The emerald light wrapped around Li Wei as he plummeted from the rooftop, a streak of jade fire against the violet sky. Wind howled past his ears. The air trembled with spiritual resonance, vibrating as if an immortal blade was cutting through the heavens themselves.
Below, the plaza erupted in shocked cries.
"WHAT—!"
"From the roof!"
"Someone's descending—gods, what kind of speed is that?!"
"IT'S HIM! THE THIEF!"
"LI WEI!"
The jade platform flared as formation masters reacted instinctively, channeling qi into the binding arrays. Arrows were already notched. Spears raised. The execution slaves jerked their heads upward, hope and terror mingling in their wide eyes.
Han Zhuo's expression twisted into surprise, rather outrage before his face settled into a sneer.
"Fool," he spat, spreading his stance as soldiers formed ranks behind him. "You descend into the tiger's jaws willingly."
Magistrate Yun rose halfway from his balcony seat, eyes narrowing to slits of gold.
