Operation story: WB-1

Operation

Story

Previous WB-ST-1	Next WB-2
Characters
Chongyue Exotically Dressed Girl Lee Lin Yühsia Ling Qiubai Waai Fu Zuo Le Aloof Woman Du Yaoye Grand Tutor Lin Meng Tieyi Record Keeper Wei Yenwu Zuo Xuanliao Lungmen Tourist Mysterious Criminal Patrol Battallion Soldier Yumen Sentry A Yumen Sentry B
Backgrounds
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Before operation

“

The murder of the Catastrophe Messenger throws everyone into a panic. The Grand Tutor points out that Feranmut followers might be plotting to do harm to Yumen. Just as everyone has gathered to discuss the countermeasures, an assassin attempts to take Wei Yenwu's life.

”

<Background 1>
Yumen Sentry A	We should be safe now that we've made it into Yumen.
Lin Yühsia	Don't let your guard down. We will return to the barracks and present the data to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau first, then we will report to General Zuo about the situation outside the city.
Yumen Sentry A	Of course.
[Someone shoots at Lin, but she brings up a sand barrier that intercepts it.]
Lin Yühsia	Hmph, and not a second after I finish.
Yumen Sentry A	An ambush! Protect Envoy Lin and fall back!
Lin Yühsia	No need. We're surrounded.
[Unidentified armed people moves in...]
Yumen Sentry B	Who goes there?! How dare you intercept a military unit?!
[...and surrounds Lin and her Millenion escorts.]
Mysterious Criminal	......
Yumen Sentry B	Watch out, Envoy Lin!
[One of the ambushers charge at Lin, who narrowly blocked their attack.]
Mysterious Criminal	Arts that turn sand into glass... How quaint.
[Lin pushes her sword off the ambusher.]
Lin Yühsia	I've had a feeling things weren't quite right since before we made it into the city... I take it you're after the Catastrophe observation data? You killed the entire team of Messengers, but you weren't able to find the data, so you had no choice but to arrange the crime scene to look like they were robbed by bandits... How shabby.
Mysterious Criminal	Kill the broad first. She must be holding the target. Watch out for her Arts.
Lin Yühsia	You think you have the advantage because you have more men? Hmph...
A mace flies through the air and smashes into the scoundrel standing in front of Lin Yühsia until he crashes into the road's flagstones, shattering them to pieces. The mace could not be more normal, but it must have seen better days, given how smooth its surface has become. A man steps forward to pick up the mace and stands in front of Lin Yühsia. A regular bladesmith. His face has been scalded red by the flames of his forge and ploughed into a ravine by the sandstorm, like a war drum that's crude yet firm and tough nonetheless.
???	Impudence!
Mysterious Criminal	......
[The ambushers retreat as the ones appearing by surprise reveals themselves to be Du Yaoye from Shangshu and the local swordsmith Meng Tieyi.]
Du Yaoye	Uncle Meng, I'll go after them!
Meng Tieyi	Yaoye, we must first check on the warriors with all haste.
Du Yaoye	Okay....
[fades out and in]
Meng Tieyi	The scoundrels are ruthless with their attacks. Are you alright, my fair lady?
Lin Yühsia	...... They don't have what it takes to hurt me.
Du Yaoye	Some of the men are injured. Their lives are not in danger, though. Only passed out. They dare look for trouble with government troops in broad daylight? Makes me wonder where these people came from. Uncle Meng, what do you say I take one of them back for an interrogation?
Meng Tieyi	We don't know the first thing about the enemy... Yaoye, you must learn not to be so rash. Judging by your outfit, you are not from Yumen, yet you have the protection of Yumen's forces. I must assume you are no ordinary lady. May I ask why these bandits are giving you trouble?
Lin Yühsia	I'm on official business. Don't ask any further.
Du Yaoye	You little...!
Lin Yühsia	And who are you? Why are you here?
Meng Tieyi	The name is Meng Tieyi. I run a sword forge in the southern end of the city. This is Du Yaoye. She just came here from Shangshu.
Du Yaoye	I own Xingyu Logistics, Yumen's top logistics company.
Meng Tieyi	We're heading to the city gate to arrange a welcome.
Du Yaoye	This is the first time the guys I brought with me from Shangshu are on a Yumen job. It's a huge gig, they're escorting a Catastrophe Messenger, even. Of course I have to be there to welcome them. Judging by the time, they should be back soon, Uncle Meng.
Lin Yühsia	Catastrophe Messenger... I have a feeling you don't need to go.
