Yellow Dragon Task Force 4

Mei was completely immersed.

“Pretty cool.”

“The verse says, ‘The Western White Emperor is shocked, the wailing Ghost Mother cries in the autumn fields.’ It means... even the Western White Emperor would be stunned upon seeing her, and the Divine Mother would weep loudly in fright.”

Mei was momentarily stunned, then burst into incredulous laughter.

“That fits her perfectly.”

Master Huang couldn’t help but smile.

“I’m really curious about what eulogy Mom left for me.”

“There isn’t one. You weren’t born yet back then, and later there was no time.” Master Huang brought out a large basket and box.

“These are original manuscripts I preserved during the chaotic migrations in the war. You can’t take the originals, but I can make copies for you.”

“Alright.”

“Take your time looking.” Master Huang stepped out of the room.

“Yuan Jinxing, help me find one—I can’t read these.” Mei was eager.

“Come on.” Yuan Jinxing began flipping through the pages.

“Who do you want to pick one for?”

“The Void Beast Lord. Something with a tragic ending.”

A spark of inspiration flashed through Yuan Jinxing’s eyes as she found the poem in the catalog and turned to the dragon scale-bound volume.

The poems were bound on burlap, making them durable.

One line, written with delicate and upright calligraphy, chilled the bone with its content:

“Rain drenches white bones, blood stains the grass; cold moon over yellow sands, ghosts guard the corpse.”

“It means that after death, heavy rain soaks the body, the blood dries, revealing the bones. Under the cold moonlight, the corpse lies abandoned on desolate yellow sands, likely watched over by lonely spirits.”

Mei felt a shiver run down her spine.

“This one, then.”

“There’s nothing else worth keeping,” Yuan Jinxing said, having finished her selection.

She began choosing her own.

“May the sword at my waist cleave Loulan.”

The ancient kingdom of Loulan had been destroyed before it could avenge the Han envoys; its army was vast but perished first. Though revenge was impossible, the heart remained unbroken.

Yuan Jinxing regretted not having avenged the ancient colossal toothed worm herself.

Loulan could also symbolize all future regrets.

She wanted to choose one for her little aunt as well.

“On jade steps, a dream knots the emerald orchid; mistakenly falling to the mortal world, a fairy’s purple jade hairpin.”

A black orchid growing on jade steps, from afar, resembled a fairy’s purple jade hairpin fallen to the mortal realm.

“I’m done too.”

Master Huang prepared ink, moistened the brushes, wiped off excess water, dipped into the ink, and licked the ink, producing one piece after another.

Then he washed and dried the brushes.

“All done, children.” He let the ink dry and rolled the sheets into bamboo tubes the size of a thumb.

This was somewhat like a voice recorder, but written words could be shared with everyone, unlike recordings.

“Friendship should be like a mountain stream crossing, enduring all storms and waves.” He recited a poem.

“It means friendship should be as constant as a mountain stream, staying true regardless of the winds and waves,” Yuan Jinxing patiently explained.

Mei carefully noted it down.

“Are we... really good friends?”

Yuan Jinxing looked somewhat guilty.

“Aren’t we?”

“So this is what friendship is.” Mei hugged her.

“Your next task is to find the black dragon mentioned in the myth where Nüwa mends the sky: ‘Breaking Ao’s foot to establish the four poles, slaying the black dragon to save Jizhou.’”

“That’s... so ancient. When we came, we didn’t even consider the possibility that the yellow dragon was still alive; we thought it was a relic or fossil. The story of Nüwa mending the sky dates back to the Western Han dynasty, 3,226 years ago.” Yuan Jinxing was incredulous.

“Then here’s a hint for you.” The yellow dragon smiled at her anxious face and said, “It’s not a living creature.”

“Awakened three thousand years ago, though the reason is unknown, someone waking up three millennia early must have preserved considerable power, and its destructive potential is unimaginable.” Mei’s imagination soared.

“That would be a catastrophe.”

“In the story of Nüwa mending the sky, the human ancestor Nüwa killed the black dragon, saving the people from darkness.”

“To think Nüwa had such power... this...” Mei seemed to glimpse a fragment of truth.

“Let’s go, to the place recorded in history—Jizhou.” Yuan Jinxing and Mei left the guesthouse.

“We’re here.” This was beneath the Taihang Mountains. Mei jumped down from the bus first, followed closely by Yuan Jinxing. They walked side by side.

Other travelers continued following the star trail to the city.

“If I remember correctly, Zhu went to high school in Jizhou,” Mei recalled. It was when Zhu was sixteen, the same year she awoke.

Yuan Jinxing nodded in recognition.

“In that case, I know which black dragon we’re looking for. Let’s go.” Mei finally understood.

“The black dragon’s remains are classified and guarded by a special squad because its corpse contains energy that many want to acquire,” Mei explained as they walked along a mountain path.

“Yuan Jinxing, maybe it’s time you knew.” Her tone turned mysterious and serious.

