As the autumn wind of the sixth year of Tianqi swept across Yongding Gate, the last lantern on Vermilion Bird Avenue quietly flickered out. Shen Xitang’s Silver Silk coiled around the eaves of the Drum Tower, the faint glow of the Chiwen Seal on her wrist revealing fresh carvings of Mongol incantations on the upturned eaves—the starlight of the Mars-in-Heart alignment from the previous night had burned brownish, charred patterns into the blue bricks.
"Lord Thousand-Householder’s soul-pinning technique is certainly more punctual than the water clocks of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau." She spun to avoid the torches of the patrolling imperial guards, her toes touching the roof tiles without a sound. "If we don't reach Wanggongchang before the third watch..."
Xiao Heng’s Red Dragon Pattern glimmered with a golden light in the night. He tore away half of his dew-soaked Flying Fish Garment, revealing the tattoo of the Big Dipper constellation on his back, inked in reverse. "Can you smell the saltpeter mixed with Star Sand, Miss Shen? This formula... it’s identical to the Star Tombs of the Wanli era."
Chapter 130