In a modest courtyard, three figures stood by the gate, knocking.
Three soft knocks, then three louder ones. During the process, an ordinary-looking man next to someone with the codename Mauve Moon couldn't help but complain, "Why so cautious? Why doesn't Green Hibiscus come out personally?"
Mauve Moon, the head of operations in Exalting Sanctum of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, responded, "There's a big shot joining us. To avoid detection, this level of caution is necessary. You all should take a page from Green Hibiscus's book: treat every meeting as if it might be the last. Better safe than sorry."
Nearby, a composed woman added, "Exactly. Given the current situation, it's wise to be cautious."
Ordinary Man: "You're right. But this whole trip wore me out. I need to sit for a minute."
Spotting two unusual trash cans by the door, he chose the one that looked most comfortable and sat down.
Mauve Moon: "Go ahead and rest. According to protocol, after the final knock, we wait exactly thirty-six seconds before the door opens. One second off, and we all bolt."
Ordinary Man: "Isn't that a bit much?"
Mauve Moon: "Better safe than sorry."
Once an undercover agent himself, Mauve Moon understood the power of the Cloud Knights well. Despite his superhuman abilities, he knew the enemy's strength, and he appreciated the precautions.
As long as they could topple those meddlesome enforcers, disciples of Sanctus Medicus could walk freely in the daylight.
And why was this Exalting Sanctum leader here in person? Because a Herta Puppet, using her AI, had impersonated Green Hibiscus, and Silver Wolf had drawn him in with a convincing story. Silver Wolf had woven an enticing narrative about a wealthy "client" who had both the means and desire to gain eternal life.
Through careful, layered planning—code words, checks for bystanders, and more—Silver Wolf's deception was flawless, compelling Mauve Moon to trust it. The extensive precautions only solidified his belief that they had indeed "caught a big fish." With high hopes, he had even arranged to bring a specially crafted elixir formula tailored to the client's needs.
As expected, they knocked according to the specified pattern: three light taps, three heavy ones.
While waiting, a voice from inside the courtyard, sounding like "Green Hibiscus," called out, "Come in! Come in! Be cautious, or the hounds will catch a whiff of something suspicious."
Hearing this, Mauve Moon glanced at the time; precisely thirty-six seconds had passed since the last knock. The three of them pushed open the door, but as soon as they stepped inside, they froze.
Inside the room was a cart holding nine trash cans. Six people were connected to the trash cans by poles and hanging bottles, each sucking on a pacifier, eyes closed in deep sleep. Among them was Green Hibiscus.
Mauve Moon: "This is bad! It's a trap!"
At that moment, Mauve Moon was filled with despair. Who would go to such devious lengths to make a trap this elaborate, with special knock patterns and everything? If they had this much free time, why not join the Cloud Knights instead?
For context, Silver Wolf would say that she was helping the Cloud Knights. At this very moment, she was hiding in a barrel within Dan Heng's convoy, gaming while directing Seele to smash vases across the map.
While their own operation progressed steadily, we'll recount what happened here shortly.
Mauve Moon and his companions realized it was a trap, but it was too late. They turned to see a person and a Herta Puppet behind them. The Herta Puppet held a massive hammer, grinning as she brought it down on the man's head.
Meanwhile, Pei Guang reached over, grabbed the woman's head, and squeezed a bottle of coffee, forcing it into her mouth.
Both individuals dropped to the ground, while Mauve Moon, a seasoned operative, prepared to defend himself. But Pei Guang and Herta No. 1 were faster.
After smashing one target, Herta No. 1 quickly turned her hammer toward Mauve Moon. Unable to dodge, he blocked the blow but was pushed back slightly. Seizing the opportunity, Pei Guang countered, throwing him off balance. As he stumbled, the Herta Puppet shoved a coffee bottle into his mouth.
With all three down, Pei Guang and the Herta Puppet wordlessly went about their tasks—one putting pacifiers on the captives, the other rifling through their belongings. Only Mauve Moon yielded any loot, but it was a rather plain confetti effect. Pei Guang sighed in disappointment.
Nine people, three confetti effects—a standard one-third drop rate, but Pei Guang was still a bit dissatisfied. However, as he continued his search, he found a medicinal recipe on Mauve Moon.
Seeing the recipe, Pei Guang's eyes narrowed with intrigue.
Prescription: Draught of Draconic Surge
Ingredients:
…
Vidyadhara bone marrow (extracted alive)
…
Pei Guang examined the prescription intently. Given Xianzhou's cultural background, he had no trouble understanding it. But the mention of "bone marrow," specifically "extracted alive," made his expression darken.
Herta Puppet: "Trailblazer, is there a problem with this?"
Pei Guang nodded. "Just a small one. This 'Vidyadhara bone marrow' didn't that little girl mention she's from the Vidyadhara Clan?"
After carefully reviewing the prescription, Pei Guang, curious but disturbed, took out his phone and messaged Bailu.
Pei Guang: "Hey, precious~ Are you there?"
Bailu: "Busy right now!"
Pei Guang: "Quick question. What would happen if 'Vidyadhara bone marrow' was extracted alive?"
At that moment, Bailu went silent. In the makeshift medical ward set up by the Disciplinary Commission in Exalting Sanctum's plaza, her gourd slipped from her hands, dropping to the floor.