# 1639
Chapter 1633 - No Time
As dawn broke in the east, four horses raced toward the army stationed outside the city.
On the jolting horse's back, Lin Qiye stabilized Wu Quan with one hand while awkwardly gripping the reins with the other. During his time at the training camp, he had learned to operate all modern vehicles, but horse riding was never part of the curriculum. Fortunately, he was quick on the uptake and managed to control the horse on his first attempt.
The unconscious Gongyang Wan was suspended by an invisible force, floating behind Huo Qubing—she still hadn't regained consciousness, likely because of how hard Lin Qiye's punch had landed.
As they approached, soldiers in the camp spotted Huo Qubing. Upon receiving an order, they quickly parted, creating a path for them to ride directly to the army's core area. The deputy commander dismounted and spoke with a nearby officer. Soon, an empty supply cart was wheeled over.
"Put the boy on the cart. His broken bones have just been reset, so he can't ride for long. It's safer for him to lie on the cart," he said to Lin Qiye.
Lin Qiye nodded, placing Wu Quan onto the cart and securing him in place.
"By the way, I'm Zhan Yuwu, the Marquis's deputy commander," the deputy commander introduced himself. "That hypocrite you just met is Yan Zhong, the Marquis's strategist. Both of us have served the Marquis for years, and we're the two highest-realm Awakened beyond the Marquis himself."
Zhan Yuwu, Yan Zhong… Lin Qiye felt these two names were somehow familiar.
Suddenly, the massive stone tablet in the Night Watch's underground层 surfaced in his memory. Beneath the names "Huo Qubing" and "Gongyang Wan," it seemed these two names were inscribed.
They were among the first members of the Bureau of Evil Suppression, the primary architects who built the organization.
"Are there many Awakened in this army?" Lin Qiye asked.
"Not really. Including us and the Marquis, there are fewer than ten. This is even after the Marquis intentionally recruited them along our campaigns these past two years. Awakened aren't as common as you might think." Zhan Yuwu paused, then continued, "But don't worry—there are Awakened skilled in healing. The Marquis has already sent for one. They should arrive soon."
As the two spoke, Huo Qubing led an elderly white-haired man over from a short distance away.
"This is Mr. Zhong Meng, a Fourth-Realm healing Awakened. He can quickly treat the boy's injuries," Huo Qubing introduced.
The white-haired elder gave Lin Qiye a slight nod, walked to the supply cart, and carefully examined Wu Quan's condition. He placed both hands gently on the boy, and several deep-green vines emerged from his sleeves, gradually wrapping around Wu Quan's body. A faint glow flowed across the surface of the vines.
This was the second time Lin Qiye had heard the terms "Fourth Realm" and "Sixth Realm." If he guessed correctly, these corresponded to the later "Sea" Realm and "Klein" Realm.
In this era, the Forbidden Ruins had just emerged, and many concepts were still immature. Realms were simply distinguished by numbers. It wasn't until later generations discovered the manifestations of spiritual power at different realms that more specific terms like "lamp," "pool," and "river" came into use.
Huo Qubing watched Wu Quan being completely wrapped in vines, then turned to Lin Qiye:
"Walk with me for a moment."
Though puzzled, Lin Qiye followed Huo Qubing a few steps away. Once they were alone, Huo Qubing spoke slowly:
"What is the world like, two thousand years from now?"
Lin Qiye froze. "You believe I'm from the future?"
"The moment you spoke the words 'Bureau of Evil Suppression,' I began to suspect. But when I saw that child, I became certain."
"Why?"
"Because an era cannot produce two 【Dominating Emperors】."
Huo Qubing lowered his gaze to his palm, speaking calmly. "I possess it. I know how unique it is. That's why I named it 【Dominating Emperor】—because it is one of a kind. Unless I die, there can never be a second Emperor…"
"I see." Lin Qiye nodded thoughtfully. So the "Emperor" in this King's Ruins wasn't a random title after all.
Lin Qiye held nothing back. He described the Night Watch, the Mist, the Great Xia, and more. He emphasized the Cthulhu Mythos and how he had suddenly traveled to this era… Lin Qiye understood clearly that although he was out of place in this age, without any support, Huo Qubing was always someone he could trust.
After hearing Lin Qiye's account, Huo Qubing's brow furrowed deeply as he fell into contemplation.
"Although I cannot fully comprehend everything you've told me… I understand the gist." Huo Qubing nodded. "Whether it was the Han Dynasty or the Great Xia, both are descendants of Yan and Huang. If you need any assistance, you may come to me. I will do everything in my power to help."
With Huo Qubing's assurance, Lin Qiye felt as though he'd swallowed a reassuring pill. Warmth bloomed in his chest.
"By the way, Marquis, what do you plan to do with Gongyang Wan?" Lin Qiye ventured carefully.
Lin Qiye hadn't elaborated on the Night Watch's origins or the Bureau of Evil Suppression. He feared his words might influence Huo Qubing and cause massive changes to the timeline. After all, unlike Wang Mian, he didn't possess the 【Chrono Outlaw】 ability. If the main timeline were to descend into chaos, he might be erased from existence entirely.
"She… I'm still considering," Huo Qubing murmured. "Gongyang Wan's power is lethal to this era. But if wielded properly, it might bring greater benefit to the Bureau of Evil Suppression. Still, it all depends on whether she's someone worth using."
Hearing this, Lin Qiye felt somewhat relieved. Since Huo Qubing had his own judgment and wasn't set on killing Gongyang Wan like the scholar Yan Zhong suggested, there was still room for negotiation.
"During these days before returning to Chang'an, I intend to observe her character more closely. That's why I've removed her shackles. But if she disappoints me during this time… then upon returning to Chang'an, I will personally oversee her execution by dismemberment."
"Only a few days?" Lin Qiye recalled Gongyang Wan's tone and expression during their earlier battle. A bad premonition stirred in his heart.
The Gongyang Wan of this era was, by any measure, no saint…
"Could you extend the deadline? What about half a year? Half a year can change a person in many ways," Lin Qiye suggested.
"No." Huo Qubing shook his head firmly.
"Why?"
Huo Qubing glanced at his own body, a hint of helplessness flickering in his eyes as he said slowly:
"I… don't have time left."