The scent of steamed buns and jasmine porridge lingered in the quiet inn tavern. Morning sunlight broke through the wooden lattice windows, soft and warm — a stark contrast to the tension sitting at Xiao Fang's table.
Xiao Hei ate with her usual enthusiasm, tail swaying lazily behind her chair as she tore into a roasted meat skewer. Li Xiang sat more properly, nibbling at a steamed bun with careful grace.
Xun Wei, however, remained quiet. She had ordered nothing — only sipping from a small cup of tea, hands wrapped around it for warmth. She didn't reach for food herself, yet she never refused when Xiao Fang occasionally lifted a piece to her lips.
She accepted each bite without complaint.
Xiao Fang himself ate slowly. He remained silent, blindfolded, and calm, while seated on a wheelchair.
Everything was pleasant — until voices from the neighboring table carried across the room.
"Did you hear? Two Heavenly Fate disciples were found dead outside the Black Paradise Sect."
