Intelligence Changes, Alien Secrets Emerge

The tent flap lifted, and a figure strode in swiftly before dropping to one knee.

"Shadow Seven reports." The spy's voice was low, sweat beading at his brow. "A Northern Ridge outpost discovered the outsiders moving heavy equipment under cover of night. Their route avoided patrols, and their destination points toward the shaded side of the valley."

Chen Wuya was holding the still-sealed letter stamped with red wax, his thumb paused along the edge of its totem. He did not look up. He merely set the letter gently on the desk, spun the charcoal pencil once in his palm, then returned it to its place.

"Be precise. What kind of equipment?"

"The wheel ruts were extremely deep and unevenly spaced—not marks ordinary supply carts could leave." The spy drew a folded sketch from his robes and presented it with both hands. "The route doubled back repeatedly, as if deliberately concealing its true destination. Around midnight last night, the convoy detoured to the entrance of an abandoned mine and remained there for half an hour. They unloaded nothing and lit no lamps."

Bai Zhi had already stepped forward and taken the map. Her fingertips traced several turns in the route, and her brows drew together slightly. "This isn't grain transport, nor is it troop deployment," she said quietly. "The axles are bearing too much weight, yet they moved slowly. That means the cargo was heavy and unstable—like they were dragging some colossal thing that could not fully support itself."

Chen Wuya finally raised his eyes. "They're afraid we'll see it."

"Exactly." Bai Zhi spread the sketch beside the sand table and pinned its four corners with small stones. "If they were merely setting defenses or reinforcing their camp, they could have taken the open road. To hide their tracks with such