【This is the Beginning】

Many years later, facing the raging fire in the mountains, Zuo Yunqi would recall that distant afternoon when his father took him to watch the time traveler.

【Flashback】

That day, the entire town gathered, calling friends and neighbors, craning their necks, and standing by the roadside, watching the time traveler ride his horse over the bridge.

The time traveler, dressed in a splendid new crimson robe, was accompanied by two rows of attendants. It was said—according to the old man playing chess at the end of the alley—that he was a newly appointed governor.

“A governor!” Zuo Yunqi’s father exclaimed, “For what reason?”

The old man replied, “It seems it’s because he learned how to grow hybrid rice.”

Zuo Yunqi’s father snorted coldly, “If they dare to appoint aliens as officials, this world is bound to end soon.”

【Zuo Yunqi】

At that time, Zuo Yunqi was still a chubby little boy, clutching his father’s coat as they squeezed through the crowd.

Zuo Yunqi gazed at the distant governor, with two eyes and a mouth, looking no different from anyone else… He couldn’t understand why everyone’s faces were mixed with inexplicable contempt and fear.

Those strange people who flew in from a thousand years later, as long as the emperor found them somewhat useful, were all given titles and promotions.

In just a few months, there was new news.

The newly appointed governor was executed by being cut in half at the waist in public, his organs spilling out in a colorful mess.

It was said—according to the spit-flying storyteller—that the reason was he had someone write a book introducing the social structure and system of a thousand years later, and was dealt with under the pretext of disturbing public sentiment.

Zuo Yunqi’s father snorted coldly, “They can’t even tolerate an alien; this world is bound to end soon.”

【Banned Book】

“…Therefore, regarding time travelers, we can draw two conclusions:

“First, even if a hundred useless individuals who can’t even make a bicycle come through, it doesn’t mean the hundred and first won’t be able to create nuclear weapons.

“This is because, in ordinary (i.e., without time axis reversal and jumping) spacetime, the knowledge gap among humans is bound to widen continuously. Ordinary people absolutely cannot understand or reproduce the latest technology at the pinnacle; in other words, we cannot infer the highest standards of the same period from their performance.

“Second, people three thousand years later and people three thousand and five years later could be as different as a rabbit and a Tyrannosaurus rex.

“This is because, in ordinary spacetime, the advancement of cutting-edge technology is constantly accelerating, especially around major changes like the birth of the internet. Humans can leap to progress in five years that previously took a hundred years, and their worldview and behavior patterns will be vastly different.

“Our world has not been destroyed simply because the time travelers so far have all been ordinary useless individuals from the early twenty-first century.

“Once either of the conditions ‘early twenty-first century’ or ‘ordinary useless individuals’ is broken, this world may face collapse or even destruction.”

—Sun Taishou, “The Arrival of the Future”

Chapter 18 “On Time Travel and the Stability of Daliang’s Social Development”

Written on the 21st of March, 6th year of Mingchang

【Ten Years Later】

Mingchang, 16th year.

The entire Tingsong Sword Sect died from a strange poison, their bodies rotting to the bone.

The Yanan Sect was wiped out overnight, their bodies swollen and eyes bulging, resembling evil spirits.

Wulin League traitor Xu Juan was executed in public for attempting to steal the Xuanli Sword, his motives unclear.

The stone coffin of Gu Zhi, the former sect leader of a side sect, was broken into, and the buried divine weapon was missing.

…

A series of cases involving strange poisons and stolen weapons pointed to a deep and unfathomable conspiracy, causing everyone in the martial world to be on edge.

As the unresolved cases continued to appear across various places, it wasn’t just the martial world that felt endangered.

【Zuo Yunqi】

Zuo Yunqi stepped into the inn, heading straight to the darkest corner.

The inn, located by the post road, had an old wooden door that creaked loudly.

Zuo Yunqi took off his bamboo hat, placed it on the table, dusted off the chair, and sat down, casually glancing at the neighboring table.

【Neighboring Table】

At that table sat two men in plain clothes, heads down as they ate, their figures half-hidden in the shadows. The taller one had jet-black hair and cold phoenix eyes, with a face as beautiful and ruthless as a femme fatale. The slightly thinner one looked like a frail scholar, but his eating manner was far from delicate.

Zuo Yunqi touched the human skin mask on his face.

He knew who they were.

He had been following them for three days.

【Officials】

When Zuo Yunqi drank his second cup of wine, the rickety wooden door was kicked open with a bang.

A group of officials rushed in, the leader shouting, “Bring wine and food for us lords!” The ones behind him drove out the inn’s customers with a few punches and kicks. The waiter only dared to bow and nod repeatedly.

Zuo Yunqi refilled his cup and watched from the sidelines.

The officials drove away two tables, then one stretched out his arm and grabbed the thin man at the neighboring table, impatiently saying, “Get lost, this place is reserved for us.”

【Thin Man】

The thin man squinted his eyes where he stood.

He seemed paralyzed with fear, standing motionless until an official walked by and impatiently pushed him.

The thin man suddenly tripped, making a bewildering turn, stumbling towards the waiter five steps away, nearly spilling the soup he was carrying. The official immediately started cursing, punching and kicking the thin man, who didn’t resist but kept apologizing and retreating awkwardly.

【Tall Man】

Zuo Yunqi glanced again at the neighboring table.

At that moment, the tall man silently stood up, placed a piece of silver on the table, and walked out without looking back.

The thin man hurriedly followed him, head down.

Zuo Yunqi felt a chill on his back, vaguely hearing an official say, “Hey, this soup is quite fresh.”

【Suspect】

Zuo Yunqi caught up with them on the post road. “Please wait, you two.”

The two turned around. The thin man asked, “Who are you?”

Zuo Yunqi stroked the beard on his face mask and said, “You two killed someone in the inn. Aren’t you afraid of bringing a deadly disaster upon that innocent waiter?”

