No one knew that the second floor of the most run-down inn in the capital, the Drunken Immortal House, concealed the most terrifying game in the land.
Li Mu held his teacup as he watched spies from the nine great sects compete to buy information downstairs. He listened as agents of the Green Coin Pavilion sent messages in the rafters using insect calls, while the Xuanjia Guard's informants cleaned up assassins on the street corner for him.
On the table lay a letter in the newly summoned Bearded Guest's own hand: “The three islands overseas are willing to build a thousand ships for you, Young Master.”
“Sir, the Mandate of Heaven Stele has revealed another prophecy.” His young attendant handed him a secret report.
He casually opened it and read: “Great Chu is destined to fall. A new ruler will rise from Yan.”
He tapped the table lightly with his knuckles. The summoned Red Thread Lady had already turned into a streak of crimson light, her flying needle piercing a secret letter in the Crown Prince of Yan's palace, thousands of miles away.
“The will of Heaven means to decide who rules the land?” He looked up at the snow drifting past the window. “But the board has been in my hands for a long time.”
