The fourth month of house arrest continued with the slow, predictable rhythm of a perfectly maintained cage.
It was mid-morning. The sunlight filtering through the peach blossoms was warm and golden. Yan Shuo was seated on his heated jade cushion, wearing a soft, loose-fitting white robe. He held a cup of hot water—because tea leaves contained earthly stimulants—and watched his new guard dog work.
A few feet away on the grass, Sesame was currently locked in a life-or-death struggle with a spirit-butterfly.
The Late Core Formation Nether-Realm Shadow Leopard, an apex predator whose ancestors had plunged entire continents into darkness, was wiggling its fluffy backside. Its glowing purple eyes were completely dilated. With a tiny, high-pitched mew, Sesame launched himself into the air, batting wildly at the glowing blue insect with both front paws.
He missed. He landed face-first in the dirt, a dandelion stuck to his nose.
Yan Shuo took a slow sip of his hot water.
