The County Magistrate of Fan City was dead.
Seeing his right hand clenched tightly and half hidden in his sleeve, Bu Er stepped forward, lifted it, and pressed a certain spot on its back. The fist loosened.
An old-fashioned key lay inside.
There was nothing else.
Bu Er took the key and held it out to Yang Qing. "Young master, there's only a key."
Yang Qing examined it carefully.
Its edges were remarkably smooth and even, with a faint patina worn into its surface. Clearly, its owner had treasured it, taking it out for a look whenever he had a moment to spare.
But where was this key meant to be used?
The Western Hu people's parting strike had come too swiftly. Besides, Yang Qing and Bu Er had not intended to reveal themselves so soon, and so the County Magistrate of Fan City had met an untimely death.
Still, judging by his earlier intentions, he probably would not have lived much longer anyway.
"Young master, I think this key must be for somewhere in the temporary palace. Shall I go investigate now?"
Bu Er understood the key's significance, which was why he spoke up.
Yang Qing shook his head. "No need. Though this palace is unguarded, finding a place that matches the key would likely take considerable time."
"Besides, how could the two of us compare with others?"
Others? Bu Er was startled, but quickly caught on.
Could those people from the Yijiang Kingdom actually come back?
"Young master, hide, quickly!"
Bu Er suddenly frowned and drew Yang Qing back into their previous hiding place.
They had barely settled themselves when several dark figures vaulted over the palace wall and landed in the courtyard again.
The leader wore a cloth over his face, but the cold gleam in his