<Background 2>
[Wei Yenwu looks at the collection of weapons in the walls of Xuanliao's manor.]
Wei Yenwu	......
Zuo Xuanliao	Have you taken a fancy to another weapon here in my tent? It's fine. I have no need of all these weapons. If you'd like, perhaps you could take my army's entire armory with you to Lungmen.
Wei Yenwu	Please, Lord Exorcist. Even if you had no need for all these armaments yourself, Yumen needs them for its defense.
Zuo Xuanliao	If memory serves me right, you and I made a bet a decade ago, and you made off with a fine blade I had only just obtained. Then, five years ago, you made off with a bow the Tianshi Bureaus bestowed upon me, after a bit of drinking.
Wei Yenwu	Then allow me to invite you to another round of drink today. Please, win if that is your wish. Hold back no more.
Zuo Xuanliao	I'm joking. All these years, Lungmen has been providing Yumen with the resources we need, and not once have we seen a delay in shipments. Based on this fact alone, I certainly should have sent you a few gifts myself.
Wei Yenwu	It's the least I could do.
Zuo Xuanliao	But as the Chief of Lungmen, I understand you must have plenty on your plate... Certainly, you must have more important business to attend to than personally visiting Yumen today?
Wei Yenwu	You could say I'm not here for business. A few days without Chief Wei won't see Lungmen falling into chaos, and it's not so bad if Wei Yenwu finds some time to pay an old friend a visit. It so happens the Grandmaster's retirement is near, and I will be there in attendance.
Zuo Xuanliao	His retirement is indeed quite troublesome. That blade of his requires the most attentive treatment.
Chongyue	Well, it seems in the end, this troublesome topic falls on me to explain.
[Chongyue walks into the hall alongside Ling.]
Wei Yenwu	Grandmaster, Miss Ling. Long time no see.
Chongyue	It has been some time indeed.
Ling	Aah! With so many old friends in attendance, that's reason enough for drink. Have you perhaps prepared some wine for us, General Zuo?
Zuo Xuanliao	Given your service to Yumen, it would be my honor to share a drink with you, Miss Ling. That said, I'm afraid it must wait for another time. I heard you have already made up your mind, and you wish to bestow your blade upon the winner of a kung fu scramble?
Chongyue	Martial arts are merely the first of many ways I will be evaluating prospective successors. I will be judging whether they are worthy of my blade via other means. And I was under the impression that you would have known this long ago.
Zuo Xuanliao	The circumstances were different the last time you brought this up.
Chongyue	And if I am to say, although this blade must eventually be given to someone suitable, this is not the most opportune time to do so.
Zuo Xuanliao	Grandmaster, after all this time, of all the men and women in our whole army, you've never seen a suitable candidate?
Chongyue	......
???	What a lively gathering.
[The Grand Tutor joins in.]
Zuo Xuanliao	My apologies for not personally receiving you, Grand Tutor.
Wei Yenwu	It has been far too many years, but you seem as spirited as ever, Grand Tutor.
Grand Tutor	All of you are outstanding citizens who defend the peace of Great Yan's borders. Your magnificence gathered together in one place is truly a sight for sore eyes. Alas, we have no time for idle conversation today, for we have urgent matters at hand. We have all gathered, General Zuo. Send the men away.
[A patrolman rushes into the hall.]
Grand Tutor	On my way here, I just so happened to have come across a returning patrolman. Let us listen to him.
Patrol Battalion Soldier	Four hours ago, our men on the city walls noticed a distress signal from afar. When we got there, we found... the Catastrophe Messenger team that Yumen deployed three days ago... has been wiped out.
Zuo Xuanliao	......!
<Background 3>
Meng Tieyi	Yaoye, did you not design this banner yourself? Why pack it up?
Du Yaoye	......
Meng Tieyi	Are you perhaps considering making your way home? Are you regretting letting the Qis go on this job?
Du Yaoye	I'm regretting not going with them.
Meng Tieyi	You heard the envoy just now. Of the team of ten, not one survived. The moment they got the distress signal, they immediately left to give their assistance, but were killed on their way back. These are not roving bandits we are dealing with. What could you have possibly done to change the outcome if you were there?
Du Yaoye	Uncle Meng... I'm guessing... you must have seen these things happen many times before?
Meng Tieyi	What do you think?
Du Yaoye	......
Meng Tieyi	Over a decade ago, the Xingyu Escort Association came to Yumen for a few jobs. That was when your father and I met each. We've had little contact with each other the last few years, but our friendship goes deep.
Du Yaoye	He often talks about you, too.
