Original subtitles

(Guardians of the Dafeng)

(Episode 8)

I told you, you should practice more.

Sir, I'm so sorry!

I got a little carried away just now...

I was way too excited.

I'm really sorry.

Xu Qi An.

Lord Yang.

This is your direct superior,

Li Yu Chun, the Silver Guardian.

Greetings,

Lord Li.

Dafeng Flying Tiger Squad.

What is that?

You did well, but never pull a stunt like that again.

My Lord, we've met once before.

Do you remember me?

So you're old acquaintances.

That makes things much easier.

Lord Li,

I'll leave him in your hands.

Take good care of him for me.

Goodbye, Lord Yang.

Lord Li,

you were on duty at the time.

Your commanding presence

left such a deep impression on me, I was completely in awe at first sight.

To have the honor of serving under you, it's such a blessing.

Why don't I remember any of that?

That's totally normal.

Important people often forget the little things.

But back then, I really was...

Enough of the flattery!

If you're working under me,

you'd better act with a clear conscience.

If I catch you doing anything improper,

no matter your background or who recommended you,

I will deal with you according to the law,

no exceptions.

Yes, sir!

Boss...

(I've finally become a Night Guardian!)

Your Highness, Lord Wei just sent over

Xu Qi An's aptitude evaluation results.

Please take a look.

"You take your salary from the people,

the blood and sweat of the commoners.

While it's easy to deceive those below,

the heavens see all."

It's been years since we've seen someone of this caliber.

Your Highness, your judgment is remarkable,

choosing such an extraordinary talent in one go.

The Princess has arrived!

Huai Qing,

I heard you've recommended quite a few men to join the Guardians.

I have.

The Night Guardians are the Emperor's eyes and ears.

I recommend people to the Night Guardians

to select the capable and virtuous,

ensuring that Dafeng has talented individuals to rely on.

Who doesn't feel the same?

I'm also fully devoted to Dafeng,

giving my all, burning the midnight oil for its sake.

I have other matters to attend to. Make yourself comfortable.

Don't go! I'm not finished.

Gang, show the Princess Royal

what rank the guy we recommended to the Night Guardians is on.

Zhao Jia,

Upper Second Tier.

Upper Second Tier?

Does that mean it's high?

The Guardians' evaluation standards are extremely strict.

For Zhao Jia to be rated Upper Second Tier is rare indeed.

As his name suggests,

given time, he's likely to advance to

the First Tier.

First Tier?

And what does that show?

First Tier is considered Gold Guardian material.

It's said that those with this rating

are prioritized for focused training by the Night Guardians.

From what I've heard, the people recommended by the Princess Royal before

only ever reached Middle Second Tier at best.

Ah, I see.

To think

I casually recommended someone

and ended up sending such talent to the Night Guardians.

Now let me see if anyone you've recommended

surpasses Middle Second Tier.

Let me see.

What's the big deal?

I just want to take a look.

Are you scared?

I have important matters to attend to. I'm busy.

I'm busy too. I'll just take a quick look, it won't delay you.

- Come on. - The Crown Prince has arrived!

Brother!

What are you doing here, shouting?

Get back to Shaoyin Palace at once.

I heard

Huai Qing recommended some talent to the Night Guardians' yamen.

I just want to see what kind of exceptional individual they are.

Huai Qing, how is this person's aptitude?

May I take a look?

If you have no other matters,

I'll take my leave now.

Let's check it out.

(Xu Qi An, First Tier)

Huai Qing has a remarkable eye.

She has recruited such talent

under her banner.

Xu Qi An...

First Tier...

Lin An? What's wrong, Lin An?

- Six Bamboo. - Six Bamboo?

That's not a good move.

A true gentleman doesn't comment on the game.

Do you know that mahjong is all about strategy?

- Every tile has its... - Just go and study.

Aunt Ma, you're definitely going to lose.

Ning Yan?

What are you doing back?

I missed you.

I haven't earned a title or become a minister yet.

Easy. I'll help you.

The capital is too dangerous.

All the more reason

for our family to stick together,

support one another, and face challenges side by side.

Come on, carry this for me.

Oh, look at you, throwing a tantrum.

Here, I've got something for you.

Ya...

Sage Carving Knife?

Ning Yan, why did you steal this?

If they find out,

they will kill everyone related to you.

I'm not touching it.

