"Don't worry, Junior Brother. I understand. It's just that we have no other way in at present," Yunmiaozi said with a nod and a sigh. "The Marquis of Linru County has the Attendant Tower's protection, so the Southern Dynasty must know something. They might listen to him, at least a little. Whatever it takes, we must find a way into the Attendant Tower before we can do anything else!"
As they spoke, Chen Cuo came out to greet them in person.
"Greetings, Marquis of Linru County."
The two Daoists cupped their hands in salute.
"Please, come inside." Chen Cuo had tea prepared, then sat facing the two Daoists in the main hall. "You came in such a hurry. Is something the matter?"
He had already seen the signs on their faces and sensed urgency in the thoughts spilling from them.
"Yes. We have come to ask for your help, my lord," Zhou Youzi said without beating around the bush. "You've had contact with people from the Attendant Tower, haven't you?"
Chen Cuo paused, then nodded. "Yes. Two Attendants have visited before."
Seeing that he did not deny it, Zhou Youzi and Yunmiaozi quietly breathed easier.
"Good. Then you should be able to speak with the Attendant Tower," Zhou Youzi said. "We came today hoping you could pass along a message and help us make contact."
Chen Cuo looked puzzled. "Please explain what you mean."
Zhou Youzi sighed and glanced at his senior brother before speaking. "To tell you the truth, the Mind-Calming Gate wishes to serve the court as Attendants. But the Tower Commandant seems to have reservations and will not permit it. With no other path open to us, we could only come to you."
Chen Cuo shook his head. "I'm afraid I can't help much. I've only met