Blade - Unbound

Feng Feiyan's question pulled everyone out of their thoughts.

Sha Lifei's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained perfectly composed as he made up an excuse. "I just thought these things looked interesting. I came into some money recently, so I figured I would buy a batch before the Lantern Festival and resell them. But if I'm going to sell them, I've got to understand how they work first."

"Don't bother." Feng Feiyan shook her head. "I heard some news. This year, private citizens aren't allowed to set these off. Only the official performance troupes appointed by the Imperial Court may use them. Anyone caught privately buying or selling them will have their entire stock confiscated."

"Is there actually such a rule?!" Sha Lifei's eyes widened before his expression turned to one of relief. "Thank you for the warning, Manager Feng. Otherwise, I would've lost a fortune..."

As he spoke, he exchanged a glance with Li Yan. Feng Feiyan's true identity was that of a secret agent of the Military Surveillance Department. If she said the authorities were investigating it, then there had to be no mistake.

The imperial court was likely cracking down on Firework Puppets because they feared members of the Maitreya Sect might use them as cover to stir up trouble and rescue their comrades during the Lantern Festival.

Feng Feiyan seemed to have something else weighing on her mind. She simply nodded and said, "Everyone, I still have business to attend to, so I'll be leaving first. Sister Hong, please be careful."

With that, she cupped her fists in farewell and departed.

Watching her leave, Li Yan frowned. "Sister Hong, did you come to Chang'an this time because you've accepted a mission?"

"That's right." Red Yaksha's expression became serious. "The Taixuan Orthodox Sect has summoned every notable demon hunter in the city to the City God Temple to suppress a corpse."

Sha Lifei immediately grew anxious. "Sister Hong, that thing's too dangerous. You absolutely shouldn't go. Just find an excuse to turn it down."

Red Yaksha smiled freely and shook her head. "If it were an ordinary assignment, I would. But not this one. I've already learned what it is. It's a Drought Wraith. While it was alive, it cultivated forbidden arts. After its death, someone sealed it inside a coffin with Seven Star Soul-Suppressing Nails and buried it within a killing qi node in the Qinling Mountain Range.

“Now its resentment is leaking out. If it's left unchecked, disaster is inevitable. I'm a native of Chang'an. How can I possibly stand by and do nothing?"

Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard thoughtfully and muttered, "From what you've described, it sounds as though someone deliberately raised it. Whoever did so harbored truly malicious intentions."

Red Yaksha shook her head and explained, "The exact circumstances are still unclear. I came by on my way mainly to warn you all. I heard the Enforcement Hall suffered heavy losses in the Qinling Mountain Range. They'll probably have to recruit people from elsewhere to escort it. Chang'an won't truly be safe until that thing is transported away."

Li Yan replied, "In that case, be careful, Sister Hong."

"Mhm. Farewell!" Red Yaksha returned the blessing, slung her sword across her back, and strode away.

After she left, Sha Lifei couldn't help cursing. "What kind of heartless bastard created something like that? Aren't they afraid of ruining their karmic virtue and ending their own bloodline?"

Wang Daoxuan sighed. "People like that have existed throughout every dynasty. At times, disasters wrought by men are even worse than those sent by Heaven. Fortunately, this was discovered in advance. That makes things much easier."

The Qinling Mountain Range...

Li Yan suddenly thought of the mysterious treasure map that Tomb Serpent Dugu Qian had been trying so desperately to obtain. He had a strong feeling the two matters were connected.

***

After leaving, Feng Feiyan boarded a sedan chair and headed east toward Changle Street.

Connected to the Eastern Market and bordering the city wall, Changle Street was primarily home to the city's wealthy families. Grand estates stood far apart from one another, separated by tree-lined canals, giving the entire district an imposing elegance.

As soon as she reached the entrance to the ward, Feng Feiyan got out of the sedan and continued on foot.

Without betraying any emotion, she carefully glanced back at the streets behind her for anyone following her. After weaving through several narrow alleys and making numerous detours, she finally arrived at the side entrance of a large residence.

Knock. Knock-knock. Knock.

Her knocks followed a deliberate rhythm; and eventually, the side door creaked open, revealing a young man with a cold expression.

"Enter. The lord has been waiting for you."

Feng Feiyan dared not say another word. She followed the young man through a maze of corridors before arriving at the garden in the rear courtyard.

