The imperial palace hummed with renewed activity six months after the tragedy. Servants scurried through restored hallways while guards in gleaming armor maintained their posts. The Iron Talon's distinctive golden-streaked armor became a common sight around the capital as Jin's troops patrolled the streets.
In the imperial study, Emperor Yu pored over ancient texts while Xie Mu organized reports from across the provinces. Dark circles under their eyes betrayed countless sleepless nights spent searching for ways to rescue Li Shen.
"Another dead end." Yu set aside a crumbling scroll. "This text only discusses leyline theory, nothing about accessing them directly."
Jin entered the study, his silver mask replaced by an intricate jade pendant marking his position as Imperial Protector. "The Shadow Sect's trail has gone cold again. Their assassins covered their tracks well after Wei's orders were carried out."
