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Shut up and give it back!

The sound of metal clanging against metal.

Sparks fly as blades clash.

Hmph.

Mo Yi clenches her teeth as the soreness spreads from her hand to the rest of her arm.

You blockhead... gotten stronger in the span of just a few days, haven't you?

What do you want, Shanhaizhong bandit?

Don't tell me you haven't noticed something's not right with the Sui Regulator?

What about this doll? Why did you steal it?

It belongs to a proxy, just like the <i>Book of Kung Fu</i>. I believe... it has something to do with the vanished proxy.

As for taking it...

Would you have cooperated and come with me to the Sky Mirror Pavilion, hard-headed as you are, if I didn't?

What?!

Out of the way!

He pushes so hard that it sends the doll in Mo Yi's arms flying.

(Oh no!)

You won't—

Blades cross again in the blink of an eye.

The force sends both of them recoiling.

The blades vibrate and hum.

—Look out!

The bookshelf collapses towards Mo Yi, the shockwave forcing her back.

Stop! STOP!

(Who are they...?)

You're swinging swords at each other when there are still monsters around?! And you toppled an entire shelf of books?!

Out! GET OUT!

Wait, be careful—

Hmph...

It is unclear who moved first.

The balance is broken, and chaos breaks out.

Mo Yi turns towards the charging Magistrate of Water, angling her wrist to point her sword at her foe's shoulder.

Zuo Le's swing misses Mo Yi by inches, cutting the red rope tied to the wooden lock.

Stand back!

Ch'en has no time to pull Ch'en Chao-ch'ien back. Almost by instinct, she draws Chi Xiao, and barely parries an attack, without even seeing who made it.

Sparks fly amidst the poorly lit bookshelves, accompanied by the piercing sound of clashing metal.

Huh?

Mo Yi grabs Ch'en Chao-ch'ien by the collar and pulls her away from the scuffle.

Ch'en steps forward, her blade leading the way.

Zuo Le stands his ground—

Stop!

The girl holds up the petite form of the Magistrate of Water, and turns her blade around.

(No! The token!)

You! Give the wooden lock back!

Stop, all of you! Don't hurt the innocent!

You're... Lord Wei's niece?

Why is the token in your hands, Miss Ch'en? This is important to the Sui Regulator. You must return it at once!

Lower your weapon!

What a mess...

Miss Ch'en, return the item—

Let her go!

Return the lock!

I-I'm sure we can talk about this, calmly, like reasonable people...

I could hear you all the way from upstairs. I thought it was geists at work again.

I did not expect to see a three-person sparring session.

Mr. Liang?

I hope you're faring well, Lord Zuo.

(Lord Zuo... I've heard the name on Rhodes Island.)

I must admit, I was at my wits' end about how to resolve the trouble here...

My mind can be at ease now that the Sui Regulator has sent you to deal with it.

Well...

Do I misunderstand?

The Supervisor has her plans. There is no need to worry. I will offer what assistance I can.

Is it under the Supervisor's instructions that you are arresting this young lady?

She is Mo Yi... a member of the Shanhaizhong. She had been causing trouble at Mangshan Town a few days ago, and now she has appeared in Baizao, coinciding with the geist troubles.

This is highly suspicious and calls for a thorough investigation.

How ungrateful of you, Candleholder Zuo...

The Shanhaizhong...

(Cautiously backs off while still holding Ch'en Chao-ch'ien hostage)

The city is under martial law. I should commend Miss Mo for her boldness, if you are only here to cause trouble.

You seem duller than this Candleholder is, but I didn't expect you to be a reasonable one.

Care to persuade our Lord Zuo to listen to me before drawing his sword, for once?

My station is insignificant, and my words carry little weight. I can only ask you to release my... colleague.

'To travel across the land, and delve deeply into the laws of nature.' The original creed of the Shanhaizhong a thousand years ago. I doubt it is your intention to harm an innocent.

Mr. Liang?

How do you know that...?

...Hmph.

Mo Yi falls silent for a moment, then sheathes her sword, and gives the Magistrate of Water a gentle push.

Are you alright?

I'm fine...

<i>Duoxie,</i> new transcriber.

Hm...

If I recognize that sword...

You must be Miss Ch'en. It is surprising that you would return to Baizao, at a time like this.

You're Liang Xun, advisor of Yumen. I've seen you with Wei Yenwu.

You are too humble, to say that your station is insignificant.

I've left the position and am merely a humble transcriber now. Perhaps you have not yet heard the news, since you have been traveling.

(Eyes locked upon the wooden lock in Zuo Le's hand)

No sudden moves!

The token's one thing, but that lock was mine to begin with!

And what of it?

You dare?!

Speak your intentions, and I'll decide what to do with this lock.

You wouldn't believe me if I told you.

Why did the Old Tianshi allow you to come to Baizao?

Hmph...

She said that war is coming to the city, and some people will inevitably try to take advantage of the chaos... 'that young Candleholder will likely run into trouble.'

She took Deputy Minister Lin and Mr. Yun, so she wanted you to have help—

'Deal with anyone who tries to obstruct the boy, as best as you can.'

Did you think I <i>wanted</i> to help you, blockhead?

And what of the lock?