Qian Ye said, “Let’s put Nan Gong Xiao Niao’s matter aside for now. I’ve already got too many troubles on my hands; one more won’t make much of a difference.”
Song Zi Ning furrowed his brow and remained silent with lowered eyes.
Qian Ye continued, “Back to more pressing matters then. Something feels off about Count Stuka’s recent conduct during our western campaign; everything on the Werewolves’ borders has grown abnormal. Considering now that An Huo (Dark Flame) has already seized control over three viscount’s estates plus the strategically critical Black Ridge, I think we’ve reaped enough rewards to deal with. It’s time we focused our attention and tried to uncover what Dark Kin really plotting before proceeding further.”
He glanced over the room, asking, “Then again, what do each of you plan next? Po Tian, aren’t you departing the day after tomorrow already?”
Nan Gong Po Tian scratched head, sighing slightly. “Father wrote me to come home.”
“Indeed, it’s about time you head back and brush up on military strategy,” commented Song Zi Ning sharply.
Qian Ye turned towards Song. “What do you plan to do, Zi Ning?”
Song Zi Ning thought for a moment before replying slowly,
“Upgrading our Silver Stream’s Bay outpost fortress into a full fortress stronghold is a massive undertaking; added to this new acquisition Black Ridge only escalates its strategic importance. I’ll pay a visit to Ningyuan Group Corporation back home – rearranging military contracts, dispatching a caravan to ferry materials and construction resources as swiftly as feasible. Per Miss Zhao Yuying words, strange mineral veins run beneath those areas. Perhaps concealed treasures yet to discovered—so, specialists needed. Not relying solely those Dark technicians is imperative.”
Qian Ye only nodded and directed his view toward. Miss Zhao.
Ms. Zhao laconically replied, “Since haven’t other concerns at immediate moment—might hang about you temporarily. Just ensured I’m not forgotten in the ledger.”
Pondering thoughtfully, Qian Ye proposed, “Need officer for commanding one regiment, want fill that post? Might ease things up here.”
“Are You Trying Take Advantage Of Me?” She immediately retorted, “Won’t happen. I won’t tied down. Not yet!”
Qian Ye shrugged, smiling faintly. “How about a cut on revenues? Ten percent more to your name.”
Zhuo Yuying swiftly bounced beside him, eyes twinkling joyfully “Now you talking, we’re family after all! Don’t fret, big sis watching out!”
With everyone swarmed with duties, post-dinner they quickly bid farewell for night.
Returning his study’s pile mountains of bureaucratic reports consumed hours deep into dusk—finally he rubbed eye strain tiredly strolled across wall’s strategic military map gazed upon deeply.
Present day affairs stood clarity: Arachnomorph viscount Masque died at hand from Miss Zhao; werewolves withdrew themselves deep in shadows across lands unexpectedly teeming monstrous beasts. Thus, caution prevailed; no siege commenced, simply barricading escape route from Lupo territory. Should the beast-men desire breakouts, they would need traverse towering ridgelines from other sides.
Consequently, vast swath within southern eastern regions once ruled Stuka noble estate now securely claimed by Qian Ye domain.
Now all set into initial plans – awaiting Zi Ning shipments machinery and building tools to commence fortress construction throughout Silver Stream and Black Ridge locales. Foundation expansion complete momentarily – except heavy cloud loomed in Ye heart.
Unraveling mysteries behind those two potent arcane arrays weren’t simple task at all. Modest talent their existing array scholars only comparable best from Sanshen County couldn’t compete upper realm masters. Even expert artisans Song brought along through corporate channels remained clueless after prolonged analysis of both objects remained at status quo. Captured workforce skilled laborers only trained in maintaining and assembling, sealed heart of these devices within enigmatic crystal spheres; they too ignorant towards their true functions. Even the mysterious half-demon master in machinery, oblivious to any intricacies in arcane arrays.
Regardless functions served array held clear indication—this couldn’t originated from a low-count like Count Stuka alone; likely exceeded his wealth. What Qian Ye previously suspected now became truth: foreign hand interceded in this region.
So keeping Count Stuka alive had been wise decision. In this realization Ye slightly appreciated the shots from his silver-infused sunlight grenades struck the arachnid form, instead finishing its fully human portion entirely, had given him leverage worth exploiting.
Thus contemplating for a bit, he resolved preliminary mineral reconnaissance survey within newly seized land. With Zi Ning return expected carrying news of securing an authentic Arcane Array Master recruitment via corporate means – progress could soon develop. His strategy set in mind Ye left office into night.
Emerging through doorway Ye glimpsed Yuying leaning lone cigarette burn within solitude walls.
“You waiting up for me?”
She nods. “About Xiao Niao… Thank You.”
Qian Ye smiles tenderly. “No gratitude needed… between us.”
Reminiscing on day of showdown against Count Stuka the very moment Yuying chose to remain behind covering retreat, a deep wall hidden behind Qian Ye’s heart cracked – if ever so slightly. Understanding Yuying wished safe journey during perpetual nighttime for dear Xiao Niao meant small feat; easily accepted.
Yuying blows out smoke circle then adds “She fragile but so resilient. First day met—was Crimson Scorpion training range. Never thought a lass would throw herself body mind relentlessly, completely obsesses self. Never pushed myself so violently like that before! After meeting I became friend; I questioned her. Her response: ‘Because I must possess enough power to see one man again.’”
