By the time the Vermilion Bird Boat landed at the Ironblood Horse Grounds, it was already the latter half of the night.
Lu Chen leaped down from the prow, his steps steady and soundless as he landed.
With a wave of his hand, the Vermilion Bird Boat swiftly shrank, turning into a streak of crimson light that vanished into his Sumeru Ring.
The camp was quiet. The bustling sounds of drills from the daytime, Lei Ba's trademark thunderous roars—all had fallen silent.
Only the footsteps of patrolling soldiers rang rhythmically across the stone-paved paths, mixed with the faint crisp clinks of overlapping armor plates.
Seeing him, the patrolling soldiers instinctively moved to salute, but he stopped them with a slight downward gesture of his hand. Understanding, they silently cupped their fists and continued their patrol.
Lu Chen crossed the camp and headed straight for the central command tent.
Inside, the lights burned bright.
Through a gap in the tent flap, shadowy figures could be seen moving within. Clearly, someone was still awake.
He lifted the flap and stepped inside.
Inside the tent, Mo Qianqiu, Han Lie, Zhao Tieying, Gu Mingxuan, and Lei Ba were all there.
Mo Qianqiu sat in the first chair below the seat of honor, a cup of tea long gone cold at his side, his eyes closed as he rested.
Hearing the footsteps, he opened his eyes. When he saw Lu Chen, a flicker of delight flashed through them, and he promptly rose.
Han Lie had been studying a military map with his head lowered. He looked up as well and cupped his fists in salute.
Zhao Tieying and Gu Mingxuan stood from the corner, while Lei Ba practically sprang out of his chair, his booming voice shaking the tent.
"Duke! You're finally back!"
Lu Chen