Synopsis

The chapter opens with a former subordinate declaring the protagonist his "true master," despite the protagonist's rejection and the prediction of coming chaos. A young boy from the Blood Arts Palace, Velu Tak, joins the protagonist after his nanny is killed due to palace intrigues; it is revealed he may have been sent as a spy. Later, the protagonist uncovers the truth of the Lesser Ming Palace's disappearance, confirming a series of deaths and betrayals. He learns of a hidden Heavenly Palace and is confronted by the General Strategist, who he thought he had killed, setting the stage for a larger conflict. Finally, the protagonist is offered support by another member of the Great Ming Five.