Chapter 3

Inside the prime minister's study, the monotonous, eternal drip of the clepsydra water cleaves time into countless fragments. Gu Linzhi closes his eyes, leaning back in the shadow cast by the towering back of a rosewood armchair. His fingertips silently tap the cool armrests. The gentle "tap...tap...tap..." sound is the only heartbeat in this deadly space.

Suddenly, the rhythm of the knocking paused ever so slightly.

Almost at the same moment, a figure mysteriously and silently emerged from the shadows of the seemingly seamless edge of the study's heavy door. Like a drop of water emerging from an ink pool, there was not a single unnecessary movement or sound.

The man, dressed in a tight, dark gray suit, was so thin he almost blended into the gloom cast by the bookshelves. His face was covered by an expressionless, soft black leather mask, revealing only his eyes, mouth, and nose. Beneath the mask, his eyes were like two pools of stagnant water, devoid of any emotion, only a utter, instrumental indifference. He was Shadow Scale's chief operative in Shengjing, codenamed "Mo Ya."

Mo Ya knelt on one knee five steps away from the desk, his head buried deep in his chest. His posture was respectful, yet revealing an inhuman stiffness. His voice came from beneath the mask, low and hoarse, with a deliberately smoothed-out, stereotyped tone:

"Master, urgent news from Jiangnan's 'Shadow Scale'." He presented a small, unmarked copper tube in both hands, about the thickness of a little finger.

Gu Linzhi slowly opened his eyes, his deep gaze like a needle piercing the icy sea, falling on Mo Ya and the cold copper pipe. He didn't say anything, just held up two fingers.

Mo Ya didn't move, but his arm thrust forward at an incredible angle and speed. As if drawn by an invisible thread, the copper tube landed precisely and silently in Gu Linzhi's open palm. The cold metal instantly dispelled the warmth of the rosewood that lingered on his fingertips.

Gu Linzhi's knuckles flicked slightly, and an extremely delicate mechanism at the top of the copper tube flicked open. He pulled out a roll of plain silk, as thin as a cicada's wing. With a light twist of his fingertips, the silk unfolded, revealing the words written in tiny, clear, and cold calligraphy, crafted from a special potion.

As his eyes swept over, the deep, unchanging, cold pond in Gu Linzhi's eyes seemed to have not even a ripple. But the fingertips holding the silk tightened slightly for a moment.

"Shen Qi, a close confidant of Shen Ziqing, has crossed the Huai River, disguised as a merchant caravan, carrying a secret box. Their destination is undoubtedly Shengjing. The secret box is nested in three layers of fine steel and has a self-destruct mechanism. It is suspected to contain key accounts or a keepsake. Also, Wang Yun, the Censor of Jiangnan Province, met with the leader of the Cao Gang at Zuixianlou today. After a secret conversation, several Cao Gang ships left the harbor and their whereabouts are unknown."

Shen Qi, the shadow of Shen Ziqing, the most loyal vicious dog of the Shen family. He came with Shen Ziqing's last life-saving straw and also with evidence that was fatal enough.

Gu Linzhi placed the silk on the corner of his desk, alongside the two secret reports. He didn't look at Mo Ya again, but instead gazed out the window at the still gray sky, cut by the high wall. His voice was calm, yet every word was clear, like the sound of icy spikes colliding:

"Keep a close eye on Shen Qi. I want to know every move he makes after entering Shengjing City, every person he comes into contact with, where he stays, and even what he eats for three meals a day. Not a single hair of the box he brought must be missing, but he must not be disturbed until he sees the person he should see."

"Yes." Mo Ya lowered his head even more, his voice still rigid.

"Wang Yun and the Cao Gang," Gu Linzhi's fingertips gently tapped the secret report that mentioned Wang Yun, "find out where those speeders went and what they were carrying. Also, besides the official teacher-student relationship, has Wang Yun had any other 'private relationships' with the Xie family recently?"

"Yes, sir." Mo Ya responded, his body motionless, like a solidified statue.