【Tall Man】

The tall man said, “We did not kill anyone.”

The thin man said, “Even if we did, it would take several hours to take effect. By then, who could trace it back to the waiter?”

“……”

The tall man glanced at the thin man.

The thin man said, “But we didn’t kill anyone.”

【Zuo Yunqi】

Zuo Yunqi said, “Those officials were indeed arrogant and despicable, but they didn’t deserve to die. Why did you two resort to such poisonous means?”

The thin man said, “Actually, they’ve been committing atrocities around here for many years.”

“……”

The thin man said, “But we didn’t do anything.”

【Thin Man】

Zuo Yunqi laughed, “Acting on behalf of the heavens is an act of chivalry. Why cover it up?”

The thin man tilted his head and said, “You first tell us who you are.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “But neither of you knows martial arts. How many times have you relied on that strange poison to act on behalf of the heavens along this journey?”

The thin man said, “Not once.”

“……”

The thin man said, “We didn’t use that strange poison.”

“……”

The thin man said, “I don’t even know what poison you’re talking about.”

The tall man couldn’t bear it any longer, “Shut up.”

“……”

The thin man said, “Whimper.”

【Tall Man】

The tall man said, “Along the way? Who sent you to follow us, and what do you think you know?”

He spoke leisurely, his aura vastly different from the thin man’s.

Zuo Yunqi also spoke leisurely, “I might know more than you two wish. Is your incognito trip still pleasant—Prince Yu?”

【Prince Yu】

The thin man’s eyes widened in surprise.

The tall man said, “It is manageable.”

Zuo Yunqi laughed, “Recently, there have been many strange cases in the martial world. It hasn’t affected your highness’s leisurely pursuits, has it?”

The tall man said, “You were sent from the capital, weren’t you?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Your highness sees clearly.”

The tall man said, “Officially, the government is investigating the cases, yet secretly sends you to spy. Such conduct can only come from my meticulous elder brother, I suppose.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “The emperor is concerned about the people’s hardships.”

The tall man mocked, “He even cares for a demoted prince.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “It is indeed touching.”

“……”

【Zhou Rongqi】

Zuo Yunqi said, “Moreover, Prince Yu Zhou Rongqi once conspired to rebel. Although he abandoned his plan midway, he now has an unregistered time traveler by his side…” He glanced at the thin man.

Z

hou Rongqi’s phoenix eyes turned cold.

The thin man’s eyes widened further, “How do you—where did you—”

Zuo Yunqi said, “I’m afraid you’ll both have to come back to the capital with me.”

The thin man said, “We’re just sightseeing, not part of the martial world. How could we commit those strange martial world crimes?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “You directly sprinkled poison into the soup. Not only did it not add any strange taste, but it also made the broth delicious. There is no record of such a strange substance in the world. The recent cases are full of strange poisons. I traced it here and witnessed you two poisoning in the inn. How could anyone not be suspicious?”

The thin man angrily said, “I won’t admit to things I haven’t done.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “I haven’t seen you admit to the things you have done either.”

Zhou Rongqi said, “Li Ke, enough. My elder brother won’t be at ease until he sees me dead. There’s no need to make things difficult for this young man.”

Zuo Yunqi smiled without speaking, but his heart tightened: This prince’s casual words made it seem like his middle-aged man’s face mask didn’t exist at all.

【Zuo Yunqi】

Zhou Rongqi continued, “But if the emperor had discovered my past conspiracy and Li Ke’s identity, I would not be alive right now. Since even the emperor doesn’t know, how do you?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “I have my sources.”

Zhou Rongqi said, “Oh? It seems you are not just a court official.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Your Highness, have we been chatting for so long because you are waiting for reinforcements from the royal guards?”

“……”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Too bad they won’t be coming.”

Zuo Yunqi suddenly moved closer to the two of them.

【Apprehended】

Zhou Rongqi and Li Ke, who knew no martial arts, were struck at their pressure points before they could react and fell to the ground stiffly.

Zuo Yunqi whistled, and suddenly a small team of soldiers emerged from the woods by the post road, shackling the two and throwing them roughly into a wooden cage on a prison cart.

Zuo Yunqi said, “Here’s an unregistered time traveler, the main suspect. Please escort them back to the capital for thorough interrogation.”

Li Ke weakly said, “Friend, this is racial discrimination.”

【Prison Cart】

As the cart rolled forward, Zhou Rongqi sat slumped opposite Li Ke, saying nothing, his dark eyes calm and emotionless. Zuo Yunqi, in the escort team, turned his head and caught a meaningful glance exchanged between Zhou Rongqi and Li Ke.

Zuo Yunqi reacted quickly, realizing that the royal guards were likely trailing behind. Even if some had been taken down, more reinforcements would arrive.

At that moment, Zuo Yunqi raised his voice, “Brothers, be alert for followers.” The soldiers responded in unison.

Li Ke’s face changed, and he looked at Zhou Rongqi for confirmation.

Zuo Yunqi boldly opened the cage door, climbed in, and sat down cross-legged, scrutinizing the two men.

Li Ke glared at him angrily.

Zuo Yunqi scooted closer.

Li Ke said, “You—”

A dart flew past Zuo Yunqi’s nose, embedding itself into the wooden cage!

【This is a Turning Point】

The prison cart abruptly halted as countless masked men suddenly appeared from all directions, drawing their weapons and attacking the soldiers without a word.

Zuo Yunqi, observing from the cage, noticed that while the masked men’s movements were not particularly remarkable, their weapons—swords, spears, and daggers—were exceptionally sharp and coated with a virulent green poison, killing upon contact.

In an instant, half the soldiers were dead, their bodies oozing dark blood that stained the ground, as if opening a portal to hell in broad daylight.

【Masked Men】

Knowing he was outmatched, Zuo Yunqi forced himself to stay calm and said, “When did His Highness start operating so openly?”