Meng Tieyi	Two weeks ago, you came to my forge and told me you wanted to start your own logistics company. It may only have been a decade or so, but much has changed over the years. It's nothing strange for the youngsters to want to strike out on their own. On top of that, your knowledge of the escort business and wilderness survival is no worse than any of the old veterans. I should have expected no less from the Asker of the Frost's daughter. This is why I took you in. I know little about modern logistics, but having spent all these years in Yumen, I could at least find some opportunities for you. In hindsight, it would seem I led to your friends' undoing...
Du Yaoye	I was the one who brought them to Yumen. I was also the one to send them on this job. Their deaths are on me, and I won't shirk that responsibility.
Meng Tieyi	It puts my mind at ease to see you have that resolve. Be it the Escort Association or a logistics company, things will always be the same. For the sake of our livelihood, we put our lives on the line. If you wish to make a name for yourself in this business, you need to understand how heavy the weight on your shoulders is. Yaoye, it doesn't matter whether this is the path you will end up taking or not. I want you to remember how you feel this very moment for the rest of your life.
Du Yaoye	Yeah... Of course I will remember. But I won't let the culprit here get away with killing them!
<Background 4>
Lee	Well, this has been another productive day for you, hasn't it? Try to get some rest now. I've left you two dishes. The cooks have reheated it already. This inn's has a chef of truly magnificent culinary skill. Makes me want to learn a couple things from him.
Waai Fu	I'm not hungry... I can't eat this right now.
Lee	You can look for your good-for-nothing father, but you need to eat nonetheless. Without the stamina, how are you going to beat him when you find him?
Waai Fu	(Picks chopsticks up silently)
Lee	What happened to your hand...?
Waai Fu	I scraped myself in a match today... but a wound like this is nothing! Yumen's arena is open all day long, and I was up against lots of tough opponents. And I won in the end!
Lee	That explains why the inn keeps so many medicines in stock... Wait here. I'll bring you some.
<Background fades out and in>
Lee	Show me your hand.
Waai Fu	Oof.
Lee	It's only in times like these that I remember... you're Waai Tinpui's... or I guess out here he's Huai Tianpei, his daughter.
Waai Fu	We're nothing alike! He's a grown man, but he shirks all his responsibilities, washes his hands of everything. I've been living a fairly decent, productive life on my own. But him? He was already a lawbreaker back when I was still a kid!
Lee	You're exactly right. That's why we should take him straight to the nearest L.G.D. office the moment we find him.
Waai Fu	...... Uncle Lee... Do you think he's really here in Yumen?
Lee	I heard a rumor that someone saw him here a year ago. It's from your Uncle Liang, and I have no choice but to believe him.
Waai Fu	If he's really in Yumen, he has to have seen my name on the rankings at the city gate by now. It's been so many years. The least he could've done was stop by to check on me when he passed through Lungmen. Does that mean he doesn't care about me? Or is he trying to avoid me?
Lee	Now, I can't say how fathers feel about their daughters. But blood is thicker than water. Nothing changes that. I have faith that you two will see each other one day. The question is whether the you two will find the answers you seek once you meet.
Waai Fu	Actually... I'm still not sure I'm prepared to see him.
Lee	In that case, let's say we walk outside right now and we bump into him. What are you going to do?
Waai Fu	...... I'm going to break his jaw.
<Background 2>
Patrol Battalion Soldier	That concludes my summary. The Catastrophe data has been sent to Imperial Astronomical Bureau's Observatory, and a provisional new course has been charted based on the computations' results. The injured men have all been sent to the infirmary, and Envoy Lin is currently investigating the rest.
Wei Yenwu	Hmm...
Zuo Xuanliao	Thank you. You are excused.
[The patrolman leaves.]
Zuo Xuanliao	A Catastrophe is approaching, and I allowed this to happen within Yumen borders at this crucial time. I apologize for my negligence.
Grand Tutor	You need not belittle yourself so. The important thing right now is to find the identity of our malefactors. Your thoughts, Lord Exorcist?
Zuo Xuanliao	...The Shanhaizhong. They should've been eradicated twenty years ago.
Grand Tutor	The wild hunt of the Feranmut a thousand years ago ended the era of their rampage across the land of Great Yan, yet this was unable to quell the masses' reverence of those terrible monsters. There have always been those who've worshipped the Feranmuts' power and revered them as gods. They considered themselves followers of the Feranmuts and banded together to locate any traces of them. The Sui Regulator has for a long time been tracking the movements of this lawless organization, and ever since the offender's commotion... it's like these rebels have been inspired by something, and they've been growing more and more active. They call themselves the "Shanhaizhong." "The mounts, seas, and all in between shall be our master's," or so they claim. Their motto couldn't be any more absurd, but it attracted a great number of followers to join their cause. Not only do they have adherents from a variety of backgrounds far and wide, they have even been plotting atrocities in the name of the Feranmuts.