"Go." Gu Linzhi waved his hand and his gaze returned to the pile of files on the desk, as if he had just dealt with a trivial matter.

As stealthy as he had been when he had arrived, Mo Ya slipped silently back into the shadows at the edge of the door, vanishing completely, as if he had never appeared. The study returned to a dead silence, with only the sound of dripping water filling the air.

Gu Linzhi's gaze didn't linger on the file for long. He closed his eyes again, sinking into the shadow of the chair. The tapping of his fingertips resumed. Tap... tap... tap... as if measuring the speed of his opponent's panicked escape, as well as the depth of the undercurrent surging beneath Shengjing City.

South of Shengjing City, Yongding Gate.

As the main thoroughfare for merchants entering the capital, even in the late afternoon, Yongding Gate was bustling with activity and the clamor of carriages. Beneath the towering gate, a constant stream of people and vehicles swarmed. Guards in worn-out uniforms lazily leaned against the wall, glancing casually at the incoming and outgoing traffic, occasionally shouting at ox carts blocking the way. The air was thick with the stagnant smell of dust, sweat, and animal feces.

A dusty caravan, mingling with the influx of people entering the city, slowly passed through the tall city gates. The leading mule carts were piled high with sacks, covered tightly with oilcloth, the shafts creaking under the weight. Behind them followed several smaller horse-drawn carriages, their curtains drawn. Men in caravan attire, mounted on horseback, flanked the convoy, their faces etched with the fatigue and wariness of a long journey.

Inside one of the inconspicuous blue-cloth carriages, Shen Qi huddled in the shadows of a corner like a clay statue. He wore a half-worn indigo cotton short coat, his face deliberately smeared with dust and grease, his hair in a messy bun, giving him the look of a low-level steward constantly on the road. Only when his eyes, hidden beneath the grime, occasionally glanced up at the swaying curtains did they reveal a venomous, cold, and vigilant glint.

There was a hard object pressed against the outside of his thigh. It was wrapped in layers of thick cotton cloth, and then tied tightly to his leg with tough cow tendon rope, covered by equally inconspicuous baggy pants. The three-layer nested stainless steel secret box was cold and heavy, like a red-hot iron, sticking tightly to his skin. Every bump and every shake made his heart shrink suddenly, as if he could hear the subtle sound of the self-destruct mechanism in the box. This secret box was Shen Ziqing's last gamble, and it was also his death warrant. It contained evidence that was enough to turn the entire Jiangnan officialdom upside down, and it could point directly to the core of the old case from fourteen years ago! It was the token of Shen Ziqing's surrender in exchange for the protection of the Xie family, and it was also the guillotine hanging over his head.

Shen Qi's breathing was deliberately light and slow, each inhale carrying the scent of dust, each exhale carrying the stench of a desperate man. He suppressed the pounding of his heart, his gaze fixed through the slits in the carriage curtains on the bustling street scene outside. He had finally broken into Shengjing, the behemoth city that had devoured countless ambitions and corpses. The next step was to safely pass this scalding iron to the jade-ringed hand of Xie Fu.

The carriage, following the caravan, slowly rolled through the bustling streets of Yongdingmen, merging into the bustling and complex fabric of Shengjing. Outside, the cries of vendors, the rumbling of wheels, and the chatter of pedestrians blended into a cacophony. No one noticed a gray-clad figure wearing a bamboo hat, sipping tea from a second-floor window of a streetside teahouse; a clerk pretending to select fabric at the entrance of a silk shop across the street; or even a seemingly idle beggar on the side of the road... Their gazes, like invisible threads, subtly and insidiously entwined the slow-moving caravan, especially the blue-cloth carriage.

Shen Qi's supposedly secret whereabouts had already been caught in an invisible and tightly-woven web. He was like a fly carrying the scent of rotting meat, thinking he was silent, yet unaware that he was flying step by step towards the center of a spider's web that had already been spread.

As night fell and the lights came on, Shengjing City shed its daytime hustle and bustle, replaced by a charming veil of lights, stringed instruments, and subtle fragrance.

