Xu Luo and Su Qianqian had long left the crowds of well-wishers behind. They walked along a forest path, heading deeper into Piaomiao Palace.
The people on the path gradually thinned out. Leaving the noise and festive atmosphere behind, the two continued inward.
"Something is definitely wrong," Su Qianqian said softly.
Xu Luo nodded. "Piaomiao Palace has likely just undergone an earth-shattering upheaval. I can still smell blood in the air."
"I can't smell any blood, but I can tell a major shift happened here," Su Qianqian said. "Look, we just strolled right in without anyone stopping us. That's highly unusual."
"Yes. They've controlled the major aspects well enough, but there are still glaring oversights in the details," Xu Luo said flatly, his eyes devoid of any joy.
