"I saw Tianming and Shaoyu near the restricted area earlier," said Xu Fuzi, frowning as he searched his memory. "But I caught sight of a shadow and gave chase, so I didn't keep an eye on them."
"You're saying those two went into the Mohist forbidden zone?" Ban Dashi blurted, and every Mohist present stiffened.
"I'm more interested in the shadow you mentioned," Gao Jianli said, turning to Xu Fuzi. "What happened?"
"I lost it. It vanished in the blink of an eye."
"It seems experts have indeed infiltrated Mechanical City," Ban Dashi said grimly. "Everyone—hold your posts. Don't overlook even the tiniest clue."
"…I'll check the restricted area," Duanmu Rong said, rising.
"Sorry to trouble you, Miss Rong," Ban Dashi replied with a nod.
She acknowledged him and left the hall.
"There's one more thing," Gao Jianli added, his face turning frosty. "External foes must be guarded against—but the enemy inside the city cannot be ignored."
"You mean…" Dao Zhi glanced meaningfully at Gai Nie.
"Why are you here?" Gao Jianli's gaze turned icy as it pinned Gai Nie, a hint of killing intent flickering in his eyes.
"Someone invited me. And I must be here," Gai Nie answered evenly. "I have a mission to complete."
"Assigned by Ying Zheng? To help him crush us 'rebels,' is that it?" Gao Jianli's voice was cold.
"Xiao Gao, that's going a bit far," Ban Dashi interjected. "Mr. Gai is a guest at the giant's request, and no one is to disrespect him—besides, he came with sir Goku."
Gao Jianli's brows drew together. "Then why is it that the moment he arrives, the enemy follows?"
"This has nothing to do with Mr. Gai. I can explain—" Ban Dashi began.
"Explain?" Gao Jianli cut in, eyes never leaving Gai Nie. "That still doesn't change the fact he was the First Swordsman at Ying Zheng's side. On that point alone, I can't trust him."
The hall fell quiet. In truth, Gai Nie's identity was a sensitive matter here.
Gai Nie remained calm. He knew full well his background would draw suspicion, so he cupped his fist silently, accepting Gao Jianli's arrangement.
A lazy voice drifted from the doorway. "Oh? Xiao Gao—does that mean you don't trust me either?"
Everyone turned. Goku stood at the threshold, smiling.
"You… I trust," Gao Jianli said after a glance at him. His gaze slid back to Gai Nie. "But him—I don't."
---
Even confronted to his face, Gai Nie stayed as serene as still water—an uncommon state of mind.
Goku looked at Gao Jianli. He knew exactly why Gao was targeting Gai Nie, and smiled. "You can stop doubting him. I'll vouch for Gai Nie. He's not just not an enemy—he's your ally."
"And how are you so certain?" Gao Jianli asked, frowning at Goku's open defense.
"Remember the boy Gai Nie brought with him?" Goku asked lightly.
"Of course. Tianming," Dao Zhi answered at once.
"Do you know his surname?" Goku's smile turned mischievous. Gai Nie glanced sideways, eyes narrowing slightly.
"No idea," Dao Zhi admitted. "What is it? Why so mysterious? Now I'm curious."
"It's just a kid's surname," Ban Dashi muttered. "What's the big deal?"
"What if his surname is Jing?" Goku asked.
"Jing?"
A few brows rose. Because Goku's arrival had already altered many events, the Mohists hadn't yet pinned down Tianming's identity.
"His full name is Jing Tianming. Well? Ring any bells?" Goku asked, still smiling.
"Nothing escapes you, does it," Gai Nie sighed inwardly. Only Ying Zheng, a handful of his inner circle, and Gai Nie himself knew this. Yet Goku knew too.
"Jing Tianming… Jing…" Gao Jianli's expression shifted. After a beat, realization dawned; he looked up sharply. "You mean… he's…"
"Don't dangle it! I hate suspense—just say it," Dao Zhi burst out.
"Heh. Seems you've already guessed it, Xiao Gao," Goku said. "You're right. Tianming is Jing Ke's son. I suspect your giant already figured as much—that's why he invited Gai Nie to the Mohists."
Gasps rippled around the hall.
"You're kidding—the brat's Jing Ke's boy?" Ban Dashi gaped.
"Now that you say it, no wonder he looked familiar," Da Tiechui murmured, rubbing his chin.
"A great hero's child… and here I thought that kid was just a mouthy punk," Dao Zhi said, still stunned.
"My big brother's… son." Gao Jianli froze, then smoothed his face. "It's been over ten years. Who'd have thought his boy would be this big…" For a long moment, the memories swallowed him.
"Before he died, Jing Ke entrusted Tianming to Gai Nie," Goku continued, glancing at Gai Nie. "So Gai Nie defected from Qin. Jing Ke was his first friend—and his only friend. If you'd entrust your orphan to someone, would that man be your enemy—or your ally?"
"You defected… for Tianming?" Dao Zhi and the others stared at Gai Nie, astonished. To defy Qin for a friend's last wish—respect and awe mingled on their faces.
"I know you kept silent for Tianming's safety," Goku added. "But everyone here is senior Mohist. They'll keep the secret."
Gai Nie inclined his head. With the boy being Jing Ke's only blood in this world, the Mohists would protect him, not harm him.
"So Ying Zheng wasn't hunting you—he was hunting Tianming," Gao Jianli said at last, and the ice in his eyes thawed. He cupped his fist. "Rest easy. Since Tianming is my elder brother's only Son, I'll stake my life to keep him safe."
The misunderstanding dispelled, the Mohists formally accepted Gai Nie as one of their own.
"By the way—where's Miss Rong?" Goku glanced around.
"She went after Tianming and Shaoyu. Those two seem to have wandered into the Mohist forbidden zone," Ban Dashi said.
"The forbidden zone…" Goku looked toward the doorway, slightly surprised. "So Yue'er followed them in as well… Huh. Didn't think she would be there too. Interesting."
"Sir Goku, you're muttering like you can actually see them," Dao Zhi said, half-joking, half-curious.
"Miss Rong's in danger. I'm heading to the restricted area. The rest is in your hands." Goku waved, and in the same instant his figure vanished.
"So fast!"
Every jaw in the room dropped.
"Dao Zhi, how does your lightness skill compare to his?" Ban Dashi asked.
"With the speed he just showed?" Dao Zhi grimaced. "I didn't even see him move. You tell me."
…
In a forest beyond Mechanical City, Wei Zhuang stood alone, sword planted at his side. Two figures appeared behind him. Wei Zhuang didn't turn.
"Back so soon? I take it the mission failed," he said flatly.
"No helping it," Mo Ya replied, arms folded. "Mohist reinforcements arrived—several mechanical beasts. We had to pull out for now."
___
🎉 Shoutout to Drackle_XS and Cody Mathias! 🎉
A huge thank you to Drackle_XS and Cody Mathias for joining my Patreon and supporting the journey! Your support means a lot and helps keep the chapters coming faster. Welcome to the VIP club! 🙌✨