The sky had just begun to pale when the rhythmic clanging of metal echoed through the courtyard of the Yaonan Hidden Manor. Through the morning mist, the Yao-Rover sat on the stone clearing, still covered in the dust of their long journey. Lin Lie had already rolled up his sleeves, deftly dismantling the chassis. Beside him, local craftsmen prepared timber and metal plates, while the charcoal in the furnace glowed a fierce orange.
The Watch Grandfather, knowing Lin Lie's expertise in mechanics, had specially requisitioned precious metal alloys and timber from the storehouse. He even went as far as to provide several rare Yao-crystal shards. These materials were priceless in times of war, yet seeing Lin Lie's cold, resolute gaze, the old man handed them over without hesitation.
Lin Lie wiped a smudge of grease from the vehicle's frame. His eyes were focused to the point of being icy, as if the rest of the world had ceased to exist.
"The load-bearing here is insufficient," he muttered, already picking up his tools to strip the frame. When several craftsmen stepped forward to assist, he shook his head, choosing to draw the new structural diagrams himself. On the oil-stained table, his pen traced the layout for three rows of seating, hidden storage compartments in the rear, and the intricate conduits for the Yao-crystal energy lines.
In the firelight, his profile was sharp—marked by the precision and coldness unique to the Gold-Yao.
Luo Ye watched with arms crossed, huffing softly. "Hmph. I guess that ice-block brain of his is actually useful for something."
Cang Yuan leaned against a pillar, a faint smile playing on his lips. "With this rover, it feels like a little mobile home. I'm claiming the window seat next time."
Sang Qi inspected the rear seats, narrowing his eyes. "Finally, I can lay out my medicine chest without being squeezed against all you giant men."
Li Yan said nothing, but he slapped the side of the vehicle. Hearing the solid, heavy echo, he whispered a single word: "Steady."
Gu Xingyu stood apart from the crowd, watching Lin Lie's total immersion in his work. The hard lines of his face seemed to soften under the glow of the furnace. She suddenly realized that his silence wasn't coldness; it was his way of protecting them.
If I can make them sit more comfortably... if I can add another layer of armor for when danger strikes... then I have done my duty, Lin Lie thought, though he said nothing. Especially her. If she can sleep soundly on this rover, it will all be worth it.
As the final Yao-crystal was slotted into place, faint lines of light rippled across the Rover's hull like new veins. The expanded body looked sturdier, the seats spacious enough for everyone, with ample room for medical supplies and luggage.
Grandfather nodded in approval. "A fine piece of craftsmanship! With this vessel to guard you, your journey shall be far less perilous."
Lin Lie looked up. Caught in his gaze was Xingyu's gentle smile. For a moment, his lips twitched as if to return it, but he simply looked down and packed away his tools.
[The Trial Valley • Secret Camp]
The wind carried grit, battering the walls of the black hide tents. Inside, the Third Prince, Si Moheng, leaned back on a long couch, his dark gold armor still stained with traces of blood. He twirled a short blade between his fingers, the steel flashing in the dim light.
He raised his hand and drove the blade into a map spread across the table. The tip pierced Tengsang West Road. "Reports of the Saintess and the Five Yao have surfaced here. Flickers of light, surges of Yao-Qi."
Si Moheng narrowed his eyes. Beyond that road lay the Hidden Manor.
"They are likely in this area," he said, his voice dropping an octave. "Keep a close watch. Once spotted, do not kill them. Report to me immediately."
His lieutenant, Xiao You, blinked in surprise. "No kill order?"
A ghost of a smile touched Si Moheng's lips, though it held no warmth. "Kill them too quickly, and the fish will scatter. I need them... to swim into my pond on their own."
His gaze darkened. He didn't trust anyone—not even his father, the Emperor sitting high in the Golden Palace.
"The Emperor has his chess pieces," he whispered to himself. "And I have my game."
[Yaonan Hidden Manor • Night]
In the courtyard, the night was peaceful. The full moon hung high, casting silver light over the stone paths and the rippling pond. Xingyu and the Five Yao sat beneath the veranda, a pot of clear wine and plates of steaming taro cakes—freshly made by Luo Ye—on the table.
"This manor is quiet enough that even the wind doesn't sting," Luo Ye said, sliding a cup of wine toward Xingyu.
Cang Yuan leaned against a pillar, tapping his cup rhythmically. "Indeed. It's so quiet I can even hear Xingyu's breathing."
"Shut up," Luo Ye snapped instantly.
Lin Lie ignored them, meticulously cleaning his staff. Sang Qi spoke up, his tone casual, "Xingyu, when the Gate of Yao-Source opens—"
Li Yan coughed softly, cutting him off with a warning glance. Not the time for business.
Xingyu simply smiled, watching the moon's reflection in the water. She cherished this moment of peace, but a nagging feeling told her it wouldn't last.
High above, deep in the shadows of the trees, a grey-feathered night raven took flight, soaring silently toward the southern border.
[The Trial Valley • Secret Camp]
The raven descended from the darkness, its talons gripping a slender bone tube. It landed firmly on the weapon rack outside the Prince's tent.
Si Moheng unfurled the message. The ink was barely dry. After reading it, he tapped the tube against the table with a sharp clack.
"Break camp," he stood up, donning his dark gold armor.
"Is Your Highness returning to the Capital?" Xiao You asked.
Si Moheng nodded. "Dispatch two squads of the Shadow-Kirin Guards. Watch the forest around the Yaonan Hidden Manor from afar. If you cannot enter, count their breaths. If you cannot get close, listen for their footsteps."
He stepped out of the tent, the freezing wind lashing at his face.
"Bring my horse," he commanded, swinging into the saddle. "We return to the Yao Capital."
A single rider galloped into the night, leaving the dying embers of the camp behind.