Leaving the Archive vault, Lan Zhuoran, Yin Feiyan, and Gao Tianrong filed down the corridor behind Councilor Hui, Ministers Xiao and Sheng following quietly. The hush in the air felt charged, as though any moment could bring an alarm or confrontation. Feiyan's arm throbbed, relief and doubt warring in her mind now that the relic was locked away.
Once they neared the exit, Hui paused, turning to the trio. "We can't thank you enough. But be cautious—some in the Hall might suspect new arrivals. Also, war intensifies outside. The capital's gates might close fully soon."
Gao Tianrong furrowed his brow. "What of conscription? We can't roam the city without risking capture."
Minister Xiao sighed. "We can issue you temporary passes as 'Hall assistants.' It's less suspicious than forging an entirely new identity. Use them sparingly. If a higher official demands you join the army, we can try to intervene, but no guarantees."
Sheng nodded, expression solemn. "Stay alert. If you sense the relic's safety compromised, return here at once or send word."
Feiyan struggled for words, finally bowing low. "I… We're grateful. Please guard it well."
Hui offered a tight smile, pressing a pair of stamped papers into Lan Zhuoran's hand. "These passes might not hold up to intense scrutiny, but it's the best we can do. Now, go before more guards come."
With a final nod, they parted ways. Ministers Xiao and Sheng merged into a side corridor, presumably to rejoin council debates. Hui escorted the trio to a discreet exit leading to the Jade Hall's outer courtyard, then slipped back into the shadows of power.
Outside, a humid dawn greeted them. The city's muffled clamor rose in the distance—wagons rolling, soldiers drilling, citizens scurrying under forced conscription. Gao Tianrong scanned the courtyard. "At least we have these passes. Let's get away from the Hall before prying eyes ask questions."
Feiyan exhaled, adjusting her splint. The relic's absence felt both relieving and oddly hollow. For weeks, it had been their burden and shield. Now, they walked on without it, uncertain if it truly found safety.
Lan Zhuoran patted her shoulder gently. "We did all we could. Let's rest somewhere safe. If the Hall remains stable, maybe the artifact stays secure."
They navigated narrow lanes back to the Golden Leaf Retreat district, though not the same teahouse—they suspected soldiers might still search there. Instead, they found a modest inn near the southern quarter, flashing their new passes at a suspicious clerk. The clerk relented, presumably assuming they served some minor function at the Jade Hall.
In a small upstairs room, dimly lit by a lone lantern, they settled. Feiyan stretched her splinted arm with caution. Gao Tianrong massaged his tired shoulders. Lan Zhuoran sank onto a cot, staff leaning nearby. A hush fell as they processed what they'd done—handing the artifact to virtual strangers.
After a long moment, Gao Tianrong voiced the doubt gnawing at them all. "Will Ministers Hui, Xiao, and Sheng truly keep it from ambitious ministers or warlords? Or from the Syndicate? We have no leverage left."
Feiyan swallowed, recalling her mentor's unwavering faith that some councilors remained loyal. "We can't control them. But we gave the relic the best chance. If we kept carrying it, we'd face endless hunts. Now… we at least have a chance to help in other ways."
Lan Zhuoran nodded wearily. "And if betrayal occurs, we'll do what we must. For now, we see if the city needs our help. War is at the gates."
They shared a sparse meal of dried fruit and day-old bread. In the corridor, talk of troop movements filtered through thin walls. Some guests whispered about warlords clashing a few miles from the city; others cursed the forced conscription that was herding reluctant youths into the army's ranks. The capital teetered on the brink, new conflicts brewing each hour.
Feiyan dozed off in the late afternoon, her exhaustion catching up. Gao Tianrong left quietly to scout the district, ensuring no soldier squads approached. Lan Zhuoran stood by the small window, gazing at the city's tangled rooftops. For so long, they'd carried that relic as a beacon. Now, they had no grand quest except survival—and maybe to aid the Jade Hall if chaos spilled into the streets.
Dusk arrived. Gao Tianrong returned, brow furrowed. "Rumors swirl of a major battle outside the western gate. Warlord factions might test the capital's defenses soon."
Lan Zhuoran's chest tightened. "If that happens, the city plunges into violence. The Jade Hall might be overrun. We can't just hide if the ministers who hold our relic are threatened."
Feiyan woke, hearing the last bit. "So we stand ready to help? Without the relic, we have fewer concerns about losing it in battle."
Gao Tianrong shrugged. "True. But the city's forced recruitment might scoop us up anyway. Our passes only do so much."
Lan Zhuoran sighed. "Then we'll volunteer if needed—but on our terms. We can fight to defend the city from warlords or mercenaries, ensuring the artifact's keepers remain safe."
Feiyan's eyes gleamed with fierce resolve. "Yes. We've come this far. Let's not abandon them if war truly ignites."
Another hush settled, heavy with decision. This time, they wouldn't run from the empire's crisis. The relic was sealed, but the empire's fate still hinged on who triumphed in the looming conflicts. If war battered the Jade Hall, cunning warlords or the Syndicate might seize advantage. Only by standing with Councilor Hui and other loyalists could the trio safeguard what they'd fought for.
Lan Zhuoran placed his staff upright, a symbol of readiness. Gao Tianrong did a quick inventory of arrows. Feiyan flexed her healing arm gently, wincing but determined. Come dawn or dusk, if battle came, they would face it head-on—war's clarion call echoing through the capital's battered streets. And somewhere in the Jade Hall, the relic lay in sealed slumber, awaiting the empire's verdict.