"Indeed, Wu Dahai is the fourth generation." Bai Tu’s gaze held deep reverence. "I am of the third, but Meng Yang’s fate is the most tragic—she is already the seventh. Now she’s our beloved; everyone would rather sacrifice themselves than let her perish. Fortunately, with her current talents, survival isn’t much of a challenge."
Gao Yang was startled. “Then the Dragon must be…”
"The Dragon hasn’t perished, so he’s still known as 'Dragon.' He’s our captain, the founder of the Zodiac Twelve." As Bai Tu mentioned the captain, her tone shifted. “He’s suffered so much; all his original companions are gone. Now, it’s just him and us newcomers.”
Gao Yang’s emotions were complicated. "Earlier, you said the captain and I were like brothers, so I thought… he was young."
"He is young—not just young, but quite handsome!" Bai Tu beamed with admiration. "You’ll understand in time."
"Alright." Gao Yang dropped the topic.
After a moment’s thought, Gao Yang asked, "Is the vice-captain Tiger?"
"Wow, how did you know? Did Wu Dahai tell you?" Bai Tu was taken aback.
"No, I noticed that, apart from the Dragon, Tiger’s mask is rare—only one. He must be quite senior."
Bai Tu gave a thumbs up. "Smart of you; I like clever people. The vice-captain is called Dou Hu. He won’t attend the newcomer’s reception—he’s on a mission."
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
From behind came the sound of an elevator descending. Bai Tu’s eyes brightened as she glanced over Gao Yang’s shoulder. “Ah, everyone else is here.”
Gao Yang turned as a group stepped off the platform.
Leading them was Tengu, still masked, with Meng Yang perched on his shoulder. Today, she wore a pale green hanfu; her former bun transformed into a delightful braid. Waving a stick of candied fruit, she greeted Gao Yang, “Brother Gao Yang, we meet again!”
"Yes, Little Meng Yang." Gao Yang was just as delighted to see her. This little girl had not only saved him but felt like a younger sister.
"Everyone’s here." Smiling broadly, Dead Pig descended. The ground seemed to tremble slightly with each step.
Behind him were two men and a woman, all masked, representing Rooster, Monkey, and Horse.
“Allow me to introduce our new members: Gao Yang, Qing Ling, and Officer Huang Qi,” Bai Tu announced, moving to each teammate in turn. "This is Ghost Horse, Mischievous Monkey, and Song Rooster."
The man called Ghost Horse was anything but "ghostly." Wearing a mask of melancholy, he resembled a depressed stallion.
He removed his mask, revealing a middle-aged man with prominent brow bones, a broad chin, deep smile lines, and heavy dark circles. Dressed in a stiff navy suit, he carried a black briefcase, like a weary corporate warrior.
Ghost Horse extended a chilly hand, voice laden with gloom. “Hello.”
“Hello.” Gao Yang gave a light handshake, feeling the iciness of a lifeless grip, and then shook hands with Qing Ling and Officer Huang.
Afterwards, Ghost Horse pulled three business cards from his suit pocket. “Please accept these.”
The trio exchanged glances, taking the cards with some embarrassment.
Gao Yang glanced at the card, startled to find he was an attorney.
With Ghost Horse stepping back, Mischievous Monkey advanced, wearing a stylized Monkey King opera mask. His silver hair flowed, dressed in a white Tai Chi outfit, showing his age.
The old man known as Mischievous Monkey removed his mask.
Gao Yang gasped. It was him!