Zhou Rongqi was silent for two seconds, then said, “They’re not mine.”

Zuo Yunqi was stunned.

Zuo Yunqi said, “Then why are they rescuing you?”

At that moment, a masked man shouted, “Support time travelers, fight discrimination, everyone charge, free our comrades.”

【Comrades】

Zuo Yunqi blinked.

Hearing the tone, Li Ke felt as if they were his kind, and was about to shout “help” when he saw Zuo Yunqi pull out a pair of handcuffs from his coat.

Zuo Yunqi swiftly cuffed himself.

“……”

Zuo Yunqi shouted, “Help! The cops are arresting people randomly!”

“……”

The masked men, hearing this, rushed towards the prison cart.

The first one to pry open the cage door suddenly spouted a blood arrow from his chest!

【Another Turning Point】

Several well-armed women descended from the sky, grabbed Zhou Rongqi and Li Ke, and leapt over the heads of the crowd, landing several yards away in a flash.

Zuo Yunqi strained to listen, catching only a vague “We are late.”

The masked men hastily drew their swords to pursue but were barely able to restrain Li Ke. To their surprise, the royal guardswomen were no easy opponents, raining down hidden weapons like a storm, followed by agonizing screams.

The scene turned chaotic, leaving the soldiers standing aside, bewildered.

【Soldiers】

A soldier turned and noticed Zuo Yunqi in handcuffs, surprised, and started looking for the key to unlock him.

Zuo Yunqi said, “Stay back.”

The soldier said, “Young Master Zuo, who should we fight?”

Zuo Yunqi, lowering his voice, ordered, “Fight no one, just flee.”

The soldier, touched, said, “We must save you first.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Stay back, I’ll fight anyone who comes near!”

The soldier, moved, said, “We must save you.”

Amid the chaos, Zuo Yunqi didn’t know who hit him; he felt a dull pain at the back of his head and then blacked out.

【Kidnapping】

When Zuo Yunqi woke up, he was engulfed in darkness.

At first, he thought he was blindfolded. After a while, he realized he was in a pitch-dark underground cave.

Zuo Yunqi moved and found his hands and feet bound. His face was cool, his human skin mask removed. Straining his eyes to explore, he heard someone beside him say, “You’re awake?”

Zuo Yunqi said in surprise, “Li Ke? You weren’t rescued?”

Li Ke said, “I was caught while they were chasing me back. His Highness escaped.”

Zuo Yunqi pondered, “Judging by the weapons and poison the masked men used, this must be the hideout of the recent perpetrators.”

Li Ke said, “Oh, now you don’t suspect me?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “…… It really wasn’t you?”

Li Ke said angrily, “No.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Then what about that strange poison you used…”

Li Ke said, “It’s just a type of mushroom, something my mom shared on social media.”

“……”

【Time Traveler】

Li Ke said, “But I overheard those men, they all seem to be time travelers.”

Zuo Yunqi, half-smiling, said, “So it’s not my racial discrimination. But how many unregistered time travelers are there in Daliang…”

Li Ke, uninterested in analysis, said hopelessly, “Hopefully, we can escape, so His Highness doesn’t have to risk exposure to save me—” He abruptly fell silent.

Zuo Yunqi said, “The emperor doesn’t know your highness can mobilize troops. He probably exposed himself to save you, didn’t he?”

“……”

Li Ke straightforwardly said, “How do you know everything?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “I told you, I have my sources.”

Suddenly, footsteps approached, and the door creaked open. A flash of fire, and someone lit a lamp.

Zuo Yunqi squinted and saw it was more like a cave. The visitor, a kind-faced woman, smiled and said, “Hello, handsome boys. I’m Jiao Jiaoran. The court has been arresting time travelers recently. Luckily, we arrived in time to save you.”

Li Ke looked at the ropes binding him and said, “Your rescue method is quite creative.”

【Cave】

Jiao Jiaoran, unfazed, said, “Oh, maybe they made a mistake. I’ll untie you right away.”

After untying them, Jiao Jiaoran said, “Follow me.”

The three walked out of the cave, Zuo Yunqi wincing as he regained feeling in his legs, and looked up in confusion.

They were still in a cave. Countless caves.

More accurately, the entire mountain was hollowed out. They were inside the mountain, facing a labyrinth of tunnels, each leading to an ant-like chamber.

Li Ke, trembling, said, “Did you guys invent an excavator or…”

【Hideout】

Jiao Jiaoran led them, Zuo Yunqi’s mouth agape.

In some caves, jars filled with strange liquids were arranged, and people with masks fiddled with beakers and test tubes, while a cage of white mice squeaked nearby.

In other caves, intense heat radiated, as large smelting furnaces churned out molten metal.

Jiao Jiaoran said, “In this timeline, there are a few unique metals, so they can create incredibly powerful weapons. We collect these divine weapons and have researchers analyze the composition. Soon, we’ll be able to mass-produce them.”

Li Ke said, “Why not just make guns?”

Jiao Jiaoran said, “We’re waiting for talent in that field to cross over.”

“……”

【Lecture Hall】

Zuo Yunqi tried to memorize the information, but halfway through, Jiao Jiaoran turned and led them into a room set up like a lecture hall.

Men and women sitting cross-legged turned their heads in unison.

Jiao Jiaoran said, “Comrades, we have two new members today. Say hello.”

Everyone clapped three times in unison and shouted, “Welcome, welcome.”

“……”

【Pioneering Group】

Jiao Jiaoran motioned for them to find a seat and stood on the podium, smiling, “Let’s introduce ourselves to the newcomers, shall we?”

Everyone shouted, “Okay.”

Jiao Jiaoran said, “Our name is?”

“Pioneering Group.”

“Our goal is?”

“To violently advance Daliang’s civilization and fully achieve otherworldly modernization.”

