Ace [4]

Ace, carrying both Liu Mei, and Shan Yifeng stepped into a wide hallway, though it felt more like a ceremonial room than a simple corridor.

The ceiling arched high above them, supported by old stone pillars marked with faded carvings.

Soft blue light glowed from orbs fixed along the walls, giving everything a muted, dreamlike tone.

The air was still, heavy with a strange pressure, as if the room itself was holding its breath.

In the center, the stone floor leveled out into a circular clearing.

A young man sat cross-legged there, perfectly still, eyes closed. His presence was calm, but it carried an odd tension, like a blade hidden beneath silk.

"I've been waiting for you," he said quietly, without opening his eyes.

Ace came to a halt.

Shan Yifeng froze beside him, eyes narrowing with caution.

Liu Mei leaned forward from Ace's arms, squinting curiously.