The north wind, carrying fine snow, scraped against the overhanging eaves of the Shen Estate like a sharp blade, piling up winding white streaks on the grey tiles. Shen Mingyue stood by the window, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the patterns on a bronze fragment. The icy touch that seeped into her skin felt as if it were reminding her of secrets untold. Since the family banquet, Lady Cao and her daughter had temporarily sheathed their claws, but the murderous intent surging in the shadows had only grown more intense. By night, dark figures would flicker past her window lattice; by day, the refreshments delivered to her rooms carried an faint, unfamiliar scent. She could clearly perceive that a pair of eyes was lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to push her into an abyss from which there was no return.
"Miss, the carriage is ready." Nanny Liu’s voice came from outside the door, laced with tension. Shen Mingyue draped a black cloak over her shoulders and tucked the bronze fragment into her bosom. Today, she was stepping into the swirling, treacherous currents of the martial world to strike a deal with the Tianji Pavilion. Before departing, she tidied her appearance in the bronze mirror, catching a glimpse of the resolve in her own eyes—a sharpness tempered by her rebirth in this second life.
The carriage wheels creaked over the icy cobblestone path, startling the cold crows beneath the eaves. At the end of Vermilion Bird Street, the three gilded characters for "Tingfeng Pavilion" gleamed coldly in the twilight, resembling a dormant, gargantuan beast. Shen Mingyue lifted her skirt slightly and stepped into the teahouse. A wave of cacophony from the first floor rushed out to meet her. The storyteller had reached the most exciting part, slamming his gavel with a thunderous crack. "My dear patrons! They say the leader of the Blood Fiend Alliance, the 'Blood Butcher,' can fight a hundred men single-handedly when bathed in gore, and the blood-red scimitar in his hand has tasted the blood of countless loyal souls..." Her footsteps faltered; the name made her heart skip a beat, but she quickly hurried up the carved wooden staircase to the second floor.
The private room on the second floor was filled with a lingering scent of sandalwood, mixed with a faint, elusive smell of blood. Pushing open the door, she saw a man in a moon-white robe reclining on a couch, toying with a white jade go piece. His features were full of languor—this was Su Yan, the master of the Tianji Pavilion. Dark gold Eight Trigrams were embroidered on his cuffs, appearing and disappearing with his movements. On the low table beside the couch, a bronze incense burner sent up wisps of smoke that eerily curled into the shape of blood droplets. Beside the burner sat an hourglass, its fine sand flowing steadily, as if measuring the duration of this very transaction.
"The eldest daughter of the Shen family honors this humble abode with her presence; it truly makes my humble dwelling shine." Su Yan raised his eyes, a half-smile curling his lips, though there was no warmth in his gaze. "I only wonder, Miss Shen—are you here to gather information, or to take someone’s life?" As he spoke, the white jade piece flipped nimbly between his fingers, clicking sharply, each sound like a strike against the heart.
Shen Mingyue sat down opposite him and placed half of a bronze fragment on the table. The cloud-and-thunder patterns on the edge of the fragment shimmered in the candlelight. "Master Su must know the origin of this item. I want the truth about Lady Cao marrying into the Shen Family twenty years ago, and the connection between the Imperial Secret Guards and the Shen Family." Her voice was steady, yet concealed a sharp edge, her gaze fixed on Su Yan’s reaction.
Su Yan raised an eyebrow. The white jade piece landed on the board with a sharp *clack*, making several black stones jump. "Miss Shen is quite direct. However, information like this cannot be bought with half a fragment." His eyes were playful yet carried a hidden, sharp intent. He reached out and stirred the ashes in the incense burner, revealing the symbol of the Blood Fiend Alliance carved beneath. "I hear Miss Shen is betrothed to that young master of the Jiang family. Just a few days ago, Young Master Jiang spent a fortune at Zuixian Tower. I wonder, Miss Shen, would you like to know what kind of secret he hides in his bosom?"
Shen Mingyue’s heart tightened, but she remained composed, her nails digging into her palms. "Master Su might as well speak plainly." Her voice was as cold as ice, yet it trembled imperceptibly at the mention of Jiang Yanbai’s name.
Su Yan chuckled and leaned forward, lowering his voice. His sleeve slid back, revealing a dark red tattoo on his forearm—the very image of the Blood Fiend Alliance’s blood-red scimitar. "Jiang Yanbai has been associating frequently with all sorts of unsavory characters lately, even making contact with the notorious Blood Fiend Alliance. Have you heard of them, Miss Shen?" He reached for a nearby teacup; the reflection of the blood-red scimitar shimmered on the surface of the tea. "This organization rose suddenly ten years ago, taking pleasure in slaughter and viewing human life as mere grass. Their leader, the 'Blood Butcher,' is ruthless. Every assassin under his command bears the mark of the blood-red scimitar. After completing a task, they leave behind a single drop of blood at the scene. This blood dissolves in water, yet it leaves an indelible curse mark on the victim. Three months ago, the entire Liu family in Jiangnan was wiped out; only such a drop of blood was left at the scene, and the curse mark on the young Liu child’s body is still festering."
