The second level of Princess Anping's Tomb.
With their code phrases matched, Ren Ye and Little War Wolf confirmed each other's identities. "...Nobody saw you come looking for me, right?"
"I watched from inside for ages. I only came over once I was sure everyone had gone far away," Li Yan replied quietly. "But just to be safe, let's head farther in and find somewhere private to talk."
"Okay."
"You all right?" Li Yan took a small bottle of liniment from inside his robe. "Here."
"Thanks." Despite his polite words, Ren Ye grabbed Li Yan's wrist. "Wait."
"What?" Li Yan froze for a moment.
"Even though I feel a sense of closeness to you, how can you prove you're my comrade?" Ren Ye asked with extreme caution.
Li Yan blinked. "I fucking saved your dad back at Xinyuan Spa! And you're actually doubting me?"
"Am I not allowed to?" Ren Ye was already prepared for another fight.
"Fine. You're a cautious one." Li Yan nodded helplessly. "I was going to test you too, anyway. Wouldn't want to end up taking a thief for my father."
With that, he turned, bowed to Ren Ye, and recited solemnly, "Li Yan, Hidden Pawn of Old Prince Huai, pays his respects to the young lord. May our Prince Huai receive heavenly pardon in his fate and restore Great Qian's fortunes."
The instant he finished, Ren Ye felt a mysterious sense of closeness form between himself and Li Yan. Immediately afterward, a cold voice rang in his ears.
[You have found the Hidden Pawn left behind by Old Prince Huai-Chief Secretary Li Yan. Would you like to acknowledge him?]
At those words, Ren Ye finally let out a breath of relief. Holding Li Yan's little hand, he pumped it twice. "It really is