It's fake. Just something to motivate you to study harder.

You scared me to death. Let me take a look.

It's actually pretty convincing.

Are Uncle and Aunt back?

It's been so long, I really miss them.

They're back,

but when they heard you're leaving,

- they... - They didn't go looking for me, did they?

You shouldn't have told them.

This is a big deal, what if they get all worried?

You're right about that.

They're pretty worked up.

- You're so inconsiderate. - How about 100 taels?

I'll throw in all the furniture. I can help you move in right now.

I'll even fix up the courtyard, you can plant some flowers and greenery.

That's right. It may be a side courtyard,

but it's strategically located.

Step outside, and you're right at the East Market.

Look up, and there's Guiyue Tower,

with all the food and drinks you could want.

Turn left, and there's a private academy right there.

I'm well-acquainted with the teacher too.

I could put in a word for you,

and it'd be super convenient for your child's schooling.

That's right.

How about 80 taels? How about 50? Give me a counteroffer at least!

For this run-down courtyard? And at such a high price?

How about I pay you to take it? Oh, come on!

She's like the fourth visitor, right? What are we supposed to do, my dear?

A whole day wasted.

That kid's not coming back anyway.

We've got all the time in the world.

Not for much longer.

This is a misunderstanding.

We weren't planning to sell your house.

We were just renting it out.

Since you're not coming back,

it's just sitting there empty, right?

Renting it out would be much better.

- Come on, no. - Uncle, Aunt,

you really know

how to

manage

a household.

It's just a misunderstanding. Let's talk this through...

- Calmly! - We're family, huh?

- The moment I leave, you're selling my house. - We're not!

- Does this family even have a place for me? - It does!

- Are you still selling it? - No!

We're renting, not selling!

Just renting.

Alright then.

You know what, I'm feeling hungry.

Hungry? Let me check the kitchen and see what I can whip up

to welcome you back properly.

I'll go get some good wine for you.

That's it?

Where are you going?

You're part of this.

Come and help me.

I can't cook. What's this got to do with me?

You've had enough gossip for one day.

Family matters stay in the family.

Go back to your mahjong game!

What?

You've reached the Qi Refinement Realm?

Did a master at the Spirit Refining Realm help you?

No.

I used Marrow Cleansing Liquid to cleanse my body at our yamen,

and then I soaked in some medicinal bath.

It was a whole ordeal.

By the time it was over, the city gates were closed,

so I couldn't make it back.

Oh, by the way, Second Uncle,

I've opened the Gate of Heaven now.

Marrow Cleansing Liquid?

Let me take a sniff.

Hey, what are you doing?

That stuff isn't cheap.

The Changlu County yamen actually let you use that?

No, not them.

The Night Guardians?

You've joined the Night Guardians?

What's going on?

Actually,

it was Princess Royal who recommended me.

Princess Royal?

I was puzzled at first too.

I mean, we only met once at the Astronomical Bureau.

Could it have been because I stepped aside to let her pass?

Or maybe because

of my dashing charm

and irresistible charisma?

When you recited your poem encouraging scholarship at Yunlu Academy,

Her Highness was there.

She read your poem

and admired it greatly.

That's probably when she took note of you

and decided to bring you into her fold.

What a shame. Turns out it was my poem she fancied.

Still, you need to be careful.

Ning Yan.

Be very careful.

Princess Royal is incredibly shrewd.

Not only did she study at Yunlu Academy for years,

but she also shares a sort of mentor-disciple relationship with Wei Yuan.

She's a master strategist.

Her recommending you to the Guardians

must be a calculated move.

Ci Jiu.

You seem to know a lot about these bigshots.

Every scholar in the land

looks up to Lord Wei and Princess Royal as role models.

It's not surprising that I know about them, is it?

Tell me more about Lord Wei.

What kind of person is he?

What are his interests?

Oh, and his favorite food,

his birthdate...

Does he have any quirky habits?

Ning Yan,

stop trying to rely on backdoor tricks.

What backdoor tricks?

This is called catering to his preferences.

Just think about it, if I manage to win Lord Wei's favor,

wouldn't our family rise straight to the top?

You're setting yourself up for trouble.

Dad, tell Ning Yan to stop all this nonsense!

Ci Jiu,

Ning Yan is just being thorough.

Tell him everything you know.