Shen Mingyue’s nails dug deep into her palms. In her past life, after she was cast into the Cold Palace, Jiang Yanbai married another. Back then, she had only thought it a sign of a fickle world, but now, every detail felt chillingly ominous. "How can Master Su be certain this information is true?" she asked coldly, her eyes fixed on the tattoo on Su Yan’s arm.
Su Yan leaned back on the couch, indifferent. "The information of the Tianji Pavilion is always accurate." He took a yellowed piece of parchment from his sleeve, which depicted the operational map of the Blood Fiend Alliance, with Jiang Yanbai’s portrait marked in a red circle. "But if Miss Shen wishes to know more, I fear there will be a price to pay." He paused, his gaze scanning her. "I hear the Shen Estate hides the long-lost 'Xuanjia Military Manual.' If Miss Shen could borrow it for me to peruse..."
"Impossible." Shen Mingyue rejected him flatly. "The 'Xuanjia Military Manual' concerns the safety of the Shen Family. I would never use it as a bargaining chip. If Master Su has any sincerity, name another condition." Her voice was iron-clad. At the same time, she silently committed the information on the parchment to memory, noticing that the Yuelai Inn in the East City was marked with a special symbol.
Su Yan shrugged, as if he had expected her reaction, and took out a blood-red token engraved with a ferocious scimitar. "Miss Shen is indeed cautious. Very well. Given that we may have future opportunities to collaborate, I will reveal a bit more. Three days ago, Jiang Yanbai held a secret meeting at a derelict house in the West City with 'Blood Blade,' the left deputy of the Blood Fiend Alliance. Someone witnessed them exchanging a dark red brocade box. The ornament on that box matches this token exactly. Do you know what was inside? It was 'Blood Soul Powder,' a poison that causes instantaneous death without leaving a trace of the cause. Once it takes effect, the victim dies with blood pouring from their seven orifices, appearing as if they have gone mad."
Just as Shen Mingyue was about to press for more, a commotion broke out downstairs. "Get out of the way!" A rugged male voice rang out, followed by the sound of tables and chairs toppling. "Today I’m going to see what kind of disgraceful business is being hidden in this Tingfeng Pavilion!" Her expression shifted slightly, but Su Yan remained calm, gently ringing a small bronze bell at his side. The sound carried a peculiar rhythm, like a secret signal. Moments later, several men in black appeared at the door; their scimitars gleamed with a cold light, and the red cloth wrapped around the hilts was still dripping fresh blood as they blocked the intruders.
"My apologies for the fright, Miss Shen," Su Yan laughed. "Just some blind ruffians, nothing to worry about. But I’m afraid our conversation must end here for today. If Miss Shen has more questions, simply come back another time." As he spoke, his eyes swept over the bronze fragment in her arms with a meaningful glint.
Shen Mingyue rose, her heart filled with suspicion and unease. The moment she stepped out of the teahouse, she sensed she was being followed. Ducking into a secluded alley, she whirled around to see a dark figure leaping from the wall. "Miss Shen is quite vigilant." A familiar voice spoke; it was Jiang Yanbai. He wore a dark ink-colored robe, his jade pendant gleaming coldly in the night. A gentle smile hung on his face, but Shen Mingyue found it blindingly repulsive. She also noticed dark red stains on his collar—clearly dried blood.
"Young Master Jiang is following me, and for what purpose? Could it be that you are also interested in the intelligence of the Tianji Pavilion?" Shen Mingyue gripped the small blade hidden in her sleeve, asking coldly while staring at the stains on his collar.
Jiang Yanbai stepped closer, the smell of blood on him growing stronger. "Miss Shen jests." He reached out as if to take her hand, but she stepped aside to avoid him. "I was merely passing by and saw you alone; I was worried for your safety. After all, the martial world is not peaceful lately. The Blood Fiend Alliance is active everywhere, and even some great clans have been implicated. I heard the Li family received a warning letter from the Alliance the day before yesterday, marked with a blood-drawn scimitar. It terrified the master of the house so much that he sent his family away that very night."
"Many thanks for your concern, Young Master Jiang, but I can handle my own affairs." Shen Mingyue took a step back. "But as for you, Young Master Jiang, you have been associating quite frequently with unsavory characters lately. I wonder what exactly you are busy with?" Her gaze, sharp as a knife, pierced straight through Jiang Yanbai.
