"Fine," Max said. "I'll take the other route."
Anna looked at him carefully. "And don't go looking for trouble on purpose along the way."
Max smiled. "Why would I do that?"
Anna sighed. "That answer doesn't reassure me at all."
The next morning came quickly.
Before the sun had fully risen over Bloodstone City, the three newcomers were already prepared to leave. The streets were quieter than usual at that hour. Shops were only beginning to open, floating signs slowly brightened above the buildings, and groups of cultivators heading out of the city moved toward the gates with their weapons and supplies ready.
Even so, Bloodstone City never fell completely silent, because there were always people returning from hunts, setting out for trials, trading information, or getting ready for another day in the outer layer.
Max, Damian, and Revona met near the entrance of the Primordial mansion, where Anna had come to see them off.
