The night air in Cloudveil City grew cooler as the lanterns burned brighter. Vendors called out their wares, children darted between the crowds, and cultivators with swords at their backs passed by in groups.
Yuxin leaned back slightly, finishing her last skewer with an air of satisfaction. "See? Worth it."
Tian Lei set down the wooden sticks in silence, though the slight ease in his shoulders betrayed that he agreed. He scanned the street, however, his gaze sharp. "We should leave soon. Crowded places attract trouble."
Yuxin chuckled lightly. "You always expect danger, even in the middle of a marketplace."
"Because danger doesn't wait for you to be ready," Tian Lei replied, his tone calm but firm.