Chongyue	Hard to imagine there are those who find it harder to put this thousand-year grudge behind them than us.
Zuo Xuanliao	It's been two decades. This is their second time making trouble here in Yumen.
Grand Tutor	Yumen itself is a symbol of Yan's triumph over the Feranmuts. These villains naturally have a reason to do it harm.
Zuo Xuanliao	And with Yumen set to sail afar, the Shanhaizhong's actions point directly to information regarding the oncoming Catastrophe. I can only assume they've learned of Yumen's destination.
Grand Tutor	Investigate this immediately and ensure peace in Yumen. I accept no failures.
Zuo Xuanliao	...... They did not succeed twenty years ago, and they will not succeed this time.
Grand Tutor	The reason I summoned all of you here today is to discuss what to do with the Grandmaster's sword. After what happened in Shangshu, there is no doubt that the offender has already made contact with the other proxies. Sealed with the Grandmaster's sword is one-twelfth of the bestial Sui's consciousness.
Zuo Xuanliao	Isn't this precisely so why we mustn't underplay the transfer of this sword?
Chongyue	......
Grand Tutor	As things stand, the other 180 black stones are yet missing. No one knows where his next move will lead us. Should we treat all the world's affairs as a game of Go, no one can claim to be able to best him in terms of calculations. There is very little distance between him and the Sui Regulator. To leave the Regulator in charge of the sword would only achieve the opposite of what we intend. Against such an opponent, an irrational move might actually be the most brilliant one. Finding a suitable outsider to take the blade might be the solution we need.
Chongyue	My little brother has caused all of you much trouble, after all.
Zuo Xuanliao	If this is both the Grand Tutor and the Grandmaster's intention, I have no objection.
Grand Tutor	Grandmaster.
Chongyue	Is something the matter?
Grand Tutor	Assist the Lord Exorcist in suppressing the Shanhaizhong. This is the Sui Regulator's last task for you. Once a suitable candidate has been found, the court will allow you to roam free within Yan's borders and interfere with you no longer. Yumen's citizens may not know your name, and even though you and I will no longer live in a hundred years, the scrolls in the Sui Regulator's libraries will record everything you've done for Yan.
Chongyue	With my dream about to be realized, I have no reason to complain. I simply do not know whether I should lament that... I will not get to stay with this city to its final moments.
Ling	Hm...?
Grand Tutor	Something on your mind, Miss Ling?
Ling	Do any of you smell something... floral, perhaps? I would say it's... peach blossoms?
Zuo Xuanliao	Peach blossoms...?
Located in a harsh, desolate sandpit, there is no way for peaches to grow in the Lord Exorcist's courtyard. Likewise, peach trees do not normally bloom this time of the year in Yumen. However, everyone in attendance can smell the thick aroma of peaches wafting through the window like the moonlight peeking through. They also see a single, vividly red petal drifting into the hall and gently floating downward.
Wei Yenwu	Well, if that isn't strange... ––
Chongyue	Watch out!
A blade appears almost out of thin air. Its tip pauses not an inch away from Wei Yenwu's throat. A freezing chill pierces the flesh of everyone in the room just as the soothing aroma of the flower quells any discomfort they had.
Aloof Woman	...... You caught my blade with your bare hands. You can take pride in that.
Chongyue	With your advanced kung fu, why do something as vile and base as ambush us?
Aloof Woman	I have a question for you myself. With your immense power, why opt for that frail body?
Chongyue	You know me...?
Aloof Woman	......
[Wei unleashes an Arts attack at the assassin, who dodged it and flees.]
Chongyue	Ling.
Ling	I follow.
[Ling goes after the assassin.]
Chongyue	Grand Tutor, General Zuo. Are you okay?
Grand Tutor	We're fine.
Zuo Xuanliao	To think someone could dodge a concerted attack from both Lord Wei and the Grandmaster... Unbelievable.
Wei Yenwu	Thank you for your assistance, Grandmaster.
Chongyue	Given her prowess... she must be skilled in more than just melee combat.
Grand Tutor	Grandmaster, the sentries will be here soon. Let us prioritize capturing the assassin.
Chongyue	Be careful.
<Background 5>
[Ling intercepts the assassin.]
Ling	What a refined lady. Leaving us already after scattering these petals around us? If you would disturb our gathering, why not stay for a little longer?