But Ning Yan,

the Night Guardians' yamen isn't like the Changlu County yamen.

You must be

cautious there and,

whatever you do, don't upset Princess Royal.

Got it.

Why don't you recommend me to join the Night Guardians as well?

Think about it, if we work together,

I could lend you a hand when needed, right?

Second Uncle, you want to join the Night Guardians?

I just figured we could look out for each other.

Joining the Guardians requires an intelligence test.

That's right up my alley!

Second Uncle, now listen carefully.

I have something in one hand and nothing in the other.

You can ask us a few questions.

One of us will only tell the truth,

and the other will only lie.

Go ahead, start.

What lies?

Ning Yan is giving you an example.

Yes.

An example of what?

Ci Jiu, let's just talk about Lord Wei.

Let's go.

You haven't even started yet!

Why are you two running off?

Lin An.

Brother,

Huai Qing is clearly trying to outshine me on purpose.

I think it's obvious you were the one provoking her first.

She's been holding back at every turn for your sake.

Who cares!

Please enjoy this, Your Highness.

I'm full from all the anger. Take it away!

This was specially brought for you by His Highness.

Wait.

This is delicious!

Even better than what the palace chef makes.

Brother, you should try some too.

Look at you, you're not behaving like a princess.

You're just a child who refuses to grow up.

Anyway, next year is Grandmother's 80th birthday celebration.

Father has always prioritized filial piety,

so he's taking it very seriously.

There will be a general amnesty,

and a grand poetry conference will be held at the Taixung Palace

to celebrate it.

Don't worry, Brother.

I've been recruiting talented scholars from all over

to make thorough preparations for the Poetry Conference.

Actually, I...

I don't want you to participate in the conference.

Mother has always been strict,

demanding excellence in everything.

As a princess,

you're constantly compared

to Huai Qing in all matters in the palace.

Mother is like that,

and everyone else is even more so.

Your Highness, how did it go?

Lin An is inexperienced in worldly matters

and can't stay composed when things arise.

If she insists on participating in the Poetry Conference,

who knows what trouble she might get herself into.

Your Highness, you've tried to advise her,

Princess Lin An will surely change her mind.

If the incident at Astronomical Bureau yesterday happens again,

it would become a laughingstock

and a disgrace.

Gang,

start making preparations.

Starting tomorrow,

we're moving to the residence outside the palace.

We're living perfectly fine here in the palace.

Why do you want to move outside?

We have to prepare for the Poetry Conference.

It'll be easier to recruit scholars if we're outside.

That won't do, Your Highness.

The Noble Consort just rebuked you not long ago.

She won't agree to this.

Don't worry. As long as it's for my brother's benefit,

Mother won't blame me.

But didn't His Highness just say

he didn't want you involved in the conference?

He was lying.

He only said that

to comfort me.

Deep down,

he really hopes that his little sister can lend him a hand.

Are you sure about that, Your Highness?

Of course! We're siblings.

How could I not know what he's thinking?

Besides,

why should it only be him helping me

and not the other way around?

It's settled then.

Starting tomorrow,

we'll gather scholars from all over

and do our best to prepare for the conference.

But the other princes and princesses

started their preparations at the beginning of the year.

Most of the talented scholars

have probably already been recruited.

Don't worry.

Let's try looking first.

Oh,

distribute this milk snow cream to everyone.

(Royal Spirit Pet, Spirit Dragon)

How long has he

been like this?

I'm not sure. He was already here

when I got up to make breakfast at dawn.

Xu Ning Yan?

Do you think this outfit fits me?

Why do the sleeves feel a bit tight?

What are you doing?

Are you going to have breakfast?

Oh, it must be because of all the training I've been doing lately.

I've bulked up.

No wonder the pant legs feel tight too.

I was so excited yesterday I forgot to get measured.

I must order a whole new outfit when I go to the yamen today.

Everything needs to be brand new!

Has he lost his mind?

Ning Yan has been acting really strange.

Just a few days ago, he was so against taking up the job,

and now he's so invested in it.

How could it be the same?

He's a Night Guardian now.

Those clerks probably tremble at the sight of him.

It's a wonder they're not lining up to bribe him.

Father, don't say that.

Ning Yan isn't that kind of person.

I think he really wants to serve the people,

which is why he values his role as a Guardian so much.

He's back.

