Victor sighed. "That's where I was heading. And you might want to lower the hostility."
There was an awkward silence before the guards eased their stances. Victor followed them through winding paths until the grand golden doors of the main hall stood before him. The guards stepped aside as he entered.
Inside, City Lord Xuan Wenzhou sat atop a large throne, flanked by ministers and advisors. The moment he saw Victor, his face broke into a rare smile.
"Fang Chen! I never thought you would return," the City Lord exclaimed. "It has been over eight moons since your disappearance."
Victor didn't waste time. "Why did you try to keep me here last time?"
The City Lord nodded toward his advisor. The elderly man stepped forward and unrolled an ancient scroll before handing it to Victor.
Victor studied it. The drawing was aged and the ink look faded.
