act49side

And must make our way there.

Alright, so on we go... and what next?

Did my past catch up with me... or did I go looking for it? Heh, guess it's less history and more a reality I haven't faced yet.

Talulah, if you were here... what would you think about all these?

Hmph. Overcautious and indecisive. Your courage is for naught.

This lass is unlike her ancestors.

That first Lung's descendants must number at least tens of thousands over the millennia, how many of them were heroes, and how many were mediocrities?

How much can this sliver of that bloodline even accomplish?

With a mind this turbid, as if trapped in a dream, can we really trust her with anything?

Or is it because those old blockheads refuse to bend? No wonder the youths are too inept to handle things on their own.

She's been on quite the journey, so she must have other special skills beyond her brute swordplay.

Just who the hell are you?!

Enough hiding!

Come out here and show yourselves!

The vague, mysterious voice speaks again, but she hears it clearly this time.

Only now is Ch'en Hui-chieh sure the whispers that have plagued her all night are no mere hallucination.

Hah, just look at the girl. Inexperienced, yet quick to anger.

I'm glad you want to know, but if you truly seek your answer, why not find it yourself—

What the...?

What was that?

From the posthouse?

Lady Ch'en.

What are you all standing around for... did something happen?

When was the last time you saw Lord Wei?

Barely an hour ago.

So you don't know his whereabouts either.

Wait, you mean—

Half an hour ago, Lord Wei went to rest and dismissed us.

The posthouse owner just realized the room was empty when delivering the food.

We've searched the premises, and found no trace.

Lord Wei is... missing.

No note left in the room.

An empty room, as if it never housed a guest.

So he actually managed to slip out, with all of you watching.

Again... yet again, Wei Yenwu.

Lord Wei received a letter, personally penned by the True Lung, summoning him to the capital. We tried in vain to dissuade him. We could only follow.

Let us tentatively assume he is making his way there.

We failed to ensure his safety, and our crime is unforgivable. However, I fear entering the capital now would only—

Don't worry.

Ch'en interrupts the Shadow Guard.

Whatever the case, he left without a word.

So this time... I'll find him.

<p=2>Two days before the day of the full moon, Hour of Yin</>

Reporting in—from the Hour of Yu yesterday to the Hour of Yin today, we have moved more than eighty percent of the residents from the area around the main street to nomadic plate C.

Some residents remain due to official duties, property concerns, or other reasons.

Urge them to settle their affairs at once and leave material goods behind. Time is almost up.

Understood!

Also, strengthen security inspections at checkpoints. Report any suspicious individuals or situations to your captain immediately.

Yes, sir!

So Baizao's already evacuating the population... I wonder if the Sui Regulator has any news from the Tomb of Sui.

That's a lot of sentries... best not draw attention to myself.

Time for a detour.

That's—

Zuo Le goes around the checkpoint, but as he turns a corner, he spots someone who should not be there.

Zuo Le.

Are you...?

Apologies, but may I ask... who you are, sir?

The Sui Regulator is aware of your deeds at Mangshan Town and in the Garden of Grotesqueries. I was dispatched to meet you here. You've done well.

You must be exhausted. Go to rest.

Thank you for your concern.

But I have to deliver a token to the Sui Regulator, and share the details of the Placation with the Supervisor at once, so I dare not retire for now.

Just the proof of the Placation. Fret not, just hand it here and I'll take care of it.

As for the report, you may submit it at a later time.

But...

Zuo Le subconsciously rubs the token in his pocket with his knuckles.

This is a special case, so I must submit the token and my report to the Supervisor myself.

Still doubting me, when I have the approval penned personally by the Supervisor for my actions right here?

Zuo Le, I know you are very conscientious, but the situation is complicated. You need not be stubborn.

I'm sorry, sir... but this is all too sudden, and I don't know where this change is coming from.

I do not doubt the Supervisor's orders, but could we at least head over to the Sui Regulator together so I can get a complete grasp of the situation?

Sir... what is the meaning of this?

Is someone obstructing official duties here?

Stay your hand... for now.

I've never seen the Sui Regulator cooperate with the Patrol Battalion before.

As I said, things are complicated. This is how affairs are handled in wartime.

Zuo Le, tarry any longer and we may hinder our battle plans.

I'm acting on orders. If you have any further questions, save them for the Supervisor herself later.

'Acting on orders'... dare I ask whose orders these are?

That is classified military information that may not be leaked, Lord Zuo. I'm sure you understand, seeing as you grew up in the barracks.

Three hundred Candleholders in the Sui Regulator, and none know each other's past.

So, how do you know my background?

Just who are you?

Seize him.

Go!

What—?

A black sphere suddenly rolls down to the center of their stalemate, spewing out thick black smoke that spreads quickly through the air.

An ambush! Assume defensive positions!

Just run already!

Wha—

Ah!

Zuo Le jumps up onto the eaves, mid-exclamation.

After him!

Footsteps rumble behind the young man as several soldiers rush in his direction.

Form a line! There's still time, no need to rush!

Think carefully. Did you leave it at your desk?

Y-Yeah! Probably!

What's the matter?

Sir!

We finished an experiment outside the city, and only just the evacuation order...

But we left something important in the school laboratory. We'll be back once we've fetched it, I promise! Can we go?