The tide rose, the snipe and clam fought, the fisherman profited, and the true lotus finally appeared

Li Xian pinched off two strands of hair. He planted one in the seclusion chamber to watch the two women, and the other at the mountain path entrance to perceive even the slightest movement. Once he confirmed that all was well, he descended the mountain. Several miles along the path, he found a blue-gray rock. He sat on the ground and spread the Terrain Map over it.

Simple lines outlined mountains, waters, roads, dwellings, and scenic spots with clarity. Li Hengfeng's original drawing had its omissions and shortcomings. Li Xian had spent over ten days on the island. Though covert watchers had sometimes monitored him, he had used his sightseeing excursions and his ability to "observe the wind and survey the waters" to improve the Terrain Map. After repeated additions, corrections, and revisions, it was now extremely detailed, showing mountain contours, streams and rivers, and the density of the vegetation.

The Quiet Contemplation Gate was not exactly a secret place. Yin Jiudu knew of it after taking possession of the island. But he knew nothing of City Lord Jiang's secrets, nor of its connection to the stars. Finding the stone gate thick and heavy, he had tried several times to open it without success, then gradually stopped bothering. As time passed, vines spread over it, and fewer people came.

Seeing the east turn pale, Li Xian thought, There's no need for me to foolishly go back and let them turn their sham into a real murder. At this point, I have no worries holding me back. I can hide in the shadows, wait for my opportunity, and seize the Precious Lotus in one stroke. He rolled up the Terrain Map and tucked it against his chest. Using his lightness skill, he headed southwest, bounding more than ten miles.

The sky