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Now, focus on the investigation.

Yinghua was checking the folders regarding the 'deaths' of her allies in the previous mission, she was contemplating while looking at them. She was having a headache, due to the disturbing memories flashed within her mind. "How did father and Chief-General Cheng even got themselves stuck into the freezing waters near the capital?" she muttered, shaking her head and sighed in slight frustration. Everything doesn't made sense, and she went through the evidence reports once again. "That was such a hella huge death trap," Fang stated behind her, being tired about the official documents from his office. There were some words written at the end of the reports, yet none of them can read it. "Do you think that there's more to it, Fang? They need to shut up first," Yinghua said without a look, pouting her mouth and scowled at the nonsense claims. "Someone's doing this, and then hiding the body inside our graves, those idiots buried his corpse somewhere and we never knew?"

Fang leaned at the wall beside her, watching her silently. Yinghua slammed her hands upon the desk, before turning away. Even her angry expressions were cute, his eyes softened. "Maybe, we can visit that abandoned graveyard first and found a missing piece," Fang suggested. He had heard some of his own clansmen finding a suspicious graveyard with the name of the fallen Great Warriors at a side, Yinghua looked at him before she hummed. "Alright... we should start from there, shit... my head hurts," she cried weakly, leaving him a frown of concern. 'Calm down, Yinghua... use your brain, think harder. Find the answers, save your parents' honor,' she thought and closing her eyes. 'Think... think...'

The mysterious courtyard was placed in a secret courtyard; a few guards were guarding the entire place and warning the public about the prohibited places. Also, if her father's graveyard weren't there... that means she have to ask the clan elders, just to check whether her dad was treated wrongly like a madman or making up a conspiracy. No one would understand what she's doing, yet somehow the members were all the same as always. Both she and Fang hadn't managed to avoid the others' questions because the news and theories overreacting; fortunately, Sui-Feng forced the mob to leave the duo alone. "Which clan should we ask first? Yours or mine?"

Yinghua asked, suddenly that caused an issue on her partner's face, comically. "Crap, I forgot my younger sister is there. Shit, Feihung's gonna ask or assume something weird, and not to mention... the elders can't control her sometimes," Fang growled and sweating. The girl stifled a giggle, if her friends were there. They could be asking these questions; the Xue Clan and Zhou Clan were well-known among the citizens as a group of renowned warriors, especially the heirs of both clans. "If you're starting on my clan..." Yinghua muttered, knowing her clan is very protective of her except they have to respect her position.

In Zhou Village...

Feihung was wandering around happily as the young girl was known by the clan people as Fang's younger sister, she was so energetic but cute, the adorable young lass was holding a flower bouquet. She also took care of the clan when her older brother is not around, she's also close to Yinghua when her older sibling introduced her. During the evenings, she was helping the visitors visiting the graves with happiness, as she was skipping while clutching her basket. "Hey!" the girl greeted while waving her free hand to her older brother and Yinghua, who was looking for her.

"Fang-gēgē! There you are!"

Fang raised his eyebrows, the girl ran and gave the flower bouquet to her older sibling with a cheerful smile. "Do you see the people's reaction when I give flowers to them, gege?" she asked while twirling, her lovely giggles making her face resembled of a very happy child. Seeing this, made Fang smiling and ruffled her hairs. However, he was aware of her personality. Then, she noticed Yinghua who stood beside her older brother as she recognized her. "Miss Yinghua!" she called, the girl looked before her eyes widened to see how excited Feihung is. "Hello, Feihung'er," Yinghua smiled and hugged the girl, making Fang blushed a little with a sweat-drop. "Well, you weren't called little beauty for nothing," he teased, which caused Yinghua kicked him in the shin while snarling 'Damn it!' and Feihung remained oblivious and clueless to their weird behaviour.

"Is something's matters, Gēgē?"

Feihung asked, Fang went tense a bit and let out a deep sigh. "I know it's difficult to explain the issue, but if you had any ideas... uh, maybe let me ask the clan elders for a moment," Fang said as he turned away while giving Feihung's hand to Yinghua's hand, getting curious what would happened next and walking the opposite direction. "Gēgē is always like this, since he had befriended you, Miss Yinghua. He won't be that cold man anymore," Feihung said, staring at the warrior who had turned to her with a flat face. "Fang can't tolerate with anyone acting the way they are, he'll make a lesson," Yinghua replied, her friend gave a disgusted shudder. It reminded her during their training days, and there's also Fang who use these two training puppets which are mostly used as sparring partners, she and their friends were just watching until the wooden training tools breaks, cracking from head to toe. After a couple hits, Fang's partners can no longer moving, cracking everywhere and became a total mess.

