Lace Glory Universe King GL - Chapter 2

The continent of the Kings had prospered for many years. Heroes had created a highly advanced civilization, while preserving the honor and traditions of past battles.

A gentle wind swept across the desert, lifting sand up to knee height. The sun was not harsh—this was the best season at the Great Wall.

The garrison opened the massive double wooden gates, and three supply transport vehicles rolled in, carrying daily necessities from the heartland of Heluo.

It was a joyful day for everyone; the arrival of supplies meant there would be enough wine and plenty of fine food and meat on the tables.

On the city gate tower, a crimson figure stood, reviewing the inventory records before instructing the nearby soldiers: “Increase the consumable reserves by ten percent. Everything else is fine.”

“Yes, General Hua,” the soldier replied with a nod.

At that moment, a young man with red hair, wielding a sickle-shaped weapon, stepped forward and handed her an official letter.

“This came with the convoy,” he said.

Hua Mulan opened the envelope. After reading it, her expression changed slightly, but she remained composed as she handed it back to the young man. “Xuance, give this to Kai. Let him handle the announcement.”

With that, Hua Mulan descended the steps and headed toward the general’s beacon tower.

Her call to Sikong Zhen went unanswered.

The female general’s star-shaped eyes narrowed, and she sat at the central console, inputting a long string of characters. Her armor clinked against the twin swords on her back as she moved.

She contacted her superior directly through the “Beacon” system, a breach of protocol—it was normally used only for urgent military messages—but for urgent matters, Hua Mulan had never been one to follow the rules blindly.

Seconds later, Sikong Zhen appeared on the system screen.

“Hello?”

“Why are you reopening that case?” Hua Mulan asked bluntly.

The letter she had just received bore Sikong Zhen’s signature. Its content stated that the investigation into last summer’s assassin suppression case was being reopened, and that the Great Wall Garrison would temporarily be under Kai’s command. Hua Mulan would remain suspended until the investigation concluded.

“The last investigation had procedural issues. The Yuheng Department needs to review it further,” Sikong Zhen replied casually, seemingly expecting her confrontation.

“What about the timeline?” she asked.

“There are other cases besides yours. It won’t be quick. You’ve been on duty for several months; a break might be good for you. I have other matters—” His gaze flickered.

The system beeped and the signal was cut.

“The so-called King of Thunder is nothing but—” Hua Mulan muttered angrily, then closed her lips, focusing on more important matters.

The problem was never about suspension or acting without reporting; it was Sikong Zhen’s constant dissatisfaction. She knew she wasn’t obedient—not the type to follow orders blindly. Her reputation far exceeded that of the Grand Secretary of the Yuheng Department, the highest-ranking court official. Across the Kings’ world, everyone knew the name of the Great Wall Watcher. Perhaps that alone made the Grand Secretary resentful.

“General!” came a loud knock at the beacon tower.

“Enter,” Hua Mulan said, collecting her thoughts.

It was Kai, clutching the official letter, his silver-fringed short hair tousled by the wind. His gaze betrayed urgency.

“General, are you really leaving the Great Wall?” Kai had followed her for many years; she couldn’t immediately recall if it was seven or eight, but he had always been a reliable comrade.

“Most likely. Then let’s leave today.” Hua Mulan replied calmly, pausing briefly before adding, “Don’t bother bringing this up with the Grand Secretary again. I’ve already spoken with him. There’s no room for negotiation.”

“Then you could still stay at the Great Wall with the garrison brothers,” Kai said, holding onto a shred of hope. He knew Hua Mulan never stayed idle, waiting for orders.

Hua Mulan shook her head. “Everyone trusts you. With you here, I can rest easy.”

“General…” Kai lowered his head, crumpling the letter in his hands.

Hua Mulan turned to the window, gazing at the endless sand dunes, her expression growing serious. “When the enemy strikes, you must respond. Any action is better than silent retreat.”

“I remember,” Kai replied, recalling her previous instructions clearly.

“That’s why I won’t wait here for a sudden arrest warrant or anything. I have to do something—fight back.” Hua Mulan’s voice was steady, sharp as a blade.

The double wooden gates swung open, and the crimson figure walked alone into the depths of the desert, leaving the Great Wall behind.

Where to? Chang’an?

The Empress was there. Sikong Zhen was there. But her current position… her status was sensitive. Any rash visit to the capital would only feed the rumors already swirling.