Located in the west of the city, the "Zuixian Tower" boasts carved beams and painted buildings, and is brightly lit. The sound of stringed instruments drifts faintly through the delicate window lattices, blending with the mellow aroma of fine wine and the steam of delicious food. This is one of the favorite dens of wealth and luxury for the dignitaries and wealthy merchants of Shengjing, where every inch exudes a sense of extravagance and decadence.

Deepest on the third floor, in a private room called "Listening to the Waves," the doors and windows were tightly closed, and thick brocade curtains blocked out all sounds from outside. Only a few glazed palace lanterns lit the room, the light deliberately dim and hazy. The air was filled with the clear, lingering fragrance of fine agarwood.

There were only two people sitting at the rosewood round table.

An elderly man, his hair and beard white, sat in the main seat. He wore a seemingly plain, dark blue suit, made of fine Songjiang cotton, stitched so finely that it seemed almost invisible. His face was gaunt and deeply wrinkled, imbued with the elegance and dignity of time. His eyes, far from cloudy, were remarkably clear, like the depths of an ancient well, occasionally gleaming with a glint so fleeting it was impossible to capture. He was the retired former Prime Minister, a leader of the Qingliu movement, Xie Yong, also known as Xie Ge Lao.

Sitting across from him was none other than Wang Yun, the Jiangnan Province Censor. At this moment, Wang Yun had lost the solemnity he wore during the day. He leaned forward slightly, his forehead glistening in the dim light. His hands rested uneasily on his knees, his eyes filled with undisguised anxiety as he periodically glanced towards the closed door.

"Teacher..." Wang Yun's voice was extremely low, with a barely perceptible tremor. "Student...student really...that Shen Ziqing has gone mad! How dare he...how dare he do such a heartless act to cover up the past! Now Prime Minister Gu openly requested a thorough investigation in the court. This...this is clearly an attempt to use this as an excuse to provoke anger at us!"

Xie Yong didn't respond immediately. He sat leisurely in a large rosewood armchair, his right thumb gently stroking a soft, white jade ring on his left ring finger. The ring, pure in texture, shone with a restrained luster under the dim light. His gaze seemed to rest on the untouched plate of exquisite pastries on the table, then seemed to penetrate the wall and settle even further outside Shengjing City.

"What are you panicking about?" Xie Yong finally spoke. His voice was not loud, but with a slow and deep tone that was unique to someone who had been in a high position for a long time. Like the morning bell in an ancient temple, it instantly suppressed the impatience in Wang Yun's tone. "The sky won't fall." He picked up the celadon teacup at hand and gently skimmed off the foam with the cup lid. His movements were elegant and calm, without any worldly airs.

"If Gu Linzhi wants to investigate, let him." Xie Yong took a sip of tea, his tone as calm as if he were discussing the weather. "The floods in Jiangnan have left victims displaced, and corruption is rampant. A thorough investigation by the court is only natural. Shen Ziqing failed to strictly control his subordinates, leading to this disaster. He cannot escape the blame. He must bear the responsibility."

Wang Yun was stunned, unable to follow his mentor's train of thought: "But...but, Master, Shen Ziqing..."

"He what?" Xie Yong raised his eyelids, and his clear eyes lightly swept over Wang Yun. Although there was no emotion, Wang Yun instantly felt a chill rising up his spine. "Shen Ziqing is corrupt and abuses his power, and he has taken human lives lightly. The evidence is irrefutable, and he will be severely punished according to the law of the country. What does this have to do with my Xie Mansion? What does this have to do with you, the Supervisory Censor?"

Wang Yun opened his mouth, cold sweat instantly soaking his inner clothes. He understood what his mentor meant—sacrifice the pawns to save the king! Shen Ziqing must be the culprit, and he must die! Only with his death, and with all the blame firmly pinned on him, could the clues that might implicate the Xie family be cut off!

"Student...student understands." Wang Yun lowered his head and spoke in a hoarse voice.

