As the Heavenly Season arrived, all things revived, and it was also the season of high river tides. The riverbanks once dominated by Pei Ba had already been swallowed by surging currents, white foam swirling in the swift, sandy waters.
“Did she kill herself just to avoid being caught? Wait, it’s not that simple, that’s not what it’s about…”
Tii frowned, her thoughts flashing through her mind like lightning.
Earlier, for the sake of secrecy, Tii had redrawn the Map by hand, but she didn’t use ordinary ink or easily worn-out pens. Instead, she chose the rare and precious Ink of the Flowing Spring.
This oil is colorless and invisible, with unique properties—it changes color when heated and dissolves instantly in water, making it the perfect choice for writing confidential documents.
First, the outline of the Map was drawn with colorless, invisible oil on thick parchment. Then, by lightly heating it, the hidden lines would reveal themselves, allowing the information to be read.
If something unexpected happened, she could simply submerge it in water, and all the information would disappear. Parchment itself is resistant to oil and corrosion. After the oil is dissolved, the paper would not retain any trace at all.
The memory of that night replayed vividly in Nori’s mind.
The plan must have been leaked to the enemy somehow, for the guards arranged by Marentia were already lying in wait at the rendezvous point. By the time Marentia discovered it, both scouts were ambushed, and there was no route of escape left.
Upon realizing this, she did not choose to surrender, but instead, relying on her memory, made her way toward the mountaintop. When the guards closed in, she leapt from the summit, casting herself and the Map she carried into the turbulent river.
It was all just to destroy the evidence, to protect the mission.
“The words on the Map dissolved quickly in the water… Marentia didn’t get any incriminating evidence, which is why she pretended nothing happened,” Tii murmured, her emerald eyes reflecting the cold, faint light.
“So, that means Nori has already been targeted.”
Her heart skipped a beat.
So that’s how it is. Mo’er must have been suspicious all along and is now just waiting for the chance to pin something on Nori.
If Mo’er really wanted to make a move against Nori, with Nori’s personality, she would surely do everything in her power to resist. In that case…
“If someone wants to harm you, what’s the best way to protect yourself?”
In her mind, a deep, aged voice echoed—the words of her Teacher, who was as important as a mother to Tii.
Although the old woman had passed away many years ago, whenever Tii faced confusion, she couldn’t help but recall her Teacher’s words, like a warning bell ringing in her heart.
“Is it to have a force stronger than your opponent?” Back then, Tii would always answer thus.
“No.”
“Is it… to conceal your injuries from your enemy?”
“Also no.”
As she spoke, the Teacher would always wrinkle her brow, then reveal a meaningful smile.
“The best method is to kill your enemy before they even develop the intent to kill you.”
Carefully counting the remaining silver coins into a woven pouch, Tii let out a long sigh of relief and looked up. It was already noon.
All the Marui Stones, Chang Jing Wood cup holders, and Spring Ganrong Burial Cakes had been purchased. Next, she just needed to meet up with Tii, have a simple lunch, and then return to the city.
Since the two of them had left together, it was only natural, in order to avoid suspicion, to return together as well. She and Su Ling had already agreed on this before setting out.
“Strange, why hasn’t she come yet?”
Suspicion filled Tii’s heart as she made her way to the agreed meeting spot—the Plaza in front of the grand, spired Village Chapel, standing proudly at the heart of the city.
This building, with its unique style, stood like a sentinel amid the city.
Its spire pierced the sky like a sword, while below were intricately flying buttresses and long arched doors. Its exquisite shape was a striking contrast to the humble homes of the nearby commoners.
The silver-haired youth stood silently in front of it, looking up, her figure seeming even smaller.
The bustling crowds flowed to and fro, and suddenly, a voice called out from behind.
“Su Ling!”
Tii quickly turned to look. The red-haired girl, face beaming with a wide smile, was waving and running toward her.
“Tii, why…”
She was about to ask if Tii had encountered some trouble to return so late, but before she could finish, the other interrupted her.
“Sorry! I made you wait so long,” said Tii , lifting a paper bag in her hand. “Look! Mrs. Yilin’s famous cream bread. I had to wait forever in line to get this!”
Receiving the still-warm bread, Tii was about to say thank you, but she wasn’t in the mood to eat. Instead, she looked at Tii with concern.
“What’s wrong? Did something upset you?”
Tii took a bite of her own bread, eyes flickering, cheeks puffed up.
“It’s nothing… Are you alright, Nori?”
“Huh? Nothing happened, really. Do I look off to you?”
“Your face is so pale.”
Though she kept trying to smile, Tii still keenly sensed that since coming back from the mountains, this was the first time Tii had shown such unease in front of her.
“My complexion…”
Tii widened her eyes in surprise, but quickly returned to her usual playful self.
“Oh, it must just be the cold weather. What I really need is a hug from little Nori to warm up! Anyway, you mentioned before you were worried about being seen. There are so many people here—if you don’t want to be noticed, then…”
Su Ling reached out, gently hugging Tii for a second, and Tii returned the embrace.
“Are you still cold now?”
The girlish voice was light and soft as a feather.
“Mm, not cold at all anymore.”
Tii’s body gently pressed against the silver-haired youth, and her wildly beating heart gradually calmed down.
After a long while, the two released each other. Tii took Nori’s hand, her eyes shining with a mysterious glow.
“Nori, could you come with me for a bit? There’s something I’d like you to do.”
“What is it?”
“It’s a secret,” Tii pressed a finger to her lips, “Will you come with me? It’s not far, just inside the Village Chapel behind us. Let’s sit for a while.”
Filled with curiosity, Nori nodded and followed Tii toward the grand and magnificent Chapel.
Passing through the heavy redwood doors, the two walked in shoulder to shoulder.
Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows. The high, arched ceilings made one unconsciously look up, and rows of long pews stretched out, the central aisle leading straight to the Jitan, where a golden cross and splendidly adorned vessels were displayed.
On either side of the Jitan, tall candlesticks burned with slender, flickering flames, adding a touch of warmth to the Chapel’s interior.
At this time, there were not many people inside the Chapel. Only a few elderly worshippers sat quietly on the long pews, heads bowed in prayer, or softly reciting the Holy Scripture at the Jitan.
A Priest stood by the altar, preparing for the upcoming worship ceremony.
A faint scent of incense filled the air, naturally soothing the heart.
“Before, I always told you so little about myself because I couldn’t live up to your expectations for various reasons. I’m sorry,” Tii said quietly after sitting on the long pew, eyes fixed ahead.
“But today, I want to tell you a little something.”
This was not proper conduct.
Tii knew this perfectly well, yet she still brought herself here, her heart leading the way.
Because she did not know whether this might be her last chance.