The moon hung low over the city, a blood-red crescent casting its pallid light across rooftops and spires. Li Wei moved like a whisper through the silent streets, his robes pressed close to his body, feet finding paths where shadows were deepest.
Most of the city was alive with commerce by day, now appeared to be holding its breath at night, its heartbeat faint and irregular. Tonight, every lanterned alley was a potential threat, every watchful window a sentinel.
He approached the Jade Pavilion from a side street few dared traverse. The courtyard beyond the gates was guarded, but Li Wei had observed their rotations, noting that at this hour the patrols followed a rigid rhythm. Their approach was methodical but predictable.
One guard lingered near the fountain, checking his reflection, while two more leaned on their staves by the main entrance. Their spirits were largely strong and disciplined, though they were not adept in batteground perception.