Take a look, I keep feeling this sword

doesn't go well with my outfit.

It looks fine.

Alright then.

Copper Guardian Xu Qi An,

off to duty!

Show-off.

I wasn't like that back in the day, right?

You were much cooler than him.

Let's go!

Night Guardian Duty number one,

house raids.

In Dafeng, no matter how high-ranking or wealthy someone is,

if they break the law,

we have the power to arrest them, with notification to follow.

That's why people always say,

Do no evil in the middle of the night,

fear not the Night Guardians in broad daylight.

Night Guardian Duty number two,

interrogation.

The Night Guardians excel in trickery and tactics,

which are not only used for investigation

and evidence collection

but also for tracking and capturing criminals.

We are authorized to interrogate an arrested official directly,

and no one else has the right to interfere.

There's another rule.

Without Lord Nangong's permission,

no one is allowed private contact with the prisoners.

Night Guardian Duty number three,

monitoring officials and gathering intelligence.

In Dafeng, anyone can serve as the eyes

and hands of the Night Guardians.

The Tianji Pavilion is impenetrable.

It houses intelligence from all over the realm.

It's off-limits to most, only the Night Guardians have access.

Whether it's the Ministry of Works, Rites, Revenue, or Military Affairs,

we have the right to investigate.

It's the most powerful intelligence network in Dafeng,

constantly collecting and organizing leads,

which are then consolidated and analyzed.

All of the above,

plus investigating cases,

patrolling the streets,

are the daily duties of a Night Guardian.

Xu Qi An!

Are you ready?

I am.

I'm completely ready.

So, what's on the agenda today? Raiding a home,

conducting an interrogation, or delivering intelligence?

Ting Feng...

You're new here, so start by going through the backlog of case files.

Hang on, what about all those Guardian duties?

This is one of them.

Night Guardian Duty number four,

reviewing case files.

(Reviewing Case Files)

Ting Feng, I wasn't finished talking!

The door's locked!

Ting Feng?

Guys!

Guys, let's talk about this.

You're locking me in on my first day.

You can't be that cruel, can you?

No room for negotiation. It's the boss's orders.

Just make him review the case files,

don't let him go anywhere else.

Boss, come on. Isn't that a little too harsh?

What's so harsh about it?

He's not one of us anyway.

If he doesn't want it, he can resign.

Alright, alright.

I get it now. Boss must've misunderstood me.

Let me out so I can explain to him.

Oh, he didn't misunderstand you.

He's obviously picking on you.

Come on. Just let me go out and explain.

Watch your hands, your arms, and your elbows.

Someone, seal up this window!

Dafeng isn't worth it.

(Three days later)

Father, why hasn't Ning Yan come back yet? He's been out for so long.

I'll head to the Night Guardians' office to check on him.

They can't just work someone to the bone like that.

He's a grown man.

He needs the experience.

You're worrying too much.

He'll be fine.

Wait a second, why do these lines sound so familiar?

Didn't we say this two episodes ago?

See, I told you, didn't I?

Is this Xu Qi An's residence?

Yes, yes.

By orders from above, we're here to deliver Xu Qi An and...

The case files, right?

To the side courtyard.

Come on in, quickly, come in.

Hurry up, it's so late.

Just turn from that side, and you'll get there.

- You're almost there! - Please have some water.

- Thank you. - Go that way.

I'll bring you some tea later. Look at the hour.

There's one more thing.

We're closing the gate. Careful.

I almost forgot.

We've nailed down all the doors and windows here before,

but lately,

that kid's abilities have improved.

Take a look, see if there's any spot that needs another couple of nails,

and you can hammer them in yourselves.

Are you really his uncle?

As real as it gets.

I can tell.

But this is your house, so it's best you handle it.

Alright, I'll do it then.

You're sure you don't want to help?

Positive.

Alright, I'll take care of it myself.

Xu Qi An,

your family is so...

Interesting.

Dafeng isn't worth it.

What?

The Tenth Prince is also recruiting talents for the Poetry Conference?

That kid is only nine years old!

What about the Imperial Academy? Have you tried there?

Don't even get me started, Your Highness.

The scholars from the Imperial Academy

were recruited by the Seventh Prince.

The students from Zhiya Academy were taken by the Fourth Prince.

And just as I was heading to Mingde Academy,

I ran into the Eighth Prince's eunuch, who was also recruiting talents.