"I'm glad you understand." Xie Yong put down his teacup with a crisp sound. "Over in Jiangnan, everything must be clean. Witnesses that should be eliminated, accounts that should be settled, and those that should..." He paused, stroking his thumb over the white jade ring again, his tone still flat. "Those who should remain silent forever, let them remain silent forever. As the Censor-in-Chief, it is your duty to urge the local officials to find out the truth as soon as possible and bring the main culprit, Shen Ziqing, to justice. It must be quick, accurate, and most importantly... impeccable."

"Yes! I will do my best!" Wang Yun responded quickly, but his heart was heavy. He knew what "eternal silence" meant: it would require more blood to cover the blood already shed.

"As for Gu Linzhi..." Xie Yong's gaze returned to the bright lights outside the window, and a faint, cold arc seemed to curl up at the corner of his lips. "If he likes to investigate, let him investigate. The more vigorous the investigation, the better. The waters of Shengjing City should be stirred up. However, those who stir the waters should also be careful not to be drowned by the waves they stir up."

He spoke the last few words very softly, with a kind of indifference that came from a person who knew the world well and a subtle hint of sinisterness. Wang Yun felt a chill run from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.

At that moment, there was a gentle knock on the closed door of the private room. A middle-aged man with an ordinary face, dressed in the clothes of a steward of the Xie Mansion, quietly pushed the door open, walked quickly to Xie Yong's side, leaned over and whispered a few words in his ear.

Xie Yong's fingering of the jade ring paused for a barely perceptible moment. Finally, a tiny flicker crossed his calm eyes, like a pebble dropped into a deep pool. Then, he nodded slightly, and the steward quietly withdrew.

Wang Yun looked at Xie Yong nervously.

"Chen Ziqing's men are outside the city." Xie Yong's voice was still calm, and no emotion could be heard.

Wang Yun's heart suddenly rose to his throat.

Xie Yong picked up the slightly cold teacup, took another sip, and then slowly said: "Tell the people below to act according to the plan. The people who 'receive' must be 'safe'." He deliberately added an almost imperceptible emphasis to the words "receive" and "safe".

Wang Yun's heart trembled, and he instantly understood the cold murderous intent behind the word "safe"! The secret box brought by Shen Qi must not fall into Gu Linzhi's hands! And Shen Qi himself... must also "safely" disappear! Take all his secrets with him, completely and forever disappear!

"Yes! I'll arrange it right away!" Wang Yun stood up and bowed, his movements showing a barely perceptible hint of panic.

Xie Yong was once again alone in the private room. He continued to recline in his armchair, gazing deeply out the window at the myriad lights of Shengjing City. The radiant light reflected in his clear yet bottomless eyes seemed to conceal no trace of warmth, only a cold, calculating gaze.

He slowly turned the white jade ring on his finger. The warm touch of the jade now felt like a piece of ice.

Gu Linzhi... You want to use the water of Jiangnan to put out the fire in the north fourteen years ago? You want to use Shen Ziqing, this mad dog, to bite the prey hidden deeper?

The faint curve at the corner of Xie Yong's lips was completely hidden in the dim light.

Let’s see, in this game of chess, whose sword is faster, and whose net is... denser.

In the east of Shengjing City, in a relatively quiet neighborhood. It was already dark, and most homes had long since turned off their lights and gone to bed, with only a few houses still emitting a faint glow of light. Deep in a narrow alley, a small, unassuming courtyard with a somewhat shabby door panel was one of Shen Qi's secret bases in Shengjing. The caravan had long since dispersed, leaving only two of his most trusted guards behind.

The blue cloth carriage stopped silently outside the courtyard's back door. Like a frightened mouse, Shen Qi warily scanned the silent alley several times, confirming that nothing was amiss. Then, nimbly, he jumped out of the carriage and quickly slipped through the half-open back door. Two guards followed closely behind, quickly closing the door.

The courtyard was small, consisting of two low-rise tiled houses and an abandoned stone well in the center. The air was filled with a damp, musty, and dusty smell.

