act23side

Who goes there?

Stop right there.

Do you know where you are, and exactly what that sword you're holding is?

It's a sword. The sword that I've been looking for.

Let us set aside the question for the time being who it is you are working for and how you made your way in here.

Hand over the sword. I'll take you to the Grandmaster.

A fickle-minded, perfidious man like him does not deserve to keep this sword.

Impudence!

The Grandmaster has defended Yumen's peace for a hundred years. How dare you speak ill of him?!

How pretentious. What do you even know? Out of my way!

I've arrested no small number of criminals, but you are the first one I've met to be so arrogant.

Solemn on the outside, but self-centered on the inside. I've met plenty of men like you!

I see I have no choice but to get you to comply forcefully, then.

Try it.

It's over. You've lost.

This isn't where we settle this.

If you would leave, surely you would leave us with an explanation?

I want answers, but you have none to give me.

You let her get away.

With her injuries, she won't get far.

Wei, your old bones don't seem to be much use here.

My sincerest gratitude, Lin.

You are master of the Chi Xiao, yet you need someone to come to your rescue when your mortal enemies come attacking?

I do not remember having made such an enemy.

A feint!

Hmph...!

You're injured. Where can you run?

You...?

Watch out, Grandmaster!

Grandmaster, what happened here?

This is my fault.

The sword has been taken.

General, the assassin could not be found within five miles of the inner city, and there are no signs of her receiving assistance from anyone.

No one else was ambushed, and neither the inner city core nor the armory show signs of having been infiltrated.

No signs, or has it been confirmed they have not been infiltrated?

We... cannot say for sure at this moment...

How could someone infiltrate the Yumen barracks and roam free... even after facing our four masters here.

Extraordinary.

I was too careless.

Do you have any clues regarding the identity of our assassin, Lord Wei?

Over the years, I've come across many who wanted my life, but I am alive and well nonetheless.

All of them have either given up on the idea or perished long ago.

I am not acquainted with our friend tonight.

Zuo Le, any discoveries on your end?

It all happened too suddenly. I wasn't prepared, and I wasn't able to take the assassin in, as a result.

I'm not asking why you were unable to capture the assassin. I'm asking you what you saw.

It was a young female assassin who infiltrated us and took the sword. She was hurt when she made her escape. Aside from that... I'm afraid I don't have anything.

A cup shatters, with the Lord Exorcist seizing all its fragments with his hand.

Even with the distinguished guest in attendance, at that moment, he finds himself unable to quell his anger, just as he wasn't able to control his shaking hand as he drew his bowstring earlier.

Now that it has come to this, talking about it will do us no good.

Send the order out. Seal the city gates immediately, and set up checkpoints between each district. Do not allow unnecessary travel between them.

In addition, send the word to the entire city. At the Hour of Shen two days from now, Yumen will slow and adjust course. Have the masses make ready for this.

Yes, sir.

Zuo Le.

Sir!

Capture the assassin, locate the Grandmaster's sword, and find the Shanhaizhong hiding in the city. Do all three without failure.

You have three days. My personal troops are yours to command.

Keep this secret, and do not disturb the people.

Yes, sir!

Where's Lin?

He left as soon as the soldiers came.

Lin has no standing in the court, meaning he has no right to stand in attendance as you give your orders.

Is there anything I can assist with?

Seeing as the assassin is after your life, your safety should be the top priority.

Once this commotion calms, I will send a battalion to escort you back to Lungmen.

I ask you to stay indoors for the next few days.

May I ask what you mean by that?

Exactly what I said.

Yumen will take care of the rest.

Of course.

Our foe this time is exceptionally skilled. Perhaps I should...

I ask you to stay in the barracks and ensure the Grand Tutor's and Lord Wei's safety.

It is equally dangerous to allow the criminal to roam free in the city.

This affair began because of the Feranmuts. Considering you are who you are, you should not get yourself involved.

After all, the only ones who know your true identity are all here in the room.

The general's tone is hardly heavy, yet it fills the entire building with silence.

A sigh can be heard from one of its corners.

Very well...

Do you have any objections to this arrangement, Grand Tutor?

I trust your judgment, Lord Exorcist.

Very well.

Execute these orders at once.

Grandmaster, are you alright?

I don't believe there's anyone alive who could do him harm.

It seems you really believe in me...

From the sound of it, you have heard already.

Let us set aside the issue of the soldiers outside the city for the time being. The defense of Yumen was part of your responsibilities to begin with. Considering this arrangement, Zuo Xuanliao clearly doesn't trust you.

Naturally, I understand and empathize with General Zuo's position.

Which is why I have a few things I need you to help me with, over the next few days.

This is highly unusual, and the foe we are up against is especially treacherous. I hope you'll lend Zuo Le a helping hand.

Given how he is, he may not be very receptive to me meddling with his affairs.

In that case, it would seem now is not the time for us to resolve the matter between us.

You need not say any more. I know the score.

With how little I have to do the next few days, I am hoping you will help me finish writing the last few chapters of the Book of Kung Fu as quickly as possible.

It is my duty, as your student.

Thank you.

If there is nothing else, Grandmaster, I will take my leave. Please get some rest soon.

The man sighs, perhaps at the sight of the empty sword mount on the wall or something else.

How many more will you drag into this game...?

Once a pure stream of water flows into a polluted lake, you can no longer scoop any clean water from it. Don't you understand that?