The sweltering heat of late summer hung over the newly cast magnetic sluice gates of the canal, as Shen Xitang’s Ice Silkworm Gloves brushed against the interlocking points of the bronze gears.
The improved thickness gauge suddenly shuddered—a broken half of a Xuanji Lock was lodged within the hidden Chiwen Pattern groove of the sluice axle. The corrosion marks from the sulfur crystal were identical to the evidence of the "Cangzhou Explosion Case of the 7th Year of Yonghe" recorded in the Ministry of Works’ secret files.
"Mistress, the hidden sentries at the seventh river bend have been wiped out!" Old Qin said, his Miao Saber skewering a blood-stained waist badge of the Black Armor Guard.
Chapter 43