The Mirror Master

"Which one is Lu Bai?"

The man in the lead scanned Mo Tang and the others before asking in a deep voice.

"The prisoner, Lu Bai. My respects, sir."

Lu Bai dismounted and bowed.

On the way here, Mo Tang had warned Lu Bai. He was, after all, a convicted criminal, and military camps were strictly hierarchical. He had to endure whatever came his way.

Military orders were absolute, and discipline was ironclad. Causing trouble in the camp could get you beheaded at a moment’s notice, with no room for negotiation.

Even if she wanted to help, she would be powerless to do so.

For their first meeting, Mo Tang had instructed Lu Bai on proper etiquette, such as how to offer his respects.

In a situation like this, he absolutely had to dismount.

Mo Tang urged her horse forward and cupped her fist. "I am Mo Tang, a Morning Bell Ringer of the Evil Extermination Bureau."

"Han Fei. Deputy General of the Longxiang Army."

The man’s tone was frigid. He pointed at Lu Bai and frowned. "What is the meaning of this? Why isn’t this prisoner in a cangue and shackles? And he came on horseback? Is this an exile, or a pleasure trip?"

Mo Tang explained, "General Han, his situation is somewhat special. Although he is guilty, he has also performed great deeds for the Wu Country. Your Highness has granted him a special pardon, allowing him to redeem himself through meritorious service."

"Redeeming himself is something he can do *after* he’s been inducted into the army."

Han Fei said coldly, "Lu Bai broke the laws of the Wu Dynasty. He must wear a cangue and shackles. The laws of the land are not a child’s game!"

"General Han, a word in private?"

Mo Tang said softly, showing no sign of anger.

Han Fei shook his head slightly. "If you have something to say, say it here."

Mo Tang had actually brought some gifts, hoping to smooth things over a little and spare Lu Bai some hardship in the camp.

But from the look of things, she probably wouldn’t get the chance to offer them.

It was well known throughout the court and country that Duke Chen ran his army with an iron fist and strict discipline.

Mo Tang hesitated for a moment before saying, "It is Duke Jing’s wish... He considers Lu Bai a great talent of the Wu Dynasty and hopes that you might... look after him a bit."

"This is a military camp. There is no room for favoritism."

Han Fei remained expressionless. "Even if Duke Jing himself were here, he would have to abide by military law and discipline," he said coldly.

"Just put them on."

Seeing Mo Tang’s predicament, Lu Bai spoke up.

Mo Tang looked resigned and nodded.

This was the frontier, after all, and Duke Chen’s word was law.

’By the looks of it, it wouldn’t matter if Duke Jing or even Your Highness himself showed up.’

Seeing this, the officials quickly undid their bundles. They took out the cangue and shackles they had carried the entire journey and fastened them onto Lu Bai.

"Take his things."

Han Fei ordered two soldiers standing nearby.

Mo Tang frowned. "General Han, those are his personal belongings—weapons and clothes. When he eventually goes into battle, he’ll be more effective with a weapon he’s used to."

"Once he’s inducted into the army at the camp, they will be returned to him."

Han Fei gave a slight, cold smile. "But until then, they will remain in my keeping."

"Of course."

Lu Bai smiled. He didn’t resist, allowing the two soldiers to take his Cyan Cloud Sword, his Five Emperors Gold Coin Sword, and his personal pack.

Mo Tang said, "General Han, I’ll accompany you the rest of the way."

With a cold expression, Han Fei shook his head and refused. "The area ahead is a restricted military zone. Lord Mo, you do not have clearance and cannot enter without authorization."

"Please head back, Lord Mo."

With the cangue around his neck and his hands fastened to it, Lu Bai couldn’t bow properly. He simply inclined his body slightly toward Mo Tang.

’Her escorting me this far had already gone far beyond the duty owed to a subordinate.’

"Alright. I’ll come see you again in a few days when I’m free."

Mo Tang nodded.

’If she returned to the capital, or even if she remained in Jing State, when would she ever find the time to come all the way back to the frontier?’

