act14mini

A fowlbeast's calls echo through the wilderness, and a fresh sun peeks out from the horizon.

The sun's color changes from day to day. Yesterday, it was shining brightly, but today it glows weakly. A few sparse rays of lights leak from the heavy clouds, coating the village in a layer of ashen gray.

An elderly man sits in a wheelchair, staring blankly at the shed in front of him.

He was instructed to call for help if he heard anything or saw someone trying to escape.

Being so old and needing help to get around, there is not much for him to do.

He was told the village has an important project, and once it's completed, everyone will be able to live a comfortable life.

In order to complete the project, he must not let the one inside escape.

He is old, but he can still offer some form of assistance, to help the village.

The morning breeze picks up, sending the blanket from his shoulders about a meter behind him.

He wants to call for help, but worries that he shouldn't alarm the group over such a minor thing. He should only cry out over the task entrusted to him.

Someone picks up the blanket, dusts it off and drapes it over his shoulders.

Oh, thank you...

Who do you belong to, child?

You're welcome.

Are the mandarins here? When will they take the prisoner away? Is the 'project' finished?

Do you know who is in there? Do you know what the 'project' is?

What did you say? My hearing isn't good, could you speak louder—

Yes, I know. I'll just sit here. I'm not going anywhere.

Yes, yes, pay no mind to this old man. You young people are plenty busy.

Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on things here, no one's getting past me.

I've lived a life of hardship, and I won't let you young people go through that. I'll do what I have to do.

The swordswoman pushes the old man's wheelchair a few steps forward, enough to catch the sun, then quietly leaves.

This should be a westward road now, so I think I'm going in the right direction.

Head straight after that sharp bend, and then turn left after passing the third fork...

But what exactly counts as a fork here...?

Oh, I'm so glad somebody's here!

Nin hao, sir... would you happen to be from the village around here?

Huh? Who are you?

I'm part of the disaster relief team. I heard there was a mudslide a few days ago. I came to investigate the damage, but it looks like my map's not quite right.

Have you heard of any villages around here that were struck by a mudslide?

Us mountain folk have all the paths around here memorized. I've never heard of someone making a decent map of the place.

You must be asking about Moushan, that's where I'm from.

We suffered some heavy rain two days back, and a section of the Chidao got washed away... but the village is unscathed.

What a relief, so I've been going the right way after all...

How do I get to Moushan from here?

Just continue on this road and turn north when you hit the fork in the road. It's about half a day's walk.

Thank you very much!

We've laid the traps as the Elder instructed... but I hope we don't need them.

After all, she's only here to help the village. Let's try not to hurt her, just lead her away.

Well I'm not the thinking type, so I'll do whatever you say.

What a coincidence, huh? This was supposed to be just between us and Heaven, but that stubborn Messenger had to come knocking.

Right, who was that girl from earlier? What's she here for?

Oh, she said she was from a disaster relief team or something and was here to check on the mudslide.

And you let her through just like that?!

The Elder told us to stop any Messengers here. What's that got to do with anyone else?

You idiot! The Elder stationed us here to stop the Messengers, that means he doesn't want any outsiders ruining our plans!

Doesn't disaster relief come from the government?

What if the village isn't ready yet and we've spoiled everything?

I didn't think that far ahead... so what do we do now?

What else can we do?! Take the shortcut back to the village and tell the Elder!

Tell them to hide Fang Xiaoshi in a safe place and make sure he isn't found!

Ugh... how do I even break the news...?

Forget it! You stay here on lookout and I'll go report myself.

Wait—

You didn't tell me how the traps work...

It looks pretty solid though. At a glance, you can't even tell where it is—

What's this now...?

Do you... need help?

Elder! Bad news! The mandarins are here early!

How could this be? Didn't we agree on a time?

*sigh* I don't know myself.

We were waiting at the village entrance to hold off any Messengers, but that idiot Dafu spotted one and gave her actual directions instead.

At this point, there's no turning back...

Well, it was inevitable, and better sooner than later.

There's no need to panic, just do what you've been tasked to do. I'll ready myself and head to the village entrance.

Elder, are you sure you can handle this alone?

I have some inkling of how to settle things.

The rest of you, do not let Fang Xiaoshi escape and make a scene. The mandarins might pay a visit to the hunter's place later.

Right, if he dares make any noise, we'll just drag him out of the village.

I've also tasked someone with sorting things out over at the hunter's place.

We've given him so many days, but it's time for him to place the grave marker.

Alright, we'll go with this for now.

Honored ancestors, please bless us... we must pass this test...

Nin hao...

Nin hao, nin hao. I am the Clan Elder of Moushan village. We've been anticipating your arrival.

Your magisterial greatness honors us with your presence, we beg your forgiveness in forcing you to travel all the way to our remote village.

Magisterial...?

Honored Elder... I heard there was a mudslide a few days ago, and wanted to get a deeper understanding of the situation.

Of course, of course. We have to be crystal clear about such an important incident.... we have already finished the preparations.

Shall I take you there now?

Preparations...?

Umm... Okay! I appreciate your cooperation.

(Strange. Why did the government send such a young girl?)

(The bag she's carrying... it doesn't look like it could hold a million.)

Fang Xiaoshi, time to go.

Go where?!

No questions, just come with us.

Oh, looks like you're in a panic. Let me guess, an outsider showed up?

Sure, I'll go right now, and tell them all about your schemes!

Won't you just behave?! Stop making trouble!

You dare headbutt me?!

Grab a rope and come help me tie him up!

Hunter, it's about time.

Just come with us and place the grave marker. Then it's all done.

Why the hurry? Didn't you say the mandarins were coming tomorrow?

I don't know why, but they're here today.

So we have to finish our side of the job early.

But I'm not done carving yet. This 'mu' character is still a few strokes short.

This is a pretty serious thing, so we can't do a shoddy job here.

We don't have time! This is all an act, why worry about stuff like that?!