Jiang Yanbai’s expression flickered, then vanished in an instant. "Miss Shen, do not believe rumors. I am merely managing my business and making friends. But you, Miss Shen—you caused such a stir at the family banquet, have you discovered anything yet? I heard the third branch has been acting quite abnormally lately; perhaps you could find some clues there." As he spoke, he pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve; embroidered on it was a stylized version of the Blood Fiend Alliance’s scimitar.
Shen Mingyue stared into his eyes, trying to detect a flaw in his expression. "Some truths will always come to light. Just as some people’s true faces will eventually be exposed in the bright light of day. Does Young Master Jiang know of the 'Blood Soul Powder' of the Blood Fiend Alliance? That poison can make a person drop dead with no traceable cause. It sounds like a useful tool for silencing someone permanently."
Jiang Yanbai laughed aloud, though the sound did not reach his eyes. "Is Miss Shen suspecting me? We have known each other since childhood; surely you know my intentions toward you?" He suddenly leaned in, and Shen Mingyue could feel the warmth of his breath, carrying a metallic scent. "If you encounter any trouble, Miss Shen, just tell me, and I will certainly help you resolve it. For instance, if you want to investigate the third branch, I happen to know some people who can help you look into it."
Shen Mingyue suppressed the disgust rising within her and sidestepped him. "I appreciate your good intentions, Young Master Jiang, but there are some things I wish to resolve myself. It is getting late, and I must return." With that, she turned and left, her footsteps hurried. Jiang Yanbai stood still, watching her back. A cruel, vicious smile curled his lips, and a trace of murderous intent flashed in his eyes as he brought the handkerchief to his nose and took a deep, lingering sniff.
Back at the Shen Estate, Shen Mingyue headed straight for the study. Nanny Liu was already waiting there anxiously. "Miss, you’ve finally returned. There was movement from the third branch today; the mistress of the third branch secretly sent someone out with a letter. I had someone follow them, and they discovered the person went to the Yuelai Inn in the East City. Furthermore, I found this in the room of the cousin from the third branch." Nanny Liu said, pulling a crumpled ball of paper from her bosom. On it was drawn the same symbol that had been on the Tianji Pavilion’s parchment, along with a note in small script: *At the third quarter of the Xu hour, Blood Blade arrives.*
Shen Mingyue frowned and recounted her encounter at the Tianji Pavilion. Nanny Liu’s expression changed drastically. "The Blood Fiend Alliance? I once heard the Master mention it. It is an extremely dangerous organization. They say they are backed by a mysterious power and have intricate ties to the imperial court. Miss, you must be careful! I also heard that people from the Alliance are skilled in the art of disguise; for all we know, they could be hiding right beside us." Nanny Liu retrieved a delicate dagger from the bottom of a chest and handed it to Shen Mingyue.
Shen Mingyue nodded, took up paper and brush, and recorded the information she had gathered. Jiang Yanbai’s connection to the Blood Fiend Alliance, the anomalies of the third branch, and the Imperial Secret Guards behind Lady Cao—these threads were like a tangled mess, yet they pointed in the same direction. She stared at the words "Yuelai Inn" on the paper, recalling the mark on the parchment, and a plan formed in her mind. "Nanny Liu, go and find out tomorrow who Jiang Yanbai has been in contact with recently, especially those who have been to the Yuelai Inn in the East City. Also, keep a close watch on the movements of Lady Cao and her daughter. The coming-of-age ceremony is approaching, and I fear they will act then. Furthermore, check if any new faces have appeared in the city, especially those wearing blood-red scimitar accessories."
The night deepened. Shen Mingyue looked at the bright moon outside the window, her mind filled with chaotic thoughts. Scenes from her past life flashed through her mind; the pain of being deceived and betrayed had now transformed into the driving force for revenge. She clenched her fists, silently swearing that whether it was the Blood Fiend Alliance, Lady Cao and her daughter, or Jiang Yanbai, she would expose their conspiracies and make them pay for everything they had done. And all of this was only the beginning. In this clash of martial and aristocratic factions, filled with conspiracy and danger, she had to act with the utmost caution to emerge victorious, avenge her mother, and guard the glory of the Shen Family. She stroked the bronze fragment in her arms and suddenly discovered that there appeared to be tiny, carved characters on the back. Bringing it close to the candlelight, she saw it was a sequence of numbers and the words "Yuelai Inn." This might be the key to unlocking all the mysteries. Just as she pondered the meaning of these numbers, a strange, piercing shriek of an owl came from outside the window, as if it were a harbinger of a greater crisis soon to descend.