Chapter 41 - Second World-23.

The first rays of dawn filtered through the paper screens of the Silver Willow Inn, casting soft, pale light across the wooden floor. Outside, the village lay quiet but tense—Willowshade's residents stirred in the hush before sunrise, hearts weighed by the memory of recent horrors. Gu Yangjin and Qiao Zhi awakened early, senses alert to the lingering anxiety in the air. They rose without fanfare, dressing in simple yet well-tailored robes suited for movement: Gu Yangjin's deep indigo ensemble contrasted with Qiao Zhi's muted emerald-green attire. Both bore light travel gear—small pouches with talismans, vials of cleansing incense, and notebooks to record any discoveries.