The city of Luo at night resembled a massive chessboard, with straight bluestone roads cutting the buildings into neat squares, forming a grid of twenty-one lines.
The spies, clad in black and with hands resting on their waist knives, moved like black chess pieces along different paths, heading to their designated positions.
From above, the silent network of spies looked like a black dragon coiled over the chessboard.
On the quiet Xinglongzhai Street, Xifeng led the way, wearing a freshly carved dragon-head mask.
Chen Ji and Jinzhu, also masked, walked side by side.
Behind them, two spies arranged by Jinzhu followed closely, blocking any potential escape routes for Chen Ji.
Suddenly, Chen Ji stopped and turned around.
In an instant, the two spies half-drew their knives, their eyes cold and piercing.
Chen Ji asked calmly, "Lord Jinzhu, are you protecting me or detaining me? Treating me like a criminal now—what’s next? Throwing me into the inner prison?"
Jinzhu patted his shoulder and sighed, "We’re all smart people. Why spell it out?"
Chen Ji’s voice remained emotionless.
"Lord Jinzhu, I helped you find a way to seize the Liu family’s weakness. Just as we’re about to succeed, you’re ready to burn the bridge. When will you ever trust me?"