Aloof Woman	Let's see what you are trying to keep me here with.
[Ling unleashes her power, and...]
<Background 6>
Aloof Woman	A dream?
Ling	You can tell this is a dream?
Aloof Woman	You still have this power... even after dividing yourself into twelfths.
Ling	Hoh? You know not only me, but him as well?
Aloof Woman	I want to see him... and you are not him.
Ling	I am I, naturally, and why do you wish to see him?
Aloof Woman	Even in a dream, I don't want to waste any time on you. Your fanciful dream cannot keep me here.
[The assassin does something, and...]
<Background 5>
Ling	It seems you've dreamt for a long, long time yourself. Now that you've awakened and returned to the mortal realm, it seems hostilities are unavoidable.
[As a drum beats in the distance, the assassin attacks Ling, but are struck by Wei's attack.]
Wei Yenwu	If you want my life, perhaps you should tell me what kind of grudge you have against me.
Aloof Woman	I don't need to have a grudge against you to want your life.
Wei Yenwu	Kung fu is fine in the place of a grudge. Let me have another taste of your prowess.
Aloof Woman	You don't deserve it.
The woman takes a step back. Her blade slashes through the air like a strong blast of wind. Nonetheless, the tip of her blade is an inch too far from her target. Sharp as it may be, her target is unharmed.
Lin	The winds are strong here at the city walls. Don't let the sand blind you.
Aloof Woman	Do all of you have a catchphrase to drop before you attack?
[As the assassin charges, Chongyue intercepts her.]
Chongyue	Enough. You have nowhere to run. Surrender.
[The assassin breaks free.]
Aloof Woman	You have quite the party here.
The woman slowly raises the sword in her hand. The gleam reflected by its blade shines just like the moon above. The moonlight itself is an opening in the dark sky from which the awakening of spring flows abundantly. Though it is mid-March, the peach trees are blooming as vibrantly as could be. There are no passersby to be found anywhere, and only the aroma of the flowers linger in the area.
Aloof Woman	But if I don't want to stay, can any of you really keep me here?

After operation

“

A mysterious thief steals the sword in which Chongyue has sealed away the bestial Sui consciousness. Zuo Xuanliao orders a series of operations to capture the Feranmut followers, and Lin Yühsia runs into Waai Fu and Du Yaoye, who decide to join forces to find the true culprit.

”

<Background 7>
[Zuo Le notices someone.]
Zuo Le	Who goes there?
Exotically Dressed Girl	......
Zuo Le	Stop right there. Do you know where you are, and exactly what that sword you're holding is?
Exotically Dressed Girl	It's a sword. The sword that I've been looking for.
Zuo Le	...... 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.
Exotically Dressed Girl	A fickle-minded, perfidious man like him does not deserve to keep this sword.
Zuo Le	Impudence! The Grandmaster has defended Yumen's peace for a hundred years. How dare you speak ill of him?!
Exotically Dressed Girl	How pretentious. What do you even know? Out of my way!
Zuo Le	I've arrested no small number of criminals, but you are the first one I've met to be so arrogant.
Exotically Dressed Girl	Solemn on the outside, but self-centered on the inside. I've met plenty of men like you!
Zuo Le	I see I have no choice but to get you to comply forcefully, then.
Exotically Dressed Girl	Try it.
<Background 5>
[After an intense fight, Chongyue and the others gained an upper hand against the assassin.]
Chongyue	It's over. You've lost.
Aloof Woman	This isn't where we settle this.
Chongyue	If you would leave, surely you would leave us with an explanation?
[The Millenions appear as the assassin escapes with some sort of Arts.]
Aloof Woman	I want answers, but you have none to give me.
Ling	You let her get away.
Lin	With her injuries, she won't get far. Wei, your old bones don't seem to be much use here.
Wei Yenwu	My sincerest gratitude, Lin.
Lin	You are master of the Chi Xiao, yet you need someone to come to your rescue when your mortal enemies come attacking?
Wei Yenwu	I do not remember having made such an enemy.
Chongyue	...... A feint!
<Background fades out and in>
[Meanwhile, Zuo Le engages the thief, and gains an upper hand.]
Exotically Dressed Girl	Hmph...!
Zuo Le	You're injured. Where can you run?
[Chongyue shows up...]
Chongyue	You...?
Exotically Dressed Girl	......
Zuo Le	Watch out, Grandmaster!
[...and the thief dashes past him with the sword in hand...]
Chongyue	......
[...as the Millenions show up.]
