act31side

Just one look. It won't take much of your time. I promise, you won't regret it.

Enough is eno—

Your skills have advanced beyond my wildest dreams.

I am no longer a match for you.

It's you...

If I beat you, will that make me the First Under Heaven?

You are already the First Under Heaven.

The First... I'm the First Under Heaven?

His heart feels like it is boiling. His fists still feel warm.

He has reached the summit, he has done what he sought to do all his life.

Wait, no.

Who is this man?

He feels dazed.

...What's going on?

Who are you?!

Like I said, a humble merchant.

I buy and sell everything.

How did he find me?

Why me?

I know you've trained for forty years with one opponent in mind.

You have the chance to close the gap by a few decades. Are you not interested?

I don't need your help!

Maybe you don't want anything from me, but you have something I want.

I heard you recently came into possession of a certain sword. Name your price. What can I offer you for it?

Get lost!

What the—

It appears you're not satisfied with my offer.

Now, now, there's no need to be hasty. There's room for negotiation.

There's nothing to negotiate!

You honored the sword, and you honored our promise. I knew my oath-brother could be trusted.

Forty years in search of the peak of kung fu perfection.

Is there no price you would pay to reach that peak?

Enough of your tricks!

Dad?

Ah, yes. Everything is for sale. It's just about putting the right price on it.

How about... the life of your daughter?

Weiwei! This is a construction site. You can't enter without permission.

Long time no see, Nian.

Did you make all this? Very impressive.

Skip the flattery. What do you want?

Aw, it's been so long since we last saw each other and this is how you greet me?

Where would you have found the funding for your little toy, if I wasn't hard at work north and south, paying taxes on my hard-earned income?

You think I don't know where your money comes from? Speculation and inflated prices, not to mention you're not the one who made all that stuff.

There's a reason traders like you weren't respected in the old days.

What are you doing here? I thought you would go to see Shu first.

Just curious about this thing they say will let our family live in peace and comfort forever and ever.

Heard you ran into a bit of trouble. Need a hand?

If I did it, wouldn't be yours. What do you know about engineering?

I could help a little with Shu's side.

What are you planning?

I know that this energy core is more than just a construction project. It must be given the concept of 'life' in order for it to become the conceptual 'Feranmut' that enables our continued existence.

That's why you need our big sister's powers, but she already has so much to deal with here.

I've learned a trick or two from her. Wouldn't it be more efficient for me to take over?

So you care about her, after all... I thought you two had a split.

Perish the thought...

Can I take that as a yes?

No, hold it right there.

Go back where you came from, and I'll pretend I never saw you today.

Ai, my sisters really don't want to see me?

I'm just on guard against your bag of tricks. Don't wanna fall into your trap.

Wouldn't be the first time you cheated me out of something.

I was just helping you sell some of your things. You always got your fair cut.

Just stop. I don't have time for your smooth talking.

Go away, far away from my project. The last thing I need is even more complaining from the old men.

What if I <i>really</i> wanted to go and see?

...Wei.

Don't get so excited. Do I look like the kind of man who would steal from my little sister?

I'm just here to see my sisters. I'm glad you're all still alive and kicking.

Saw him once, and that was it...

Where did he go?

Wei.

Hraaagh––

(Bite)

You—!

...Dusk?

What's the matter? Not quite as spirited as the last time I saw you, eh?

You should not abuse your proxy powers like that...

Ah, give it a rest.

Did you think I would have come looking for the Sui Regulator if I didn't really, absolutely, definitely have to?

So he already found you.

What are you planning?

Why did he suddenly return to Dahuang, just as work on the Twelve Pagodas and Five Cities is beginning?

Why are you asking me? Aren't <i>you</i> the Candleholder?

I'll get to the bottom if it, of course...

And where do you intend to start?

I suspect there was someone behind the previous disaster... with the construction of the Twelve Pagodas and Five Cities looming, the offender may be in hiding nearby.

And what is a lone Candleholder going to do without help?

I'm not the only one the Sui Regulator has in Dahuang.

Then you can keep following the lead of others, completely oblivious to what's going on, just like you always do.

Looks like taking off that uniform has cleared your eyes a bit. Maybe there's hope for you yet.

I don't need your advice...

I don't like to deal with calculating types. I'm going to say this once, and only once.

The needle prick is smart. Very smart. He's not going to leave a trail for you to find. And you people know that, having been on his case for so many years.

Brute force is more effective when dealing with someone like that.

Force?

Here.

A picture scroll?

What do you think you can do on your own, even if you somehow catch him in the act?

This will at least keep his feet tied for a while.

It's a major violation of regulations for a Candleholder to have private contact with a proxy, never mind borrowing her power...