“……”

Zuo Yunqi glanced at

 Li Ke. Li Ke’s expression was twisted.

【Slogan】

Jiao Jiaoran said, “Are we afraid of obstruction?”

“No.”

“Are we afraid of oppression?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because we can overcome anything, ten thousand troops are nothing!”

Jiao Jiaoran raised her fist and said, “What is truly powerful?”

Everyone said, “Math, physics, and chemistry!”

“What is it?”

“Math, physics, and chemistry!!!”

【Rules of the Group】

Jiao Jiaoran flashed a satisfied smile and said, “Now, let’s welcome our new friends and bid farewell to an old friend. Bring him up.”

The “old friend” was indeed dragged up. When Zuo Yunqi saw his appearance, he was horrified.

The man was barely human, his entire body was covered in deep wounds, with some areas showing stark white bones. A trail of blood was left behind as he was dragged.

The room’s atmosphere became agitated. The people dragging him started distributing daggers and whips. The man on the ground, still conscious, twitched like a gutted fish.

Jiao Jiaoran smiled and said, “What is our first rule?”

“Traitors die!”

The crowd cheered and rushed forward.

Zuo Yunqi turned his head away and glanced at Li Ke. Li Ke silently returned his gaze.

From each other’s eyes, they understood one thing: they might be in big trouble.

【Pyramid Scheme】

That night, the group arranged for Zuo Yunqi and Li Ke to stay in a room, then locked the door.

Zuo Yunqi lay on the bed until midnight, listening to the silence outside before daring to let out a long sigh.

Zuo Yunqi said, “What kind of evil place is this Pioneering Group?”

From the next bed, Li Ke turned over and said, “Feels like a complete pyramid scheme.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “What’s that?”

Li Ke said, “They lure people in, brainwash them, make them pay and work, and if they try to escape, they chop them up as a warning.”

Li Ke said desperately, “We’re doomed.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Maybe Prince Yu will lead troops to save you.”

Li Ke said, “Why don’t you say the emperor will lead troops to save you?” He was clearly displeased with the current emperor, siding with Zhou Rongqi.

Zuo Yunqi smiled bitterly and said, “My superior might find me, but leading troops to suppress rebels is almost impossible.”

Li Ke said, “Wait, something just flew through my mind.”

“……”

【The Master】

Li Ke said, “I remembered, there’s a sensitive figure in the capital called the Master. He specializes in investigating time travelers for the emperor and controls an extensive intelligence network. If you’re his subordinate, it’s not surprising you know some secrets!”

Zuo Yunqi weighed his words and said, “I’m not. I’m just a tenant in his building.”

Li Ke asked curiously, “Then why are you investigating this case?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “I volunteered.”

Li Ke sneered, “Seeking glory and power, the emperor’s lackey.” Zuo Yunqi didn’t defend himself and retorted, “You cling to power just as much.”

Li Ke said angrily, “At least I don’t rely on others to save me, I can save myself.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Heh, let’s see who escapes first.”

Li Ke said, “Fine, just live until my farewell party.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Shouldn’t be a problem, since I have a brain.”

【Instant Loss】

The next morning, Jiao Jiaoran knocked on the door and handed them paper and pen, saying, “Welcome to the advanced examination for time travelers.”

“……”

Zuo Yunqi said, “What?”

Jiao Jiaoran said, “To prove your identity as time travelers and demonstrate your skills, please write down all the knowledge you have as time travelers on these sheets, as much as possible, within an hour.”

“……”

【Examination】

Zuo Yunqi held the brush, entering a blank state.

Li Ke wrote furiously for a while, then looked up to see Jiao Jiaoran had walked away and whispered, “Forgot your brain today?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Not really, I do know some time traveler information.”

Li Ke asked, “Then why aren’t you writing?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “I can’t write in simplified Chinese.”

“……”

【Strategy】

Half an hour passed, and Zuo Yunqi’s paper was still blank. Li Ke, having finished, saw Zuo Yunqi in a meditative state and felt a bit sympathetic, advising, “Writing something is better than nothing.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “If I’m going to die anyway, I might as well save my energy.”

Li Ke said, “Just tell them you’re from Taiwan.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Too late to switch to a Taiwanese accent now.”

Li Ke said, “Say you’re from Hong Kong.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “I can’t speak Cantonese.”

Li Ke said, “Your dad is from Hong Kong, your mom is from Shanghai, you grew up in Shanghai, and you speak Mandarin.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Then why can’t I write in simplified Chinese?”

“……”

Li Ke said, “You grew up in Shanghai, but your parents divorced. You lived with your dad, who had emotional trauma and didn’t let you write in simplified Chinese.”

“……”

【Zuo Yunqi】

Zuo Yunqi said, “Next year, around this time, remember to burn money for me.”

“……”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Burn real money, fake money is meaningless.”

【Li Ke】

Li Ke said, “I’ll dictate to you, one word at a time. Remember to write messily, time travelers usually have bad handwriting.”

【Submitting Papers】

When Jiao Jiaoran came to collect the papers, Zuo Yunqi had written half a page. She skimmed through it and said satisfactorily, “Thank you for your contribution of knowledge, we will now record it.”

Two people entered with a wooden box, carefully opened it, and reverently took out a book.

A tremendously thick book.

They turned to a blank page and began copying the answers in tiny script. Zuo Yunqi, watching from the side, suddenly narrowed his eyes.

Zuo Yunqi asked, “Is this the banned book by Governor Sun?”

Jiao Jiaoran smiled, “Good eye, it’s ‘The Arrival of the Future.’ Most copies have been destroyed. We found one and have every new member add their specialized knowledge to it to help rebuild modern society.”

As the two copied, Zuo Yunqi glanced at the pages, seeing mechanical diagrams, chemical formulas, and several pages that looked like encrypted codes.

A growing sense of impending doom filled Zuo Yunqi. Trying to stay calm, he asked, “May I read it?”

