David Sullivan hesitated for a moment before asking, “Master, then… what should we do?”

　　Edward Cooper slowly stood up and turned around.

　　The spring breeze brought rain, drifting in through the window and gently touching his sluggish body. Anyone who saw him at a glance would think he was frail with age; every movement he made seemed as if he was dragging a thousand pounds, an invisible weight pressing down the years, crushing his youth, and erasing his former vigor.

　　Now, the once commanding Edward Cooper looked no more than an old monk on the verge of death.

　　Everyone in the tower felt a sense of lament for Edward Cooper, but none showed it on their faces.

　　Edward Cooper was not someone who needed sympathy!

　　Edward Cooper slowly removed his Daoist robe, knelt down, and gently covered Ethan Reed with it. Then he sat down again, put his palms together, closed his eyes slightly, as if reciting something. After a long while, Edward Cooper finally opened his eyes, gazed at the corpse, and in his emotionless voice, there seemed to be a ripple, “Those who are meant to leave will surely leave. Those who are meant to come… will certainly come.”

　　Seeing this, Charles Thompson’s ever-smiling face also took on a hint of strangeness. Though he prided himself on his learning, he clearly could not guess what Edward Cooper truly meant.

　　After a long time, Edward Cooper said slowly, “Commander Ji…”

　　David Sullivan straightened up, stepped forward and said, “Master… I am here.”

　　Edward Cooper spoke slowly, “Find two people to bury Ethan Reed. Don’t alert anyone else.”

　　David Sullivan was taken aback. He hadn’t expected that the dignified Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard would be assigned the task of handling a corpse. Seeing the mocking smile at the corner of William Foster’s mouth, David Sullivan felt displeased, but his expression remained respectful as he said, “Yes, I will handle it personally!”

　　David Sullivan signaled to Brian Carter with a glance, then actually bent down, preparing to carry the body himself. Edward Cooper shook his head, “Let someone else do it. I have something else I need your help with.”

　　David Sullivan was secretly pleased, gave Brian Carter a look, and said solemnly, “Captain Carter, see to it that Ethan Reed… the young master… is properly buried.”

　　The Embroidered Uniform Guards had already brought a stretcher. Brian Carter personally escorted the body of Ethan Reed down the tower.

　　The tower fell silent. The wind blew, making the deathly stillness inside even more pronounced. Those who remained felt as if they were in a tomb, but none showed any sign of impatience.

　　Edward Cooper sat motionless on the ground for a long time before saying, “Scholar Thompson, Commander Foster, I wonder if His Majesty has told you—I need someone… to do something.”

　　Charles Thompson was taken aback. He and William Foster had come to see Edward Cooper on the emperor’s orders, but had no idea what it was about. He hadn’t expected that Edward Cooper simply needed someone to do something.

　　But what kind of matter could alarm both the emperor and the master? Charles Thompson felt a chill in his heart, but kept a calm face as he said, “We do not yet know… what kind of person does Master require?”

　　A knot formed in David Sullivan’s heart. He couldn’t help but think: Edward Cooper enjoyed the emperor’s deep trust, and whatever Edward Cooper wanted to do likely reflected the emperor’s intentions. The emperor had involved both the Governor’s Office and the Cabinet in this matter, showing its importance. But why hadn’t the emperor informed him, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard? Could it be that the emperor was dissatisfied with him, David Sullivan?

　　At this thought, David Sullivan felt a chill and listened even more intently to every word Edward Cooper said.

　　Edward Cooper stared blankly at the dark wall of the tower for a long time before finally saying, “Each of you find someone for me to see first…”

　　Charles Thompson and William Foster were both full of doubts, but seeing that Edward Cooper had already closed his eyes, they dared not ask more. Charles Thompson exchanged a glance with William Foster and said, “Yes, we will go find someone at once. In one hour, we will return for Master to choose.”

　　The two hurried down the tower. David Sullivan’s mind was racing, growing more and more uneasy. Suddenly, he mustered his courage and said, “Master, actually, there are capable men among the Embroidered Uniform Guard as well. If you do not mind, I can find someone from the Guard to help you.”

　　Edward Cooper did not move, his face still expressionless.

　　Even with David Sullivan’s deep cunning, looking at Edward Cooper’s corpse-like face made him anxious, his heart pounding.

　　After a long silence from Edward Cooper, David Sullivan sensed something was wrong and quickly tried to make amends, “Master… I was being presumptuous. Please do not take offense.”

　　Edward Cooper’s lips moved slightly as he murmured, “You are thoughtful… I had intended to ask you to help find someone, but I was afraid it would trouble you. Since you are willing, you may also help find someone to try.”

　　David Sullivan breathed a sigh of relief and immediately perked up, “It’s no trouble at all, not at all! I’ll go find someone right away.” As he turned around, his face resumed its cold, stern look as he gazed at Samuel Parker. Samuel Parker was looking at David Sullivan with hope in his eyes. Even Samuel Parker could see that this was an opportunity—an opportunity for promotion and fortune.

　　David Sullivan said sternly, “Samuel Parker…”

　　Samuel Parker immediately replied, “Sir, I am here!”

　　David Sullivan pondered for a moment, “Go and bring Brian Carter here.”

　　Samuel Parker looked disappointed, like a defeated rooster, “Yes, sir!”

　　The fine rain continued to fall, the weather still misty.

　　Brian Carter was standing in the rain, intently watching his own hands. His hands were deftly weaving something. His fingers were long and strong, not only powerful but also very nimble.

　　He had somehow found another blade of iris leaf, tearing it into strips for weaving. The plain iris leaf, under his fingers, suddenly became lively.

　　Gradually… those few strips of iris leaf turned into a green object, with distinct wings, ready to take flight…