[Squad Barracks - Captain's Quarters]
Kael lay on the narrow bed, staring at the ceiling.
The barracks were silent. Everyone else was asleep.
He closed his eyes.
The Aether interface appeared in his mind—familiar, cold, mechanical.
[Return to The Dayan Empire?]
[Yes] / [No]
Kael selected [Yes].
The world dissolved into darkness.
[Dasheng World - Qingfeng Pavilion]
When Kael opened his eyes again, the ceiling had changed.
Instead of rough timber beams, intricately carved wooden panels painted in red and gold stretched overhead. Silk curtains hung from the frame, swaying gently in the breeze. The scent of incense and perfume filled the air.
A brothel.
Kael sat up slowly, looking around the room.
Qingfeng Pavilion. Lu Zhihuan's favorite place.
He looked down at himself. The clothes were expensive—fine silk robes embroidered with golden thread. His hair was longer, tied loosely with a jade hairpin.
He closed his eyes and felt the Qi circulating in his core.
