Iron Mountain's warning never reached Jade City. The moment Luo Ningcha died, ordinary people lost every shred of interest in the bandits outside the city. Besides, the upcoming martial contest provided more than enough gossip to occupy most people's tongues.
Gu Shenwei arrived in North City earlier than usual and checked into a residence belonging to the Dragon Army. Under the protection of more than a hundred guards, he met with a special guest.
The guest had not gone directly to the Protectorate General's Office to request an audience with the Dragon King. Instead, she had found Little Xu Yi's subordinate and, after going through several intermediaries, requested a meeting in North City—while refusing to reveal her name.
Gu Shenwei entered the room alone. He had less than half an hour to spare and hoped this guest would not take too long. "Han Ling?" He recognized her the moment they met.
Han Ling was a disciple of Moonlight Hall**, and still very young, having only just turned twenty. If her expression had not been so grave, she would have looked even younger. "The Dragon King still remembers me."
Of course Gu Shenwei remembered. Not long ago, she had been the first Moonlight Hall** he encountered in the underground palace beneath Bodhi Garden. Seeing that Han Ling still wore a long sword, he said, "I hope you haven't practiced Moonlit Swordplay again."
Han Ling glanced at the sword at her waist as well and gave a cold laugh. "What difference would it make? Without the antidote to the Blood Coagulating Brain Calming Pill, I won't live more than two years."
The fear of death was slowly fermenting within Moonlight Hall. Gu Shenwei suspected that He Nu was on the verge of losing control over the**.
"What a pity." Gu Shenwei did