Chapter 737: Chapter 13: Mythology in Heaven, Drama on Earth

In the tales of the Empire, there exists a classic image of a heroic man, often handsome and robust, with a handsome beard on his chin, clad in sturdy attire or armor, exuding a powerful and awe-inspiring presence. Just by hearing this description, one could envision a muscular giant of a man, his eyes gleaming with intimidating brilliance. Such stalwart men are commonly known as “great heroes” of towering stature.

In ancient times, eight feet was about two meters and sixty centimeters, and although Captain Situ might not wear a tall hat, he should stand at this height. However, he did not give Gongsun Ce any impression of “majesty” or “valor.” His eyebrows were delicate, his features charming, and his smile was like a mysterious painting, which could not be fathomed; his skin was pale as if sickly, his limbs astonishingly slender, and he wore a long, clean robe of wide sleeves. With his tall, thin stature, he supported the garment, seeming like a huge, illusionary ghost hovering in mid-air, with no sense of actual presence. Looking at him, you would question whether you were trapped in a nightmare, allowing this absurd figure to appear in reality, which was not a dream.

Situ Yi slightly bent over, extending his hand. Despite being a man of the Empire, he spoke in perfect Common Tongue, using extravagant words like a character from a Country drama, “Fellow young townsman, why have you come here?”

(Just reply truthfully, don’t be nervous.)

Alandia’s voice rang in his heart, causing Gongsun Ce to look around and notice that people were bypassing him and Situ Yi, guessing that the latter might have used some method to conceal their presence. He cleared his throat, adopting a different tone, “To inform the captain, I am here for a case. There is a woman named Jane Della, a knight of justice in the Knight Order, and a faithful companion of the Dawn Knight. This woman went mad last night, committing theft and then projecting this crime onto an innocent person.”

Situ Yi closed his eyes and sighed, “Supibia’s rivers might become icy clean due to her foolish actions, and the seven Holy Bells might ring in anger due to her shameful accusations. This once bright and respected knight has now become a despised villain, truly showing how unpredictable life and the emotions of humans can be.”

(I can’t believe how professional he is; I’m barely keeping up.)

(Mr. Gongsun, you can speak to him normally.)

(Do you understand negotiations? The first to show weakness loses.)

Gongsun Ce, looking serious, said, “Your words are indeed correct and applicable as if the everlasting sun, suitable for all eras and lands. However, just as the sun has its reasons for rising and setting, those on Earth who commit evil acts have hidden reasons. The female knight, in her wrongdoing, held a peculiar lamp, which we surmise gave her reason to act. Following traces concealed within the incident, unexpectedly, it led us into your troupe.”

Covering his face with his sleeves, Situ Yi spoke mournfully, “A female knight from the Inner City District commits a crime, yet you trace it to an Eastern district theater? Heavy sins descend from the heavens! The dark stain of disgrace lands upon my head!”

(What should I say, Alandia?)

(The Dust Sect is fraught with mixed characters, first investigate the origin of that lamp, then consider the next steps based on what you learn.)

Pushing his glasses up, Gongsun Ce spoke softly, “Your thoughts are too advanced, and your predictions too pessimistic. If each act of the many capable individuals in the grand troupe were accounted to you, I fear you’d have to perform hundreds of good and bad deeds each day. We merely wish to investigate the origin of that oil lamp, and wonder if the captain would kindly allow me to ask within your troupe? I assure you of my adherence to etiquette, defending your dignity as if it were my own reputation.”

“Your words seem pleasing but contain inscrutable motives. Do not accuse me of suspecting a gentleman with a villain’s heart; let me share my doubts with you…”

Situ Yi lowered his sleeves suddenly, bending over, his tall, thin body bending intensely as his clean sleeve robes flared like a collapsing giant tower, its spire falling toward the mortal’s head!

His face was very close to Gongsun Ce’s, the oppressiveness making the young man unconsciously step back. The man who was previously smiling cheerfully now showed no expression, his pale face like an uncarved mask, his eyes cold as if seeing through the young man’s soul.

“A flamboyant clown who captivates the audience, having long discarded his own dignity to wear a mask, and speaking nothing but ridiculous, absurd, comedic words, how could he possibly uphold my dignity?”

Situ Yi’s mouth moved mechanically like a puppet. A fierce intent to kill pierced Gongsun Ce’s back, causing him to sweat coldly. He now understood why the Dawn Knight was wary; this man truly had unpredictable emotions. His thoughts and actions could never be anticipated; all were like the paint on an actor’s face, ready to change with a single sleeve flick. Just as now, if he didn’t say something soon, he was indeed going to die!

(Tell him you won’t lie.)

Bolstered by Alandia’s voice, Gongsun Ce quickly said, “—Even the most exquisite performance requires an appropriate setting; on your stage, I naturally need not act. A clown without makeup is merely a fool, perhaps silly in speech but certainly truthful.”

The murderous aura instantly dissipated, the troupe bustling with people coming and going, everyone acting as usual, as if his earlier sensations were all illusion, his own fright. Situ Yi straightened up, laughing heartily.

“A reasonable request, a considerate promise, leaves me no reason to refuse. Yet the troupe is_not a public square, no place for watchers who aren’t here for the show.”