Jiao Jiaoran said, “Once you become a core member, you’ll have the opportunity.”

【Pacifist】

At that moment, Zuo Yunqi adjusted his goal.

He not only wanted to escape but also take this book with him.

Zuo Yunqi didn’t believe in imperial power, but he was a pacifist. All peace comes from the absence of victory for ambitious people.

【Recruitment】

Zuo Yunqi asked, “How do I become a core member?”

Jiao Jiaoran said, “A membership fee is necessary. You have friends and family in this world, right? Write to them saying you’re starting a business. They will surely support you and send money to a designated address. We’ll collect it.”

Li Ke eagerly said, “I’ll do it.”

Li Ke chewed on his pen for half a day, then wrote:

“Dear Brother Rong: How have you been? I’m developing a tourism business in a picturesque location and need funds to build an inn. With such a great opportunity, I thought of inviting you to join in. Let’s share the prosperity…”

Zuo Yunqi watched coldly.

【Review】

The organization sent three people to review the letter. Li Ke waited calmly. After a discussion, the review team announced, “No problem.”

Li Ke was about to thank them when Zuo Yunqi said, “He used a code.”

“……”

Li Ke said, “He’s lying.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “He used a reference from ‘Peach Blossom Spring’ to imply he’s in a cave.”

Li Ke said, “He’s slandering me. He’s jealous of my ability to scam money.”

The review team exchanged glances and said, “Rewrite it.”

【Gamble】

After the organization left with the letter, Li Ke swung a fist at Zuo Yunqi, “Ungrateful scoundrel, I just helped you.”

Zuo Yunqi easily caught his wrist and said, “With a bet, I won’t let you escape first.”

Li Ke said, “This is not the time for infighting. We should escape together. Can’t you assess the situation?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “I understand it very well. Even if Zhou Rongqi gets me out, I’m an imperial spy. What good can I expect from him?”

Li Ke gritted his teeth and said, “Young man, your thinking is shallow. In the face of great danger, survival comes first. We should cooperate strategically and fight later.”

Zuo Yunqi pondered, “Alright.”

【Strategic Cooperation】

That night, during the welcome banquet for new members, Zuo Yunqi decided to take a risk.

Most of the members were in the hall, with countless eyes watching them, leaving no chance for solo actions. After a few rounds of drinks, Zuo Yunqi gathered his courage and signaled Li Ke.

Li Ke subtly nodded.

Zuo Yunqi excused himself to the restroom, staggering to an empty spot, then suddenly used his lightness skills to start searching the tunnels for an exit. The hollow mountain’s caves were connected, with no signs to distinguish directions.

After checking over ten doors, he heard Li Ke’s voice shouting, “Someone’s missing.”

“……”

【Zuo Yunqi】

Zuo Yunqi fled like

 an arrow.

Despite his high agility, Zuo Yunqi couldn’t escape the crowd. Struggling for a while, he saw no hiding place and had to come out with a forced smile, saying, “Sorry, I got lost after drinking too much.”

……

【An Hour Later】

Zuo Yunqi, covered in whip marks, was thrown back into the room.

Li Ke, seeing his miserable state, was startled, “They hit really hard…”

Zuo Yunqi, barely alive, said, “What happened to our strategic cooperation?”

Li Ke said, “It was strategic cooperation. While everyone rushed to catch you, I noticed a small group heading in a strange direction, probably to block the exit.”

Zuo Yunqi asked, “Did you follow them?”

Li Ke said, “Couldn’t keep up, lost them. Want to try escaping again?”

“……”

【Midnight】

Even with his martial arts skills, Zuo Yunqi couldn’t withstand such torture. Lying on the bed, he gritted his teeth in pain, unable to sleep, sweating profusely.

Li Ke, though vengeful, knew he had gone too far and fetched some medicine. He stayed by Zuo Yunqi’s side, feeding him water and medicine.

Li Ke said, “It’s my fault.”

Zuo Yunqi smiled weakly, “If I hadn’t captured you, you wouldn’t be trapped here… Besides, it wasn’t all for nothing.”

Li Ke asked, “How so?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Though I didn’t find the exit while running wildly, I stumbled upon their library. Couldn’t steal the forbidden book though…”

Li Ke sighed, “Why go through all this for a bit of fame and fortune, risking your life?”

Zuo Yunqi, weakly, said, “It’s not for fame or fortune.”

Li Ke asked, “Then why?”

【The Side Sect】

Zuo Yunqi asked, “Do you know about the Side Sect?”

Li Ke replied, “I’ve heard of it. It’s a major faction. Most of the poisons in the martial world come from the Side Sect, but the sect leader has a rather foolish name, Zuo Dao.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “That’s my father.”

Li Ke responded, “Oh.”

【Zuo Dao】

Zuo Yunqi continued, “Last year, something happened. My father went to great lengths to obtain a rare poison, even to the point of breaking off our father-son relationship. To avoid his pursuit, I took refuge in the Master’s building.”

Li Ke was stunned, “That’s tough.”

Zuo Yunqi added, “There’s more. In the tomb of the former leader of the Side Sect, Gu Zhi, there is a burial dagger called the ‘Spring Wind Poetry Pen.’ Only a few people know its whereabouts, but it was recently stolen. I suspect my father is involved in these recent cases, so I volunteered to investigate for the Master.”

Li Ke asked, “You think he’s part of this organization?”

Zuo Yunqi shook his head, “He’s not a time traveler, so he probably wouldn’t join. Whether he’s an ally or a competitor is uncertain.”

Li Ke said, “He’s already the sect leader; what more could he want?”

Zuo Yunqi replied, “He wants ultimate poison, power, pleasure—who knows? If I understood him, he wouldn’t have threatened to kill me.”

Li Ke fell silent.

【Joke】

The long night seemed to be haunted by the ghosts of unresolved grudges, making it difficult to sleep.