Zuo Xuanliao	Grandmaster, what happened here?
Chongyue	This is my fault. The sword has been taken.
<Background 2>
Patrol Battalion Soldier	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.
Zuo Xuanliao	No signs, or has it been confirmed they have not been infiltrated?
Patrol Battalion Soldier	We... cannot say for sure at this moment...
Zuo Xuanliao	How could someone infiltrate the Yumen barracks and roam free... even after facing our four masters here. Extraordinary.
Chongyue	I was too careless.
Zuo Xuanliao	Do you have any clues regarding the identity of our assassin, Lord Wei?
Wei Yenwu	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 Xuanliao	...... Zuo Le, any discoveries on your end?
Zuo Le	It all happened too suddenly. I wasn't prepared, and I wasn't able to take the assassin in, as a result.
Zuo Xuanliao	I'm not asking why you were unable to capture the assassin. I'm asking you what you saw.
Zuo Le	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.
Zuo Xuanliao	......
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.
Zuo Xuanliao	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.
Patrol Battalion Soldier	Yes, sir.
Zuo Xuanliao	Zuo Le.
Zuo Le	Sir!
Zuo Xuanliao	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.
Zuo Le	Yes, sir!
Zuo Xuanliao	Where's Lin?
Wei Yenwu	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?
Zuo Xuanliao	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.
Wei Yenwu	May I ask what you mean by that?
Zuo Xuanliao	Exactly what I said. Yumen will take care of the rest.
Wei Yenwu	Of course.
Chongyue	Our foe this time is exceptionally skilled. Perhaps I should...
Zuo Xuanliao	I ask you to stay in the barracks and ensure the Grand Tutor's and Lord Wei's safety.
Chongyue	It is equally dangerous to allow the criminal to roam free in the city.
Zuo Xuanliao	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.
Chongyue	Very well...
Zuo Xuanliao	Do you have any objections to this arrangement, Grand Tutor?
Grand Tutor	I trust your judgment, Lord Exorcist.
Zuo Xuanliao	Very well. Execute these orders at once.
<Background 7>
Chongyue	......
Yun Qingping	Grandmaster, are you alright?
Qiubai	I don't believe there's anyone alive who could do him harm.
Chongyue	It seems you really believe in me.. From the sound of it, you have heard already.
Qiubai	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.
Chongyue	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.
Qiubai	Given how he is, he may not be very receptive to me meddling with his affairs.
Chongyue	In that case, it would seem now is not the time for us to resolve the matter between us.
Qiubai	You need not say any more. I know the score.
Chongyue	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.
Yun Qingping	It is my duty, as your student.
Chongyue	Thank you.
Yun Qingping	If there is nothing else, Grandmaster, I will take my leave. Please get some rest soon.
[The record keeper leaves.]
The man sighs, perhaps at the sight of the empty sword mount on the wall or something else.
Chongyue	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? Even if you try to replace it, you will never find her in all the chaos. Why torment yourself with all this?
The sound of the patrol's clanking armor can yet be heard from afar, with nothing but a deafening silence otherwise. The night is deep. The clamorous night finally calms. He lets out another long sigh.
<Background 8>
[The assassin fell to the ground.]
Aloof Woman	Hmm?
How very brave of you.
Aloof Woman
Of course I am here too.
Aloof Woman	Are you going to stop me?
A skilled Go player making no skillful moves in an entire game. Your actions are really a bit too radical. Oh... Or maybe it's because... your time is limited.
Aloof Woman	If that's where we are going, you barely have any time left yourself.
Do you really think we can ignore everything just because that man sealed his self away in the sword?
Aloof Woman	I came here for the one. Why would I be concerned with only one-twelfth? I could ask you. What makes you think that you can become him?
I won't become him. I am no one but myself.
Aloof Woman	He and I. We have a score to settle.
That grudge is yours and yours only. We are not enemies.
Aloof Woman	That's not for you to decide.
At the very least, at this point in time, we both have more important things to accomplish. We won't be a hinderance to each other.
Aloof Woman	Is that a truce you are seeking?
It's in both our interests. You have no reason to refuse.
Aloof Woman	You really are nothing like your brothers and sisters. I hope you'll show me something more interesting the next time we meet.
<Background 4>
[A Lungmenite approaches Yühsia.]
Lungmen Tourist?	Miss! I heard you–
Lin Yühsia	Keep it down. I thought I told you not to seek me out in broad daylight.
Lungmen Tourist?	It's good to see all of you in one piece...
Lin Yühsia	Any progress on your end?
