The torches held by the Eastern Depot agents turned the night as bright as day. In her sleeve, Shen Xitang’s compass trembled violently; the silver needle nearly pierced the surface—a dark omen she had never witnessed before.
Xiao Heng pressed his hand against the wound at his ribs, blood seeping between his fingers to stain the silver embroidery of his Flying Fish Garment. He whispered, "Cao Jingyao, the Superintendent of the Eastern Depot, is Yang Tinghe’s foster son. For years, he has been searching in secret for the Xuanji Manual."
Shen Xitang’s fingertips flickered, three silver needles sliding into her grasp. "So, the daughter of the Minister of Rites is merely bait?"
Chapter 97