Zuo Yunqi, in pain, suggested, “Tell a joke.”

Li Ke responded, “Once there were two bananas walking down the street…”

Zuo Yunqi interrupted, “Don’t tell old jokes.”

Li Ke asked, “You’ve heard it before?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “The Master told it.”

Li Ke nodded, “Makes sense.”

A moment of silence.

Zuo Yunqi said, “Sing me a song.”

Li Ke said, “You tell me which songs the Master has sung first.”

【This Is a Turning Point】

Suddenly, Zuo Yunqi tried to sit up, then fell back with a groan of pain.

Li Ke, startled, asked, “What are you doing?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “I just had an idea.”

【Letter】

Being under heavy suspicion from the organization, Zuo Yunqi wrote a letter to one of the Master’s spies through Li Ke: “Dear Xiaowei, Your brother has been a chef for three years and is raising funds to open a restaurant. When he makes enough money, he will marry you soon. Your brother whispers in your ear, saying, ‘Love you forever.'”

The Master, knowing Zuo Yunqi had been captured, quickly sent money to the designated location. His generosity was significant but not suspicious, and the organization was pleased.

The review team opened the Master’s reply, read it several times, and handed it to Li Ke, saying, “Keep in touch with your girlfriend.”

Li Ke handed it to Zuo Yunqi.

【Reply】

The letter read: “Brother: Starting a business is good, but take care of yourself. Missing you dearly, can’t wait to see you.”

【Letter】

Zuo Yunqi thought for a moment and asked Li Ke to reply: “Brother thinks of you day and night, wanting to live freely with you.”

“……”

【Reply】

The Master’s reply was filled with playful reproach: “How many full moons must I wait to see you again?”

“……”

【Letter】

Zuo Yunqi said, “Reply: Darling, be patient while I save money.”

Li Ke threw down his pen and said, “Are you two enjoying this?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “No, this is a serious exchange of codes.”

【Code】

Li Ke asked, “What’s the meaning of the code?”

Zuo Yunqi explained, “‘Love you forever’ is from which song?”

Li Ke replied, “……’A Thousand Years of Waiting.'”

Zuo Yunqi said, “It means I’m waiting for him to save me. He says he can’t wait to see me, implying he’s already traced the organization’s lair from the designated collection point.”

Li Ke said, “So, ‘Let’s live freely’ from ‘When’—what does that mean?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “‘When’ in English is?”

Li Ke replied, “When.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “So I’m asking when he’ll act. He said on the night of the full moon.”

“……”

【Different】

Li Ke said, “Your understanding of time travelers is unsettling.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “I’ve been interested in you guys since childhood. Later, to stop my father, I pretended to be a time traveler and infiltrated the palace, learning a lot about you. Despite being from completely different worlds, I strangely feel there’s no difference between us.”

Li Ke, moved, quickly retorted, “But you discriminated against time travelers while investigating!”

Zuo Yunqi said, “It wasn’t me discriminating. When the emperor heard about the serial strange cases in the martial world, he commissioned the Master to investigate, first targeting certain princes and then time travelers.”

Li Ke said, “If the emperor is so wary of time travelers, why does he still use them selectively?”

Zuo Yunqi replied, “To keep them within the system. It’s safest to keep outsiders under close watch. Letting them roam free leads to the chaos we see now.”

Li Ke said, “Life and death struggle… how much hatred is this?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Ultimately, it’s ancestors and descendants fighting each other.”

Li Ke sighed, “Indeed.”

……

Li Ke said, “Are you taking advantage of me?”

【Battle Plan】

Using Li Ke’s hand, Zuo Yunqi exchanged several letters with the Master, basically finalizing the battle plan.

On the night of the full moon, the organization plans to host a banquet for distinguished guests. Perhaps they can find the exit by following the guests.

The Master will be waiting outside. If Zuo Yunqi can escape on his own, the Master will assist from outside. If they don’t see anyone by midnight, the Master will force his way in for rescue.

【Plan Realization】

During the morning meeting, Zuo Yunqi whispered the plan to Li Ke in a corner. Li Ke widened his eyes and said, “You said he can’t mobilize troops. Is he coming alone?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “He’s on good terms with the martial arts alliance leader. Maybe he borrowed people from them.”

Li Ke said, “If the martial arts alliance could handle these people, those previous tragic cases wouldn’t have happened.”

Zuo Yunqi, impatient, said, “We’re in this together. Escaping might mean death, but not escaping definitely means death. Are you in or not?”

“……”

Li Ke said, “I have a third option. I can report you and step on your corpse to rise within the organization.”

【Simulation】

Zuo Yunqi sneered, “If I die, do you think the Master will spare you?”

Li Ke said, “If the Master kills me, do you think Prince Yu will spare him?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Oh, if Prince Yu kills the emperor’s confidant, he’ll live for three more days at best.”

“……”

【Plan Realization】

Zuo Yunqi said, “Are you in or not?”

Li Ke said, “I’m in.”

【Distinguished Guest】

At that moment, Jiao Jiaoran announced, “Please review your chemistry notes over the next few days. Our distinguished guest will share unrivaled poison refining knowledge.”

Zuo Yunqi felt a sudden shock.

【This Is a Predicament】

Zuo Yunqi spent the next few days in a daze, seeing the night of the full moon approaching. Li Ke discussed the plan again, seeing Zuo Yunqi still disoriented, and couldn’t help but advise, “Young man, stay calm. Maybe it’s not your father.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Who else could it be?”

Li Ke said, “So what if it’s him? Saying he’ll kill you—it’s just anger. Even a tiger won’t eat its cubs.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “He’s never gone back on his word, especially when it comes to killing.”

“……”

Li Ke said, “Don’t be scared. Think positively. If we follow our plan, you might not even see him before he’s killed.”

