A Sudden Upheaval on the Ming River-The Water Shaman Strikes, and a Blood-Clad Figure Soars to Seize the Ringleader

"Your Majesty! His Majesty is here!"

Zhao Cheng was atop a tall pavilion, pondering the details of constructing the Steam Hub, when one of his subordinates hurried over to report that Ying Zheng had arrived.

Zhao Cheng raised an eyebrow and followed the subordinate's gaze downward.

On the construction site along the Ming River, a figure in dark robes was walking slowly toward them. It was Ying Zheng.

He wore no ceremonial robes, only a brocade gown. A little dust from the construction site clung to its hem, but he looked not the least bit disheveled.

Li Si, Feng Quji, and several other high-ranking officials accompanied him, while a few Secret Agents of the Black Ice Terrace lurked in the shadows.

Ying Zheng ambled along, stopping now and then to run a hand over the iron shell of the Steam Rammer or accept a small mechanical model from a Mohist Official. His eyes brimmed with interest, and even his pace slowed.

"His Majesty didn't even send word before coming."

Zhao Cheng shook his head helplessly, folded the sketch, and tucked it into his robes. He was about to leap down from the pavilion when a sudden unease swept through him.

The water vapor over the Ming River seemed far too restless.

The next moment, the river's surface churned!

It was as though some enormous creature were stirring beneath the water. The placid surface suddenly erupted in a spray several yards high, and with a splash, several dark figures burst from the water like ghosts!

A dozen or so men, drenched from head to toe, wore tight black clothes. Blue-black markings covered their faces, and they gripped short daggers that glinted coldly. They moved so fast they were little more than afterimages, closing on Ying Zheng in the blink of an