Lungmen Tourist?	The Yumen markets are open for the first time in years. There are too many wares and people flowing in and out. We have no leads yet.
Lin Yühsia	...... If it's not so convenient for us to look into this, let's have somebody else do it.
Lungmen Tourist?	What do you mean...?
Lin Yühsia	How many of the merchants at the markets here are locals, and how many are from Lungmen? How many of the people behind us have missing paperwork at the L.G.D. or are in hock to us? Sift through them, and find someone who'd have an easier time than we would. It's not that hard.
Lungmen Tourist?	Daai Siu Ze, this... sounds like it could be against the rules.
Lin Yühsia	Do as I say.
[The Lungmenite leaves.]
Lin Yühsia	......
<Flashback starts here>
<Background 9>
Two weeks ago...
Lin Yühsia	Feranmut followers?
Wei Yenwu	You needn't know where the intel came from. Out of all the enemies that Yan has faced in the past thousand years, no small number of them lurked in the shadows.
Lin Yühsia	Yumen may rely on Lungmen for its supplies, but you shouldn't be responsible for security within their borders.
Wei Yenwu	Yumen is an impenetrable shield, but there are pests hiding behind that shield. They need to be exterminated by others. I want to send you there to take care of this. You can operate as a special L.G.D. commanding officer. On paper, you will be in charge of security while the two cities are connected, and you will have a certain level of support from me. I need you to run a thorough investigation into the dangerous elements hiding among Yumen's citizenry and ensure its smooth sailing. Should the need arise, you may resort to the most extreme measures.
Lin Yühsia	...... Why me?
Wei Yenwu	Because you are Lin Yühsia. Because you can take care of this. I want you to do in Yumen what the Rat King did in Lungmen all those years ago.
Lin Yühsia	Chief Wei... You didn't discuss this with my father before you came to me, did you?
<Flashback ends here>
<Background 4>
[The Rat King walks toward Yühsia.]
Lin	Yühsia.
Lin Yühsia	Dad? You didn't tell me you were coming.
Lin	You accepted Wei Yenwu's mission. I came take a look.
Lin Yühsia	So you've heard.
Lin	Investigating smugglers, eh?
Lin Yühsia	I didn't want to trouble you.
Lin	Look at you, going through all the trouble to hide this from me. It's Wei Yenwu who you should be troubling. You never considered turning this down?
Lin Yühsia	Somebody has to maintain the peace here...
Lin	Wei Yenwu has many a capable character under his wing. Why must you of all people clean up his mess?
Lin Yühsia	I...
Lin	Never mind. I could figure out what kind of excuses Wei is making even if I had to think with my tail. You should know what's happened tonight.
<Background fades out and in>
Lin Yühsia	So that's why the soldiers locked the city gate. So much has happened in the span of a day. If this was really a coincidence, it would have to be a hell of a coincidence.
Lin	The Chief of Lungmen finds himself the target of an assassination attempt, the Grandmaster has his sword taken, and an Imperial Astronomical Bureau Messenger was killed. Each of these would make the headlines on its own. And they all occurred within hours of each other. It's unimaginable what kind of forces are behind them. When Wei Yenwu came to you, did he explain how dangerous this was going to be?
Lin Yühsia	All I knew was this wasn't going to be a walk in the park.
Lin	Yumen is not Lungmen, and you are not me.
Lin Yühsia	I know that well... I will deal with this carefully. The agents I brought with me from Lungmen are all masters in their fields and have all followed you for years. Plus, I know the world of jianghu... I've seen enough.
Lin	If you know what it is you are doing, then I won't keep rambling. I just hope this will be resolved quickly without delaying your trip to Victoria.
Lin Yühsia	It's just a study trip. I don't have to go...
Lin	You've helped me and the L.G.D. take care of plenty of things the last few years... to the point you haven't been able to do what you truly wanted to do yourself.
Lin Yühsia	I did all that of my own volition, and it was all for Lungmen.
Lin	It's not your own choice if you haven't seen another path. Sometimes I wonder if... perhaps, like Ch'en, you should– *cough*...
Lin Yühsia	Dad! Are you hurt?! I'll get a doctor!
Lin	No need. It's been years since I've taxed my arms and legs so much. My bones are aching. Looks like taking walks in the park every day isn't quite enough exercise.
Lin Yühsia	I'll take you back to the general's estate.
Lin	No need for that either. I'll find an inn nearby to stay the night. Even getting to meet my old friends once is once aplenty, and I can't stand the atmosphere in that house tonight.
Lee	My, what a coincidence. I heard a commotion at the edge of the city earlier in the evening, and I figured something big must've happened. And now that I find you here, Mr. Lin, I'm sure something big must've happened.
