She was, of course, aware of the Crimson Church's attack on the Chen Clan's Duke's Mansion. It had been a major incident that shook all of Heaven Dou City, and even the Empire, setting tongues wagging and leaving people jumping at the wind's whistle and the cranes' cries for days.
On the day of the Seventh-Night Rite after that brutal battle, she had even disguised herself and stood at a distant street corner, gazing toward the mansion.
Now, hearing Zhang Yin Tie recount what he had experienced firsthand, the brutality struck her with far greater immediacy.
He paused, but soon straightened his back again. "Don't worry, I'm really fine! I've still got my right arm. I haven't lost the tool that puts food on my table."
He shook his empty left sleeve. "It's just that my days as a Black Scale Guards Guard Leader, charging into the thick of battle, are probably over."
"Fortunately, the Chen Clan has plenty of vacant posts these days. The Workshop, logistics, the training grounds-there are plenty of places for a half-crippled man like me! I could manage a warehouse or train the newcomers. I won't starve, and I can still give the clan what light and warmth I have left, right?"
He spoke lightly, clearly familiar with the clan's usual arrangements for disabled Soul Masters: moving them away from the front lines so they could continue contributing.
Gu Yuanchao's gaze softened. "Yes, the clan won't mistreat those who've served it well. In fact, a message arrived from the village just yesterday. They've already chosen your replacement. I just haven't had a chance to tell you."
"Oh?" Zhang Yin Tie asked at once. "They're finally making the change? Haha, good!"
He turned to Ye Sirong with a sincere smile. "Sirong, look at that. You've only