act23side

She's already on the move.

Good. Then there's only one thing left to do here.

Stop that woman.

Boring.

It seems that after all these years, you people have not changed a bit. You don't know how to respect power.

A colony of ants, is still just ants.

The wind blows away the clouds, and moonlight shines on the long and empty street.

The road is clean, save for a few yellow leaves swirling around the stone bricks.

It's the kind of cleanliness that comes after the decline of prosperity.

Like a bleak autumn night.

It all ends here.

Autumn night...?

So she's behind all the chaos that's been plaguing the city?

It's time to put an end to her troublemaking.

Be careful. Her Arts are extremely strange.

Even my father and Chief Wei working together couldn't capture her. She's got a lot of tricks up her sleeve.

You're telling me that this woman, talking all that trash, is the one who tried to assassinate Wei Yenwu?

You scared?

You've got to be kidding me.

Sounds perfect. We'll knock her out right here and I'll get to shove it in Wei Yenwu's face.

Alright.

Let's settle this here and now.

Someone! Anyone!

You again! Didn't we just let you out?

Keep making noise, and it's no more Mr. Nice Guy!

Daizi!

This box is holding something that can save the city, so shut up and give it to Zuo.

This is... data for the Imperial Astronomical Bureau? And a token?

Girl? How did this come into your possession? Hey, wake up!

Hurry! Call the medic!

Where... where exactly did this woman come from?

Has Superintendent Ch'en finally met her match?

Chi Xiao can't cut through her Arts.

If you can even call it Arts in the first place...

She doesn't seem to know any kung fu, but her swordplay is ridiculously quick.

It's like the kind of kung fu you find in those fake 'forbidden techniques' manuals that say they'll teach you transcend space and time.

I'll trade a few more blows with her and see if I can figure it out...

Careful now, she's not playing with us.

Slip up once and you might die.

Even if you don't, you still will.

You want a few more rounds with me? Sure, let's start with you.

This time, her blade flies quicker than in their previous bouts. Waai Fu can only feel the autumn wind brushing against her face, leaving her no time to react.

Suddenly, a wall appears in front of her, or rather, a man's back as thick and wide as a wall.

Waai Fu looks at the wall in front of her that she last saw over a decade ago. Still, the sight overlaps with the one in her memories.

The reunion comes sooner than she expected, and catches her off guard.

So this is the one Lee mentioned, the one who's been bothering everyone?

You again?

Turns out I've been sleeping bad because I was about to run into someone I'd rather not see.

Huai Tianpei sweeps a quick glance behind him.

His movements are light and quick, but Waai Fu catches them perfectly clearly.

I didn't want to fight anybody until my match with the Grandmaster.

*sigh*... Guess today's a cheat day.

So yeah, you've got some skills, but I can't say I know any kung fu school where you bully your juniors for practice.

If you're itching for a fight, I'll take you on!

Huai, you're at a disadvantage unarmed. I'll lend you my sword.

Don't need it.

Anything my fists can't break, a sword won't cut either.

Don't overestimate yourself.

Haah—!

Waai Fu gets a front row seat to the action.

Sidestep, chop, quick step, twist, elbow strike. All moves she has learned herself.

Seeing the pained expression on his opponent's face, it is clear that Huai Tianpei is using his full strength.

Waai Fu imagines what it feels like to be slammed into a wall.

Right...

That's some blade. I dodged it by a hair, but it caught my skin.

Damn you—

After being knocked back several feet, the woman steadies herself with her blade. The tremendous impact seems to have little lasting effect on her, as she lifts her sword again and assumes a defensive stance.

But being knocked off-balance has made her furious, and anger whips into a tangible wind, with everyone present feeling a chill run up their spines at the same time.

The moonlight intensifies.

Still got more tricks under her sleeve?

This sensation again...

Oh? Her Qi feels different... Great, let's go for another round!

(low-pitched hissing)

The woman raises her head and glances toward the sky, the clouds drifting across and obscuring half the moonlight.

She lowers her half-raised blade.

Since the girl already delivered the data, I'm not going bother with you any longer.

It doesn't matter. You're out of time.

Yumen city won't escape this calamity.

Seems like we weren't needed.

We did witness a splendid showdown, though, so I wouldn't say it was a waste.

The young will surpass us in time.

I assumed you were referring to that fellow.

I'd say Ch'en here has already learned a good chunk of what you have to offer.

What do you think of her swordplay?

Hmm...

Skillful, but not yet the peak of perfection.

Oh?

So what you mean to say is...

Brother Meng—!

A sorrowful howl resounds through the long and deserted street.

Back at the agency, Waai Fu saw plenty of soap operas depicting children reunited with their parents.

Some cried bitterly while others threw furniture around, the actors' intense performances felt strange and unfamiliar to Waai Fu.

When watching with Hung or Lee, they would always silently change the channel.

She tried to imagine what it would be like when she saw him again. The pent-up resentment, anger, confusion, and dissatisfaction that accumulated over a decade... How would she express herself to him?

But at this very moment, the man standing right in front of her feels less real than the cold wind blowing on her face.

You came to my rescue, so thanks for that.

Sure...

Anything else you'd like to say?

I'm good.

Then prepare yourself.