The carriage slowed smoothly as it entered a narrower street in the Fifth District.
Red lanterns hung from dark wooden beams, swaying with the gentle breeze that descended from the eternal clouds.
The smell arrived even before they stopped. Grilled spiritual beast meat mixed with spicy herbs, wild garlic, and a sweet touch of mountain honey.
The restaurant was called.
"Peak Flame."
It had a discreet façade, but with a presence that drew the eye. It was not ostentatious. But of quality.
The coachman stopped exactly in front of the main entrance. Kyrian and Mei Li got down.
The air was cool but heavy with the heat of the internal grills.
An attendant in a gray robe received them with a polite bow and guided them to the inner courtyard, separated by tall screens of spiritual bamboo that blocked sound and sight.
As soon as they crossed the threshold of the courtyard, Kyrian stopped for a moment.
