Dan Kai stood before the entrance, his back straight and robes unruffled. Not a ripple of emotion could be seen on his face as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred just moments prior.
From his space ring, he drew out a small purple pill—no larger than a fingernail—and swallowed it in a single motion.
Almost instantly, a faint ripple of spiritual energy surged through his body. His aura steadied, and the fatigue from his earlier encounter with Xiao Ning faded like morning dew.
He took a moment to compose himself, then stepped forward and called out with a clear voice.
"Junior Brother Song, it's me—Old Chang."
Moments passed in silence before a voice responded, laced with impatience.
"Old Chang, there's no need to shout. I can sense your presence with my divine sense. Come in."
With that, the heavy wooden door creaked open. The defense formations surrounding the residence momentarily deactivated, the glow in the air dimming slightly.
Dan Kai didn't hesitate.
