Starting as dockworkers, they swept through Chongqing.

Rod came in from outside, stopping at the shed door without immediately disturbing them.

Xilun opened his eyes.

"explain."

Rod then stepped forward.

"The autumn hunting party has already left the city."

Kuso stopped swinging his hammer abruptly.

The training shed fell silent.

Rhodes handed over a folded intelligence report.

"At six o'clock this morning, Austin led the main branch of Tusor, some of the collateral branches, representatives of the Elders, and the Royal Guard out of the manor to the Northwest Hunting Grounds. The entourage was roughly the same as Oin's previous arrangements, but with the addition of two officers who had returned from the front lines."

Xilun received the intelligence.

The paper was a little damp, but the ink was still very clear.

Austin's name was written at the top, like a flag still fluttering in the wind.

Did he receive the letter?

"received."

Rod lowered his voice.

"Our men reported from the front that the letter was delivered to Adjutant Austin a month ago. Three days later, the adjutant met with Austin privately. But Austin then replied to the family as planned, requesting that the autumn hunt proceed as scheduled."

Kusso frowned.

"He doesn't believe me?"

Rhodes looked at Xilen.

Xilun placed the intelligence next to the water tank.

He believed part of it.

"Then why did you go?" Kusso couldn't help but ask, "Knowing someone wanted to harm him, why did you still bring men to the hunting grounds?"

"Because he is Austin."

Xilun picked up a towel and wiped the water stains off his shoulder.

"He won't admit that he can't even control his own family just because of a few unsigned letters. Besides, the trap Oin set for him may not look like a murder trap."

Rhodes nodded.

"It is said that Auston personally explained to the patriarch that the deployment of the guards into the city was to eradicate the remnants of the cult, and the replacement of servants at the Hunting Grounds Manor was to prevent the Black Death cult from infiltrating. Many people around Auston agree with this explanation."

"We've been fooled," Kusso cursed. "Are these nobles' brains all in their coats of arms?"

Xilun did not laugh.

He put on his shirt and buttoned it up one button at a time.

"It's not stupidity."

He said, "It's hard for someone in such a high position to believe that the stone steps beneath their feet have been hollowed out. Because with every step they take, someone kneels down and says it's stable."

Rhodes whispered, "Young Master, are you really not planning to go?"

Outside the training shed, the sound of bells could be heard in the distance.

Xilun walked to the window.

From this angle, you can't see Tusol's autumn hunting party, but you can see the direction from the north district to the noble horse trail.

The morning mist was dispersed by the horses' hooves, and a flag flashed by at the end of the street, red with black animal patterns, proud as a blood-stained shadow.

Xilun watched from afar.

Much later, he shook his head.

"never mind."

His voice was very soft.

"Auston was misled; he didn't believe me at all."

Rhodes remained silent.

Kusso also fell silent.

They all understood that this statement was not just about regret.

Xilun has already given a warning.

Evidence was prepared.

He did everything he could without directly putting himself in Tusol's clutches.

Taking the next step would not be a reminder, but rather joining the war.

The Brotherhood is not yet in a position to directly confront the aftermath of the Tusol family's internal strife, and Siron has not yet completed his third-order advancement.

It's not bravery to bet everything on someone like Austin who doesn't trust you; it's foolishness.

"I hope everything goes well now."

"Silen said softly."

These words sound like a blessing, but they lack warmth.

Rod knew that what the young master meant by "smooth sailing" did not necessarily mean Austin's safe return.

Instead, each line enters the preset position.

"Have you finalized things with Albert?" Xiren asked.

Rhodes immediately composed himself.

"It's settled. Colleen sent word last night that Albert has agreed to send a small team into the northern outskirts during the autumn hunt, ostensibly to assist in clearing out the remnants of the Black Death Cult. The protection documents have been delivered, covering the Brotherhood residence, the old freight line, and three potion warehouses."

"condition?"

"We need to hand over the second batch of ledger copies, as well as the rubbing of the Apothecary Association's bronze plaque. After the Autumn Hunt, if anything happens to the Tussol family, the Brotherhood must immediately inform the Armed Insurgents of the North District's movements."

"He wants to interfere in Tusol."

"Yes."

Rod paused.

"Also, Albert requests to speak with you privately, at a time you may choose."

Xilun turned around.

"Tell him that on the third night of the autumn hunt, at the old water tower..."

Rhodes' eyes flickered.

"The old water tower is not far from the road back to the city from the Tusol hunting grounds."

That's why I was there.

Kusso felt a chill run down his spine.

"Young Master, weren't you not going?"

"I don't go to the hunting grounds."

Xiren picked up the black coat from the table.

"But I want to see the way back."

Rhodes whispered, "You suspect that Oin won't make his move directly at the hunting grounds?"

"The hunting grounds are places everyone is watching."

Xilun walked to the map and placed his finger on a mountain road between the hunting grounds and the manor.

