Beneath the pitch-black canopy of night, several calcium carbide lamps illuminated the Emissary Group's station as bright as day. A messenger came ashore from the dock and soon, guided by members of the Emissary Group, met Beast Tooth.
The messenger first saluted Beast Tooth, then presented his token of authority and said,
"Chief Emissary, Sima Xue and the Marshal have summoned you to the central army camp for a meeting. They also instructed you to bring your ceremonial staff and pack your luggage. The Chieftain has sent word summoning you back to Hanyang Commandery. Your mission is complete."
Beast Tooth was somewhat dazed when he heard this. In the blink of an eye, more than three years had passed, and he had developed feelings for this place. But his family was still in Hanyang Commandery. Now that his mission was complete, it was time to go home and see them.
After composing himself, Beast Tooth asked, "When do we leave?"
"Chief Emissary, it would be best to leave now. We can travel by boat, which will be faster and make it easier to bring your luggage. When you return, you can travel back with the Huben Guard. The Chieftain has summoned them back as well," the messenger said again.
"Is that so?!" Beast Tooth paused, then nodded and called out loudly, "Someone, take this messenger to eat and rest. Messenger, rest for a while. I'll come once I've packed my luggage."
"Yes!" The messenger did not stand on ceremony. He had spent an entire day aboard the boat, eating nothing but dry rations, so naturally he would not refuse a good meal.
About half an hour later, the messenger finished eating, and Beast Tooth came out carrying a cloth bundle. His luggage was simple: only several changes of clothes, two