The night was so thick it seemed impossible to melt, like spilled ink pressing heavily upon the beast-headed roof tiles of the Zhenbei Estate.
The clamor of the daytime martial arts practice arena had long since faded, the lingering scents of sweat and dust in the air washed away by the deeper, heavier chill of the midnight dew.
Only the wind swept tirelessly across the empty courtyard, kicking up a few withered leaves that swirled and crashed against the creaking, dilapidated wooden door of Qin Lie's small courtyard.
Chapter 22