"What Oin wants is the family, not an obvious murder. If he can force Austin to back down, he can turn the autumn hunt into a power transfer."

If forcing him to retreat fails, the real killing blow might not happen in the hunting grounds, but on the return journey, at the manor, or even the moment Austin thinks he has regained control of the situation.

Kusso's expression was grave.

"So what do we need to do?"

"Prepare for something else."

Xilun's finger moved away from the mountain road leading back to the city and landed at the border between the North and South districts.

There are signs for the Third Charity Hospital's cooperative pharmacy, the outer ring of the old armory, and an abandoned underground drainage channel.

Rhodes's expression changed slightly.

"The Black Death Cult?"

"As the autumn hunt begins, all eyes in Tusol will be on the hunting grounds. Oin is busy seizing power, Austin is busy proving himself, Albert is busy interfering, and the Whispering Choir is busy watching."

Xilun looked at the map.

"This is the time when the area around the Third Charity Hospital is at its most relaxed."

Rod immediately understood.

"Are you trying to take advantage of the chaos to capture the Gray Crows?"

Gray crow.

For the past two months, the Brotherhood has been putting almost all its resources into this name.

The secret letter from Old Gallows Street mentions Grey Crow's confirmation.

The pharmacy's delivery records show that Gray Crow signed for the package.

A gray feather-shaped abbreviation appeared in the rental ledger on the outer edge of the old armory.

This man was like a true raven, standing between the Tussol branch, the periphery of the Black Death, and the supply lines of the Apothecary Guild, pecking at every piece of rotting flesh, yet never showing himself in the daytime.

"It's not about taking advantage of the chaos."

Xilun said, "It's to make him think he's taking advantage of the chaos."

Rhodes felt a slight tightness in his chest.

He suddenly remembered what Siren had said in the basement two months ago that night.

Let's see who can't resist reaching out first.

Now that the autumn hunt has begun, everyone assumes that the largest hunting grounds are in the northwest.

But from the very beginning, Siren may have had his eye on more than just the forest belonging to the Tusor family.

"Rena has already spread the word near the old armory as you instructed."

Rhodes said, "The Brotherhood is said to have transferred a batch of Sleepers' spinal fluid to the Armed Insurgents, possibly via the old water tower."

Kusso's eyes widened.

"Isn't that where Albert had his meeting?"

"Yes."

"That's what Xilun said calmly."

"Only by mixing real news with fake news, and putting real bait in fake news, can people be willing to take the bait."

Rhodes continued, "We also forged two cold storage boxes, with traces of purification powder and cold-elemental seals on the outside. Rena will have someone deliberately leave a flaw near the old pharmacy."

"Where is Mr. Lund?"

"Mr. Lund replied that he would be where he was supposed to be."

As Xilun looked at the brief reply, a faint hint of helplessness finally surfaced in his eyes.

That's exactly what Lund would say.

No promises, no explanations, but it will definitely come.

Kusso hesitated, "Young Master, what if Albert finds out we used the meeting location to lure the Black Death Cult? Won't he turn against us?"

"He won't."

"He'll laugh first if the catch is big enough," said Xilun.

Rhodes nodded.

"Then I'll make the arrangements."

"etc."

Xilun called out to him.

"Retain 30% of the elite troops at the mansion to protect the materials and ledgers. All the cerebrospinal fluid from the sleepers must be transferred to the underground cabinet number two tonight and is not to be moved. Place purification powder, contamination bait, and two fake ledgers in the cold storage."

"clear."

"Prepare another letter."

Rhodes looked up.

"to whom?"

"Daisys".

Rod was slightly taken aback.

Xiren looked out the window at the Tussol flag that was gradually disappearing in the distance.

"The Link family needs to know that chaos may be brewing in the North."

Rhodes quickly lowered his head.

"Yes."

In the afternoon, the Tusol autumn hunting party completely left Victoria.

Austin rode a tall black horse, a crimson cloak draped over his shoulders, with hounds, gunmen, noble relatives, and ornately decorated carriages behind him.

He still looked dazzling, like a longsword brought back from the battlefield, its blade still bearing the light of victory.

Oin did not accompany them.

He stood on the high terrace of the manor, watching the patriarch's banner disappear into the distance.

Oro stood behind him.

"Father, he's gone."

Oin hummed in agreement.

The wind lifted the hem of his clothes and also stirred the neatly draped cloaks of the guards below the terrace.

"The various gates of the manor?"

"They've been replaced by our people."

"The Council of Elders?"

"I will stay at your home tonight under the guise of an autumn hunt for blessings."

"communication?"

"The hunting grounds will be closed for the first time after nightfall, because of the mountain fog."

Oin nodded.

Everything is moving forward.

It moved quietly and smoothly, like a knife that had been sharpened for twenty years finally being drawn half an inch from its sheath.

