Chapter 38: Shadows in Motion
The morning sun crept over the horizon, bathing Clear Water City in hues of gold and crimson. Life slowly stirred to motion—the rhythmic clatter of hooves against cobblestone mingled with the distant chatter of merchants raising their stalls. A faint mist still clung to the rooftops, whispering of the night's lingering chill, while the crisp air carried the scent of dew-kissed earth and blooming magnolias.
Within the Xiao Family Quarters, a dimly lit chamber brimmed with incense and aged red wine. The flickering glow of lanterns cast long shadows across polished mahogany walls. Seated in a fur-draped chair, cloaked in black robes embroidered with intricate golden sigils, was Xiao Yang. He swirled a glass of crimson wine, the bitter sweetness dancing on his tongue as sharp, calculating eyes gleamed in the dim light.