Chapter 10

The Serpentine Gates had stood tall for as long as history had been recorded, though not for a lack of trying. They are said to have been constructed by the Sleeping Serpent of Eternity, the clearest symbol of his power on the mortal plane. Though, they might have preceded the Great Serpent, because even in periods of the Serpent’s slumber these glorious Gates functioned all the same.

Connected to one another through space and time, they provide the ability to travel across three continents and two vast seas. While the cost of operations is steep, the benefits of its usage outweigh any material loss. In many ways, these Gates helped shape the politics and history of the region.

The Serpentine Gates, an In-depth Look,

Added to the Archives on 1445 SY

Elzorath looked over Erys’ shoulder at the sketch the latter had been working on. His friend had been here for the last two hours to draw up the Imperial Temples of Heaven’s Wisdom. This was a series of courtyards and towers, with the centrepiece being the nine-floor tall emerald pagoda in front of them. The buildings housed the Imperial Academy, branches from the continent-spanning Schools of the different Arts, the Royal Institute of Investigation and Research, and more.

The Emerald Pagoda was magnificent, outshining the others due to its lovely emerald tiles. Should one take a closer look, one would see that each roof and pillar was covered in intricate carvings and interconnected lines. Some were obvious and easier to perceive, and these depicted mythical tales and triumphant victories. The less obvious ones were more important, holding the structure up and protecting it should the need arises. They were also subtly interwoven into those clearer lines, and with a keen eye, one could see that they help improve the art. They even form another layer of simpler images behind the glorious images painted above, depicting the less savoury events of their long history.

They were also why Erys had been taking so long.

“You do realize the pale lines are not actually shown truthfully, right? The reason the second layer could still be perceived is cause it’s a layer of illusion. That’s why it’s so artistic.” It was not like they would lay secret methods open for the world to see like that. After all, runes and inscriptions could be replicated by people should they have a certain amount of skill.

“Aw. I thought they were really that amazing. Regardless, these are artworks that I don’t mind adding to my collection. But I’ll be real, this thing reminds me of our old academy. The latter is much larger, certainly, and did not use as much wood in its construction. But still, it seems you people really enjoy scaling the skies.”

“Outside of the height, I don’t think the two are similar, like, at all. Not design or function. This pagoda hosts the Imperial Archives. If you have the time, go enter and see what’s inside. I guarantee it’s worth the time.” Elzorath then added with a shrug, “Regarding the height, it’s a good use of space. It’s mostly just an expression though, of our unwavering will to ascend the heavens. Your empire is the exception rather than the norm.”

“From what I gather, it’s the Emperor’s will. He said that a person should not look up to the far-off heavens with an upturned nose and half-blind eyes. Rather, we must look at the earth, to see the situation around us, and live accordingly.”

“Ah. Maybe that’s why.” Maybe it was also why that illustrious man never ascended to divinity, and instead stayed on the mortal plane ruling over his mortal realm. For centuries. Still, it might just be a case of self-justification for one’s own lacking ability.

Who was he to say, though? Elzorath then said, “Anyway, enough of that. I’m going away today. Probably for a few months, minimum.”

“Ah… that’s unfortunate. Here I thought I had a familiar face around. And our future trips…” He sighed and stopped drawing. “Where are you going?”

“VInshirai. You know where that is right?”

“Yes. Well, I think that’s a decent place to go. I heard good things about the region. Though, I doubt you are there for leisure.”

“Who’s to say.” He chuckled blandly.

With a raised eyebrow, Erys asked, “So you are telling me I can come then?”

Elzorath blinked. Well, Erys would not be a bad addition to have on hand. The man knew a lot, had some experience and possessed some useful abilities. However, not only was he not a soldier, but he was also not a citizen of their Empire. Also, Elzorath could not guarantee his friend’s safety. That was the deciding factor.

“Judging from your face, I think I have my answer. Anyway, I have a message from Erondik.”

“What does he want now?”

“Not much, really. He first wanted to criticize you for not taking his offer, something about leaving behind your seed. Did he want you to have a child or something? Don’t tell me he actually wanted you to plant a tree.”

“The former.”

“Gotcha. Anyway, after that, he commended you for holding firm and for having such overwhelming self-confidence. He admires you for it and wishes you good luck in performing your duty. Now, this is just me speaking, but I think he was quite genuine about this. Also, good to hear that some things never change. To see you still trusting yourself so much is quite inspiring if I do say so myself.”

If only that was indeed true. What both of them said about him that is. If he still possessed the same level of conviction he held years ago, or just a few months prior, it would have done him some good. Even if that would come with his witting ignorance of certain problems. Regardless, he said, “Thanks for the kind words. And pass my thanks to my brother, though I think he would’ve done better to just come face to face with me.”

Erys shrugged. “Why would I know what he thinks? Oh, before I forget, he wanted to ask you what to do with his new gift.”

“Just… leave her there, I suppose.” He pondered over it for a moment. “Actually, I think it’s better to send her to the military.”

“The gift’s a person? I guess this has something to do with that potential child.”

“Send her to the military. She’ll probably have to go through some additional training, maybe enter one of the military academies. But from what he told me she should not find it hard to fit in.”

Whatever the case, he would rather not have the unfortunate woman sent to one of the brothel districts, in the capital or anywhere else. Nor did he want her to end up as a slave of any kind. He gave her an opportunity, now it was up to her to prove herself to the world. Her success or failure was in her hands. And in the hands of their loving and heartwarming military, he supposed.

“I’ll pass it to Erondik. Do you have some time or must you go now?”