In truth, she had no concrete plan. As night fell, Hua Mulan rested at a distant oasis in the desert.

Late at night, she entered the “Rainshadow Desert” bar, choosing the darkest corner. Dim lights and loud music ensured she would not be disturbed as she drank alone. By now it was almost 2 a.m., and the bar had only five or six scattered patrons.

Wine may not make one drunk, but it amplifies one’s emotions. Hua Mulan swallowed half a glass of medium-strength mixed liquor.

The shadow of Sikong Zhen lingered heavily in her mind. Even if she survived this incident smoothly, there would always be a next time. The Captain of the Great Wall Garrison had to manage many emergencies along the border, safeguarding the Kings’ Canyon—a position of great responsibility and danger. Finding fault was all too easy.

Over the years, she had dealt with many different people along the Great Wall and in the canyon. She knew that absolute transparency left no room for maneuver. To maintain order in this vast desert, special methods were sometimes necessary, tolerating the “sand in the eyes.” Bandits, assassins, underground traders—all reached a strange balance under her governance, something any rigid court official could never achieve.

In other words, to maintain this balance and stability, she had too many things on her record that could be “investigated.”

Hua Mulan shook her head, letting out a wry smile.

As she lifted her glass again, a low, magnetic voice spoke from the shadows beside her:

“When you entered, I was debating whether to greet you. Saying ‘Hello, General’ might be a disturbance. But pretending not to recognize a beautiful lady would be impolite. There is a saying in the Kingdom of Jinting: politeness is the easiest virtue to practice.”

Hua Mulan immediately recognized him: the signature purple hair, a masked face revealing only blue eyes, a master assassin blending seamlessly with the darkness. This was Lanling Wang, the “Shadow Blade.”

“Long time no see, Lanling Wang,” Hua Mulan said, subtly placing her left hand near the short sword at her waist.

“General, don’t misunderstand. I’m neither on a mission nor following you. Tonight, it’s purely coincidental.” Lanling Wang raised his glass, the amber liquid catching the faint light. “The drink is terrible. I shouldn’t have come to an unfamiliar bar.”

“Indeed. Awful,” Hua Mulan shook her head, taking a sip.

“I know a better place. Are you interested?”

“No.” Hua Mulan replied coldly. “I’m not in the mood for your wine, nor your company.”

Lanling Wang noticed her mood. “After all this time, you still see me as a rival.”

“What else? Shall I toast with a professional assassin?” She suddenly thought: as a professional assassin, he might be able to help.

“Forgive my boldness. You used to guard the Great Wall, high and mighty. Now… I detect an employer’s aura.” Lanling Wang continued softly.

“What aura?” Hua Mulan frowned.

Lanling Wang smiled charmingly. “An aura of wealth or status, yet worried, burdened with heavy thoughts.”

“I won’t hire you. Don’t waste your effort.”

“I fully agree. No business between us. Besides, it’s rare to be off duty,” he said, glancing at the now lukewarm glass.

Hua Mulan considered this.

“For old times’ sake, I offer my services as a friend. We can talk later, General.” Lanling Wang smirked, standing and tightening his grip on his extraordinary shadow dagger.

She watched him stride out of the “Rainshadow Desert.”

Night brought freezing temperatures to the desert.

The oasis street lamps flickered like weak candlelight in the cold night. On a small, dark rooftop, two black silhouettes appeared.

“Changed your mind, General?” the deep voice asked.

“Yes. I’ve told you, I need information on him.” Hua Mulan’s decision was firm—she would stop at nothing to take down Sikong Zhen.

“What a coincidence. No one knows about him except me,” the man marveled.

“Don’t forget, I’m an assassin too. If investigation is needed, I have all the time in the world,” Hua Mulan reminded him.

Lanling Wang approached her, stopping just a few feet away. Her crimson hair fluttered in the cold wind. “Breathtaking. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t let a beauty run herself ragged.”

“Cut the nonsense.”

“Head east, General. Sikong has deep ties with Sun Quan of Wudi. A visit would be worthwhile.”

“The Wudi Group whose founder died suddenly?” Hua Mulan recalled. The discussion over the new heir had dominated the headlines.

Lanling Wang nodded. “Wudi is scenic. A trip there would be relaxing. Until next time.”

Before Hua Mulan could respond, the masked assassin activated his stealth, vanishing into the cold night sky.

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