Lin	So what you are saying is, an old rat like me might as well be a plague?
[Mr. Lee joins in.]
Lee	Of course not. I was only joking.
Lin	Yühsia, let me have a few words with Mr. Lee in private.
Lin Yühsia	Please excuse me.
[Yühsia leaves.]
Lin	From the looks of it, your search in Yumen hasn't been too successful?
Lee	Don't get me started. The man has been gone for well over a decade, I was never banking on finding him within a month. But it doesn't matter how long it takes. We still have to look for him.
Lin	You are a carefree man. It's only when it concerns this old friend of yours that you burden yourself so much.
Lee	Maybe I owe him from a past life...
Lin	Since you aren't in a hurry, may I hire Lee's Detective Agency for a job?
Lee	How could I refuse a job from Mr. Lin himself? That gets me thinking though. Haven't I been taking on a few too many troublesome jobs lately?
Lin	It goes to show what a capable man you are. We'll say I owe you one, if you do this for me.
Lee	Well, with such a generous offer on the table, looks like I really have to think this over and see if I can manage it.
Lin	Heh, only a crafty fellow like you could manage this.
<Background 8>
[Waai Fu checks the board.]
Waai Fu	One, two... nine, ten... Urgh... All the names above me on the rankings look pretty tough... Okay... Calm down... Just do your best...
Du Yaoye	Why can't I leave the city? Two of my brothers just died out there...
Patrol Battalion Soldier	The gate is closed. Please leave.
Du Yaoye	Hey, be reasonable, can't you–
Waai Fu	You?
<Flashback starts here>
<Background 10>
Yumen Passerby	Whoa, the Forte hunk with the golden mace got kicked right out of the arena.
Yumen Passerby	That Feline girl has won five straight matches now!
Waai Fu	Phew–
Du Yaoye	Hey. Ni hao. I watched all your matches today. You've got amazing kung fu. Want to come work for me and my escort association?
Waai Fu	Escort association? Not interested.
Du Yaoye	Don't be so quick to refuse. With your skills, I can give you a more than decent wage!
Waai Fu	I'm not planning on making a living with my fists. I have a degree in mechanical engineering, I'll have you know.
Du Yaoye	Mechanical what...? Never mind that! That just means you're something of a scientist, right? Yeah, science! The escort association I'm talking about is a new kind of logistics company. Science graduates like you have a bright future with us. Hey, don't just walk away. I'm serious.
<Flashback ends here>
<Background 8>
Waai Fu	So, that just happened... It sounds you're going to have to wait till the lockdown is over before you can take your friends' belongings and news of their deaths back home to Shangshu.
Du Yaoye	I'm the one who brought them here. No matter how, I will bring them home.
Waai Fu	Before I came to Yumen, I ran into Mr. Zheng in Shangshu by chance. He told me that when the day comes that no one needs kung fu to protect themselves, that's when we will finally have true peace.
Du Yaoye	Dad is right about that, but for now, I'm more fond of another saying. An eye for an eye. I will find the one who did this.
[Yühsia joins in.]
Lin Yühsia	What are you two doing here?
Waai Fu	Yühsia?
Du Yaoye	The government official lady from earlier? I thought you said you'd get to the bottom of this? How are you going to get to the bottom of anything now that we're on lockdown?
Waai Fu	You two know each other?
Lin Yühsia	There's been a turn of events. Things are apparently trickier than I thought.
Du Yaoye	Then let me investigate with you!
Waai Fu	I-I can help out, too...
Lin Yühsia	It's too dangerous. I can't drag outsiders–
[A drum beats.]
Du Yaoye	W-What's that sound?
Waai Fu	Drums from the outer city district? Look! The beacons are lit on the city walls.
Lin Yühsia	It's the Wangfeng Festival, one of Yumen's traditions. It's a ceremony held every year at the beginning of spring, and it lasts three days. The drums at the barracks are beaten for the citizens' benefit. Each beat tells them the city, the lands, and all Great Yan are safe. As for the signal fires on the city walls, they are lit to guide the soldiers who gave their lives on the battlefield home.
Du Yaoye	Home...
Catastrophes sweep across the country, barbarians terrorize the borderlands, and bandits stir up trouble... The drums are beaten seventeen times, representing the trials and tribulations that befell Yumen the past year, both big and small. This border city has crossed the country's northern regions for centuries, and its citizens are hardened by these disasters. The great wind cannot extinguish the flames in the meadow, the men's eyes fix upon their homes through the night.