Mission Details

On Friday, Xie Shenhong’s routine unfolded as expected: classes, a midday break, a visit to the Equipment Department for weapon adjustments, and finally, dismissal.

Notably, Lyte meticulously adhered to the command to remain at home in contemplation, conspicuously absent from school that day.

Yet, a persistent sense of unease gnawed at Xie Shenhong.

“Did I do something?”

In truth, Xie Shenhong’s recollections following his transformation last night remained somewhat hazy.

While he recalled the specific actions—an argument with Sister Yun, a promise to Brother Yan to resolve matters, tasking Li Ziying with punishing Lyte, and a reconnaissance mission to the Huangfu estate—the underlying thoughts and motivations from that period eluded him entirely.

‘The puppet’s flaw… that’s likely not it.’

“Could it be that my female form, upon accessing memories from a decade past, recognized the possibility of segmenting and storing them within the puppet, and then performed this very operation on myself?”

Following the logical progression of actions his female form might have undertaken, Xie Shenhong eventually arrived at a conclusion that, while frustrating, seemed the most probable.

“I… I’m far too mischievous, aren’t I?”

Opting not to dwell on the unsettling possibility that this was a genuine subconscious inclination, Xie Shenhong shifted his focus to the events of the following day.

****

The night passed uneventfully.

The next morning, Xie Shenhong donned a tailored suit, pulled his hair into a sleek low ponytail, and presented himself as a striking, androgynous figure.

He then boarded the carriage dispatched by the Sima family to collect him.

‘Why not wear women’s clothing?’

The reason was simple: Western-style evening gowns simply didn’t complement his physique.

Though not a biological woman, he possessed a keen aesthetic sensibility.

Moreover, to prevent undue self-aversion, he typically approached cross-dressing by embodying the protagonist of a ‘Nuannuan’ style game.

While he could force himself to wear one, it would necessitate padding and corsetry to achieve the desired effect—a practice Xie Shenhong had always found inherently distasteful, given his preference for a natural aesthetic.

As for traditional Hanfu, such restrictive attire was simply out of the question.

‘You might argue that Hai Zhu’s attire is often incredibly opulent and voluminous?’

‘However, in that state, she possesses magic, allowing her to fly or teleport at will.

Naturally, the grander and more flowing the skirt, the more intricate and beautiful its design, the better… *Ahem*, I seem to have digressed.’

Dispelling his fanciful thoughts, Xie Shenhong instead closed his eyes, resting and preparing his body for optimal performance.

When his eyes next fluttered open, the carriage had already drawn near the bustling port.

The air grew thick with the clamor of activity and the briny, pungent scent of the sea.

Responding to this sensory assault—

“How wonderful.”

Xie Shenhong offered a contented smile, his gaze sweeping happily across the vibrant scenery flanking the road.

Vermillion Bird Royal City, originally the southernmost port of the Four-Sided Kingdom, had flourished under Nangong Yan’s vigorous development of maritime trade, a policy initiated at the suggestion of the inaugural Hai Zhu.

Consequently, it now boasted the largest cargo throughput among the three kingdoms.

Even with the absence of imperial cargo, the port hummed with fervent activity each day.

“Lord Xie Shenhong, we are nearing our destination,” a servant informed him.

“Indeed.”

Xie Shenhong had already observed this phenomenon himself; the diminishing number of pedestrians was a clear indicator that they were approaching the exclusive noble and military districts.

Anticipating the possibility of the three kingdoms falling into stagnation, the kingdom had, at the behest of the inaugural Hai Zhu, initiated several “Voyages to the Western Ocean” expeditions.

Regrettably, the continental periphery offered no vast landmasses akin to Australia or a New World; only a scattering of insignificant islets dotted the seas.

Ultimately, these explorations were abandoned, and the vessels originally designated for oceanic journeys were repurposed.

Some found new life as commercial cargo ships, while others retained their military roles.

A select few were even acquired by nobles, transformed into lavish pleasure craft.

The Sima family had acquired the Lihuo vessel, which, after extensive modifications, now resembled a standard passenger cruise liner, measuring an impressive 269.06 meters in length and 28.19 meters in width.

Upon boarding and entering the opulent banquet hall, however, Xie Shenhong observed that the guest list was rather sparse; merely thirty or so attendees, bringing the total, including the crew, to well under a hundred individuals.

“Esteemed Xie Shenhong, your presence truly confers a great honor upon me.”

Sima Le stepped forward to greet him.

Clad in the traditional military uniform of the Vermillion Bird Kingdom, his chest was adorned with a profusion of medals, giving the impression he was attending a formal royal council rather than a private gathering.

However, given that most of the attendees were members of the Patriotic Society, his attire as their president was entirely appropriate.

