Wot Lucas was speaking attentively to the boy seated across from him.
"Loa, we're almost at Fenlai City. What are your plans next? If you have nowhere to go for now, why not come back with me? This shipment is of great importance to our Lucas Clan, and it's only thanks to your help that we've been able to deliver it safely. My uncle and grandfather will certainly want to host a proper banquet for you to express their gratitude." Wot spoke sincerely, with the warmth characteristic of a young man from an established family, yet without being overbearing.
Inside the carriage, Loa sat cross-legged, his eyes half closed and his breathing calm, making use of these last moments to circulate his battle-qi. At Wot's words, he slowly opened his eyes, his gaze perfectly clear.
"No need." He shook his head, his voice calm. "I have something else to do. I haven't been home in a long time."
A trace of regret crossed Wot's face,