The garden was small but exquisitely arranged. Artificial rockeries and a pond decorated the grounds. Though the winter snow had yet to melt completely, mist drifted above the water as crimson fish swam leisurely beneath the surface. There, a man stood beside the pond, feeding the fish.

He wasn't particularly tall, but his build was broad and powerful. Dressed in plain clothes, he possessed gloomy eyes, while two deep vertical creases between his brows made it seem as though he perpetually carried heavy worries.

Feng Feiyan hurried forward, dropped to one knee, and bowed with cupped fists. "Listening Wind Banner, Feng Feiyan, greets the commander."

The man was none other than Guo Yuhuai, the seal-holding commander of the Shanzhou Military Surveillance Department.

According to the laws of Great Xuan, every prefecture maintained a Military Surveillance Department. Each office was staffed by three commanders of a thousand men, with one serving as the seal-holding commander and overall leader.

Guo Yuhuai didn't even turn around. After remaining silent for quite some time, he finally asked, "Have you found anything?"

Feng Feiyan trembled slightly and lowered her head. "This subordinate has failed."

Inside, she could only lament her miserable predicament. Chang Xuan had solved the stolen gunpowder case and brought down her former superior, Yu Chen, earning tremendous favor from higher authorities. His rapid rise had now become a direct threat to Guo Yuhuai's position as the seal-holding commander.

Being reassigned under Chang Xuan's command hadn't seemed like a problem at first. However, she never expected Guo Yuhuai to suddenly approach her and order her to discover where Chang Xuan was conducting his firearm experiments.

She couldn't afford to offend either side. She feared Chang Xuan discovering her just as much as she feared refusing Guo Yuhuai. To make matters worse, Guo Yuhuai had people watching her as well. The pressure had been so overwhelming that she hadn't slept properly in days.

Unexpectedly, Guo Yuhuai showed no anger, and instead spoke softly, "You've only recently joined his command. It's only natural that he doesn't trust you yet. Don't worry, I won't blame you."

Feng Feiyan secretly let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, my lord."

Guo Yuhuai scattered another handful of fish food into the pond before sighing. "You've been with the Shanzhou Military Surveillance Department for years. Tell me, how did Yu Chen treat you?"

Feng Feiyan fell silent for a moment before replying through gritted teeth, "Lord Yu recognized my abilities and promoted me. I would never dare forget his kindness."

"Yes." Guo Yuhuai spoke calmly. "As the one in charge of the Shanzhou Military Surveillance Department, all I seek is stability. This pond is much the same. Only when there are water plants and insects can the fish thrive, making everything appear orderly and respectable. How wonderful it is when the water remains perfectly still.

"Yu Chen certainly committed crimes. His mistake was dirtying his hands and allowing others to seize evidence against him. But he never mistreated the brothers under his command.

"I wanted to spare his life. Unfortunately, Chang Xuan moved too quickly. He's determined to stain his official robes red with the blood of his fellow officers. Do you understand the danger hidden within that?"

Feng Feiyan lowered her head and spoke slowly, "This subordinate understands."

"You understand?" Guo Yuhuai finally turned around, his eyes filled with ridicule. "No. You don't. With Chang Xuan's meticulous nature, why do you think he allowed you to occupy the position of Listening Wind Banner?

“You're nothing more than a chess piece he hasn't used yet. He simply hasn't found the right opportunity. Once the time comes, he'll gladly sacrifice your head to clear the way for his subordinates, gradually devouring the authority of the entire Shanzhou Military Surveillance Department.

"This Imperial Court firearm project... You technically belong to his command now. Has he ever mentioned it to you?"

Feng Feiyan's face turned deathly pale as she silently shook her head.

Guo Yuhuai remained composed as he continued, "Exactly. You were personally promoted by Yu Chen. Chang Xuan never intended to keep you alive. Do you understand now?"

Feng Feiyan immediately bent low with cupped fists. "My lord, please save me!"

Guo Yuhuai nodded slightly. "Then put more effort into your work. Find out exactly what Chang Xuan is doing. Only then will we have a chance.

"I've received word that Chang Xuan leads men out every night to the mass graves south of the city. Go investigate tonight. Remember, exercise the utmost caution. Don't alert them."

"Yes, my lord!"

Feng Feiyan saluted solemnly before turning and leaving.

***

Half an hour after Feng Feiyan departed, the same young man who had led her into the courtyard returned to the pond and reported, "My lord, she wasn't lying. She's already disguised herself and left Chang'an. Two of our brothers are following her. They'll intercept and kill her before she gets very far."