What are we going to do?

Yunlu Academy...

Go steal talents from Huai Qing.

I went there.

And they refused?

No, they agreed.

Where are they then?

I didn't bring them.

I read their poems.

Oh, right.

Yunlu Academy excels in military strategy and policy debates,

but they're not great at poetry.

Exactly!

Can you believe that in such a large academy,

they couldn't find a single decent poet?

That farewell poem from Mianyang Pavilion a few days ago?

They actually stole it from a low-ranking clerk.

Really?

Please take a look, Your Highness.

Sparse shadows stretch across shallow water,

hidden fragrance drifts

under the twilight moon.

What do you think of this poem, Your Highness?

This poem...

It seems...

This poem has recently emerged

as a masterpiece from the Imperial Music Bureau.

Just this single couplet has shaken the entire Dafeng literary world.

Is it really that remarkable?

I've also heard that the Fourth, Seventh, Eighth, and Tenth Princes

all sent men to camp outside the Bureau for days,

just to find the poet

and bring them into their fold.

This poem is remarkable!

That's the one!

Do whatever it takes to find the poet for me!

Yes, Your Highness.

- Go now. - Alright.

Yang Ling?

You finished them?

What is this?

This is called

a sticky note.

I've written all the doubts

and my personal insights

from each case file on these notes.

This way, not only does it keep the files neat and tidy,

but it also makes them much easier for you to review later.

Good thinking.

Ting Feng,

since I've finished reviewing the files

and I've studied the regulations thoroughly,

shouldn't we

start handling some official duties now?

Sure, sure. Guang Xiao,

do we have any cases?

We do.

- Yes, we do. - My buddy!

You guys are the best.

You're messing with me.

What do you mean messing?

We're buddies, aren't we?

Then what's all this?

Serve them, please.

This is the next batch.

And this is the batch after that. And the batch after the batch after that.

One after another, nonstop. Alright, guys, watch your step.

Thanks for the hard work.

Shut the door properly,

completely sealed.

Not a crack.

Good job!

By the way, even though these case files aren't classified or sensitive,

you must keep them safe.

If someone snoops on them or they get damaged,

you will be held accountable.

I...

Ting Feng...

Ting Feng, please talk to Boss for me.

Or at least ask him,

how long am I going to be stuck reviewing files?

This isn't something I can get involved in.

Now let go of my leg.

No, not until you help me.

I'm locked up in this tiny room day after day, I'm going crazy.

Do you know about this modern plague called nearsightedness?

My eyes are so strained I can barely read anymore!

If you don't let go, I'll be the one going cross-eyed!

- Let go of me! - Just help me out, Ting Feng.

Aren't we buddies?

Have a little pity on me, I'm begging you!

I'm not letting go unless you take me on a mission.

- Xu Qi An! - I want to go on a mission!

- I'm going to use my Qi on you! - I want to go on a mission!

Watch your butts!

Watch the step!

Lord Song.

Lord Li has summoned you.

Did you hear that? Boss is calling me.

Why don't you head back for now?

Or maybe continue reviewing the files?

Lord Xu is also summoned.

Taikang County's Mount Dahuang has reported sightings of a monster.

Quite some people have been devoured.

You are to go there and investigate.

If the monster's level is low,

eliminate it on the spot.

The Jingzhao Prefecture team will also be assisting with the case.

They're waiting outside now.

Yes, sir!

Xu Qi An,

you'll go with them.

Yes, sir!

The terrain of Mount Dahuang is treacherous.

Work closely together.

Yes, sir.

And...

Adjust your sword two inches higher.

Shift your gong one inch to the left.

You may go.

Even Jingzhao Prefecture specifically requested him by name.

Just who exactly is Xu Qi An?

Xu Qi An, what's your deal?

Why has Boss suddenly changed his attitude toward you?

No idea.

Could it because I've been diligently organizing case files

without complaints?

No way. Boss is notoriously rigid.

It's not that easy to change his impression of someone.

I've got it.

Boss wants you to die out there.

Yes! Didn't we lose that... Uh, that someone last year to a field mission?

Wow, that's a wild speculation.

Guang Xiao, back me up here.

Do you think I'm just making this up?

Greetings, My Lords.

Hold on, for a regular field mission, riding horses should be enough.

What's the need for a carriage?

