Zhao Tian slipped into the crowd as the two disciples made their way out of the cafeteria, mingling through the winding paths of the sect.
The sun cast a soft glow over the stone pathways, as he moved casually, keeping a careful distance as they walked briskly, exchanging glances with one another.
One of them suddenly threw a glance back, as if suspecting they were being followed.
Zhao Tian quickly stepped behind a pillar and blended into a group of fellow disciples walking by, to avoid suspicion.
As the disciples descended a set of winding stone steps, Zhao Tian maintained his distance, his footsteps light against the stone.
The path twisted and turned, sometimes doubling back, and he began to realize that they were taking a less-traveled route... one often used to avoid attention.
The air grew quieter as they reached the outskirts of the sect grounds, where the usual chatter of disciples training faded into silence.
