I checked the seal left by my master one last time.
The Taotie pattern on the bronze door knocker glowed green in the dim light of the morning, like the half-open eyes of some ancient creature. There was a slight scraping sound from behind the door, like fingernails scratching on a stone slab, or like a chain dragging on a rock. The sound has been ringing for three days and three nights, but the seal is still strong—at least it will be until I leave.
"Yuan Yi, do you really want to leave?"
An old voice came from behind. I didn't look back, I just continued to draw sigils in the void with my fingertips. The golden stream of light solidified in the air and slowly penetrated into the cracks in the door. The scratching sounds suddenly became weaker.
