"You even brought a gift along, kid. What a peculiar present."
Outside the Grain Transport Governor's Office, Yin Saide scratched his forehead as he looked at the nine people on Lin Hao's cart. He had put his distinctive mask back on, making him recognizable at a glance.
He had failed to find Lin Hao at Dam Market and come to Hedong Prefecture to wait for him. He had never expected the man to bring a gift, though this particular gift was rather unusual.
"Picked them up on the way. I don't know what the Western Depot is doing here. Ask them."
Old Yin had been his accomplice in that bloody battle in the mountain village, so Lin Hao told him outright.
"Heh, so they've come all the way to Hedong."
Looking at the men sprawled there as though their bodies had fallen apart, Yin Saide sneered, revealing his white teeth.
"H-Helmsman Yin, I... I request an audience with the governor-"
Eunuch Luo spoke feebly.
He had never imagined he would come to grief here!
He belonged to the Western Depot!
As long as he revealed his identity-
"An audience? You've committed a serious offense by impersonating the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Western Depot. Tell it to the fellows in the Torture Chamber. Their skills aren't up to your people's standards, so forgive us if the hospitality is lacking."
Yin Saide had also been one of their victims back then, and his disgust for the Western Depot ran deep. He waved a hand.
Cold-faced soldiers came forward, took the cart from Yi Feng, and wheeled the men into the compound.
"These are my adoptive father's personal guards, all dependable brothers. He's taught every one of them a Breathing Method. Even the weakest has reached Hidden Force now. Don't worry, they're