Shen Qi leaned against the cold door, panting heavily. The tension and bumps along the way had left him exhausted, but the cold, heavy secret box on his thigh was like a fire, burning his nerves and making him dare not relax even a little. He had to contact the people in the Xie Mansion as soon as possible! He didn't want to stay in this damn place for a moment longer!

"You two, take turns to keep watch! Keep your eyes open! Don't let even a fly in!" Shen Qi lowered his voice and growled at the two guards, his voice hoarse and dry.

The two guards responded in a deep voice, each holding their swords, and disappeared into the shadows of the courtyard.

Shen Qi dragged his legs, which felt like they were filled with lead, towards a room with a dim oil lamp. He needed water and a moment's respite.

Just as his fingers were about to touch the dilapidated wooden door—

"call out!"

An extremely slight, yet sharp enough to pierce the eardrums, piercing the air with a whistling sound suddenly came from above the dark courtyard wall without any warning!

That wasn't the sound of an arrow! It was too fast, too urgent, with a deathly trembling sound of metal rubbing against the air!

Shen Qi's hair instantly stood on end! A cold breath of death, like the tongue of a venomous snake, instantly licked the back of his neck! He had no time to think. Driven by extreme fear, his body erupted with its last instinct and suddenly fell to the side!

“Puff!”

A dull, teeth-grinding sound of a sharp weapon entering flesh was heard from where he had just stood!

Shen Qi fell heavily to the ground, his cheek scraping against the cold, rough ground, causing a burning pain. He turned his head in horror and looked—

A guard behind him stumbled forward, his body slamming like an invisible hammer. He opened his mouth wide, as if to sound the alarm, but only a "ho ho" sound escaped his throat. A strange, jet-black, three-inch-long, spindle-shaped crossbow arrow, with a tiny barb at the end, lodged squarely in his back! The arrow had almost completely penetrated, leaving only a hint of jet-black feathers.

The guard's eyes were filled with incredible horror and pain. His body swayed, and like a severed log, he fell straight forward, hitting the ground with a thud, sending up a cloud of dust. Blood quickly spread from beneath him, appearing a thick, dark color in the dim light.

"Yes..." Another guard's exclamation stopped abruptly before he could utter a single word!

“Swish! Whoosh!” came again, two sharp roars almost at the same time!

A similar black crossbow bolt pierced his throat with uncanny precision! Another pierced his wrist, where he was drawing his sword! The guard's body twitched violently, and the sword in his hand fell to the ground with a clang. He clutched his bleeding throat, his eyes wide open, staring intently at the courtyard wall. His body slowly slid against the wall, and he fell soundlessly.

In a flash, the two skilled guards were killed without even seeing the shadow of the enemy!

Fast! Too fast! Cruel! Too cruel!

Shen Qi's soul was shattered! He rolled and crawled towards the lighted room, hoping that the thin wooden door could provide him with a little protection! The secret box tied to his thigh was now as heavy as a thousand pounds, more like a talisman that was urging him to die!

"Help! Someone come!" He screamed, his voice distorted by extreme fear, and sounded particularly shrill and harsh in the dead silent courtyard.

Just as he was about to knock open the door——

"boom!"

A dull thud! It didn't come from the gate, but from above his head!

Tiles shattered, dust fell! A dark shadow, like a ghost, crashed directly through the flimsy roof, carrying broken wood and tiles with it, and fell from the sky! With the swiftness of a night owl pouncing on its prey, it landed on the fallen Shen Qi with incredible precision!

Shen Qi felt a gust of evil wind blowing down on his head, and the shadow of death instantly enveloped him completely! He looked up in despair, only to see a pair of eyes flashing with cold murderous intent in the darkness, and a short blade that silently, but with a deadly cold light, slashed towards his neck!

It’s over!

Shen Qi's mind was blank, with only this thought remaining. He could even feel the sting of the cold blade about to cut into his flesh!

At the critical moment!

