The sun filtered softly through the forest canopy, casting dappled shadows along the winding path that led to Xiao Fang's guildhouse. The building was tucked away in a secluded grove—an intentionally remote location, far from the main attractions in the Inner Court and rarely visited by those from the Core Court.
Li Lian walked beside Supreme Elder Yao Wu, her expression calm and unreadable, though her heart fluttered with anticipation.
"You've never been here before?" Yao Wu asked, glancing sideways at her.
Li Lian shook her head.
"No, Elder. This is my first time."
It was a lie, of course.
Just a bit over a month ago, she had snuck out here with Xun Wei to find Xiao Fang. That visit had left more of an impression on her than she cared to admit. Now, retracing those same steps, she had to fight the urge to smile.
As they reached the clearing where the guildhouse stood, Yao Wu stopped a few paces short of the door, eyeing the modest building with faint distaste.