As this concerns a monster, Lord Chen has invited

a sorcerer from Astronomical Bureau

to assist with the investigation and travel with us.

The Astronomical Bureau?

Yes.

I am Copper Guardian Song Ting Feng.

Greetings to the esteemed sorcerers of the Astronomical Bureau!

I've long heard of your remarkable elegance and brilliance.

It's such an honor to travel...

Stop rambling and get going. Hurry up!

Xu Qi An! Stop dawdling and hurry up!

Yes, sir.

Xu Qi An.

Lady Cai Wei?

It really is you.

Come sit in the carriage with me.

Alright.

Here, have this.

Thanks.

- He went in. - I saw it!

What's going on?

So it's because of you that Boss let me go out on duty?

Not entirely.

It was Yang Yan who told me

you'd joined the Night Guardians.

He said if I was going to deal with the Guardians,

it'd be best to bring you along.

Lord Yang?

I was curious myself.

How did you end up joining the Guardians?

How does he even know someone from the Astronomical Bureau?

Scared now?

No way.

With connections like his,

you're not worried about giving him a hard time?

Hey, don't put it like that. You're in this with me.

I've treated him to a meal before.

Let's talk about you first.

The tax money case is over, isn't it?

Why are you still hanging around with the Jingzhao Prefecture team?

Don't even get me started.

Chen Han Guang credited the entire success of the tax money case to me,

saying I was the one who discovered Vice Minister Zhou's embezzlement.

- Isn't that a good thing? - What's good about it!

His Majesty personally praised me for having a talent for solving cases,

and insisted I stay with the Jingzhao Prefecture to continue

with the investigation until every coin was recovered.

It's driving me crazy!

Did I ask you to stop?

Keep going!

What do you think his relationship with her is?

They're sharing a carriage. What do you think?

We've shared a carriage with Lord Yang and Lord Nangong too.

Xu Qi An, you really are something!

You're done for.

Xu Qi An,

you really are something.

Qi An, how could I let you handle this? Let me do it.

I'm sorry I arrived late.

Qi An, you must be hungry after our long journey.

I'm not hungry.

No, you're hungry.

Take this, take it.

Ting Feng, what is this?

Didn't I borrow some money from you a while ago?

Since I have some extra on hand,

I thought I'd pay you back right away.

When did you borrow money from me?

Try to think back.

Oh, that time!

You remembered now.

I have to review case files every day.

I don't have time to spend this money.

Of course you have.

Let me review the files for you.

There's so much.

Can you handle it?

Of course. I'll even take the initiative to apply with the boss, alright?

- Are you sure you can help? - Qi An, when it comes to you, I must help.

It's my duty.

Where are you? Answer me.

What are you doing?

Nothing.

Treat the guys to drinks tonight with this.

Got it.

Mount Dahuang in the northern part of Taikang County

has a main peak over a thousand meters high

and stretches across several kilometers of terrain.

The mountain is rich in limestone,

sustaining hundreds of households known as lime workers.

Since the beginning of this year,

a monster has been spotted near the water bodies around the mountain.

This creature frequently comes ashore to devour humans alive,

and quite a few lime workers have fallen victim to it.

Despite the monster's rampage, the county magistrate kept it hidden.

The lime workers continued mining in the mountains,

which led to the tragedy.

It wasn't until several merchants passed through the area

that the matter was reported to the authorities.

This is where the local lime workers collect limestone?

Yes, Mount Dahuang is rich in high-quality limestone

and abundant iron ore,

which is used to forge mining tools.

The lime workers operate kilns here, it's convenient for them.

The firewood is economical.

With half the effort, they make substantial profits.

That's why the taxes here are a little heavier.

Once mining is banned, they lose their livelihood.

Excessive taxes and levies

breed refugees.

The sweat and blood of the people

is the most delicious meal for the powerful.

How strange.

What did you find?

Nothing. That's why it's strange.

As I climbed the mountain, I kept looking for signs.

At first, I thought it was the rugged terrain

blocking my view.

But look here, even with such intense signs of fighting,

I can't detect a trace of demonic energy.

My Lord, there are some more clues inside the cave.

Let's take a look.

- Alright. - This guy has got guts.

Careful.

Why is this kiln dug so deep?

We've walked for quite some time,

and yet we still haven't reached the end.

Maybe they were excavating something.

Careful.

Where on earth are you?