People dressed identically and holding identical swaddling clothes headed in different directions. Anyone with eyes could tell this was a deliberate attempt to scatter them, but even so, they had no choice but to give chase—otherwise, that innocent child might truly lose its life.
While turmoil unfolded within the estate, those outside remained unaware. Fireworks, specially prepared for the guests, burst into bloom across the night sky.
The darkness was set ablaze by the dazzling display, the vibrant colors mingling with the resounding "booms" of celebration. The radiant spectacle was nothing more than a fleeting veil of warmth draped over the cold, endless night.
At the eastern teahouse, Murong Meifei suddenly felt her breath hitch. She quickly stepped back, catching Murong Meixin as she faltered mid-air, and the two landed together on the rooftop.
In the southern alleyways, the airborne Dao Brothers Trio abruptly plummeted to the ground, barely managing to brace themselves with their blades to avoid a humiliating fall.
At the western tavern, the signboard flapped violently in the night wind. Su Lingxi stumbled, nearly tumbling to the ground before Wuya seized her by the collar.
By the northern docks, Zhou Xian and the others felt as though a boulder had crushed their chests. They dropped to one knee, their breathing thrown into disarray.
"It's the fireworks!"
Outside the city gates, Chu'he sat on horseback, nestled in the young man's embrace. She pointed excitedly at the sky, now half-lit by the fireworks.
As the fireworks bloomed, imperceptible powder dispersed into the air, inhaled with every breath. The colorless, scentless drug swiftly dissolved into their bloodstream.
Chu'he said, "I heard they’d light fireworks during the banquet—it’s a Canghaizhou tradition for honored guests. Looks like the feast has begun."
As for why they hadn’t waited for Ninth and Chu'he, it was understandable. The two were known for their erratic, unpredictable behavior. If they’d wandered off to play elsewhere without a word, it wouldn’t be surprising.
Besides, who could stop Ninth from going wherever he pleased?
Ninth raised a hand to cover Chu'he’s nose and mouth.
She glanced up at him, muffled, "What are you doing?"
He patted her head. "There’s dust. Not good for you."
Chu'he caught on quickly. "Poison in the dust?"
Ninth’s eyes curved into crescents as he smiled faintly. "Not exactly."
His mysterious grin gave him an air of wisdom. She looked ahead again and said, "Something’s definitely wrong inside—it might even be dangerous. Should we run? But Murong, the Dao Brothers Trio… they’re still in there."
At the mention of the Dao Brothers Trio, Ninth stopped braiding Chu'he’s hair. His expression turned solemn. "A'he, we must save them."
Chu'he blinked. "Since when do you meddle in others' affairs?"
"This is different," he said gravely. "Because in this city… dwell my dearest friends."
Chu'he: "…"
If Blade Demon were gone, who would take the blame for him in the future?
A moment later, her expression hardened. She raised a fist, her wide sleeves slipping to reveal slender, pale arms.
"Ninth is right! Charge—let’s save our dearest friends!"
Ninth didn’t immediately join her. Instead, he pulled her hand back, carefully tugging her sleeve down to cover the skin only he was allowed to see. Then, he raised his own fist.
"Charge—let’s save our dearest friends!"
"Achoo!"
Heart Knife, deep in meditation, suddenly sneezed, an all-too-familiar chill creeping up his spine.
Left-hand Knife: "Third Brother, what’s wrong? You’ve been sneezing nonstop—caught a cold?"
Right-hand Knife: "Or maybe karma’s catching up to you for all your misdeeds?"
Heart Knife snapped, "I told you, those rumors about murder and arson aren’t true! And I don’t have an uncouth nickname like 'Blade Demon'!"
Shouts and the clamor of battle drew near—Yunhuang Immortal City’s forces, charging into the city at the signal of the fireworks.
From the four black-clad infiltrators to the fireworks, then to enemies who knew the routes perfectly—this was the work of an insider.
And not just any insider. Someone high-ranking, with access to everything.
With the poison still coursing through them, the Dao Brothers Trio could only grip their blades tighter.
Left-hand Knife: "Heavens, Yunhuang Immortal City has thrown their full force into this!"
Right-hand Knife: "They mean to wipe Canghaizhou off the map!"
Heart Knife watched the approaching enemies, brow furrowed. "Could it really be you?"
Then he said, "Eldest Brother, Second Brother, hold the line. I’m heading back to the estate—there’s bound to be a fierce battle there!"
The fireworks filled the city, and anyone who breathed would inevitably be poisoned.
Wenren Buxiao sat on the lord’s seat, sipping his third cup of wine when his guest finally arrived.
A plainly dressed scholar, tall and pale with a sickly complexion, carried a bookcase on his back—inside, a sleeping infant. Behind him stood a masked figure in black, cradling a quietly sobbing Wenren Yan.
"This humble scholar is Jin Yuyuan. Lord Wenren, your reputation precedes you. Seeing you today, your bearing is indeed extraordinary."
"You flatter me, Master Jin. Or should I address you as… City Lord?"
"Ah, titles are but fleeting vanity." Jin Yuyuan smiled, reaching to pinch the infant’s cheek, making it wail louder.
"Truly, the cherished child of Lord Wenren and his lady. So delicate, so unlike the one in my bookcase—sleeping eleven out of twelve hours a day."
Wenren Buxiao’s smile didn’t waver. "As you say, City Lord. If you fancy the child, take it."
"No!"
Luo Qiaoqiao stumbled forward but dared not approach, terrified they’d harm her child. She stood at a distance, weeping pitifully.
"Please, I beg you—don’t hurt my child! Take me instead!"
Jin Yuyuan scoffed. "You’re not even Wenren’s blood kin. You’d just take up space. But you should thank me. If I hadn’t poisoned him with love’s toxin back then, how would you have gotten your chance?"
Luo Qiaoqiao paled.
Wenren Buxiao’s composed demeanor finally cracked. His gaze turned icy, sharp as a blade. "You’re courting death."
Steel flashed, accompanied by a dragon-like hum—the black-gold tangdao’s edge struck forth.
Jin Yuyuan retreated smoothly behind the black-clad figure.
