Dusk was drawing near. The sun sank in the west, and clouds like blazing fire unfurled ten thousand rays of light across the sky.
As the Silverfeather Eagle approached, several iron cities appeared amid the towering mountain ranges like a cluster of peaks, each spanning several miles and rising a hundred zhang high.
Bathed in the sun's afterglow, they too seemed tinged with flame, standing out sharply against the surrounding mountains.
"Kree!"
A goshawk flew past nearby and gave the enormous iron bird a shrill, drawn-out cry, as though greeting one of its own kind.
The Silverfeather Eagle darted through the mountains, then slowed and glided diagonally toward the tallest main building.
"We've reached the Qi Family Army's Mirage."
Li Chen's train of thought broke, and he came back to his senses.
He knew it was time to make his choice.
Just as he had claimed, Steward Zhuang seemed to be someone from the immortal city. Their passage was unimpeded all the way. Even after they entered the iron building, more than a dozen members of the Qi Family Army had gathered, each wearing the respectful expression of someone welcoming a superior's arrival. As soon as Steward Zhuang and Li Chen flew down from the iron bird, they came forward to greet them.
"Steward Zhuang, welcome, welcome."
Accustomed to such receptions, Steward Zhuang waved a hand. "Enough. I'm only here on an errand. Where is Master Artisan Qiu, your chief merit officer?"
A Puppet Master and master artisan who looked somewhat older stepped forward and cupped his fists. "Steward Zhuang, I am here. Please give me your instructions."
Steward Zhuang dispensed with any ceremony and nodded. "Handle the handover for Artisan Li here, Li Chen."
Li Chen operated his Puppet Chassis to say, "Sorry for the trouble."
Master Artisan Qiu