Yuan Jinxing sensed the gravity.

“The guard squad has a long history, founded by the Yuan family. From what I know, the black dragon’s awakening predates the squad’s establishment by far. I don’t know other details, only that after the black dragon was suppressed, the matter ended when the exploration of the supervision tower six years ago concluded.” Mei spoke to herself.

“Actually, before the black dragon appeared, there were people who arrived earlier than the guard squad. They belong to even more secret files, so I can’t say much. It was their plan’s failure that led to Captain Zhu’s rise.”

“That incident happened six years ago—Site 1145.” After Site 1145’s development came the Mist Yu Incident. Yuan Jinxing was fourteen in middle school, Zhu sixteen in high school.

“Zhu received his inheritance from that relic event,” Mei recalled.

“Hey, kid, we meet again.” A woman smoked a cigarette, surrounded by all-around surveillance, yet unrestrained, her skin still bruised and unhealed.

“You’ve run away several times; can’t you just behave and come with me? What kind of boy are you, fierce and wild like this?” Her gaze was brazen, making Zhu uncomfortable.

He gave a slight sneer.

“Auntie, why can’t you just let me go?” Though his words sounded weak, his demeanor was fierce.

“I’m doing this on behalf of others. You’re quite the character, and I won’t beat around the bush. Go earn some money to pay off your debts. It’s far from enough, but the employers are pleased. They’re your creditors, and they just want you to obey.”

“Dead men owe no debts; they just don’t want to let me go,” Zhu muttered coldly. Damn them!

The woman flicked her cigarette to the ground, impatient.

“What harm in hanging out with them? For you men, isn’t it all the same?”

“They have power and influence. You’re just a fallen young master. How many people enjoy seeing a high flower fall into the mud? It’s only natural they won’t let go.” The woman waved her strong arms.

“In the words of a thousand years ago, it’s just about sheltering this poor child.” They couldn’t use firearms or sedatives on him. When the Lin family fell, they acquired gene drugs—strictly guarded by the guard squad’s modification division. By chance, this kid got hold of some, doubling his resistance.

A real headache.

Hold on until the alarms ring and reinforcements come.

Zhu prepared himself.

Girls liked him, but unlike other boys, he didn’t care for fashion or cooking.

He was always fighting, waking up the next day with bruised collarbones or cheekbones, small wounds all over.

His cold, distant gaze and unfriendly face kept even the boldest girls at bay, earning him the nickname... the Fatal Wildflower.

Unexpectedly, he didn’t refuse food or medicine, politely thanking those who offered.

Seeing him accept these gifts lifted people’s spirits and made them content.

Such a mysterious and handsome figure was truly admired.

But who would guess his constant fighting was because of debts?

Zhu was a minor male, a vulnerable social group, a key focus.

Since minors in compulsory education are under school responsibility, creditors couldn’t openly take him.

They could only coerce him covertly into lucrative black-market trades, but Zhu always escaped.

This time, however, it wouldn’t be so easy.

Du Wen, annoyed by his frequent escapes, knew the city was nearly fully surveilled. Indoors was hard for her to act.

She needed a way to lure him to the outskirts.

Luckily, her son studied here, saving her some trouble.

“Hey, son. Don’t be such a scaredy-cat. You’ve got a mission.”

Zhu was in his room tending to wounds, the heart-patterned bandages torn off, a prominent bruise from a stick blow on his arm, the bone slightly cracked.

He splinted it with wood and wrapped it with bandages, then treated other wounds.

Pain reddened the corner of his eyes; his breath trembled. A year ago, he was a quiet, cheerful boy with a happy family.

Now, he shrank alone in a small room at the welfare station, enduring loneliness.

So much had happened this year, causing unbearable pain. He didn’t know how long he could endure, nor when it would end.

Mother, it hurts so much.

Tears welled as he fell into a heavy sleep.

“You, you, hi.” The boy who had kept his head down suddenly hurried over and followed him.

He thought something was wrong, but the boy kept his head down and quickly walked away.

The next day, the boy had some new wounds. This time, he hurried but said nothing, just followed silently. Neither spoke until they parted beneath the school building.

Zhu noticed the boy’s exposed skin bore wounds that hadn’t been there yesterday.

Before the third day came, Zhu stopped him proactively.

“Why are you approaching me?” He leaned casually by the roadside, boldly defiant.

That was a freedom Du Lian had never felt.

Even at this point, Zhu remained strong.

Du Lian lowered his eyes, feeling uneasy.

“Anything else you won’t say?” Zhu asked.

“I want to ask you a favor,” Du Lian said cautiously.

“Speak.”

“I want you to come to my place, over there, ahead.”

Zhu glanced at his life bracelet; he wouldn’t remove it unless absolutely necessary.

But he had understood what was coming. Then, this thing served no purpose...

“Let’s go.”

He tossed the bracelet to the ground.