Yinghua let Feihung lead her to their home, since no one will call her 'little beauty', yet. Most of their clansmen called her that when she grew up, becoming a smart girl and making pretty stuffs which ended up becoming a sweet-maker or whatever sweet is. "Miss Yinghua, someday... you'll live here permanently. Big sis Yinghua will like it," Feihung complimented. Mostly, she wants to live and learning new stuffs or fighting isn't the greatest purpose for her mind. However, being a general is her top priorities along with keeping the royal family, Xanadu's status or land safe.

"W-What? Living here permanently??"

Yinghua stuttered, his little sister was so innocent yet so bold, she couldn't stop herself from blushing. 'Maybe I was so close to her that she's considered me to be her 'big sister'...' Yinghua sweat-dropped. These changes were getting her funny, seeing how Feihung giggled and was holding her finger. "Yinghua is so clumsy, uh... eh, maybe not," Feihung said as she cutely tapped her chin, getting a good look at her friend; the black hair, dark eyes... she have no problem because Yinghua is really kind and she likes her company. Plus, the others does cared about her no matter how busy her schedule is. "Your little brother Jinfeng is so cool too!" Feihung added, cheering a bit.

"Yeah, actually... he'd done an absurd tower during the previous festival's holiday. Still thinking how he pulled that thing successfully and used magic and stone. Oh well, if he is bored... then I can find him to our place," Yinghua spoke, as she received a frown expression and blabber 'crap' language. Which making a ten-year old girl pouted, before she laid her head on her lap. Fang just got back, seeing his little sister sleeping on her friend's lap. He recalled that Yinghua was having a great temper, sometimes she's very stubborn which was the girls' strength and weakness, that is why he chose her to make a change and she would definitely save the lives of their loved ones.

To think of the words, Yang's words before getting kicked was right; 'THAT MEANS THERE WILL BE ZOMBIES!?'. They couldn't tell the fate, nor the future would be changing like this? "Huh, she's asleep already?" he asked, his dark brown eyes meeting her brown orbs--only nodding. They decided to wait for Feihung to wake up, both looking at the garden and sat at the stair. Seeing the grasses swayed by the light breeze, Yinghua decided to close her eyes; listening to the nature. Fang leaned his cheek against his right hand, slightly glancing at her; the side of his head rested against his hand and crossed legs. Fang was quiet, staring into her features and saw a flower petal was caught into her hair. 'This is most... peaceful,' he thought silently, seeing Feihung woke up and decided to wander around the garden happilly.

Fang carefully reach out his fingers and pulling the stray strands of hair, looking at the flower petal--didn't expected to touch her soft dark hair. While Fang gently removing the petal, accidentally he barely touch the girl's cheek with his fingers, his other hand was on the stair while his body leaned closer to her. Yinghua felt nervous, her heart raced; slowly opened her eyes to see his hands, unsure if she needed some space, but Yinghua somehow... couldn't tear her gaze from him. His handsome face combined with soft but warm eyes make her remember why they met, because he had saved her from the tragedy that destroyed the people she treasured. "Fang..."

Her tone was worried, the gentleness from her face reminded him of what had happened; on the years they knew about one another, nothing will prevent them for standing together through thick and thin, suffering and pain, challenges and impossible obstacles. Their hands were met, and she felt shy at the moment. "Yinghua..." he whispered, his expression was so determined, unknown and mysterious for her, yet she realized she had trust him. What kind of person he will become? Will he be loyal, compassionate, trusting and generous to everyone no matter what happen? Was he like a little child she need to take care of him, like her usual partner-in-crime, protecting him and his little sister... even his Clan? A lot of questions that have been flashed within her mind and she hadn't expected anything else.

Feihung peeked from behind the tree across from behind them, she was squealing quietly with a blushing face, covering her small mouth; the little girl's giggles were very loud yet it was the sound of happiness, not the usual cackle or bragging laughs. 'My older brother is really a changed person, I admit Yinghua turned him into a happier man. It's better than staying gloomy all the time, having a bad thoughts,' she thought and smiling, hiding behind the tree and waited for their reactions. 'Capturing this... what a beautiful moment. They are so cute, though.'

