Chapter 16: Secret Message Ring

The setting sun hung low on the horizon, painting the sky crimson.

Birds returning home traced beautiful arcs through the sky before settling on the rooftops of stone houses.

In West City, the gray walls of the castle reflected the glow of the setting sun.

From a window on the third floor of the castle, the bright light of an alchemical lamp poured out.

Xia Zhou was standing by the window, enjoying the scenery of West City.

The distant hustle and bustle of the busy marketplace lit up an entire row of lamps illuminating the night, the muffled murmurs of the crowd drifting from the marketplace, audible even from the distant castle window.

Mars entered the room, placing two silver wine glasses on the table, and greeted his junior, who was by the window:

"Xia Zhou, I've prepared some food and drink. The food here doesn't compare to the Academy, but I've picked out some of the freshest for you."