Let it all end; he didn’t care anymore.

Du Lian hung his head, gloomy, walking slowly. Zhu didn’t urge him, just leisurely followed, boredly observing the scenery.

His mood seemed surprisingly good.

Suddenly, he said, “Later, you should run away.”

“Hide and don’t come back.”

Du Lian seemed not to hear, showing no reaction.

Turning a corner, he was grabbed by the collar and pulled back onto the road.

“This way. This is your mission.”

Yesterday, Zhu had followed Du Lian only to the building’s foot, unaware of his true intentions but guessing most of it.

Du Lian trembled all over, tears flooding.

“Don’t go...”

Zhu smiled relaxedly.

“It’s okay.”

He dragged Du Lian by the collar all the way downstairs.

“I’ll kill her. You’ll be my coerced victim. I need you to gain her trust.”

Du Lian summoned his courage to lead the way.

He trembled but resolved.

“We’ll do it together.”

The door opened, but not as expected.

Lan seemed to know they were coming, moving a stool to the entrance to sit.

The two kids opened the door to see their elder sister lounging carelessly on a chair, gazing at a family portrait off to the side.

Underneath the chair was Du Wen.

“Not finished yet. How much do you owe?”

Du Wen’s gaze left the doorway, playful and mocking.

“Only the higher-ups know, Captain Lan. I swear on my life I’m not lying.”

“You’re quite aware of your situation. Then why cause trouble in my jurisdiction? I was supposed to go home to see my niece today, but I see this familiar face. The Sky Net needs cleaning—traitors like you.” Lan looked toward the doorway.

“How much do you owe?” She asked Zhu.

“Three hundred billion.”

Lan thought she misheard, then snapped back to reality.

“That’s serious.”

“Here’s the deal, Du Wen. Since you harmed my citizens, I’ll give you a chance to make amends. The money, every cent, will come from the Yuan family. Tell me who sent you honestly. Your son will be taken into the care station’s custody and have nothing to do with you afterward.”

“This is your last chance.”

Zhu watched the man say this casually as three hundred billion disappeared from his account.

The superstar of the realm... Lan.

Even in dim light, the room seemed bright, just because of her—like a radiant light.

“You two, don’t just stand there dumbfounded. You’re free now. Your allowance for the month has been deposited. Go have fun; this is grown-up business.” Lan gently flicked her hand, and the money appeared.

Du Wen smiled awkwardly.

After the kids left,

“I only beat him because he was disobedient. I raised him well; what are you doing?” Du Wen complained.

Lan stretched lazily.

“Du, Lian.” She pronounced their names.

“Not your biological kids, right? It’s illegal to keep them with you.”

“Were they placed with you by others?”

Du Wen feigned death.

“Ah, I don’t care about the rest. Just make amends properly.” Lan stood.

“Let’s go; I’ll see you off.” She hurried out with the two kids.

Du Wen got up from the ground.

“Lan interfered in this matter—what now? Are you going to discard me? I’m still useful, please, I’m still useful...”

“The final mission: kill that kid, Du Lian.”

The door shut, and even the last light vanished.

Lan escorted the two kids; her team arrived to wrap things up.

“You’re safe on my turf.” Lan guarded them in the elevator.

“Almost had a problem. Lin Jingwei, that name sounds familiar. I see you live at the aid station. It’s all set there. Have fun, then head over.” The smart eye finished processing data as the elevator reached the first floor.

“Bye-bye.” Lan hurried home.

She missed her niece’s birthday every year; this time, she wouldn’t miss it for sure!

“Captain Lan is amazing!” Du Lian smiled sincerely.

Zhu nodded in agreement.

“Yes.”

Du Lian breathed a sigh of relief.

“That’s great.”

He excitedly grabbed Zhu’s hand.

“Let’s go home.”

Back to the aid station.

Du Wen, hiding through the dark web, escaped capture; news of his flight reached Lan’s hands.

It annoyed her.

Looking homeward, she thought, next time for sure.

She prepared the star trail for abducting, starting to track Du Lian’s whereabouts.

By now, she felt some pity, but who asked this kid to be so unlucky?

“You and I are both pitiful creatures in the swamp; why do you still dream of chasing freedom in the sunlight? Du Lian, I gave you your name; you cannot leave.”

Though she thought this, her hands trembled uncontrollably.

“It’s about to rain, Lin classmate, let’s hurry.” Du Lian was excited, no longer the nervous, pitiable boy he once was.

“Looking back along the path I came, green hills stretch far. I’m Lin Jingwei; what about you?” Zhu introduced himself.

“Du Lian, ‘Lian’ as in love.” Du Lian chuckled.

“Hmm.” Zhu smiled in return.

Just as they were oblivious, a star trail vehicle sped by, grabbing Du Lian inside.

Zhu reacted quickly, grabbing Du Lian’s hand, and both were dragged into the car, falling heavily.

Du Lian fainted.

“Cough, cough.”