When Kyrian returned to the Crimson Lotus Residence, the sky had already darkened completely.
The spiritual lanterns along the narrow street were lit, casting a soft light over the bluish stone walls. The gate of the residence was closed, and no presence could be felt beyond the discreet formations embedded in the wood and the ground.
Silence.
Kyrian crossed the formation effortlessly and entered. The inner courtyard was impeccable, as always, but empty. No low conversations, no sound of footsteps, no grumbling from Bai Zhu.
"They went out." Kyrian concluded to himself.
They had probably gone to explore the capital or deal with their own matters.
That pleased him.
Kyrian climbed the inner stairs without haste and entered his room. He removed his outer robe, sat for a moment on the edge of the bed, and looked at the closed window, behind which the diffuse glow of the eternal clouds illuminated the city.
He did not feel like going out again.
The day had been productive enough.