“……”

【Plan】

Zuo Yunqi, trying to gather his courage, said, “Let’s go over the key points again. First, we need to gain and maintain the organization’s trust…”

【Execution】

On the night of the full moon, the cave was decorated and buzzing with people. All the newly joined members were locked in their rooms to prevent anyone from escaping in the chaos.

Zuo Yunqi and Li Ke, having behaved for a while and received significant donations from the Master, were somewhat trusted by the organization and weren’t counted among the new members.

After the early evening, cheers echoed through the tunnels.

Amid the eager crowd, Zuo Yunqi and Li Ke exchanged glances and silently turned in opposite directions.

【Plan】

“Secondly, we must act separately to reduce our presence…”

【Execution】

Li Ke followed the crowd toward the cheers.

Zuo Yunqi moved in the opposite direction, silently heading into the depths of the tunnels.

As he walked, Zuo Yunqi took out a makeshift mask and put it on.

【Plan】

“On special occasions, there will be more

 guards everywhere, especially near the exit. But one place might not be heavily guarded…”

【Execution】

Sure enough, there were only two guards outside the library. Zuo Yunqi observed from the shadows, then threw a coin three meters away.

As the guards turned to check, Zuo Yunqi darted out, striking the back of their necks. The unsuspecting time travelers collapsed, and he quietly dragged them to a hidden spot, searched them for keys, and slipped into the library.

【The Plan】

“… According to my guess, such an important forbidden book should not exist in just one copy…”

【Execution】

Without hesitation, Zuo Yunqi walked over to a stack of copies, quickly flipped through them, took one and stuffed it into his clothes, then pulled out a fire starter.

Moments later, accompanied by thick smoke, he ran out the door, shouting loudly, “Help, fire! The books in the library are burning!”

…

The plan proceeded smoothly, almost ominously so.

Zuo Yunqi stood in a dark, empty room, silently watching the chaos outside. People hurried by with buckets of water, some shouting “Don’t let the arsonist escape!” and running towards the exit.

In the darkness, Zuo Yunqi quickly disassembled the huge book, divided the pages into several stacks, and tucked them into his clothes.

After making sure he wouldn’t attract too much attention, he lowered his head and merged into the busy crowd, searching for Li Ke.

【Li Ke】

Li Ke was nowhere to be found.

Zuo Yunqi had to make his way to the banquet hall, where the guests were being entertained, and finally saw him. Li Ke stood dumbfounded in the hall, where the people inside seemed unaware of the chaos outside, still laughing and drinking.

The distinguished guest was shaking hands warmly with several organization leaders, then held the pose, standing still.

A row of artists sketched busily, taking it all very seriously.

Zuo Yunqi clenched his teeth, not looking at the guest surrounded by three layers of people. He bowed his head deeply and squeezed to Li Ke’s side, whispering hoarsely, “Weren’t you looking for the exit? Did you find it?”

Li Ke glanced at him, shook his head slightly without answering, his expression very strange.

Zuo Yunqi suddenly realized something and followed Li Ke’s gaze, his eyes stinging as if pricked by needles.

【Zuo Dao】

It was indeed Zuo Dao.

After a year of not seeing him, Zuo Dao had grown a long beard, looking quite distinguished. However, his eyes were more muddled, yet within the murkiness, a sharp glint showed, revealing a predatory nature. Zuo Yunqi recalled his father pointing at him and cursing “unfilial son,” and bit his lip.

But the distinguished guest was not just Zuo Dao.

【Another Person】

Behind him was a tall figure with cloud-like black hair, wearing a thin gold mask, with cold black eyes showing through the cutouts.

Li Ke, outside the crowd, seemed to turn into a statue, staring at him in a daze.

Zuo Yunqi’s gaze flickered between the two, then he laughed softly.

Zuo Yunqi said calmly, “Impressive, impressive.”

【Li Ke】

Li Ke snapped out of it, saying, “This is impossible. I’ve been with him all along, he never mentioned…”

Zuo Yunqi, with mixed emotions, said with increasing calmness, “Maybe he truly didn’t know at first, otherwise he wouldn’t have let you suffer this ordeal.”

Li Ke murmured, “But…”

Zuo Yunqi said, “But now that he knows about the Pioneering Group, he probably doesn’t mind turning enemies into friends. After all, he has money and power, only lacking some scientific knowledge to overthrow the emperor.”

“…”

The man in the gold mask seemed to sense something and slightly turned his head, his deep gaze piercing through the crowd, directly locking onto Li Ke’s face.

Li Ke shuddered.

Next to him, Zuo Yunqi smiled and said, “Prince Yu… truly extraordinary.”

【Prince Yu】

Zhou Rongqi stepped past the organization leaders welcoming him, approaching the two step by step.

Li Ke remained stiff, seemingly not knowing how to face him.

Zuo Yunqi said, “Congratulations, you don’t have to risk escaping anymore.”

“…”

Zuo Yunqi continued leisurely, “I just wonder what kind of death awaits me, the one who dragged you into this mess.”

“…”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Remember to burn money for me. Real money.”

Zhou Rongqi was only five steps away, his gold mask showing no expression, like a god pronouncing life and death.

【Li Ke】

Li Ke suddenly opened his arms and rushed toward Zhou Rongqi, pushing Zuo Yunqi in the process.

Li Ke whispered, “Run.”

【Zhou Rongqi】

Zhou Rongqi caught the rushing Li Ke, letting him wrap his arms around his waist. People around them stared, and Li Ke exaggeratedly cried, “Master! I thought I’d never see you again!”

Zhou Rongqi paused, feeling Li Ke trembling as he held him tightly, and withdrew his gaze from Zuo Yunqi’s retreating figure.

Zhou Rongqi patted Li Ke’s back, pulling him behind him, and calmly said, “It’s alright, I’m here.”

Li Ke, pretending to be joyful, said, “Yes! So when are we… leaving?”