“Sizzle!”

A white light, just as fast as lightning, but even more intense, suddenly shot in from outside the courtyard wall like thunder tearing through the night sky! The target was not Shen Qi, but the killer who fell from the sky and was about to succeed!

The white light was so fast that it arrived first! It hit the killer's short blade that was wiping towards Shen Qi's neck with incredible precision!

"bite--!"

A crisp and sharp sound of metal clashing rang out in the courtyard!

Sparks flying!

The fatal knife was unexpectedly deflected by several inches by this sudden white light! The cold blade grazed Shen Qi's neck, leaving behind a trail of blood and a few strands of broken hair!

The assassin, who had dropped from the sky, had clearly not anticipated this sudden change. His body paused in mid-air, letting out a low, frightened groan. His cold eyes instantly swept in the direction of the white light, his murderous intent surging!

Shen Qi managed to save his life, and he rolled and crawled away, collapsing in the corner, clutching his bleeding neck, and watching in horror the ever-changing life-and-death struggle.

A figure had silently appeared on the courtyard wall. He was also dressed in black, his face covered by a veil, revealing only a pair of hawk-like eyes. In his hand, he held a strangely shaped short crossbow, the shaft still trembling slightly from being fired. The life-saving, blazing white light had been the result of his specially crafted crossbow arrow!

"Ying Lin!" The name flashed through Shen Qi's mind. Just as a trace of ecstasy rose in his heart, he was immediately overwhelmed by a deeper fear! Gu Linzhi's people! They have been staring at him! They are not here to save him! They are here to steal the secret box!

"Catch him!" The "Shadow Scale" on the wall shouted in a cold and hard voice.

As he spoke, two more black shadows came in silently from the shadow of the courtyard wall like civet cats, with short blades in their hands flashing coldly, and rushed straight towards the killer who was blocked by the crossbow arrow!

In an instant, three figures engaged in a fierce battle! Blade flashes crisscrossed the dim courtyard, their speed blinding, while the clash of metal clashed like a torrential downpour! There were no shouts, only the shrieking of blades tearing through the air and the occasional dull thud of bodies colliding. Each encounter carried the ruthless promise of a fatal blow!

Shen Qi huddled in the corner, shaking like a leaf in the autumn wind. He stared at the ghostly battle unfolding before him, the blood-soaked corpses of the guards lying on the ground, the warm blood oozing from his own neck... A surge of fear and despair washed over him like an icy tide.

He's finished. No matter which side wins, he's dead!

At this moment, in the distant streets outside the courtyard, the unique orderly and heavy footsteps of the patrol soldiers were faintly heard, as well as faint shouts:

"There's movement up ahead!"

"Quick! Surround them!"

"Who dares to commit a crime in such an important place in the capital?"

The people from the Bingmasi were alarmed!

This thought was like the last straw, crushing Shen Qi's nerves on the verge of collapse. A flash of madness flashed in his eyes! He couldn't die here! The secret box must not fall into Gu Linzhi's hands! He gritted his teeth and took advantage of the moment when the three "Shadow Scale" killers were besieging the rooftop killer with all their strength. He used all his strength, hands and feet, to crawl towards the abandoned stone well!

The wellhead was dark, emitting a cold, damp air. Shen Qi climbed to the edge of the well and, without hesitation, fumbled with the sinew knot that bound the secret box to his thigh with trembling hands, trying to untie it and throw it into the well! This was his last chance! Even if it meant death, he would destroy this thing!

"Stop him!" The Shadow Scale leader on the wall shouted sternly! A besieged Shadow Scale killer immediately pulled away and pounced on Shen Qi at the well like a ghost!

But, after all, I was one step too slow!

With a mad and desperate grin on his face, Shen Qi finally tore the last knot from the rope! He grabbed the cold and heavy secret box and, using his last bit of strength, threw it fiercely into the bottomless well!

“Plop!”

A dull sound of falling into the water came from the bottom of the well.

