The Northern Border Army's Resolve Had Stirred, and the Seeds of Mortal Chaos Had Taken Root

A small boat lantern had already drifted north with the current.

Mist rose over the river beyond the Abandoned Ferry Crossing.

The lantern bobbed in the mist, moving farther and farther from shore.

The Commandant pinned the rider into the mud. At the words "This is only the decoy tube," his grip suddenly bore down harder.

A muffled sound escaped the rider's throat.

He was still laughing.

His mouth was full of muddy water, and his laughter came in broken bursts.

"Go on, chase it."

"With so many forks in the river, which one will you follow?"

The Relay Station Chief held the cracked black leather tube, his knuckles taut.

The partial sheet of yellow paper still protruded from its split seam.

[Northern Border.]

Those two words lay beneath the vermilion seal.

He had inspected counterfeit Relay Station Slips at the South Gate.

He knew there was sand in the vermilion paste of the Northern Border Relay Seal.

The impression on this partial sheet of yellow paper had sand in it too.

This was no fake seal carved on a whim.

Someone had gotten hold of a genuine Northern Border Relay Seal.

The Commandant seized the rider by his collar.

"Which boat has the real tube?"

The rider clenched his teeth.

Just then, a Thunder Edict arrived from the Grand Preceptor's Residence.

Wen Zhong did not question the rider.

He only gave orders.

"Seal the three upstream crossings."

"Stretch nets across the river downstream."

"Let not a single lantern boat escape."

"Even if the real tube goes into the water, haul it out."

At the Abandoned Ferry Crossing, the Commandant listened, immediately released the rider, and turned to rush toward the riverbank.

"Get aboard!"

Six of the twelve Armored Guards split off and entered the water.

Two untied