"Mhm." Guo Yuhuai grunted and continued feeding the fish as though discussing something trivial. After scattering another handful, he murmured, "Since Chang Xuan is reluctant to make use of this chess piece, we'll graciously use her in his place.

"One more thing, spread the news that Bai Ruoxu of the Broker Guild is also one of the Maitreya Sect. We've left him untouched all these years, but this is the perfect time to put him to use. When the Maitreya Sect steals the firearms and one of Chang Xuan's subordinates is exposed for colluding with the rebels before fleeing, let's see how he intends to salvage the situation this time."

"Yes, my lord!"

The young man immediately turned and entered a side room in the rear residence. He then emerged as a scruffy, down-and-out jianghu wanderer with an unkempt beard. Leaving the street, he blended into the crowded streets and soon disappeared without a trace.

***

Outside Jinbao Gambling House in Pingkang Street.

It was the fifth day of the New Year, and the brothels, taverns, and gambling houses had all reopened for business. Every year, the period between the start of the year and the Lantern Festival was when the city saw the greatest number of wealthy idlers, making it the busiest and most profitable season.

With the year's Drum King Assembly taking place as well, the festivities were even livelier.

Dusk had fallen; lanterns were being lit one after another; and the streets of Pingkang Street were already packed shoulder to shoulder. Amid the constant bustle, accents from every corner of the realm could be heard.

"So this is Pingkang Street?"

"Tsk, it doesn't look like much. It’s far inferior to the banks of the Qinhuai River back home."

"You just don't know your history. Back in the Tang Dynasty, this place was second to none. Haven't you heard the saying about the young nobles of the Five Trades competing to shower courtesans with gifts? Tonight, we'll play the part of aristocrats ourselves."

"Big Brother, this place can't be cheap, can it?"

"Why worry about that? I'm just taking you to broaden your horizons today."

Because of the Drum King Assembly, martial artists from every prefecture had gathered in Chang'an, along with no small number of practitioners from the mystic path. After finally making it to the capital, who could resist visiting the famed Pingkang Street?

Amid the flow of pedestrians, a sedan chair moved steadily through the streets. Inside, Bai Ruoxu sat with tightly furrowed brows, clearly distracted.

Suddenly, his expression changed.

Something's wrong with the sound of the wind.

His wrist flicked with a loud snap as the iron fan in his hand snapped open, shielding his side.

"Ambush!"

"Protect the Hall Master!"

Chaos immediately erupted outside the sedan.

"Enough!" Bai Ruoxu lifted the curtain and calmly swept his gaze over the surroundings before saying in a deep voice, "Just some petty jianghu scoundrels. Ignore them. Keep moving."

With that, he lowered the curtain once more. The members of the Broker Guild exchanged bewildered looks but had no choice except to continue forward.

Inside the sedan, Bai Ruoxu bent down and picked up a small pebble lying at his feet. He sniffed it first before unfolding the slip of paper wrapped around it. After reading the message, he narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

Frost filled his eyes as he murmured to himself, "So my identity has already been exposed. They're already turning on one another so quickly..."

Upon arriving at Jinbao Gambling House, Bai Ruoxu entered the establishment with his men.

The moment he stepped through the entrance, an attendant hurried over to report, "Hall Master, Manager Wu from Xianyang requests an audience."

"Mhm."

Bai Ruoxu had clearly expected it. He strode upstairs, instructed his subordinates to remain outside, and only then pushed open the door. Inside, Manager Wu had already been waiting.

"I pay my respe–" Manager Wu raised both hands into the Lotus Hand Seal, but before he could finish speaking, Bai Ruoxu's fierce glare silenced him.

Ignoring him completely, Bai Ruoxu first rearranged several folding screens throughout the room before hanging peachwood talismans one after another.

Only then did he speak. "There are quite a few practitioners in the city these days. Be careful. Walls have ears."

Cold sweat instantly broke out across Manager Wu's forehead. "This subordinate acted rashly."

Bai Ruoxu let the matter pass without further reprimand. "I already know what happened. So, those people suspect I've developed second thoughts?"

"How can that be?" Manager Wu forced an awkward smile, but under Bai Ruoxu's icy gaze, his confidence quickly faltered. With a helpless shake of his head, he admitted, "Since Hall Master didn't act according to the leader's instructions, they have indeed become suspicious. But they have no idea how complicated the situation inside Chang'an has become."