At the same time, the blade of the "Shadow Scale" killer who rushed over, also carrying a cold breath of death, pierced Shen Qi's back!

Shen Qi's body suddenly stiffened, the grim smile on his face frozen. He lowered his head, staring at the blood-drenched knife tip protruding from his chest. The last glimmer in his eyes quickly dimmed, and his body slumped forward with a thud, his upper body landing on the cold edge of the well.

The courtyard suddenly became silent.

The three Shadow Scale assassins stopped and coldly looked at the rooftop assassin they were besieging. Seeing the situation was dire, the assassin, without hesitation, feinted and retreated like a giant bird. With a push of his toes against the courtyard wall, he vanished into the night in a few leaps and bounds, his movements astonishingly fast.

The Shadow Scale leader didn't order a pursuit. His cold gaze swept across the devastated courtyard: the bodies of the two guards, Shen Qi, sprawled dead on the edge of the well, and the deep stone well that had swallowed the crucial secret box.

In the distance, the footsteps and shouts of the soldiers from the Bingmasi were getting closer and closer, and the light from the torches had already dimly illuminated the alley entrance.

"Retreat!" The leader gave the order decisively in a cold voice.

The three black shadows disappeared quickly outside the courtyard wall as mysteriously as when they came, leaving behind only this land of death filled with a strong smell of blood.

A moment later, heavy footsteps and the sound of armor rubbing against each other were heard outside the courtyard gate.

"Bump it open!"

"Bang!" The dilapidated courtyard gate was violently knocked open.

A group of patrolling soldiers, armed with torches and weapons, rushed in. The dazzling firelight instantly illuminated the tragic scene in the courtyard: corpses lying on the ground, congealed blood, broken rubble, and the abandoned well that exuded an ominous aura.

The leading team gasped and turned pale.

"Report... Report it! A murder has occurred in Changlefang, East City!"

In the prime minister's residence, quietly observe the study.

The night was deep, and all was silent. The candlelight on the desk burned quietly, stretching Gu Linzhi's figure across the wall of books and volumes behind him, like a dormant giant beast.

Qing Feng stood silently in the shadows, like a frozen statue.

“Knock knock.”

There was a very light and regular knock on the door.

"Go in." Gu Linzhi's eyes were still fixed on the spread-out Jiangnan water conservancy map in his hand, without raising his head.

Mo Ya's figure seemed to blend into the dark mist, sliding silently into the study and kneeling on one knee in front of the desk.

"Master, Changlefang, the matter is done." Mo Ya's voice was still rigid and calm.

Gu Linzhi slowly raised his eyes, and his bottomless gaze fell on Mo Ya.

Mo Ya lowered his head and reported steadily, "Chen Qi and two of his guards were killed. One of the assassins sent by the Xie Mansion escaped with serious injuries and has not been captured. The secret box...was thrown into the abandoned well by Chen Qi before his death. The three members of 'Shadow Scale' have been withdrawn without any casualties. The military has arrived at the scene."

The study was completely silent. The candlelight flickered, casting a flickering shadow on Gu Linzhi's stern face.

Secret box...into the well?

Gu Linzhi's fingertips gently brushed the winding lines on the map representing the Jiangnan River system. A barely perceptible ripple finally spread across those cold eyes. It wasn't disappointment, but a nearly cruel realization and... a deeper calculation.

"Got it." Gu Linzhi's voice was calm, without any emotion. "Keep a close eye on that well. Also, find out the whereabouts of the killer who escaped."

"Yes." Mo Ya responded and retreated silently.

Silence returned to the study. Gu Linzhi slowly leaned back in his chair, fading into the deeper shadows. He closed his eyes, his fingertips silently tapping the cool rosewood armrests once again.

Knock…knock…knock…

Chen Qi is dead, and the secret box is sunk into the well. Xie Fu's reaction is swift, ruthless, and decisive, and they are determined to cut off the clues at all costs.

But this game has just begun.

What sinks to the bottom of the well may not be the end, but... the fuse of another storm.

The night in Shengjing City grew darker.