Qian Ye awoke to the dim light seeping through the window, accompanied by the sounds of human activity. The soft, hurried footsteps and occasional murmurs marked the beginning of another day in the Eternal Night.
With a groan, he propped himself up, feeling the lingering weakness in his body. Surveying the unfamiliar room, he noted its modest size and simple, yet meticulously arranged furnishings. Unlike the utilitarian style common in the Eternal Night, the bed, covers, and even the water cup on the table exuded a refined quality.
After examining his body, Qian Ye found that all his wounds had been treated and bandaged. Countless minor injuries were healing, with remnants of unabsorbed medicine still within. Clearly, someone had administered treatment during his unconscious state.
His blood essences lay dormant; the purple and ordinary essences hibernated deep within his heart, almost imperceptible, while the golden one floated listlessly outside, refusing to stir.
The attack from the Twin Bloom had sapped him immensely, nearly beyond his limits. He even felt as though the gun was drawing energy from him, rather than him channeling it into the force array.
A sharp pang of hunger hit his stomach, causing him to get out of bed and open the door.
Outside, two young girls dozed back-to-back on a small couch by the window. At the sound of the door, they turned their strikingly identical faces, eyes alight with joy. “Master, you’re awake! How wonderful!”
After a moment, Qian Ye recognized them as Aqi and Ajiu.
“Master Song and Young Master Wei have visited you several times. We’ll go inform them immediately.”
Qian Ye nodded, “First, get me something to eat.”
“The kitchen is already prepared.”
Aqi and Ajiu split up, one to deliver the message and prepare food, while the other, Ajiu, remained to assist Qian Ye with dressing. He was not accustomed to such close proximity, but soon realized her gentle, practiced touch, indicating she was well-trained.
In a brief conversation, Qian Ye learned that this residence was a temporary abode provided by Song Zining in the alley behind Black Flow City. His personal items had been moved here, as the previous house was heavily damaged and now sealed for investigation.
Investigation? Ajiu didn’t know more, but Qian Ye sensed the trouble brewing. Eliminating an active expeditionary general entailed many repercussions. The first to bear the brunt would be Wei Po Tian, and Qian Ye hoped Song Zining’s plans would still hold.
As they spoke, Aqi returned, carrying a large pot of steaming meat. Her slender frame belied her surprising strength. The aroma filled the room, and Qian Ye devoured enough for five people before feeling satisfied.
It was evident the sisters’ training in the “Hidden Spring Merchant Guild” was effective. They not only provided ample food but also organized Qian Ye’s belongings expertly, especially the weapons and gear.
As Qian Ye inspected his items, Wei Po Tian entered, sitting down at the table and eyeing the enormous bowl of food. “Get me some too!”
He grabbed Qian Ye’s cup, drained it, and looked surprised. “Water?”
Qian Ye, emerging from the inner room, asked, “Why not water?”
Wei Po Tian barked, “Bring me some wine!”
Aqi cast a questioning glance at Qian Ye. Wine and food were plentiful, courtesy of the Wei and Song families, but Wei Po Tian’s demeanor was alarming. Qian Ye nodded, and Aqi dashed off with Ajiu.
Qian Ye looked at Wei Po Tian, “What’s wrong? Bad mood?”
“Troubles upon troubles! How could I be in a good mood?”
Wei Po Tian launched into a tirade, and after devouring two large bowls, Qian Ye got a summary of the events during his unconsciousness.
First, the death of General Wu Zhengnan. His remains, burned by Song Zining’s force flame, left no traceable evidence. Military Inspector Zhang Youheng, in his bureaucratic manner, refused to make any judgment without direct proof, merely recording Wei Po Tian’s account for military records.
Wei Po Tian slammed the table, cursing, “That Zhang, taking our family’s money, yet playing this game! What a scoundrel!”
The Wei family dispatched two senior elders after Wei Po Tian’s attack, who were equally frustrated. Without concrete evidence, Wei Po Tian was responsible for killing a serving general in the expeditionary territory, a significant blow.
Inspector Zhang, seeing the complexity, stepped aside, leaving the Wei family to face the military brass. Thus, Wei Po Tian needed familial support to placate the high command. Compared to this, losing an elder and a few guards was trivial, merely a verbal lashing awaited.
Finally, the mess of the Seventh Division and Black Flow City. With Wu Zhengnan dead, even loyal officers posed a risk. The Seventh Division disintegrated, with many soldiers fleeing with weapons, likely to become bandits.
Remaining soldiers caused disturbances, requiring the Winged Angel mercenaries to intervene. Reorganizing the Seventh Division was daunting, a task Wei Po Tian had no interest in. Adding to the stress, Song Zining disappeared, leaving Qian Ye to recover alone.
After hearing Wei Po Tian’s complaints, Qian Ye reassured, “They are just minor issues. List them and solve them one by one. Can I help with anything?”
Wei Po Tian shook his head, “You need to rest. The Eternal Night will soon be turbulent.”
Qian Ye, recalling recent news from the Hunter’s Guild in Dark Blood City, asked, “War is coming?”
Wei Po Tian nodded, “Yes, dark races are mobilizing, and the situation is tense. The Bai and Zhao factions are also moving troops.”
Two of the four major clans acting indicated the severity. Wei Po Tian sighed, “Unfortunately, the Three Rivers County is in the frontline. There’s barely time to rebuild the Seventh Division, maybe a month at most.”
Qian Ye studied the map, and Wei Po Tian summarized the intelligence, lamenting, “I must go, more documents await. This was supposed to be a triumph, but Wu Zhengnan ruined it. If your injuries had long-term effects, I’d have exterminated his kin!”
After Wei Po Tian left, Qian Ye pondered the map. Later, Song Zining, who had been missing, appeared, looking cheerful. He noticed the map and asked, “Why the sudden interest?”
Qian Ye traced two lines, “Wei Po Tian mentioned the dark races might act. Three Rivers County is under pressure, and Black Flow City is a key defensive point. An attack could happen anytime.”
Song Zining nodded, “I received similar reports. Even the Bai and Zhao factions are preparing, and our Song family is forming a private army for the impending conflict.”
“Is this a full-scale war?”
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