Whatever power had created the illusion earlier had not pursued Han Yu, nor had any formation or guardian beast emerged from within.
The ruins were dormant, silent once more.
So, he decided to observe.
Han Yu chose a spot beneath a large willow-like tree near the edge of the clearing.
The drooping branches shielded him from direct sight, and the soft undergrowth muffled his presence. He used a few small concealment talismans, layering them lightly to suppress his Qi signature, and then settled in.
For the rest of that night, he watched the ruins in silence.
The faint glow of the false stars above bathed the landscape in a ghostly light. The walls stood unmoving. The mist drifted lazily. Nothing stirred.
By dawn, Han Yu's exhaustion caught up to him, and he let himself rest. When he woke, the ruins were still the same.
And so his silent vigil began...
