The man corrected with an expressionless face, "That's a human skin mask, not your actual face."
Jiu Yue shot him a disdainful look. "Of course I know that. But for you people, this is my face."
The man froze for a moment before quickly realizing her point.
It was true.
Even he was seeing Jiu Yue's real appearance for the first time.
It bore a fifty percent resemblance to her disguised look, but the aura was entirely opposite. The Jiu Yue known in the martial world—cold and ruthless—was nothing like this innocent, adorable version before him.
"You lost your memory, didn’t you? How do you know I’ve never seen your real face before?" the man asked again.
Instead of answering, Jiu Yue suddenly stood up and leaned in close, bringing their faces inches apart.
Their eyes locked, each seeing their own reflection in the other’s gaze.
The man stiffened.
Jiu Yue pointed at his eyes and said, "Because your eyes just widened—obviously shocked at seeing me for the first time!"
After a long pause, the man pushed her head away, mildly annoyed.
Jiu Yue was still Jiu Yue.
Even with those innocent doe eyes, she hadn’t lost her sharp perceptiveness.
"Can you make another one of these for me?" Jiu Yue asked as she sat back down, holding up the human skin mask.
"Of course. For a fair price," he replied, flashing a hand gesture.
Jiu Yue frowned. "Fifty taels? Are you ripping me off?"
"Fifty taels? That’s beggar’s money! I want five hundred."
Jiu Yue: "..."
She immediately gave up.
Her real face was perfectly usable—she just wanted an extra trump card. But five hundred taels was too steep for a mere backup plan.
Besides, there were already wanted posters of her out there. Even with a different disguise, she risked being recognized. Rather than wearing that face again, she might as well let her real appearance see the light of day!
"Well, I hope you find a buyer soon," Jiu Yue said, politely declining his exorbitant offer.
The man didn’t press further—crafting another mask would take time anyway.
Her hair was nearly dry now. Jiu Yue deftly braided it to the side before abruptly remembering her mission. She studied the man in front of her—plain and unassuming at first glance, but undoubtedly a martial artist himself.
Curious, she asked, "How do you make a living these days?"
"Selling storybooks."
"...You changed careers?"
"Just trying to get by. All that fighting and killing—it’s not good for the soul."
Jiu Yue sighed.
She didn’t have that luxury. She had a mission.
"So… any jobs that involve fighting and killing? Got any insider recommendations?"
The man studied her for a moment, seeming to understand. "You’re looking for a powerful backer, aren’t you?"
Given that she’d offended someone important, he didn’t doubt Jiu Yue’s strength. But could she really take on hundreds of elite fighters alone?
Without waiting for her answer, he stroked his chin and offered advice. "Either leave the capital, or seek shelter under one of the big shots here."
"Leaving is the safest option. As the saying goes, if you can’t win, run! With your skills, you could disappear completely—no one would ever find you."
Jiu Yue shook her head. "I have business here."
The man shrugged. "Then find a powerful patron in the capital—the most powerful one you can. By the way, who exactly did you offend?"
Jiu Yue wasn’t sure.
But then she remembered something. After rummaging around, she pulled out a golden token she’d picked up earlier and handed it to him.
"Prince Ping…?" The man’s eyes widened in realization. "No wonder."
Half a month ago, he’d heard rumors about Prince Ping being injured.
After listening to his analysis, Jiu Yue pieced things together.
So, she’d crossed Prince Ping.
That meant the token must have fallen from one of the assassins sent after her.
Jiu Yue frowned. Prince Ping had gone to great lengths to eliminate her.
In a way, he’d already succeeded—if not for the system pulling her into this world, the original "Jiu Yue" would’ve been reduced to a pile of gory fragments.
She quietly added Prince Ping to her personal danger list.
The man continued, "Prince Ping is the emperor’s cousin—no small figure. If you want someone in the capital with more power than him… ah!"
His eyes suddenly lit up.
Jiu Yue blinked. "What, should I join the imperial guard and seek the emperor’s protection?"
"...Dream on. His Majesty is wary of us martial artists." The man waved a hand dismissively before lowering his voice. "No, I’m talking about someone else."
"Who?"
"Regent Sima Qing," he said. "He had some ties with the old man years ago. Rumor has it he’s been searching for someone recently—maybe you could try your luck with him."
Regent.
Now that sounded impressive!
A spark of hope flickered in Jiu Yue’s eyes.
Maybe her mission was connected to the regent. Even if it wasn’t, sticking close to him would surely make things easier!
What a sweet deal!
Grinning, she nodded eagerly. "Great! Can you put in a good word for me?"
The man hesitated, then rubbed his nose awkwardly. "...Can’t. We’re not that close."
Jiu Yue: "..."
"But you could introduce yourself," he added in a hushed tone. "From what I hear, this prince is the most approachable of the bunch. Plus, he’s a regular customer here."
A customer… for assassins?
That aligned perfectly with her expertise!
After a moment’s thought, Jiu Yue decided to try her luck.
The next day, she set off in the direction the man had indicated. Just as she stepped out of the courtyard, she paused, turned back, and stuck out her tongue at the man watching her leave.
"By the way… jade-inlaid teeth really do look like vegetables. As thanks, once I save up, I’ll treat you to gold ones!"
The man: "..."
Enraged, he hurled a teacup at her. "GET OUT!!!"
With a new face and outfit, Jiu Yue reappeared in the capital without drawing any unwanted attention from assassins.
By the time she reached the gates of the Regent’s estate, it was just past nine in the morning.
Taking a bite of her steamed bun, she politely approached to knock.
But before her hand could land, the door swung open.
A towering, black-clad guard loomed over her, glaring down with hostility.
"Who dares trespass on the Regent’s estate?"
Jiu Yue widened her eyes innocently, quickly swallowing her bite. "I wasn’t trespassing—I was about to knock. I’d like to see Regent Sima Qing."
The guard’s expression darkened further.
"Hmph! The entire capital knows His Highness has been indisposed and receiving no guests for days." He sneered. "You’re clearly here to cause trouble!"
Without another word, the guard lunged at her.
Jiu Yue barely had time to react—but after days of constant ambushes, her reflexes were sharp. The moment he moved, she countered.
And just like that, they were suddenly brawling right outside the Regent’s gates.
