Night had fully settled across the vast terrain of Jeonghwa, and even the mist-laced hills guarding the Yeonhwa Lotus Palace had fallen into a hush. From a distance, the palace shimmered like a floating bloom—serene, untouchable, layered in walls of mist and spiritual pressure. Jinmu stood beyond its outer formations, his gaze following the gentle curve of the palace walls as they traced the cliffside.
There were no guards openly patrolling the upper perimeter, but the presence of refined ki barriers brushing against his senses told him enough. They didn't rely on swords or harsh alarms here—the energy surrounding the palace was like a veil of water, not meant to wound, but to quietly suffocate any who dared intrude.
This is unlike Mugang Martial Pavilion I've infiltrated. No bloodthirst. No killing intent. It's calm… even welcoming. But that's the danger, isn't it? You don't notice the water pulling you under until you drown.