Yinghua didn't know why she feels warm all over her body, a bit embarrassed about the situation; then she slightly startled upon realizing his breath was inches apart from her lips. She knew what he felt before, something happened when she looked into his dark eyes, his warm, gentle, welcoming eyes. Fang slowly leaning closer, feeling nervous about his self while looking at her innocent expression. "That day... I wouldn't forget what had happened that year. Facing the worsts and taking risks... then you stepped forward, bringing hope to my heart and guiding our allies with your words and strength," he said, lightly brushing her fringes. He also noticed the faint red shades upon her cheeks, it made him calm. "The night was terrifying, because we had no clear hope and was forced to fight against the countless opponents. Yet, you never given up, I learned a lot from you. I love seeing your cheerful smile, every tears or laughter, all of them. But, these feelings... what's it called?" he asked with a glint in his eyes.

Yinghua lightly flick his forehead with her fingers, making him hissed after she flick it. "Stupid, are you waiting for me to find the answers for you, idiot?" she asked, rubbing her the other hand in nervousness but seeing Fang wasn't angry at her reaction. "I guess... I should said..."

"Alright, guys! Did you find anything?"

Yang shouted happily that made both of them petrified, so does Feihung who made a dark glare at the cheerful idiot. After what happened next; Xiaofei, Yunjiao, Meixiu, Ziling, Yang had a serious headbutts, after their forehead met; there's a big bump was appearing upon their heads and they rushed away from the scene. From the investigation, it revealed that Chief-General Zhou Cheng's whereabouts is still mysterious, including a member of the royal Xue family, Xue Jun is reported missing... even a search party couldn't found them. "Something is going on, perhaps someone is targeting the Xue clan after Jun's mission was exposed," Yunjiao informed, she crossed her arms together while leaned against the wall. "Which means, Xue Jun... or Yinghua's father--seems to know some confidential information," Yaoren finished, tapping his chin.

There's a secret base in that graveyard, they believed it belongs to someone, thus the information about Jun and Cheng was left. The Xue clan is never been angered or threatened, before... the past said that Jun was targeted due to the fact he was being pursued by the enemies and the black beasts are after him. "Do you know something, Yang? Since you're from Li clan, the closest ally with the them," Meixiu spoke, since she was well-aware of the military's powerhouse. Yang didn't say anything, he can't tell what is his father's work linked to that incident. "Nope, that mission is too secretive... too shrouded that can only be known as top-secret mission. I just can't speak what's the truth is about the mission," he firmly said.

Maybe, this is difficult or dangerous enough that no one can handle it until Jun and Cheng disappeared.

Sui-Feng was interrogating the soldiers who were once tasked in a mission that was ruined beyond the repair, based on the report and observation, the soldiers were suspected by a few people. The people believed the soldiers made a grave mistake on the dangerous mission by dropping the secrets and sending them directly into the enemy's lair, the members had investigated the information room--seeing the information and records are broken and burnt into ashes, another members had gathered a few artifacts which are stolen during the raid. Taiyang smiled with his eyes closed as he showed his deadly food to threaten them, while they were being interrogated by Jingshen. "Alright, we never wanted to do any conspiracies against Xanadu or the royal family. We're doing it to the benefit," they ranted.

"Who were you working for, huh? Someone's name will slipped out of your mouth."

Ruqian snarled, gripping his hand on the table while giving him a death glare. Yiyang was furnishing her spear, making the soldiers gulped; while they gritted their teeth together, looking away and trying to hide away the emotions in their face. Zihao turn around to see the five members of Heavenly Imperial Quintet, making him huffed. "Took five of you long enough, where have you been huh?" he questioned, folding his arms.

The first is Baiheng, the twenty-seven years old Chief-General and the leader of the quintet. He has a slate gray eyes and long black hair with his bangs unevenly fell over his sharp eyes and cheeks, which he keeps up in intricate white headpieces and has pale complexion. He wears a black high-collared shirt underneath his white hanfu-like cape. His sleeves is similar as Jingshen and his fellow squad members, only cut to the elbow. His white outer coat is fastened at the front and loose on each side, along black knee-length boots with silver back heels and black fingerless long gloves. Baiheng acts in an aristocratic manner--he always seems serene and apathetic towards other people, even when he's actually and deeply conflicted. He is notably calm, even in battle. He generally acts indifferent due to his lawful upbringing, bordering on arrogance, to most situations he is faced with, and rarely views his opponent as being worth his time--but he admits law isn't perfect. Despite all these things, it can be still proven that he actually is kind-hearted and caring.

