Book 2 Chapter 325. Master

 

Marcus did not recognize that old man. Nor did Gloria, Keryn, Kevin, or anyone else. This old man looked like he had been through a lot, as his footsteps were heavy, and his skin was rough and wrinkled, much more than most men Marcus had seen.

 

Maybe he was another civilian, looking for help in this troubled time. Marcus sensed no signs of Qi or any other strange energy or aura from the old man. So he just led everyone to maintain a respectful distance and gave the old man a friendly nod as acknowledgement.

 

“Detective, Ms. Lee.” Wuzui opened the gate and greeted everyone with a light bow: “... and everyone, thank you very much for visiting. This monk is sure Master Liaoran would be very glad.”

 

“So… you already know?” Marcus asked. It was a hard question to ask, or so he thought. But the calm facial expression of Wuzui made it much simpler.

 

“Master Liaoran told this monk, even before you came, that he would not make it back, at least not in the same state he was.” Wuzui welcomed everyone into the temple. Kevin, Tae Kuo and Kelvin all sat on the hay mats. The way here wasn’t easy for anyone, and it surely was extra long drive for the civilians.

 

“I’m sorry.” Marcus sighed.

 

“No need. He was ready to do what he must. As was I, as is this monk.”

 

“So - did the master leave anything for us?” Gloria asked: “Like - the plans for the next step? Or what we should do - what people we should - lock up or defeat?”

 

“No. But this is something this monk deems you should probably see.” Wuzui reached into his robe and pulled out a wooden plaque. It had a long crack cutting through its center, with burn marks on both sides. But even so, Marcus recognized the word, or the name, carved on it: Ko.

 

“Captain Ko.” Marcus whispered.

 

“Yes. ” Wuzui nodded: “This has been in the temple for many years. Master Liaoran informed this monk before going with you, that this monk should keep an eye on it, for it bears importance to you. It is an old ritual, but should remain effective.”

 

“What does this mean?” Keryn’s voice was trembling.

 

“Your captain didn’t make it.” Gloria shook her head: “I’m sorry.”

 

Marcus thought for a moment before taking a deep breath: “Do you know where he was?”

 

“This monk is not experienced in reading it. The only thing for certain is that it’s in the north.”

 

Keryn went silent and fixed her eyes on Marcus. Kevin noticed the strange reaction so he stood up and came to their side. And with only one look at the plaque in Marcus’ hand, did he understand the severity of the situation.

 

Marcus handed the almost completely broken plaque to Kevin. Kevin studied it front and back, then took a look at Marcus, then Keryn and Gloria. “Captain Ko - he didn’t make it?”

 

“What’s your next move, Marcus?” Keryn kept her sight on Marcus: “If the master didn’t leave instructions for us, and neither did the captain, I think you’d be the most senior detective here, so - ”

 

“Seniority means nothing right now.” Marcus sighed and shook his head, then chuckled: “Did any of you come on this - this mission because you wanted a promotion? I don’t think so. So, we’re just trying to do the right thing, but - ”

 

“Okay, I understand.” Keryn nodded: “Then I propose, our next step is to find Shrevas and Brian. We lost contact for a while now, and we haven’t heard a word from him. Since the community collective had sent their spies among us, I’m worried about him. So - ”

 

“I agree. ” Kevin raised his hand: “If those people are going to go after us like this, we should gather all the forces we can.”

 

“Yes. But we need to have shelters for our families as well. Everyone’s.” Marcus turned to Kevin and Keryn: “Have you got into contact with yours?”

 

“No - ” “No - ”

 

“Then we do that first. Settle your families, hide them.” Marcus sighed: “I know - everything’s beyond unpredictable right now. But - let’s start with those around us, first, huh?”

 

“Master Liaoran had some information regarding potential shelters. If you don’t have anywhere right now, this monk believes some of those notes might be of help.” Wuzui nodded: “And - if this helps - what you had done, though it would have brought trouble and even disasters for a lot of the residents of the city, it would only be much more destructive to those who were heavily involved. Which means - they still could go after you and your families. But most of them would have much more urgent business to worry about.”

 

“But either way - it’s just what all of us must do.” Marcus took a look at Kelvin: “You know what, you guys go do that, I’ll start looking for Brian first, and when you have everything settled, you can come help me.”

 

Kevin and Keryn exchanged looks: “Thank you, Marcus.”

 

“Hey, don’t worry. I’ll help as well.” Gloria inched closer to Marcus and held his arm: “My family - Luoshan Zi could handle herself, in fact we may need HER help as well. You guys just take care of yours. Then we’ll be ready for - for anything.”

 

Sensing the warmth from Gloria’s embrace, Marcus wiped the corners of his eyes before nodding at Kevin and Keryn, while holding the young woman closer: “If you don’t have any objections, this is the plan.”

 

“This monk only wishes the best for you.” Wuzui smiled and gave them a slight bow: “Please, feel free to rest here. Help yourself to anything this humble temple can provide.”

 

“Our gratitude, Master Wuzui.”