Han Liang rode westward, heading to meet the Second Commander. The Second Commander had already gone ahead to Feng, a border town, and was waiting for him there. This was Han Liang's fifth time visiting Feng. The town was renowned for its weapons and the steady influx of traders from the West.
When it came to weapons, nothing else mattered to Han Liang. He held a deep fondness for them—especially the purple sword strapped to his back. Forged from dragon scales, it was his most treasured possession, a gift from his father.
The sun had begun to set, casting long shadows across the streets. After the exhausting journey, Han Liang finally reached Feng, where the crowded town gate greeted him. Merchants, soldiers, and wanderers flowed in and out without end.
The one-day ride had drained his strength, and his only wish was to find the Second Commander and rest within the safety of the inn.
As he entered the town, his steps remained quiet, but his eyes were sharp. The cries of vendors, the cautious tones of gossip, the subtle behavior of traders—each detail could be turned into an advantage.
That evening, he found the Second Commander at the inn. They withdrew to a quiet room, where Han Liang shared what he had learned.
"Rumors are spreading about the young leader of the Tiger Sect," Han Liang said, lowering his voice. "They say… he has taken an interest in the son of the Jewel Sect."
The Second Commander frowned slightly, surprise flickering in his eyes. Han Liang continued.
"On the surface, it sounds unlikely. The Tiger Sect leader already has three wives. Why would he turn his attention to a man? And yet, the whispers persist. Some claim to have seen signs of it. Others say his recent restlessness… stems from this."
The Second Commander remained silent, listening carefully.
"Perhaps it's nothing more than rumors planted by rivals," Han Liang added. "But if it were true… it could affect the balance between the sects. Even something like this could have consequences."
"Do you think there is truth to it?" the Second Commander asked.
Han Liang exhaled quietly.
"Perhaps. But enough for tonight. Tomorrow, we search the town."
He was too tired to eat, choosing instead to lie down. Yet the source of his restlessness was not the rumors, nor the mission.
It was Gu Feng.
The thought of him lingered, persistent and difficult to ignore. Once this mission ended, Han Liang would find him.
The next morning, after a simple meal in the inn's hall, Han Liang and the Second Commander stepped into the streets. They observed the town from morning to night, watching, listening, gathering fragments of truth.
By evening, a new rumor reached them: a group from another town had arrived, carrying a weapon said to be infused with the power of rare stones. The two men decided to see it for themselves.
That night, under the cover of shadows, they moved across the rooftops and settled above an old house. Inside, a secret meeting was taking place.
Through a narrow gap, Han Liang counted seven or eight men seated around a table. Their voices were low, their expressions guarded.
Then, one of them lowered his hat.
He stood out immediately—pale skin, short golden hair, and piercing blue eyes. His features marked him as a foreigner, clearly from the West.
From his pack, he drew out a sword.
The blade was nearly a meter long, carved entirely from jade. Its hilt bore an intricate motif: two dragons, their snouts touching, bound together in an unbroken design.
Han Liang's eyes widened.
His breath caught.
His chest tightened.
He knew that symbol.
He had seen it before.
It was the same motif carved into the bracelet he had once given Gu Feng.