The second is Jinghua; the twenty-five years old female Chef-General, who always been by Baiheng's side. She has a purplish-black long hair that extended below her waist, with her bangs fell upon her violet eyes and cheeks--as her bangs fell beneath her chest and her eyes along her cheeks. Her white headband remained on her head, her hair is styled into loose half ponytail with a red ribbon bowtie and light violet beads on them. She wears a crimson high-collared hanfu that has long extended sleeves that has embroidery of five-petaled flowers, a yellow sash with large bowtie on the front and a white outer robe with red borders and five-petaled flowers on the sleeves and the end--she wears a dark brown thigh-high heeled boots. Jinghua is a kind, caring, and loving woman. She was soft-spoken, and is one of the few individuals in the capital who possesses empathy. However, she has a cold and serious attitude, but is calm towards everyone and everything, and is loyal to the Emperor, Empress, and princess. Due to the fact that she and Yiyang are like sisters, she is also extremely protective of the latter.

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The third is Yukong, the twenty-five years old female Chief-General and one of Sui-Feng's allies, she was standing with a gentle, yet seasoned and authoritative presence. She has a long dark teal-colored hair with white streaks and Vulpine ears that Sui-Feng has, except she has a Vulpine tail. Her bangs almost covering her sapphire eyes and cheeks, as she was quite fair-skinned. She wears an elegant qipao dress that decorated with plum blossoms around the edges of the sleeve and tails; but has an open-front. Her dress covers half of her legs, and she wears black high-heel shoes. Yukong was a calm and soft-spoken woman, in some cases, rather brash. She has strong desire for justice and fairness. She is also extremely protective of all people and would go all her way to protect them, most times due to her fox nature. Like other magical creatures, Yukong possessed preternatural strength and an impressive sixth sense and precognition ability. She also use some form of magic, and primarily uses a large war fan as weapon.

The fourth is Chifeng, the twenty-eight years old male Chief-General and the sub-leader of Heavenly Imperial Quintet team; who was staring at his nails without a sign of being scared. He was a tall man with a white messy hair with his bangs framing almost covering his green-turquoise eyes with only a few spikes here and there, and has a rather slightly light tan complexion. He wears a black high-collared hanfu; with a white-gray laced cloak clasped upon his broad shoulders. He wears a black pants tucked into his black thigh-high boots, while he has a long green scarf. His green sash has also changed to a thin chain, but has the star-like clip remain. Chifeng is generally mature and serious and straightforward, as his demeanor is one of someone who rarely smiles. He is reserved, which he quite focused and strong. Chifeng is also extremely serious in his duty as a Chief-General and would not falter as compared to the other members, Chifeng is a stern and a strict man and always stays cold towards most persons except the ones he knows.

Lastly is Naran, the twenty-five years old male Chief-General and an expert in intelligence services in other affairs that must remain obscure, which he always remain absent most of the days. He is a young man with gray hair with a fringe on his right shoulder, violet eyes and pale complexion as he wears a cloak over his white blazer and pair of black jeans tucked into his laced steel-toed military boots. With the blue sash, he wears around his waist and a navy-blue fur vest that has black and white fur. Also, he is an enigmatic and calculating person with a lot of logical deduction, and very often seen being the smart-ass type in Heavenly Imperial Quintet and he barely manages his own temper and his plans are strategically accurate. As a warrior, Naran was relatively efficient as of how cunning, resilient and experienced he could be. And being among his comrades makes him to think less about escaping or killing the target without mercy. He was descended from the people of Khagan Empire, which is why he looked so foreign and mysterious.

Each member will go through the mission with another Chief-General.

"My my, took you guys long enough!" Sui-Feng barked at her best-friends, Yukong giggled. The brash and always serious woman crossed her arms, tapping her foot. The others could only sweat-dropped after hearing her usual response. "Yeah, there were some enemies who tried to attack our town. It wasn't easy, and yet we finished early and decide to take a different path," Yukong assumed. Other clans were asking for the other guild's presence because the current members have been a bit busy with their affairs, thus decided the other groups was requested. Zihao sighed, hoping the news can spread around soon--but that was a complete failure. Something's out there that threatens the King, before... none of the royal council were never mentioned a dark figure can arise, did they covered all the evidence so much that Fuyin grew furious of being lied on. "So, how's the investigation?" Yukong asked, which make the young man sat up.