…

He seemed to hear Zhou Rongqi chuckle softly under the mask.

【Zuo Yunqi】

Following Li Ke’s push, Zuo Yunqi ran in the indicated direction.

Though Zhou Rongqi hadn’t attacked publicly, he had drawn many eyes to Zuo Yunqi. Wearing a disguise, Zuo Yunqi looked suspicious, and soon felt several people following him.

Zuo Yunqi’s pace quickened until he finally sprinted, shaking off a few followers, but then heard someone shout, “Block him up ahead!”

Looking up, he saw several doors without guards but with an unusually large crowd. He was sure the exit was nearby and charged forward with all his strength!

Seeing his aggressive approach, the crowd silently drew glowing green weapons.

Zuo Yunqi skidded to a stop.

The crowd, weapons raised, rushed to cut him down.

Zuo Yunqi used his martial arts to dodge, but the poisoned weapons limited his movements, preventing him from fully defending himself. Struggling, he soon showed signs of defeat.

Suddenly, a powerful palm strike hit his back, making him spit blood.

Zuo Yunqi tried to defend but saw a face he least wanted to see.

【Zuo Dao】

It was Zuo Dao.

In an instant, Zuo Yunqi knew his disguise was useless to his father. Recognizing his son at a glance, Zuo Dao was here to personally remove the obstacle.

The encirclement tightened, Zuo Yunqi’s defense faltered, knowing he couldn’t escape a poisonous death. He barely resisted, focusing on Zuo Dao.

Zuo Yunqi softly said, “… Father.”

Zuo Dao, without hesitation, struck another fierce blow, as if butchering livestock, sending Zuo Yunqi flying!

Zuo Yunqi, spitting blood, crashed into the cave wall, hearing dull thuds inside.

The wall suddenly shook and slowly cracked open.

Mountain wind roared, the full moon shining outside!

【This Is the Climax】

Chilled by the cold wind, Zuo Yunqi painfully scrambled out of the crack, then curiously looked back.

Zuo Dao had already turned away, leaving without looking back, coldly saying, “Don’t let me see you again.”

Zuo Dao left, but the Pioneering Group members, weapons raised, pursued.

Zuo Yunqi, without further thought, ran, the mountain wind filling his sleeves like a lone sail against the current.

A monstrous full moon hung overhead.

Hearing the shouts and pursuit, Zuo Yunqi ran with all his might, until a flaming arrow whizzed past his ear!

Terrified, he tore off his mask and screamed, “I’m here! I’m here!!”

Flaming arrows flew from all directions like locusts, avoiding him but hitting his pursuers.

Zuo Yunqi ran and dodged, hearing screams behind him.

Finally, someone shouted, “Retreat…”

Zuo Yunqi stumbled and fell.

In the distance, flickering lights appeared among the trees. Zuo Yunqi looked up, squinting, seeing a group of people in martial attire approaching with torches and crossbows, led by a familiar figure on horseback.

【The Martial Arts Alliance】

The Martial Arts Alliance seemed to have prepared well for this, having obtained much equipment and acting in an organized manner. They camped far from the cave, out of the Pioneering Group’s reach.

All the pursuers had retreated to the cave, but the arrows kept coming, creating a spectacular meteor shower over the lair.

Flames engulfed half the mountain, turning the sky red, merging with the fire Zuo Yunqi started inside, and the distant screams formed an unending inferno.

【This Is a Flashback】

Collapsing on the ground, Zuo Yunqi squinted at the blood-red light, recalling his childhood when Zuo Dao took him to see the time travelers.

What did Zuo Dao say back then?

【The Master】

After some time, a horse stopped before him. The Master dismounted, looking down at him, “Still alive?”

Zuo Yunqi replied, “Barely.”

Zuo Yunqi was placed on a stretcher, slowly saying, “Don’t chase them in, there are biological weapons inside.”

【Three Days Later】

The Martial Arts Alliance dared not enter directly, camping at the entrance for three days.

After three days of silence, the Master sent a team to investigate, finding the cave empty. The Pioneering Group had escaped through a secret passage, taking all their equipment.

They began packing up the remaining large machinery to take back for study.

【Zuo Yunqi】

Zuo Yunqi lay on a bed, motionless.

The Master, about to feed him medicine, paused as Zuo Yunqi asked, “Will Prince Yu rebel?”

The Master, placing the bowl down, smirked, “He gave up before because the timing was wrong and he didn’t want to die in vain. But if he has the upper hand, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind killing the emperor.”

Zuo Yunqi asked, “Will you report this to the court?”

The Master replied, “Of course, such a major event must be reported. But how it’s reported, that’s another matter.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “I’ve figured something out. Prince Yu asked me how I knew about his failed rebellion but the emperor didn’t.”

The Master smiled, “Why?”

Zuo Yunqi said, “First, because your intelligence network surpasses the imperial spies. Second, because you chose to suppress that information.”

“…”

Zuo Yunqi said, “In essence—you’re one of the anomalies too.”

【The Master】

Zuo Yunqi said, “I brought out a book.”

The Master nodded, “It’s been reassembled.”

Zuo Yunqi asked, “Will you give it to the emperor or return it to the Pioneering Group?”

The Master replied, “Neither. We’ll keep it.”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Is that your stance?”

The Master smiled, “My stance? My stance is to lie on a pile of money and wait for death.”

“…”

The Master said, “But if one day even that’s taken away, I’ll need… some leverage.”

【This Is the Ending】

Zuo Yunqi said, “I grew up in the Sect. I once asked my father why everyone was obsessed with making poisons. He said they were not making poison but medicine. Because in chaotic times, only poison can cure the illness.”

“…”

Zuo Yunqi said, “Isn’t it funny? Everyone in this world is sick, yet everyone thinks they have the cure. Don’t you think such a world is doomed?”

“…”

The Master stood up, saying, “Drink your medicine. It’s going to rain soon.”