Just after Tang Lan and Wang Qiuer finished analyzing the situation, the room fell into a brief silence. Only the faint sound of waves outside could be heard when the heavy door of the imperial suite was suddenly knocked on softly.
The knocking was steady, yet at such a sensitive moment, it still caused a flicker of vigilance to pass through Wang Qiuer's golden eyes.
She glanced at Tang Lan. Seeing him nod slightly, she rose and walked to the door. Rather than opening it immediately, she asked through it.
"Who is it?"
A male voice came from outside, deliberately lowered but unable to conceal its excitement and respect.
"Miss Qiuer, it's me, Ding De'er. Qiao Na is with me too. We... brought people."
Ding De'er and Qiao Na? The images of those two capable Tang Sect subordinates from the southwestern operation immediately surfaced in Wang Qiuer's mind.
She hesitated no longer and reached out to pull open the door.
The instant the door opened, Wang Qiuer's gaze first fell upon Ding De'er and Qiao Na standing outside. Both wore practical, close-fitting clothes suited for action, looking travel-worn.
Yet their spirits were high. What truly left Wang Qiuer stunned, prompting a soft cry of surprise, were the figures standing behind them.
They were figures familiar to her very bones, each radiating a powerful or distinctive aura. Their appearance seemed to instantly transform this seaside suite in Vast Sea City back into Tang Sect headquarters, that home brimming with warmth and fighting spirit.
"Big Sister Tang Ya! Big Sister Xiao Tao! Xiao Xiao! Wutong! Big Sister Nannan! Long Yao! Xin'er!"
Wang Qiuer practically called out every name one by one, her golden eyes filled with surprise and delight.
"You... why are all of you here?!"
Outside the door, Tang Ya wore