Following the Trail to Deep Valley

White Bird District, Central City.

Mr. Chi was on a call. "Please tell Mr. He we've received word that he's already headed to the Convergence Zone. But we may not be ready on our end."

The voice on the other end said, "Mr. He anticipated this. He said there's no need to rush. If the man only stays a few days before coming out, there'll be another chance. If he stays longer, we'll have plenty of time to make arrangements."

Mr. Chi said, "Unfortunately, after our last failure, we lost track of his precise movements."

"That's all right. Even in the Convergence Zone, he can't avoid contact with people entirely. He'll leave clues wherever he comes and goes. Just keep an eye out."

Mr. Chi understood. "Please tell Mr. He we'll use our contacts in the Convergence Zone to gather as much intelligence on him as possible."

"Thanks for the effort. I'll pass that along."

In the Convergence Zone, the airship carrying Chen Chuan landed after more than two hours of flight atop a fortress the local garrison had built on high ground.

This was the site of the Old Imperial Household's former military headquarters in the Jibei Province Convergence Zone. The Da Shun Army had taken it over completely and built defensive fortresses all around it.

Chen Chuan had only just stepped off the airship when a military band struck up inside the fortress. The stirring, quick-paced drums, gongs, and horns filled him with energy.

Principal Yao was already waiting below. As Chen Chuan came down from Bota Tower, he greeted him. "Committee Member Chen, welcome." He stepped forward to shake Chen Chuan's hand, then led him inside the fortress and invited him to sit in his quarters. "The accommodations are rough. I hope you don't mind."

To guard