"They were holding an important knowledge that can be an evidence, but after a few interrogation and questioning our subordinates... it turned out they were framed!" Ruqian spat a clout, making his purple-clothed comrade rolled his eyes. "I knew something is off, our enemies aren't only Dark Dragon, Black Beasts and Mara clan... it was our OWN military leaders. Is the empire can handle the invasion in those two years gone past?!" Yukong angrily stated, followed by Ruqian's cursing in his mind and Yiyang was tempting to beat their asses. He agreed, that means someone was trying to isolate both Lord Xue and Lord Zhou's whereabouts. "I can't find out who among the top brass who might be responsible for releasing the Black Beasts against the Great Warriors, that was supposed to be classified and well-hidden," Chifeng quietly said, looking to the side. "The report can be changed, the paper may burn off from its origin but the spirit can't rest once you made a huge mess, heh," Naran sarcastically said as his friends laughed a bit, except the situation is too tense to find anything.

Fang and Yinghua were brought to the Chief-General's Quarters where they were met with the Heavenly Imperial Quintet that also led by Zihao, this is their first time meeting the powerful heroes and some of them were on the top of their league. "Seriously, Zihao. You're becoming paranoid... do you really think our former leaders are alive? I only see both chief-generals and Chief-Commander knew a lot of things and it's gonna be the end of them," Jingshen smiled at them after doing the last interview for today, then he turned his head towards the people he's facing. They seemed to relax around the place, no wonder they worked so hard to defeat any threats which came. "Indeed, I've already heard about the whole thing after the incident."

Baiheng slowly spoke, closing his fan behind. "I've known about your parents and what happened... why didn't you just abandon your own safety and run away during that devastating battle?" he questioned, having a dark suspicion on his face. "Baiheng, not this again," Jingshen softly responded, but he received a glare from him--trying not to annoyed with Baiheng's sudden and uncalled for outburst. Yinghua was expecting to hear that question again, as a few questions were swirling within her; she needs time to know the truth. Fang narrowed his eyes towards them, but he looked at Yinghua at the corner of his eyes.

Somehow, their lives changing completely after losing their comrades--not only their parents. "I can't... my duty wasn't over until they found father, that's what my mother have told me... she visited me that one night and begged me to wait her return, and father too," Yinghua explained, recalling when she heard her late mother's voice begged. Baiheng's expression remains unchanged, besides his poker face remain the same. "Xue Yinghua... you survived that battle for just five years, how did you manage to do that all alone?" Baiheng questioned her, tilting his head aside.

"... it costs my own comrades who betrayed me, even the whole group that supposed to be united disappeared after the attack," Yinghua calmly explained without a glance. Indeed, the military couldn't stop those pesky traitors that may betrayed the organization years ago and causing the lost track. Baiheng decided to drop the subject, since he noticed Jingshen's frowning concern face towards him--not happy to deal with that subject again. "Hmm... the world is never balance, so how can you defeat it with your effort?" Baiheng blurted out, looking at Fang who was gazing forward to him. "... Zhou Fang?"

Fang remained unfazed, he could only glare or giving an unpleasant answer to them. "Zihao, aren't they too young for their age?" Baiheng questioned Zihao, turning his head into the latter's direction who wasn't paying his attention at all but at the tea he was being sipped. "I tried my best to ease their pain, all the losses they've been holding. As for their life as a Great Warrior, yes... they're so young... but..." Zihao put his hand on the table, glancing coldly towards them. "If the Black Beasts did not exist, none of this would've happened. Our people, our city would still be fully functioning and be able to develop peacefully..."

Yinghua clenched her fists, feeling a bit upset when Zihao have to talk about the 'dead' people. She can't believe how did he managed to say that when it was her father who have to suffer. But deep down, the voice inside her tells not to argue in this matter, especially her father's position. Zihao knew his subordinates have lost more than everything, but aware that she made a full recovery. 'Then, I was wrong,' he thought, hiding his sharp words which he been said to his comrades before. Even the members were troubled, what are they really wanted to say at the beginning?

