Li Wei and Leng Yue had returned to the warehouse in better spirits, there was no doubt in their minds that this village would continue to exist. This was largely merited to their actions, but they were rather timid with celebrations.

It was very likely that a large portion of the inhabitants within the settlement would never even know how close they were to extinction, such matters were becoming the norm. This was also the reason both of them decided to stay within the warehouse, although the decor was minimalistic to say the least, it would suffice.

"Tang Li will arrive shortly, it is imperative we come to a consensus on how to proceed." Li Wei spoke as he peered outside at the streets below that were bustling with activity, many still unknowingly going about their day, completely unaware of the events that occurred a few hours ago.

Leng Yue sat atop a box of sturdy crates and exhaled slowly, "If the head merchant is able to keep her end of the deal, that would definitely be for the best…" the duo had left the youngster resting within the sleeping quarters nearby.

"That young one has lost the people that cherished him, if Tang Li cannot help him then the task will likely fall to us." Li Wei had some sympathy for the young boy that was being exposed to the cruel reality of the world he lived in.

"I hope the artifact can get Pei Wong to Crescent Moon City in one piece…" Leng Yue was still concerned that the task given to the deceased councilman's son was asking a great deal of him, but Li Wei stood firm in his belief that the young man would overcome this task.

As the duo conversed they were greeted by a guest they had been expecting for some time, "My apologies, I was having a discussion with the local merchants regarding the tariffs…." Tang Li walked into the warehouse with her emerald dress shining faintly in the dim light, "I am glad to see you two return so quickly, am still in awe by your abilities."

Li Wei simply smiled, "The objective has been completed, I think the time to hold your end of the bargain is nigh…" Leng Yue eyed Tang Li with a neutral expression waiting for her reply, it was a tense moment of silence that lasted for a few moments.

Tang Li walked further into the warehouse, her emerald robes brushing against the dust-laden floorboards with a soft whisper. The faint clinking of glass vials from the satchel at her side mingled with the low hum of conversation outside. "Your tone carries the weight of certainty, Master Li," she said, her voice lilting with a merchant's poise. "I do admire that. But even completed objectives demand verification, do they not?"

Li Wei's lips curved faintly, though his eyes betrayed the exhaustion beneath his calm. He rested his palm upon the cool wood of the window frame, peering out at the murky street below. The moonlight caught the edges of his robes, making them glimmer faintly like old silk. ~Creak~ went the wood beneath his weight.

"Verification, you say? The mountain no longer breathes the serpent's pulse. If that is not enough, then perhaps only Heaven's word would suffice."

Tang Li's eyes flicked to Leng Yue, who had taken to pacing slowly between the rows of wooden crates stacked to the ceiling. The air in the warehouse was cool and smelled faintly of oil and parchment. A lone lantern burned on the far table, its flame wavering every time the draft slipped through the cracked boards.

"I have no reason to doubt your word," Tang Li said after a pause, fingers brushing over the nearest crate's markings. Her nails clicked softly against the wood. "But you must understand, my dealings have drawn the eyes of the Bureau of Imperial Order. They watch every exchange, every whisper that drifts from this city's underbelly."

"If I am to provide the parchment cipher and safe passage to the border of the Huangjing Province…" She looked between them, the green hue of her eyes deepening in the flickering light. "I must ensure this alliance does not end with me swinging from a rope."

Leng Yue stopped pacing. The faint scuff of her sandals echoed through the chamber. "And what of us?" she said coolly. "If we fail to uphold our end, we die. If we succeed, we are branded as outlaws. You speak of risk, but risk is all we've had since we took the first step down Mount Lian."

Her gaze lingered on Tang Li, unflinching. For a heartbeat, the only sound was the soft crackle of the lantern flame. Tang Li gave a small smile, one that held more fatigue than amusement. "The woman of the sword speaks true," she admitted. "The world now rewards peril more than peace."

Li Wei turned from the window and moved toward the central table, where maps and scrolls were strewn across the surface. His movements were slow, a hint of vitality loss still lingering from the Mirror Seal. He laid one hand on the parchment map and traced a faint line toward the fringes of Huangjing's provincial borders. The ink had begun to fade from age.

"We have little choice," he said. "The serpent's energy is sealed for now, but the seal itself draws unsavory gazes. There will be factions seeking to unearth it again. Pei Wong carries what remains of the councilman's sigil—a relic that can reopen that gate if it falls into the wrong hands."

Leng Yue stepped closer, her voice dropping lower. "You think the Bureau will attempt to intercept him?" Li Wei nodded once. "Them, or worse. The Protector of the Northern Provinces has been silent for too long."

