The late spring breeze of Dianzhong carried the scent of bitter almond flowers. As Qingwu stumbled into the embroidery tower, Mu Tong was placing a magnolia flower in her hair, gazing into the bronze mirror.
The sandalwood comb clattered to the ground. She looked at the bloodstain on the visitor's forehead and the secret letter soaked with sweat in her hand, her fingertips unconsciously caressing the pearl and emerald ornaments by her temple—crafted from the wild orchids Shi Feiyang had picked from Cang Mountain three days earlier and sent via "Flying Eagle Detective" Xie Wen.
"Commandery Princess!" Qingwu gasped for breath, clutching the carved door frame, "Grand Squad Leader Shi is fighting alone at the peak of Cang Mountain against Yinfeng Stronghold, Vajra Altar, and the Netherworld Sect! Those people... those people brought palace-issued explosives!"
