Light and dust
As Zhou Yu departed, a magnificent sunset painted the sky, a tapestry of crimson and purple hues that bathed the Qujiang Pool in shimmering light. The jade pendant, engraved with patterns of flames and flowing water, lay quietly in Yi Xing's palm, its surface warm and slightly cool, yet seemingly carrying a weighty weight of information.
Back at Yaotian's camp, the lights in the warm pavilion were lit again, shutting out the twilight. Yi Xing relayed Zhou Yu's words to Ming Shiyin and his companions without missing a single one.
“The waters of the coast… mechanical and evil artifacts…” Ming Shiyin stood with his hands behind his back by the window, watching the last rays of sunlight disappear into the silhouette of the distant mountains, his voice low and deep, “It seems that our opponent is more troublesome than we imagined. Its tentacles may have already penetrated deep into the fabric of Chang’an.”
Pei Qinhu frowned deeply: "The person who can tinker with these things is definitely not an ordinary person! Xing'er, what's our next step in the investigation?"
Yi Xing's gaze fell on the chessboard in the corner of the room where he often studied chess games. The black and white pieces were scattered, like a maze of intertwined fates. He was silent for a moment, not out of hesitation, but to put the chaotic clues back into place in his mind.
"Light never asks why there is shadow; it simply exists, and thus darkness has boundaries."
He spoke slowly, his voice clear and calm. His words seemed not to be an answer to Pei Qinhu, but rather a statement of an eternal truth. It rejected complaints and questions, pointing directly to a firm and proactive stance—the meaning of truth lies not in the depth of darkness, but in the pursuit of light itself, which is the most powerful definition of darkness.
A moment of silence fell over the warm pavilion. Ming Shiyin turned around, a hint of admiration flashing in his deep eyes. Yang Yuhuan's fingers, which were caressing the pipa strings, paused slightly, her eyes thoughtful. Even Gongsun Li stopped fiddling with her umbrella sword, her rabbit ears trembling slightly as she pondered the power of those words.
This statement, stripped of specific events, captures the core of courage and responsibility, enough to shine brightly in any context concerning struggle, exploration, and perseverance.
“Xing’er, you’re right!” Although Pei Qinhu might not fully understand all the philosophical implications, he could clearly feel the fearlessness and determination contained in those words. “Whatever kind of demons and monsters they are, we’ll drag them out and they’ll show their true colors!”
Yi Xing nodded slightly, a faint light of conviction shining on his pale face: "Based on the clues provided by Governor Zhou, we need to split into two groups. One group will investigate places in Chang'an where special 'saltwater' may be obtained, stored, or used, focusing on the canal wharves, overseas trading posts, and... mansions and gardens that may have secret dealings with the East China Sea."
He looked at Pei Qinhu and Gongsun Li: "This matter involves all walks of life and is very broad in scope. We need to rely on Brother Hu and Sister A-Li."
"Leave it to me!" Pei Qinhu patted his chest.
“I will pay attention to the discussions in the music hall about overseas merchants and canal transport officials.” Gongsun Li nodded solemnly.
“The other approach,” Yi Xing turned his gaze to Yang Yuhuan and Ming Shiyin, “is about those mechanical artifacts. Sister Yuhuan is very knowledgeable; perhaps she can ask some friends who are familiar with mechanical arts for some information. Master…” He paused, “Perhaps we need to find out if there are any disciples under Master Lu Ban who have truly… gone astray.”
A knowing glint flashed in Ming Shiyin's eyes, and he nodded slightly in agreement. He naturally understood that the "inquiry" Yi Xing referred to was no ordinary questioning.
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