"Back then, they were sent to retrieve the ancient scrolls in order to find the Philosopher's Stone that can defeat the Dark Dragon and the Black Beasts, even ceasing Dragon kin's immortality and power. Uncover the ultimate strength, and finally, bringing Xanadu as the paradise," Baiheng revealed, making everyone gasps at him. Yinghua couldn't believe the news, Fang felt so shocked about the unheard news. Both Ruqian and Yiyang glanced daggers at him, while the other soldiers were alerted, having a confused expression upon their faces.

"The only other way to reveal these crucial information is through this medallion..."

With Baiheng's chained bracelet in his wrist, there's a circular amulet placed on it. This enchanted relic not only hidden his aura or his entire presence, but it can also concealed itself in a different setting where no one can saw it. Nobody expected it from the very beginning, except Jingshen already figured it out. So, this is how it all leads to this moment. "But then, another strange behavior had been found. There're some classified information regarding the military's top secret project, which only those two..." he said--which he pointed by a fan, referring to Fang and Yinghua whose expressions were terrified. "Two could ever know about it... if both of you, Zhou Fang and Xue Yinghua, were told about the former leader's fate or that mysterious man within the White Tiger Cloth."

The tension hit like a speeding train, everything stops when hearing the frightening name; like a strike of lightning is all the new members could feel. Their emotions were being erased. Silence began to enter the room, the Heavenly Imperial Quintet was the real survivors as they saw their fellow allies missing and unknown to the two 'new comers'. Not only Fang and Yinghua, but even Ruqian, Sui-Feng and Yiyang couldn't believe that! They and their families were the only survivors because the others fought in the field when the ground opened and eat them up, even Lord Xue and Lord Zhou had similar loss during the expedition.

Everyone has been thinking how they've survived while their allies went down without explanation, thus the feeling is cold and painful for Fang and Yinghua for years. "I can understand your reason for blaming me. Whether it was right or wrong, and honestly, I respect it. Because both of you never recover and still have a strong effect on me..." Baiheng stated, folding his arms. "Your enemy isn't just Mara clan, Black Beasts and the Dark Dragon... internally, this empire also has conspiracists who aiming for our throne. We have a lot to tend, with more dangers are everywhere. But that doesn't mean we're no longer strong, and yet... being isolated with hatred won't bringing everyone get the reason to fight," he said when he turn around, looking at the large circular window. "Without fear, nobody will change. I've been thinking how things turn like this?"

There was something strange about the place, everyone couldn't understand any single sense... were all these lies or truths that Fang and Yinghua were worried the most. Maybe Zihao knew it would turned up well or Baiheng could've used his charm to win the crowds. Being fooled or deceived will only make those two losing their trust towards the Chief-Generals, even the whole army. But, they still hold their trust not to the military... yet. The Chief-Generals are still part of their comrades, and therefore... they must believe everything will be fine. Jingshen knew all about the issue, but it isn't their fault, so he could not blame them. "Anyway, this is the great leader whom the whole military trusted. Yes, this is quite an internal fighting within the officials and political advisors as well," Chifeng noted at the both Fang and Yinghua, who snapped. "... but after all... if it weren't for the Great Warriors, the empire would fall and all the efforts will be in vain."

"At least, the empire will stay on the top and ruling the country. Once the Empire collapses, the whole world will lead into a disastrous state..." Naran added, fiddling with the knife, pulling up the small ball of paper into the air. "To survive, the Philosopher's Stone can 'brought' us to the present era... in order to avoid the future consequences, I shall never, NEVER, let that happen!" he barked at the table, glaring daggers. Naran didn't say anything, he has a distrust on Naran and the Heavenly Imperial Quintet which he didn't really show it. He does not like everything about the topic, he never like all this crap. Somehow, this is becoming an embarrassing moment for everyone even himself, realizing how he should not react.

"That's enough."

Yukong snapped, twirling her spear into the sky and closed her eyes; taking a deep breath. "Thank you, Master Yukong," Zihao stated, before he smiled at them. "Don't forget our main priorities--stop the Dark Dragon, Mara clan and Black Beasts from attacking the Capital City, not killing each other or this world will end from its madness."

Fang and Yinghua should known that, no more losing their composure as the past was already gone--their painful scars are inflicted so much to the extent. Enough is enough. Their anger and grief was nothing more, yet the trust and desire are stronger. They shall not running away from the battle, fight it with all their might in order to changed the course of destiny--and what's the future await for them? They shall continue their path, the burning flame within their soul had awakened! 'I can't hold this anymore... you can do it, Father... Mother...' Yinghua thought, clutching her fists.

