But beneath all that progress, one thread remained taut and unbroken... Han Yu's vow to save his companions.
He had visited the Slave District at least twice every month since he first learned of it. Every visit had ended the same. He would receive the new list from the clerk, read through it page by page, and leave in silence.
The clerk had grown used to him by now.
The sleazy man, an Outer Court disciple with slicked hair and half-lidded eyes, barely even looked up when Han Yu entered anymore. Han Yu's cold presence had once intimidated him, but repetition bred familiarity.
On this day, too, Han Yu approached the counter in his usual calm manner. The clerk recognized him immediately and wordlessly handed over a jade slip.
"The new list," the clerk said, his voice tired. "Prices are up again. You know the drill."
Han Yu nodded slightly.