Tang Li exhaled sharply, setting her satchel down with a muted thud. ~Thmp~ The sound echoed faintly against the wooden walls. She loosened the ties and withdrew a small lacquered box. It was inlaid with gold, etched in swirling dragon motifs. As she set it upon the table, the faint scent of incense drifted out.

"The parchment cipher to the imperial burial ground is within," she said, fingers brushing the lid. "But once I hand it to you, I become a conspirator to a cause the Empire would call heresy."

"Then it seems we share that title," Li Wei said, his tone almost amused. He reached out and opened the box. Inside lay a tightly rolled scroll bound with a strand of red silk and a seal marked with the emblem of the Imperial Archives. The sigil shimmered faintly under the lamplight, giving off an aura of restrained power.

Leng Yue leaned closer, the faint glimmer of curiosity lighting her eyes. "This seal… it feels ancient. Older than the Council itself." Tang Li gave a faint nod. "It was passed down from the first era of the scholar-scribes. They said only those whose hearts remain untainted by worldly desires can read it clearly. Which means most men of our age will fail."

Li Wei's expression softened slightly. "Then perhaps Heaven still has humor." As he carefully lifted the scroll, a faint whispering sound filled the air—the parchment reacting to his touch.

The runes etched upon it flared momentarily before dimming again. ~Ssshhh~ Leng Yue felt the hairs rise on her neck.

"It recognizes you," Tang Li murmured. "Interesting…." Li Wei's eyes flickered, but he said nothing. Instead, he set the scroll gently back down. "Then the path forward is clear. Pei Wong should arrive at Crescent Moon City by first light. Leng Yue and I will remain until we can ensure the village stands on its own."

Tang Li hesitated. "And what of the boy?"

At that, Leng Yue's stern expression softened. She turned her gaze toward the curtained partition that separated the sleeping quarters from the main floor. Beyond it, faint breathing of the young survivor resting fitfully after the ordeal.

She walked toward it, brushing the curtain aside slightly. A thin stream of moonlight spilled over the boy's sleeping form. "He dreams of fire," she murmured. "Every few minutes, his hands twitch as if still fighting phantoms."

Li Wei joined her, his shadow falling across the curtain. "Trauma is a spirit that lingers," he said softly. "It leaves deeper scars than blades."

Tang Li's eyes drifted toward the scene, and for a fleeting moment, the poise of the merchant gave way to quiet empathy. She turned away and busied herself by rearranging the items on the table.

Leng Yue let the curtain fall back and exhaled slowly. "If the boy wakes before we leave, he deserves to know who saved him."

"He will know," Li Wei said, his tone certain. "But the knowledge will burden him, not free him. Sometimes ignorance is mercy."

The warehouse fell silent again, save for the distant murmur of the marketplace outside and the occasional creak of the old rafters. Then came a faint tremor—so subtle that only Leng Yue noticed at first.

~Rmmmble~

The lantern flame wavered. She straightened immediately. "Li Wei," she said sharply. "The earth trembles."

He frowned, closing his eyes. His hand rose instinctively to the spirit pearl on his staff. The orb pulsed faintly, responding to something unseen. "It is not the serpent," he murmured. "The vibration is too shallow—something moving above, not below."

Tang Li froze, hand halfway to her satchel. "You mean the Imperial Bureau has found us?"

"Possibly," Li Wei said. He moved toward the entrance, The wooden door creaked as he opened it slightly. Outside, the alleyway was bathed in silvery moonlight. A few shadows passed along the far wall much too silent to be drunkards , but too steady for common thieves.

Leng Yue slipped beside him, hand on her sword. "Three of them," she whispered. "Maybe four. They move like trained dogs."

Li Wei's mind raced. They must have traced the resonance from the Mirror Seal… that was reckless of me. He shut the door quietly and turned back to Tang Li. "Hide the cipher. If they find it, none of us will leave this room alive."

Tang Li hesitated only a moment before sliding the box into a hollow compartment beneath one of the crates. The latch clicked softly shut.

~Chk~

Leng Yue drew her blade, the steel whispering faintly. "If it comes to it," she said, "we fight our way out." Li Wei gave a quiet nod. His voice dropped to a near whisper. "Let us hope Heaven values patience tonight."

A shadow passed across the window, the unmistakable silhouette of a man holding a crossbow. Then came the faintest of sounds, like a breath drawn too sharply.

~Twang!~

The bolt shattered the windowpane, embedding itself in the wall inches from Li Wei's head. Splinters of glass scattered across the floor. "They have no intention of parley," Leng Yue hissed, already moving toward the side door.

Li Wei raised his staff, light blooming from its tip like a miniature sun. The air filled with the scent of ozone. "Then Heaven forgive them," he said, eyes glowing faintly gold. "For tonight, even the light will strike back."

~BOOM!~

The night erupted in fire and motion as the warehouse became a battleground.

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