-9-

Milla and Kai are back at the Qin Plains, it only took them a few days to return to the calm windy plains in contrast to the whole week they spent reaching Běifēng. The sun began to set and they are in need of a light source.

"We should've brought some firewood with us, before entering these plains." Kai said as he views the sunset, likely calculating the exact time, "I'd say it's about a quarter past six."

"We don't need to worry about light." Milla says as a glowing cube of jade energy manifests from her hand.

"I'm guessing we're having fruit for dinner then?"

"Sorry, my Phantom Block can't cook food." Milla admits

"Well if that's the case, then we matters well just keep on going till it's time to sleep."

Milla looks into her backpack and takes out some fruit, she tosses the food towards Kai. The two dogs starts to eat their food while the hound holds the light source with her left hand, the familiar sound of the wind whistling through the sparse trees puts Milla at ease, It feels so nice to be back here, Jin said that the leaders of the compass direction cities will be attending, including the newly crowned empress, I wonder how's she's like?, she thought as she lays down on the soft green grass, staring into the usual blue swirl of energy. The hound draws her sword and stares into the steel blade, she begins to recall what Jin said to her:

"I think it's time you start to teach yourself. There's no better teacher than experience, but don't rely heavily on your blade, especially when you have other abilities that can help you in battle."

To think that more than two years ago, before I met Lilac and Carol, that I didn't think much about my powers, I thought it was natural. Now, all I think about is how I can improve them, but I also feel… different. There's no one else like me, most people just think I use magic, Kai seemed to have been smart enough to know the difference. If this isn't magic, if I'm the only one with these powers…

Why am I thinking this way, I shouldn't worry myself. I should get some shut eye, instead of thinking too hard I should be focusing for the day ahead.

The next day in the afternoon, Milla and Kai continues their journey to the Imperial Capital, Zhōngyāng. The hound and husky notices a vehicle off to the side of the road and investigates the site, "Who do you think owns this?" Milla asks, Kai simply shrugs his shoulders in response, after a few more minutes of examining the mysterious vehicle, she recognizes it, "This is-"

"Hey! Long time no see!", both canines hears a voice, and sees a middle aged hare, next to him was a familiar stern looking giant panda.

"Jing! Wei!" Milla calls out to the hare and panda, waving both her hands.

Wei makes a great chuckle "It's a pleasure to see you again, Milla Basset, you too Kai." Milla gestures with a bow while Kai stays leaning against the vehicle

"So where are you two going?" Jing asks.

"We're heading over to Zhōngyāng." Kai responds.

Wei's makes a serious expression, and responds "Zhōngyāng? I see, so the general sent you there, let me give you some advice before you enter the capital."

Milla and Kai makes a serious expression in response, attentively listening to Wei's wisdom.

"Do not let anyone in Zhōngyāng know that you came from the origin kingdoms; Shang Mu, Shang Tu, and Shuigang."

"Why not?" Milla said in confusion, while Kai makes a uninterested expression, as though he already knows Wei's reasoning.

"Although the residents and officials born and raised in the compass direction cities usually do not care rather or not you're a Qin citizen, Zhōngyāng is different. They don't take kindly to any outsiders, especially those who came from the origin kingdoms. If they was to find out that you was one of the heroes that saved Avalice, all I can say is that they wouldn't be very happy, with that said, please try to keep your identity a secret."

Milla makes a large sigh "Alright, hey Jing why are you going to the capital?"

Jing makes his usual smile "I'm actually Xīchéng's most profitable farmer, you can say that our crops are pride of the western village, but I also help out with the other farmers as well, I'm going to the festival to sell some of my produce and grains."

The hare continues "Also me and Wei actually knew each other for years now so knowing the mayor very well can help out. Our children being close friends also helps."

Wei joins the conversation "Speaking of children, Talia have been doing great since you left, in fact, she've gotten quite brave. I guess you've inspired her."

Milla modestly scratches the back of her head as Kai makes a small grin.

"Hey, we can take you to Zhōngyāng, we was just getting supplies from a smaller village, or do you plan as walking all the way to the city?" Jing references.

De Ja Vu, Milla thought to herself and accepts Jing's offer with a big smile, both the hound and husky gets into the vehicle with Jing and Wei, the vehicle drives through the road to Zhōngyāng.

The next morning Milla continue to think in ways that made her uneasy, I don't understand, why do Zhōngyāng hate outsiders? It doesn't seem right, I normally try to hide my full name from people anyways, though that usually doesn't end well for me, but to hide my identity because where I come from?

Maybe I shouldn't complain, I never liked my recent fame anyways…

"Hey we're here!" Milla snaps out of her thoughts from hearing Jing's voice, her and Kai look out of their respective sides of the roofless vehicle and see's Zhōngyāng in the distance.