Indeed, many others present were also in military dress, with several young individuals even sporting the distinctive uniforms of the Five Great Knight Orders.

“Esteemed Xie Shenhong, allow me to introduce you; this is…”

Following a brief exchange of pleasantries, Sima Le began to escort Xie Shenhong to meet the other guests, making it undeniably clear that Xie Shenhong was the focal point of the entire banquet.

It was during this very process, however, that Xie Shenhong observed the remarkably youthful demographic of the attendees; most were in their twenties, with only a handful having surpassed thirty.

Many of them harbored a distinct disdain for Xie Shenhong, and this contempt became even more pronounced once they perceived his lack of magical ability.

Their veiled remarks subtly conveyed a sentiment of “I could do that too,” suggesting Xie Shenhong’s achievements were merely a product of good fortune.

“My apologies, Esteemed Xie Shenhong, if their youthful exuberance has caused you amusement; they are merely a group of hot-blooded young men.”

Once the banquet was formally declared open and the initial round of toasts concluded, Sima Le approached the secluded corner where Xie Shenhong sat alone.

“It matters not,” Xie Shenhong replied with a nonchalant air.

“I do indeed lack innate magical talent, and my accomplishments were undeniably achieved through external means.”

“Yet, Esteemed Xie Shenhong, your worth extends far beyond mere combat prowess,” Sima Le countered, settling into the seat opposite him with a smile.

“What was that contraption called? A firearm, was it? Truly a remarkable invention.”

“Magic-infused firearms are already sparingly distributed among the various knight orders; surely, General Sima, you are not unfamiliar with them.”

“Indeed, I have seen such devices.

As weaponry, they are suitable only for common soldiers.

However, I suspect you possess either superior firearms or more advanced concepts, do you not?”

“Is this, then, the true reason for my invitation, General Sima?” Xie Shenhong inquired, laying his cards on the table.

“More or less.

Initially, my intention was simply to invite you as the Crimson Hawk.

I had no inkling, however, that you were also the esteemed Chief Researcher… Should you choose to align yourself with our cause, it would, naturally, be an immeasurable boon.”

No sooner had Sima Le finished speaking than the ship gave a gentle lurch, signaling its departure from the harbor.

“Where are we headed?” Xie Shenhong asked, a faint frown creasing his brow.

“Merely a leisurely cruise in the nearby waters; there’s no cause for concern… Let us return to our earlier discussion, Esteemed Xie Shenhong.

Are you inclined to join the Patriotic Society?”

“A transaction, perhaps, but membership is out of the question,” Xie Shenhong retorted with a dismissive wave.

“I currently command the full resources of the entire kingdom for my research.

Can you genuinely offer me superior terms?”

This, however, was precisely the response Sima Le had anticipated.

“Do not be so quick to refuse.

While the kingdom has indeed provided you with considerable support, have they not, of late, been subtly easing you out of your more crucial roles?”

Xie Shenhong remained silent.

“I can readily surmise their motives: a fear of your burgeoning influence within the kingdom, or perhaps a concern over too many ‘backdoors’ that might complicate future control… And those who have supplanted you, I presume, are largely rather dull-witted, having ascended primarily through ingratiating themselves with their superiors?”

Xie Shenhong merely took a silent sip of his tea.

“You once withdrew from your studies, did you not, subjected to the mockery of your peers for your lack of magical ability.”

With a knowing glance, Sima Le presented his evidence of Xie Shenhong’s sensitivity to public perception.

“For years, the kingdom has used the guise of secrecy to deny you the recognition and standing you rightfully deserve.

So much so, that to even contemplate joining the Deep Sea Crimson Knight Corps, you must first serve as another’s squire, earning merit through their deeds… Do you not perceive the profound disdain the current kingdom holds for its technical experts?”

Xie Shenhong slowly shook his head.

“You have spoken at length, yet you have failed to address the fundamental question I posed,” Xie Shenhong countered.

“I have endured these circumstances for years.

Do you truly believe I would abandon my current path for such a trivial slight?”

Yet, some matters, the more vehemently one denies them or attempts to diminish their importance, often reveal the depth of one’s true concern.

A surge of certainty settled within Sima Le.

“What if I could present you with genuinely superior terms?”

Xie Shenhong merely smiled.

“How could there possibly be anything superior to the kingdom in this world…”

Mid-sentence, Xie Shenhong’s expression abruptly shifted.

He fixed Sima Le with a gaze devoid of recognition, and as he began to rise, he realized the other guests had subtly encircled him, effectively cutting off every potential avenue of retreat.

“There is, of course,” Sima Le declared.

“For instance… the Rhine Empire.”