Oro whispered, "Siren didn't go."

"Of course he won't go."

Oin looked into the distance.

"A smart person knows that the hunting ground is most dangerous before the first shot is fired."

Oro's eyes were cold.

"And then what?"

Oin smiled.

"After that, everyone will think they have seen the prey."

He turned and walked towards the study.

"Pass down the order: begin the raid tonight."

In Victoria North, Siren also buttoned up his cuffs at the same time.

He swapped his black tuxedo for a longer coat that allowed for easier movement, concealed a short gun in his left side, kept the Soul-Suppressing Nail inside his sleeve, and carried the golden spear around his waist, close to his body.

Rhodes stood beside the carriage.

"Young Master, the old water tower has been set up."

Xilun stepped onto the train.

In the distance, the setting sun of autumn sinks into the mist, as pale as blood.

"Let's go then."

The wheels turned slowly.

Pedestrians on both sides of the street hurriedly made way, unaware that on the first day of the Tussor family's autumn hunt, another hunt was quietly beginning in the North District.

This time, however, no one can say for sure who the hunter is and who the prey is.

……

The hunting grounds for the autumn hunt are located in the northwestern foothills.

The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the vast oak forest stood like a silent black wall at the end of the undulating slopes.

Dewdrops bent the tips of the withered grass, and the breath of the hunting dogs sprayed into the cold air, turning into wisps of white mist.

The Tussor family flag stood at the entrance to the hunting grounds.

Red background with black animal patterns.

When the wind blows, the beast's head bares its fangs and claws, as if it's about to pounce off the cloth.

When Siren arrived, Austin had already changed into a crimson hunting suit and was standing next to a tall black horse, talking with several noble officers.

He is dazzling.

That brilliance wasn't created by clothes and badges, but by the sharpness nurtured by long-term victories.

This person stands in the center of the crowd, and even without deliberately raising his voice, everyone's eyes will naturally be drawn to him.

"Mr. Celen."

Austin saw him from afar and smiled.

Several Tussol nobles nearby turned to look, their gazes filled with scrutiny and an inexplicable sense of unease.

He was dressed in a long, practical black coat, his gloves were clean, and his boots had a little bit of wet mud on them. His expression was as gentle as if he were just there for a casual outing.

He smiled too.

"Patriarch Austin."

Austin strode over and reached out to shake his hand.

The palm is broad and strong.

"I thought you weren't coming."

"I really wasn't planning on coming."

Xilun said, "However, since the clan chief personally sent an invitation, it would be impolite of me to refuse."

Austin stared into his eyes for a moment.

Then came hearty laughter.

"You're even better at talking than the rumors say."

Siren kept smiling.

Of course he didn't want to come.

Just last night, he was preparing to go to the old water tower to keep his appointment with Albert, while also waiting for the Black Death Cult or the Gray Ravens to reach out.

Austin's invitation arrived in the early hours of the morning.

Along with the letter came a chieftain's crest of the Tusor tribe.

This is not an ordinary invitation.

It was an open invitation.

This means that all the nobles in the hunting grounds today will know that Siron is a guest personally invited by Austin.

Refusing would seem like feeling guilty.

Going to the appointment will draw even more attention.

Austin may not have fully believed the anonymous letter, but he was clearly not unresponsive either.

He dragged Xilen to the hunting grounds, as if placing a lamp in the center of a table, wanting to see just how many shadows would move in the darkness.

pity.

He only saw the shadow, but did not see the person holding the knife standing behind him.

"I heard you've been dealing with a lot of pollution problems for Elder Aoyin lately."

Austin released his grip and casually said, "Cults are rampant in the North District, and the Tusol family needs someone like you."

Xilun said softly, "I'm just doing my job for money."

"It's good to get paid to do things properly."

Austin didn't mind; in fact, he was even more pleased.

He raised his hand and pointed to the hunting grounds in the distance.

"Too many people in aristocratic circles like to talk about loyalty, but when it comes to actually bleeding, they run faster than anyone else. Those who take money to do things at least know the price and the boundaries."

Xiren smiled and nodded.

Austin looked at him and lowered his voice.

"What Oin can give, I can give too. What he can't give, I can still give."

The wind rustled through the hunting flags, and the hounds barked softly in the distance.

Xilun did not answer immediately.

Austin continued, "I can find you lunar phase silver marrow, slumber fluid, cold-type cultivation resources, and even the stabilization ritual needed for third-order advancement."

He spoke very frankly.

They were so open and honest, it was as if they were discussing a perfectly normal arms deal.

Xilun sighed softly to himself.

Austin wasn't unaware of what he needed.

It wasn't that they were completely unprepared.

But his defenses were still based on the old order.

He believed that Oin would at most fight for power, force him to resign, cause trouble at the council of elders, and use his relatives and guards to force him to give up some power.

He didn't really believe that Oin would turn the knife on the entire family.