“Some groups have already headed there.”

He Chunhua thought for a long while before shaking his head. “With the season of mad sand gone, western Yuan may soon descend into disorder.”

Most people treated rumors like these as idle entertainment, but He Chunhua had once governed a frontier commandery. His first thought was naturally the security of the state’s borders.

“Exactly.” Steward Wu looked equally worried. “The western border remained peaceful because of the Panlong Desert, the season of mad sand, and the Three Corpses Worms. Now that anyone can freely cross the Panlong Desert, then… then…”

“Tomorrow’s troubles can wait until tomorrow.” He Chunhua waved a hand. “Forget it. For the moment, this problem is nowhere near the top of our priorities. If any more news comes from Heishui City or the Panlong Desert, report it to me immediately!”

Steward Wu departed.

* * *

He Chunhua remained where he was, lost in thought...