“I’d love to stay for some more, but that is unfortunately not possible. Once I return, we will have all the time in the world.” Hopefully, but he somehow doubted that would be the case.

Seeing his facial expression, Erys said slowly, “You know, my offer to go away and adventure still stands. It’s a good future as any.”

It was a good offer, and he would not mind such a life. But one must fulfil his duty, to his family and the state. To escape his responsibilities was to betray everything he had known. Nor did he believe he could just abandon everything for it; that was the requirement for following Erys’ suggestion.

“No. Sorry.”

“Just as I thought. No problem, friend. The offer still stands as long as I live, and should we meet in another life, it shall extend to that life too. Good luck with your endeavours.”

“Thanks, again. Good luck too, Erys. And goodbye.”

“Be back soon.”

Elzorath got onto a swan and started flying through the skies. He went past the Mother River, past the bustling districts of the New Quarters, past the government buildings and the merchant headquarters. As he gazed down at the places below, he could not help but feel heavy in his heart. Usually, he would not pay much attention to these mundane sights, but now he could not help but notice and feel a deep sense of nostalgia.

It was hitting him. The fact that he might lose his life in this operation. Despite all the assurances of Lin Fu and Bai Xiuying, his younger brother was not wrong. This operation was far too dangerous and could go south very fast. After all, should the traitors back down or have cold feet, they would be dead. Should Chen Jiang be incompetent, they would be dead. Should the neutral Duke or the rebelling Duke change their minds, they would be dead. Should the Li send over additional troops, they would be dead. Should-

Fuck that. They were going regardless, thinking about such matters did nothing. Sure, preparing for uncertain events was good, but only if he was involved in the planning. It would be better for him to just practice, calm his mind, and try not to lose his shit. Getting some additional information on the region could be helpful.

And strength, gaining personal strength. At the end of the day, the battlefield was a risky place, where yourself was your most trustworthy asset. Certainly, allies and comrades are vital, but they have their own responsibilities to consider. Their own lives to protect. And above all, their duty to the state.

Most of his allies here would leave him for dead if the bigger picture demanded it, whether they were the arrogant Pei Shao or his aloof cousin Eronlutz.

Even Xiuying would not hesitate.

Nor could he blame them, because that was far more important. Not that long ago he would gladly do the same. And really, should the situation demand it, was he going to save the life of one in return for that of many? Once, he would have had a firm, unwavering answer. Now though? He had no idea, and he would rather not be forced to find the answer.

He could only hope when the time comes, he would not fail to save both.

Also, if he was not going to strengthen himself for his own life or the Empire, then he would at least train himself to do his job and protect Xiuying. She was someone he liked well enough, but more importantly, his brother loved the woman. He would also not have his nephew lose his mother.

That he promised himself.

After some digging, he discovered that a good portion of Xiuying’s bodyguards and officers had died from the campaign in the north. That was partly why he needed to be here, as the Empire’s forces were stretched way too thin to provide her with enough replacements.

One reason this operation was even more deadly than it had any right to be.

All that thinking and he still probably would not recover his strength. He sighed.

He took in everything around him and committed them to memory. Even the air that he was breathing, he would sorely miss.

Elzorath landed and got off, before heading to his intended destination. He passed through checks and guards. A lot of guards, most of them soldiers. The capital army was stationed right beside this area, so most of the guards were provided from there. Once he got closer to the centre, the Embroidered Guard took over the guard duty.

Once he got past everything, Elzorath faced the Serpentine Gate. Thirty meters tall and ten meters wide, the oval portal was a sight to behold. Its frame was like the body of dragons or great serpents, the glittering scales shone brightly under the harsh sun. Was it made of jade? Of gems? Of metal? No one had a clear answer. Perhaps the Gates were made from the essence of a god, but no one had ever made a dent at these structures, let alone discover what the material was.

Immemorial and imposing, they were some of the Empire’s most vital assets. Today, they were his ticket to hell… literally.

Nice thoughts only.

The Gate’s importance was why the military was stationed so nearby, but people were not here to protect it. After all, it had weathered so much and yet still stood tall. Instead, they were here to protect the capital from the Gate, or rather, from what could come out of those Gate. An opposing army marching through would be the worst thing to happen.

Such an event occurred in the past, and from hence, none dared to leave the place unguarded or underfunded.

“Hey, finally you’re here. I was thinking you’d be late.”

Elzorath glanced at Xiuying and said, “Nah, I won’t be. Do I need to get into uniform? I’m part of your retinue and all that.”

“Nah, just put on a badge or wear a cape bearing my symbol. Either would suffice.” Even a small badge could be seen thanks to soldiers’ superior eyesight. “But now that I think about it, a badge might not be enough for our Vinshi allies. Also, you should be wearing our gift. Did you not bring anything with you?”

“I sent my belongings by other means. I also had someone paint the armour in the Empire’s colours, with the back painted with the Ironwood symbol. I think it would suffice. Have my stuff gotten here yet?”

“No idea. For logistics, it’s better to ask Lin Fu! LIN FU!”

“Here, here. We got your stuff, Elzorath. I think we got all that we need. Let’s go now.”

A soft hum vibrated through the air, sending their minds into disarray. He could see people pile up luxurious gemstones, majestic corpses, and other materials on a large altar by the Portal. The offerings disappeared almost as soon as they were placed down, before instantly being replaced with more. As time passed and offerings were consumed, the Gate was slowly filled with an ink-like substance.

It was in equal parts insidious and captivating.

Their group glanced at each other, before nodding to one another. It was time. Just before he headed for the Gate, he turned back. He would return. He must.

With that, Elzorath entered the doorway, his body consumed by the murky substance, his orifices filled to the brim.