Bai Ruoxu remained expressionless as he changed the topic. "We'll discuss that later. Tell me first, what exactly happened in the mountains? Did you find out?"

"I did." Manager Wu smiled bitterly. "I'm afraid we've all been deceived. After deciphering the treasure map, the leader joined forces with Long Sanjiu to subdue the bandits on Niubei Ridge before leading them deep into the mountains to excavate the treasure.

"Somehow, news of the operation leaked. The Enforcement Hall deployed in full force, with troops from the Zhongnan Mountains and Mount Taibai assisting in the search. The leader then led everyone in a running battle against the Enforcement Hall. Although he took advantage of the Qinling Mountain Range's terrain, they gradually closed in on him. In the end, the leader proved the more capable strategist. He personally lured the pursuers away while Long Sanjiu led the others to the treasure site.

"They found it, but it was a trap. There was no treasure at all. It was a bizarre underground palace packed wall to wall with coffins. The moment they opened it, countless zombies emerged. Aside from a handful of experts, nearly every bandit was wiped out.

"Of course, the zombie horde also drew the attention of the Enforcement Hall. They immediately turned back and joined forces with the soldiers to suppress the undead.

"After the leader regrouped with us and questioned everyone about what had happened, we finally learned the truth. It turned out to be one final act of vengeance left behind by someone before the fall of the Great Xing Dynasty. They deliberately transformed that place into a cursed ground, using a Drought Wraith that had been sealed there long ago to corrupt the Qinling Dragon Vein and eventually trigger natural disasters.

"The so-called treasure existed only to lure someone into opening the underground palace in the future. However, in order to suppress both the zombie horde and the Drought Wraith, the Enforcement Hall suffered devastating losses and paid an enormous price to seal them away. The leader was only captured because he stayed behind to cover everyone's escape."

"A trap?" Bai Ruoxu looked surprised for a moment before letting out a cold laugh. "As expected. Those lofty nobles always believe the entire world belongs to them. While they held power, they made life unbearable for the common people. After losing the empire, they became monsters that continued to plague the living. They deserved to die."

"They certainly did." Manager Wu echoed the sentiment before continuing, "How many of our brothers joined the Maitreya Sect because corrupt officials drove them into a corner?

"But Hall Master Bai, rescuing the leader is still our highest priority. Long Sanjiu and the others are waiting outside the city. They want to meet with you to discuss a plan. What do you think...?"

"Meet me?" Bai Ruoxu smiled, though there wasn't the slightest warmth in his eyes. "They're probably planning to kill me."

Manager Wu stiffened before hurriedly shaking his head. "They're only suspicious. Once Hall Master meets them, the misunderstanding will naturally be cleared up..."

Before he could finish, Bai Ruoxu's icy expression killed the words in his throat. Manager Wu could only sigh helplessly, unsure what else he could possibly say.

Logically speaking, he was closer to Bai Ruoxu than to anyone else. Yet he was equally desperate to rescue Dugu Qian and wanted nothing less than to see the sect descend into infighting. Anxiety had already begun eating away at him.

Seeing the troubled look on Manager Wu's face, Bai Ruoxu sighed coldly, "That pack of fools is thinking of nothing except breaking the leader out of prison. But the enemy has already cast their net. Do they really think they'll succeed?

"Go tell them this. If they want to rescue the leader, there's only one chance left. Tell them to wait for me tonight. Get plenty of rest and be ready to act."

Manager Wu's eyes immediately lit up at his response. "Understood!"

With that, he hurriedly left Jinbao Gambling House. After Manager Wu departed, Bai Ruoxu sat in silence for a long while before finally standing up.

Casting one lingering, reluctant look around the room, he murmured to himself, "Dugu Qian, you handled everything so poorly. What gave you the confidence to call yourself the Incense Master? What a pity my identity has already been exposed. I can no longer remain in Chang'an."

As soon as he finished speaking, hidden force surged through his legs. He sprang onto the ceiling beam, pried loose a wooden plank, and revealed a concealed compartment that contained a lacquered wooden chest.

Opening it, he found it neatly packed with stacks of banknotes. He quickly tucked every last note into his robes before walking over to the window. Looking down at the lively gambling hall below, he let out a quiet sigh. Only then did he slip through a secret passage concealed behind a wardrobe and disappear without a trace.

That night, killing intent blanketed the outskirts of Chang'an.

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