As the moon hung high over Ash Crown City, casting silvery light through the gently swirling clouds of ash, Meng Bai and Daoist Chu strolled down the quieter side streets, heading back toward the Ember Hollow Hall.
Despite the late hour, the city hummed faintly with life—night workers, cultivators, and those with more shadowed professions going about their business beneath the smogged sky.
Meng Bai glanced sideways at Daoist Chu, his mind still dwelling on their meeting with Lady Qin and the enigmatic information she had provided. "You know," he said slowly, "you seemed like you recognized the name. This 'Hooded Tracker.' Do you?"
Daoist Chu gave a soft grunt of affirmation, the edges of his robe shifting in the warm wind. "Yes. I've heard of them before—more than once."
"From where?" Meng Bai asked, his voice hushed.
