The next day, Wǎn Lù went to the Medical Hall with a plan of her own. Finding Lin Wei, she guided the younger woman to a private chamber.

  [Wǎn Lù]: "Lin Wei, I've considered your proposal. I accept, but I require something in return."

  Lin Wei's face brightened instantly at the news of her acceptance, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

  [Lin Wei]: "That's wonderful, sister! What is it you wish to know?"

  [Wǎn Lù]: "I need to go to the Devil's Mountain. I also wish to conduct our work in Liánhuā District. If you agree, I will join you in your mission."

  Lin Wei's expression shifted from pure joy to one of deep, thoughtful curiosity. Why the mountain? And why the original district? What does she seek there? The thoughts raced, but a pragmatic conclusion settled. She can't take the district. She can't control the beasts. Perhaps she just wants to see the roots of this kingdom.

  [Lin Wei]: "Okay," she said with a decisive nod. "I will take you to Liánhuā District today. It's been too long since I've seen my uncle and grandfather. Let our mission begin there." She grabbed Wǎn Lù's arm, collected a prepared satchel of herbs and medicines, and led her swiftly to the Earth-Dragon locomotive station.

  Standing before the massive, iron beast, Wǎn Lù felt a flicker of primal unease.

  [Wǎn Lù]: "Is it safe? It's so large… doesn't the metal become dangerously hot in the sun?"

  [Lin Wei]: "Just come, sister. There is nothing to fear. This is the fastest way to travel between the districts."

  Lin Wei ushered her inside and found them a seat. Wǎn Lù's mind churned with distrust. Wǎn Lù’s Internal Monologue: Can I trust this? This was made by that dead-eyed tyrant. But thousands ride it daily… perhaps it is safe. Or should I just fly away and be done with it?

  Her internal debate was shattered by a sudden, shrieking whistle. Wǎn Lù jolted in her seat, instinctively grabbing Lin Wei's hand in a panicked grip.

  [Wǎn Lù]: "W-what was that?! Is a beast attacking?"

  [Lin Wei]: "[Giggling] It's just the train's signal, sister. It means we are about to depart."

  As the great locomotive lurched forward, building speed, Wǎn Lù felt the powerful vibration thrum through the carriage. Her grip on Lin Wei's hand tightened unconsciously.

  [Lin Wei]: "Sister, are you unwell? You're holding on quite tightly."

  Wǎn Lù released her hand at once, smoothing her robes and adopting an air of nonchalance.

  [Wǎn Lù]: "Ahem. I am perfectly fine. I was merely… ensuring *you* were not frightened."

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  The journey was breathtakingly brief. In what felt like only ten minutes, Lin Wei stood, announcing their arrival. Wǎn Lù stared out the window, disbelieving.

  [Wǎn Lù]: "Have we arrived? But we only just left."

  [Lin Wei]: "[A smile of proud belonging] Welcome to the efficiency of the Divine Land of Justice. Time is not wasted here. Now, to the palace. I must seek my uncle's permission for our work."

  As they walked through the streets of Liánhuā District, Wǎn Lù observed the warm, familiar greetings Lin Wei received from the locals—a wave from a shopkeeper, a respectful nod from a guard, a cheerful call from a child. Wǎn Lù’s Internal Monologue: This girl is not just a healer; she is a beloved local figure. What is her true connection here?

  [Lin Wei]: "This way leads to the magistrate's hall. Though we have no magistrate now, only a governor."

  When they entered the hall, Wǎn Lù's breath caught. At its head sat a throne unlike any she had ever seen. It was not gilded or jade-inlaid, but brutally, unmistakably fashioned from bones—large, interlocking ribs and vertebrae—and crowned with the sleek, empty skull of a great panther. It was a seat of power carved not from treasure, but from conquest and survival.

  Wǎn Lù’s Internal Monologue: What in the heavens…? What manner of governor sits upon such a thing? Is he some barbaric warlord who revels in displaying his kills?

  [Lin Wei]: "[Pointing to an elderly man reviewing scrolls at a side desk] Look, sister. There is my grandfather. He governs here."

  She pointed not to the bone throne, but to a humble scholar. They approached. The old man, Scribe Wén, looked up, his stern face melting into a beam of pure delight.

  [Scribe Wén]: "Aigoo~ My little granddaughter! You've grown taller, I see. What brings you back to your old home so suddenly?"

  [Lin Wei]: "Grandfather, I have come to heal the people, just as my brother did. And I will do it with Sister Wǎn Lù's help." She gestured to the princess.

  [Wǎn Lù]: "Greetings, Governor. I am Wǎn Lù. I am not a physician, merely a newly appointed assistant."

  [Scribe Wén]: "A pleasure, young miss. I am Lín Wén. I may govern, but I do not sit upon that throne." He nodded toward the grim seat of bone. "It is reserved for the King alone." His gentle smile held a knowing depth.

  [Wǎn Lù]: "Oh? How did you know I would ask about the throne?" *Internal Monologue: How perceptive… and how sly. The King? Of course. That dead-eyed lunatic would commission something so insane. What was he doing on that mountain that this became his symbol?*

  [Scribe Wén]: "I noticed your gaze upon it. It holds a peculiar horror for those who do not understand its story. Lin Wei, you may lodge in the palace. Ensure you heal the people with diligence and care."

  With a final, inscrutable glance at Wǎn Lù, Scribe Wén returned to his scrolls. Lin Wei led her to their guest chambers.

  Alone, Wǎn Lù let the weight of the place settle upon her.

  [Wǎn Lù]:(Internal Monologue): "So this is where it began. This is the hearth of his reign. Well, Mr Dead Eyes… I will peel back every layer. I will learn who you are beneath the crown and the cold gaze. But… your systems work. Your people are healthy and connected. This 'tyranny' feels suspiciously like… order. Prosperity. Damn this confusion. I may not become your enemy, but I will not be your ally. Not unless I have no other choice."

  Exhausted by the whirlwind of travel and conflicting evidence, she succumbed to a shallow, troubled nap.

  In the adjacent chamber, Lin Wei meticulously unpacked her herbs, her mind far from the vials and pouches. She opened a small journal, her brow furrowed.

  [Lin Wei]:(Internal Monologue):" Why is she so interested in the Devil's Mountain? Why did she agree so quickly, and with such specific conditions? What truth is she hunting for?"

  Her pen hovered over the page. She did not write answers, only the questions themselves—a quiet catalogue of doubts about the celestial sister she had sworn to protect. For now, the mountain kept its secrets, and time alone would reveal the purpose behind Wǎn Lù's pilgrimage to where the devil walked.