Gun of Ashes

”But at my age, whether I live or die doesn’t really matter. If I were to die, I hope my remains could be returned to Jiuxia,” Left Garrison said calmly.

”Returning fallen leaves to their roots?”

The Queen recalled knowledge about Jiuxia from books and mentioned it casually.

”Exactly, returning fallen leaves to their roots.”

Left Garrison was pleased that the Queen knew these things about Jiuxia, and he continued speaking.

”Before coming here, I once thought that our interaction might not be very pleasant, since these are completely different realms. So for this reason, I specially learned the Western language.”

”We’ve always been attentive to knowledge about Jiuxia; it’s been decades since you brought those to us, and it’s taken us this long to understand you somewhat.”

The two chatted leisurely.

”According to the schedule, you will land at Thunderous Cape and arrive at Old Dunling a few days later. We will have a formal meeting then at the Platinum Palace, not like this now.”

The Queen looked at Left Garrison, feeling somewhat uneasy about his sudden visit.

Human fear mostly stems from the unknown, and to the Queen, Jiuxia was almost as unknown as a demon. If it weren’t for the connection through the Nation-Builder identity, she truly wouldn’t feel as calm conversing with Left Garrison.

Left Garrison pushed the Queen’s wheelchair as they proceeded through the vast labyrinth-like Platinum Palace, answering casually.

”It’s better to be cautious. If possible, I’d prefer that apart from these few informed individuals, no others know of my whereabouts, which is why today’s sudden visit happened,” Left Garrison smiled cheerfully.

”Are you also following such regulations on your journey this time?”

”More or less. Once we’ve done what needs to be done, we’ll use Anti-Meme, modifying and erasing our trace as much as possible, removing our information until we reach a secure zone.”

The two walked along a long corridor, with the silent Zuo Tang following not far behind. In the empty Platinum Palace, devoid of shadows, his figure appeared rather abrupt.

”How is Jiuxia’s preparation going?”

”Everything is ready.”

Left Garrison continued speaking, pausing occasionally to gaze at the magnificent yet cold palace, looking up at the rolling Iron Whale between clouds.

”We’ve been at Thunderous Cape for several months, not taking a vacation. We’ve been waiting for Mr. Lorenzo Holmes’s return and during this time, familiarizing ourselves with the current state of the Western world, preparing for upcoming events.”

Few know that shortly after Lorenzo went to the Silent Sea, Jiuxia’s first fleet arrived at Thunderous Cape, and Left Garrison was among them. During this time, he stayed in that secretive military port, waiting for Jiuxia’s subsequent fleets and Lorenzo’s return.

”I’ve already finished reading the information about Silent Sea. Thanks to these great explorers, they not only filled gaps in Western history but also our knowledge voids.”

Left Garrison praised.

”Initially, Jiuxia was built by Secret Keepers leaving the shelter; they carried abundant Anti-Meme technology, trying to reconstruct this dreadful technology at the boundaries of the Inexpressible’s influence.

Thanks to our position at the Boundary, with the protection of Anti-Meme, Jiuxia’s understanding of the world’s truth is significantly deeper than the Western world.”

”So the intelligence about Silent Sea was within your expectations?”

”To be precise, partially. I didn’t expect the enemy to be so terrifying. In Jiuxia, scholars always thought erosion was a phenomenon, like a storm or thunder... but this intelligence completely negates all that. I’ve already dispatched personnel to bring this information back to Jiuxia.”

”A new round of reboot is imminent, and this time we have a formidable enemy. Can you handle it?” the Queen asked.

Left Garrison shook his head and smiled bitterly.

”I’m afraid we cannot.”

”However... This time, we join forces, and there might be a glimmer of hope.

All Nation-Builders, all powers, our fates are tied together, forming us into a massive community.”

Left Garrison spoke and then paused, looking out at the sky through the window; lead-gray clouds covered Old Dunling’s skies, seemingly gathering for a storm to completely pour down, washing over the city.

”The Emperor understands this crisis, so this time it’s not only us who walked out from the Forgotten Great Wall.”

Left Garrison lowered his head and smiled at the Queen.

”There’s also a legion.”

...

After months of blockade, Thunderous Cape military port finally lifted its seal, not because the matter has ended, but because those under blockade have finally left.

Train after train of armed trains were released, racing along the tracks, spewing thick steam, speeding across the desolate plains, with more trains prepared to set off in the rear. But only one train showed no response, guarded by few, except for several Purification Mechanism soldiers, there were only train attendants and these strange outsiders.

Rod was one of them. He joined this bizarre journey as a translator. After many years, his Jiuxia language finally came in handy, yet he was still not very happy with the practical operation.

”This doesn’t quite comply with regulations, only these soldiers guarding... and these outsiders?”

The argument broke out upfront. The driver of the train was a stubborn old guy, always responsible for Thunderous Cape’s secret transportation, and due to his stubbornness or perhaps excessive responsibility, no incident has ever occurred in his transportation operations.