The city of Lianmu was the outermost gate of the Central Region—a place where countless travelers, merchants, and cultivators passed through daily.
With tall stone walls, heavily-guarded checkpoints, and a skyline of intricate temples and bustling markets, it was a melting pot of ambition, secrecy, and danger.
Tian Shen and Feng Yin stood at the crest of a hill overlooking the southern entrance. The chaos of the previous battle still echoed in their bones, but they could waste no time.
"We'll have to enter separately."
Feng Yin said, adjusting the hood of her cloak.
"They'll be searching for signs of us—together, we're too recognizable."
Tian Shen nodded, his gaze sweeping across the caravan lines forming outside the gates.
"You go first. I'll follow half a bell later."
With a final glance, Feng Yin slipped into the crowd, disappearing like mist into the waves of travelers.
Tian Shen watched her go, then turned and made his way down a different slope.