’She was just saying it for Han Fei’s benefit, hoping it would make him at least a little hesitant to cause trouble.’

"Let’s move."

Han Fei said, then turned his horse around and started back.

Lu Bai followed behind, escorted by four soldiers in full Armor.

During the journey, whether intentionally or not...

Han Fei, being on horseback, naturally set a faster pace.

The four soldiers escorting him quickened their steps to keep up.

Lu Bai, his feet bound in heavy shackles, couldn’t take long strides. He looked to be in extreme discomfort, stumbling along as he tried to keep up.

The four soldiers would shove him from time to time, nearly causing him to fall on several occasions.

Lu Bai remained silent, his attention focused on surveying his surroundings.

Seeing how docile Lu Bai was, not uttering a single complaint, the four soldiers exchanged a glance, a flicker of contempt in their eyes.

After traveling like this for a dozen or so li, they reached another way station.

By now, dusk was deepening into night.

"Let’s get something to eat before we move on."

Han Fei rode up to the way station and dismounted.

"General Han, you’re here!"

A station attendant immediately came out to greet him.

Han Fei said, "Feed the horses some top-grade fodder. And bring us four catties of beef and five jugs of your best wine."

Drinking was forbidden in their military camp.

If they wanted to drink, they had to leave the camp and go to a town or an outlying way station like this one.

"Right away!"

The attendant called out and bustled off to prepare their order.

Lu Bai was led into the way station by the four soldiers.

The light from the bean-sized flames of the oil lamps was a dim yellow, barely illuminating the few dilapidated tables and chairs in the way station’s main hall.

Yet this simple stopover point was nearly full.

At one table sat a middle-aged man in a long robe, a longsword strapped to his back.

Nearby, a man and a woman sat facing each other.

Both were wearing Daoist Robes. Judging by their attire, they were likely Cultivators. A few simple side dishes sat on their table as they spoke together in low voices.

At another table, three people sat with their weapons close at hand. They held wine bowls and shouted boisterously, looking like typical wanderers of the Jianghu.

In a corner,

another man in a coarse-spun tunic lay passed out on a long bench, reeking of alcohol. A hat was pulled down over his face, and a stack of empty wine bowls sat on the table beside him.

Lu Bai narrowed his eyes, his expression unchanging.

Han Fei’s gaze swept across the room.

A group of diners who were nearly finished with their meal saw the unfriendly looks on Han Fei’s group and the prisoner they had in tow. They exchanged a look, then quickly stood, paid their bill, and left, freeing up their table.

The attendant cleared the table, and Han Fei and his men sat down.

Lu Bai walked slowly to the side and stood against the wall.

The beef and wine were brought out shortly after.

Han Fei and his men began to eat and drink heartily, ignoring Lu Bai completely.

After a moment, Han Fei’s expression shifted. As if sensing something, he suddenly hurled his wine bowl out and shouted, "Who’s there!"

WHOOSH!

The wine bowl flew through the air, instantly shattering the window.

Immediately after, Han Fei shot into motion. His Blood Qi surged as he burst through the window frame, moving with incredible speed!

’A True Master Martial Dao.’

Lu Bai noted inwardly.

’That powerful Blood Qi means he’s already formed a Blood Qi Golden Core. His Cultivation isn’t weak, either—definitely not the Early Stage of the Golden Core Realm.’

"General!"

The four soldiers cried out and rushed outside after him.

One of them glared back at Lu Bai and snapped, "You stay right here! Don’t even think about moving!"

With that, he followed the others. Soon, all was silent outside.

’Judging by their skills, those four soldiers are all in the Innate Realm.’

The attendant and the station owner were terrified and confused. After a long moment, one of them dared to crack open the door and peek outside.

The night outside was hazy; not a single figure could be seen.

The other patrons in the way station showed no reaction. Some continued their drinking games, others went on eating and chatting, and one remained fast asleep.

Lu Bai scanned the room, then suddenly spoke. "So, when are all of you planning to make your move?"