The Aizong Imperial Mausoleum

The Gunsmith packed his bags and set off again, his destination an unnamed fishing village ninety-three kilometers from Taiye Prefecture.

He intended to travel north along this waterway, bypassing the war-torn nations of the Copper River, and continue gathering intelligence around the Central Plains as a scout for the Fast Knife team.

This was another solo deep-behind-enemy-lines mission. Xue Ming changed into a simple monk's robe, shouldered his luggage, bid farewell to his wife, and boarded the boat. As he stepped on, he saw Xiao Qi's reluctant gaze.

Xue Ming: "If anything happens, I'll ring the bell."

Xiao Qi gave a thumbs-up: "I'll come rescue you in my battle armor."

No goodbyes were spoken, and none were needed.

Given Xue Ming's personality, if he ever encountered a life-or-death crisis, he'd call for help faster than anyone.

Accompanying him on this journey were Fuyanni and Billy, as well as Teacher Su Ling. These three had their own missions and would be traveling with the Gunsmith on the same sightseeing boat heading northwest.

The two apprentice craftsmen waved goodbye to their master's wife. Fuyanni returned to the cabin and tugged on Billy's sleeve, whispering.

"Hey Billy, is it a bit rash for Marshal Krozo to send two little shrimps like us on this search mission?"

Billy hadn't slept well for days. Ever since arriving in the hot and humid summer sea breeze of Great Xia's southeast, he'd been throwing up and having diarrhea. He'd been having nightmares for days—he dreamt of Fay, of his poor little girlfriend.

At least in his world, in his memories, Fay Florosalin's hometown was Area 51, and she was a Persian girl whose mother had just passed away, needing him to care for her, to cherish her.

"Big Brother Billy? Billy?" Fuyanni, seeing his brother unresponsive, raised