Qianlong's Chief Strategist, White Water

The flying car came to a stop, and Lin Xiaosu stepped out.

At first glance, the Southwestern Military Region's imposing might struck him.

A military camp had that magical power: everyone who entered was awed by its presence.

An army of steel ought to be just like this.

As he marveled in silence, he spotted someone ahead.

The man wore white and looked utterly ordinary.

But the man beside him carried himself with uncommon composure. He had to be a master among masters.

The man in white smiled and extended a hand. "Mr. Lin, I'm White Water!"

White Water, Qianlong's chief strategist.

Lin Xiaosu had heard of him long ago.

He reached out and shook White Water's hand lightly. "Teacher White Water, you're here too?"

"Given the circumstances, I'm serving as liaison between Qianlong and the military region. It's wonderful that you could come, Mr. Lin," White Water said. "Shall we talk in the tea room?"

"Of course. After you, Teacher White Water."

The moment Lin Xiaosu and Hu Ya arrived at the camp, White Water personally led them to the tea room.

Outside, two soldiers saluted and opened the door for them.

The four entered, and the door closed behind them.

White Water introduced the man at his side: a mysterious Qianlong operative named Windshadow.

At the name, Hu Ya's heart jolted.

She knew it. Windshadow had fought his way up to the thirtieth floor of the Three-Thirty-Three Pagoda at Qianlong Headquarters on sheer ability.

In other words, his combat strength had reached the Heavenly King threshold.

He was not a Heavenly King, but he fought like one.

Yet Windshadow showed not a trace of a master's airs. Smiling, he poured tea for Lin Xiaosu and Hu Ya. As he set her cup beside her, he bowed slightly. "I