Undercurrents and Master Craftsmen
The meeting with the Great Wall Guards ended amicably. Mulan and the others exchanged contact information and then took their leave, as the important task of border defense could not be left for long.
However, the undercurrents in Chang'an did not subside. Although the Empress did not make any overt moves, she secretly raised her vigilance against Yao Tian to the highest level. At the same time, the missing remnants of the "Ink of the Night" (Ink Lord, Thousand Machines, and Bone-Eater) and the Shadow Pavilion (Night Enchantress, Empty Sky, etc.) seemed to have vanished into thin air, leaving behind a huge hidden danger.
On this day, an uninvited guest visited Yaotian. The visitor was covered in dust, yet his dashing and unrestrained demeanor was undeniable, and an inconspicuous longsword hung at his waist.
"My name is Han Xin." He got straight to the point. "I've heard that the heroes of Yaotian are all highly capable, so I've come to meet you. I also have something to tell you. The 'Shadow Pavilion' has been very active in the Jianghuai area recently, seemingly searching for something, which may be related to the remnants who escaped earlier."
Han Xin, a wandering, righteous yet wicked military genius, provided Yao Tian with new clues and directions through his arrival and the information he brought.
Meanwhile, Master Lu Ban set up a temporary workshop at Yao Tian's base, spending his days hammering and clanging. He not only repaired and perfected his own mechanisms but also began designing new countermeasures against the "Ink of the Night" mechanical arts, based on his experience in the underground battle. Beside him, a furry, floating blue creature appeared—Meng Qi. Meng Qi seemed very interested in Master Lu Ban's mechanisms, using its magical abilities to help the master move parts and harmonize energy, becoming a valuable assistant and bringing much laughter to the room.
At the post station in Wu, Sun Ce and Zhou Yu had not left. Zhou Yu visited Yi Xing again, this time bringing with him the formal letter of alliance from the Marquis of Wu, as well as some news.
"According to the report from the Jiangdong Navy, traces of activity suspected to be those of the 'Night Ink' have been discovered outside the East Sea. Furthermore..." Zhou Yu paused, "My wife, Da Qiao, recently observed the stars and noticed something unusual about the constellations in the East Sea, seemingly a powerful fluctuation of water-attribute energy, which may be related to some lost ancient power." Although Da Qiao was not present in person, her prophetic abilities had indirectly provided information.
Sun Ce patted his chest and promised, "Jiangdong men value integrity above all else! In the future, if you get into a fight... cough cough, in the future, just give me a call!" His generosity complemented Zhou Yu's wisdom perfectly.
Meng Ya, as Sun Ce's personal bodyguard captain, had a "friendly" martial arts exchange with Pei Qinhu during one of Sun Ce's visits. The two became acquainted through their fight and developed a sense of mutual respect.
At this point, all the supporting characters mentioned have made their appropriate appearances and integrated into the storyline.
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