Fang thought of his father and mother, Zhou Cheng and Yuelan--he wanted to be proud of his ancestors; and to change. In their minds, it seems there's a hidden agenda from the Heavenly Imperial Quintet's parts. During the final meeting in the official hall, Yinghua was dozing off during the session when Sui-Feng lightly flicked her fingers to gain her subordinates' attention. Yinghua coughed and cleared her throat, but her eyes were so sleepy, not afraid when some of the military leaders saw her behaving like a kid rather than a focused comrade. Fang also sleeping as Jingshen had to claspe his mouth and quickly placing him at his table, making the girls trying to stifle a giggle when those men didn't aware the situation that took place.

Soon, they noticed Baiheng is narrowing his eyes at their antics, but this made Sui-Feng chuckled in her sleeve. Just a bit and then, they wake up afterwards and began to listen. "Rules are meant to be enforced, but there are a lot of regulations that even the higher-ranked officials failed to control," Baiheng stated, before he clenched the table as he glared daggers at the others. "I almost forgotten the moment where the army failed its job and we are forced to send some special ops who were too weak... in other words, we placed the entire military in a state of disorganization!"

Although the incident caused Yinghua and Fang to wake up slowly, their energy had been drained from their bodies and forcing them to stay awake. "Get to rest already, you two must be exhausted," Ruqian told the duo, who tried to open their eyes to glance back at him. "Oh man... I hope someone haven't seen my messy behavior," Yinghua murmured weakly, rubbing her eyelids. Fang realized that working as a Chief-General isn't an easy ride, he gave her a smile--secretly. Being a woman who has the trait of being a tomboyish person, most of her comrades would laughed at her silly behavior; but, once she's a hard-worker and often working better. And then, they realized another day had passed since they were just staying at Xanadu, didn't doing some quests which their loyalty have to given time or some sort.

"Alright, dismissed."

Zihao commanded, dismissing the meeting while Fang and Yinghua lazily moved their body; walking out from the hall. After that, they have gathered along the people they knew. Naran was furnishing his daggers, playing with them. "What's your report, Naran?" Zihao asked him, when Naran stood upright. "There're were a few signs about the secret room inside the abandoned courtyard, thus the people had sensed a dark presence unlike the previous investigations... so it was a hit or miss," he revealed. No one sensed about that, except the familiar dark aura lingering inside--seems like the spiritual grounds are still lurking. "Also, if Lord Xue and Lord Zhou aren't dead with their wives... who put the fake corpses that is actually a Black Beasts into the graveyards?"

This information needs to be sorted out, now was a chance since the Black Beast's corpses were placed at a container after being chopped apart. How do the monsters found their graves, or perhaps something from Zihao's hand causes a bizarre question? Ruqian, Chifeng and Baiheng were trying to process of these current events; Yiyang also figured that the culprit must've planned the attack but they won't be so stupid to do that. Before Yinghua could ask, Sui-Feng's voice trailed. "Yukong have already met our new allies from their mission, those who arrived later than us... apparently it was a strange fact that everyone forgot to mention until now. This sudden meeting had been planned because Fuyin have a talk about their history in Xanadu, which some of them had lived here at the same time," she stopped, taking a deep breath. Everyone saw Sui-Feng's serious and mysterious face when she continued. "Do you think it can be from... Khagan Empire?"

"It has been abandoned long time ago, only the tribe that remain part of the Xanadu Empire currently live in the remote area far from the city. Is the place related to the Philosopher's Stone?" Naran pondered, folding his arms. Did the Imperial Quintet's members being all awkward or confused about the new allies too? Was the enemies are planning something big, they needed to secure it somehow. 'Even without a slightest or definite evidence, but all that we're able to is for hoping. We might need to save some plans,' Baiheng thought, before Taiyang prepared the... deadly cuisine as his friends were freaking scared--except Sui-Feng didn't show any fear, but making a scowl. "Does he really want us to eat that?!" Sui-Feng snarled, while Baiheng was still praying that their stomach won't be messed up. Ruqian wanted to die so bad because that smell is so putrid!

"Now now, don't skip the lunch or breakfasts that I've made. You'll never know what these have for you to eat--"

Yinghua was sneaking out from the room, trying to ditch the situation as Fang had to hide or else. She didn't wanted to get Taiyang's food poisoning even the whole soldiers would end up having serious diarrhea after a long years due to his bizarre cooking methods!

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