章 300: Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Eight: The Vanguard of the Northern Route Army

Blue smoke rose from the pot where saltpeter boiled, reaching into the ancient skies. As the wind passed, waves rippled across the lake of Texcoco, like the changing tides of a heart's lake. In an instant, the tide rose, and just as quickly, it fell, but what remained unchanged were the treasures at the bottom of the lake.

Xiulote extricated himself from Talaya's embrace and slowly stood up. Mere quarters before, a strong impulse had driven him to step forward, facing the stern Aweit and ensuring the safety of the person in charge of gunpowder. But now, after the conflict, when he recalled the promises of starry nights and considered the interference of desire, his heart became clear through the baptism of worldly affairs.

He used his hand to prevent the potter girl who wanted to rely on him and gently shook his head.

"Talaya, you have great talent. Continue your research on gunpowder,"