At those words a silence lingers between them.
“And I never guessed you’d be that someone,” Yuying blows another thin column gazing until it disperses. Turning she eyes Qian Ye sly smirk returning with mischief intent. “Don’t tell me – you haven’t considered bedding her? Her gifts *are* rather impressively developed.”
“Hardly compare her ample attributes to yours.”
That ignites spark in her features; pushing chest forward pride. “Older sister here really hides a surprise; unlike that little novice, you’ll realize real treasures with time. Now ain’t that discerning eye. Still – Xiao Niao offers something *unique.”* winks conspirator’s gleam flashing, she added teasing “What say? Take that lass into your beds, you’ll find no regrets.”
He exhaled in exasperation, a reluctant smile tugging lips. “Now tell me—how does one call themselves truest companion yet push others straight into someone’s chambers.”
“Exactly what make best kind friendship! Besides eventually find herself with lover… best be happy, healthy choice! You *suit* the role just nicely.”
Speech left flustered, at wits loss he gave her back playful shove.
“Enough chattering!—head off for sleep already!
“How bout coax her nightcap—invite out for frothy brew! Get that cute lass tipsy enough, maybe…”
“Night already Yuying—*go rest!*”
At long Yuying shuffled sleepward. Returning personal chambers he dismissed servant twins from following through, however strange a falling leaf drifting just within visual field immediately caught his eye from step entering.
Qian Ye concentrated summon forth the vision gifted through True Sight technique while directing strands of his Dawn Blood energy extending beyond physical hand like soft mist web weaving outwards through the dim room. Within vision’s world everything monochrome but that drifting leaf bore subtle shimmer — tracing delicate lines extending from void beyond vision toward very origin leaf itself; something beyond window observing silently.
Without hesitation Ye lunged—expounding his aura web outward to ensnare threads of force emanating toward observer leaf.
Leaf suddenly swirved nimble fashion evading assault, collapsing its manifestation vanishing into pure unseen force. Instantly outside the window rang Song Zi Ning frustrated reproach.
“Qian Ye—you’ve turned miscreant!”
“When did you pick-up sneaking habits?” Ye greeted, bemusing.
“*And window-entry obsession lately*—care to say?”
“I prefer stealth,” Song adjusted collar with smug dignity reasserting usual composed charm. “But let’s attend to important talk.”
He raised precisely two fingers, “Prioritise immediately—get Nan Gong Xiao Niao safely hidden, certain death shall follow should Lord Nan Gong YuBo set assassin eyes upon you.”
“Second—expecting longer travel duration myself. Minor affairs to tie myself free. Act soon.”
“Hers safe here. Should Nan Gong elders harbor resentment… they soon regret foolish ambitions.”
Zi Ning regarded in deep contemplation. Finally he sighed “Very well… won’t persuade anymore.” Softly cautioned with slight pause before final word escaped, “Remain guarded heart carefully, particularly Zhao family.”
He hesitated adding reluctantly, “…Especially Miss Zhao Yuying, understand?”
Qian Ye blinked slightly; slowly his gaze settled firmly on Song’s. In time he simply inclined with nod, softly questioned “So when does this departure set?”
“Dawn comes soon.”
Then realization struck a hint of amusement re-entered Zi Ning eyes mischievously. “Won’t go without first making certain that stubborn brute Wei doesn’t stay out of temptation either… well… goodbyes for now.”
With a deft leap he slipped same window vanished into moonlight.
Back interior solitude Ye found restless, weariness faded. Thoughts lingering Nan Gong Xiao Niao, only increased tension. Discouraging such thoughts he instead ventured inner retreat chamber—commenced refining residual blood-energy coursing veins since western journeys.
As predicted moment he focused incantation energies swirled voraciously towards Black book until more half his excess reserves drained entirely leaving seal almost tangible on cover’s glyph cluster – a single once-vague sigil solidifying into visible mass.
Still continuing, he now nourished Primordial Wings. Black Tome and its winged twin would savor first meal portion then residual life-force may enter Ye self nourishing circuit.
Silently in his heart Ye sighed deeply with understanding dawn dawning: Ahead lay only slaughter. Night eternally demanded such price for mere existence itself.
As quiet midnight wrapped surroundings. Xiao Niao sat within personal chamber fingers curiously tracing mysterious orb retrieved by Qian Ye atop peak Qingfeng.
Countless days spent Array scholars had yet cracked surface. Forcing open could certainly done—yet at irreversible costs damaging innermost unknowns—secrets locked Dark Kin.
When Qian Ye agreed granting her temporary shelter within Dark Flame, joyful realization struck—revisiting accommodations had triggered purpose once held firm back in Flame’s organization: Word reached regarding this elusive ancient array artifact that nobody previously deciphered. Returning swiftly, with Zhao Yuying’s patronage in support—she procured the mysterious ball swiftly indeed without trouble.
Gentle tapping echoed door. From beyond floated melodic young gentleman voice.
“Major Nan Gong, may I enter?”
Instant reaction confusion; her dorm though semi-isolated bordered Crimson Scorpion barracks whose dormitory should stir with movement from slightest footstep, but nary a whisper disturbed hallway.
Nevertheless, that distinct timbre registered recognition – unmistakably Zi Ning Song’s own voice floated beyond her frame. Curiosity piqued Xiao Niao reached forward unlocking passage way ahead.
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