Chapter Ten: Calamity Strikes

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“Brother, where did you get all this fine wine?”
Gong Chengling casually picked up one of the cups and brought it to his lips.
He took a light sip and said, “Hmm, Pear Blossom Drunk—truly lives up to its reputation.”
“Looks like Brother Ling knows quite a bit about wine. Do you recognize all the others here?”
Gong Chengzhan frowned, swirling the wine in his cup, then pointed at the remaining jars.
“That’s no challenge for me.”
His subordinates poured the wine cup by cup, and he tasted each one carefully.
“Grape Spring, Gardenia Bloom, Snowflake Mud, East Wind Brew, Pine Needle Fall, White Lang Wine...”
“Brother, am I right?”
Seeing his proud expression, Gong Chengzhan’s frown eased, and he laughed heartily, patting his shoulder.
“Not bad, not bad—Brother Ling is truly impressive!”
“However... you indulge in pleasures all day long, reveling in the pleasures of the city, wasting Father’s hopes in you. You should know, Father dotes on you the most.”
Wan Qi Yue, disguised as an ordinary patron, listened quietly from behind. Gong Chengzhan’s words carried a sharp edge.
It was clear the two brothers were not on good terms. But what topic could she use to engage Gong Chengling?
“I’m useless, neither skilled in literature nor martial arts, but I have studied wine deeply.”
“Father’s favoritism spoiled me. Unlike Brother, who is accomplished both in letters and martial skills. In the future, the responsibilities of the household must fall on Brother.”
This flawless reasoning pleased Gong Chengzhan greatly.
“Oh, my fine younger brother, Brother isn’t as capable as you say.”
He looked at his brother, who was eating and drinking heartily, then asked, “Ling, does Father know you often sneak out here?”
Gong Chengling’s expression tightened, and he slowly put down his chopsticks.
“Of course not. I sneak out secretly. Please, Brother, keep this from Father.”
“Enough, enough. You’re still young and should study hard. But you... sigh, I can’t say more. Take care of yourself.”
Gong Chengzhan waved off the matter and soon left, urging him to return home quickly.
Seeing Gong Chengling about to leave as well, Wan Qi Yue grew anxious and called out to the system repeatedly.
But the system stubbornly refused to respond, making her stomp in frustration.
If she missed today, who knew when she’d have another chance?
Determined, she had no choice.
With a backward somersault, she spread her arms and flicked her folding fan, landing stylishly to block Gong Chengling’s path.
“Young Master, please wait.”
Gong Chengling was startled.

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He glanced at the young man who had tried and barely managed to steady himself in front of him and asked, “Brother, what is this?”
“Ahem,” Wan Qi Yue cleared her throat and sized him up from head to toe.
“Young Master, please stay. I see your forehead darkened and your eyes dull, as if misfortune is looming.”
“Nonsense, what kind of charlatan is this, daring to fool our young master? Don’t they know who he is?”
A nearby guard quickly stepped forward to drive Wan Qi Yue away.
Gong Chengling held out his hand to block the guard. “No disrespect.”
“Sir, could you explain in detail?” He seemed genuinely interested.
Wan Qi Yue closed her eyes, casually performed some calculations, and said convincingly,
“I foresee you have a calamity today. Carry this bronze mirror pressed to your chest, and you will be safe.”
Gong Chengling showed no doubt and took the bronze mirror, tucking it over his heart.
He glanced at the guards behind him, who reluctantly handed Wan Qi Yue a silver ingot.
To their surprise, Wan Qi Yue waved the payment away.
“No need. I just feel we are destined to meet, so I told you.”
As dusk fell, Wan Qi Yue finished speaking and turned to leave but was called back.
“May I know your name, sir?”
“I am but a humble wanderer among the masses, nothing worth mentioning. If fate wills, we shall meet again. Farewell.”
She waved and vanished before Gong Chengling’s eyes.
[System: Main quest 1-3 “Meeting Gong Chengling” completed. Rewards: Scorpion Toxin Powder, 50 taels of silver. Main quest 1-4 “Trouble in the Front Hall” unlocked.]
[Scorpion Toxin Powder: Causes paralysis for two hours when poisoned.]
[System: Congratulations on obtaining the toxin powder. Applying it to a fan greatly enhances its power.]
Wan Qi Yue: “Ugh, why wouldn’t you come out earlier? Gong Chengling almost left.”
[System: Ahem, didn’t I say I’m not always available on call?]
“Luckily, I thought quickly and used the bronze mirror I bought just now as a ‘heart-protecting mirror’ to trick him.”
[System: How did you know someone would try to assassinate him? Truly a chosen one for this mission!]
“Huh? He really does face a blood calamity...”
“Then why didn’t you warn me sooner?”
[System: Oh, if I told you everything, how would you have an immersive experience? To make up for it, here’s a hint for a side quest. Visit Shopkeeper Liu at the West Street pharmacy.]
A flash of white appeared, revealing familiar parchment before her eyes.
[Side Quest Completed: Help Shopkeeper Liu resolve her troubles.]
[Reward: Three Azure Phoenix Blood Pills.]

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Wan Qi Yue: “Only three pills? You’d better explain.”
[System: No, no, no. You don’t understand. These tiny pills have great effects.]
No more idle talk.
Wan Qi Yue glanced at the darkening sky. She had been out long enough today; lingering further would not be wise.
She changed her makeup and returned to the mansion.
After a while, massive black clouds suddenly rolled in, fierce winds howling as people hurried about. The biting wind seemed to swallow everything whole.
A tea stall’s table, not yet cleared away, was swept up by the wind and hurtled toward Gong Chengling.
Sensing danger, a guard quickly stepped in front of him and cleaved the table in two with his sword.
But at that instant, an unexpected visitor appeared behind the shattered table.
The newcomer wore a mask, his eyes sharp and fierce, clad in a black robe with silver patterns, wielding a silver-white long sword.
“Gong Chengling, prepare to die.”
He raised his sword, pointing it directly at Gong Chengling, as if he would not relent without taking his life.
The blade was as thin as a cicada’s wing, gleaming coldly; even from a distance, it exuded a chilling menace.
The guards immediately went on high alert, drawing their swords and glaring at the intruder. “Who are you? Knowing our young master’s identity, you still dare come here...”
“Who cares who you are? I take money, I eliminate disasters.”
The man tapped his sword. “Remember this: I am Dong Changming, the fifth-ranked assassin of the Winter Feather.”
Hearing this, large beads of sweat rolled down the guards’ foreheads.
The “Winter Feather” was once a notorious assassin organization in the martial world.
Its five top enforcers were masters of formidable and diverse skills, unmatched by ordinary men.
However, after a fierce battle with the Red Sand Gang several years ago, the Winter Feather vanished without a trace. How did they suddenly appear in this bustling city?
“Who hired you? I’ll pay double.”
Gong Chengling maintained his gentlemanly demeanor and bargained with him.
“Hah, the most important rule in our line of work is to keep the buyer’s identity secret. I have principles. Your words insult me.”
He glanced at Gong Chengling, then at the two guards beside him, disdain etched on his face.
“You only brought two guards? Not enough for me to fight. Better off ending it yourself to save me the trouble.”
“Arrogant!”
No sooner had the word left his mouth than the two guards charged forward with swords raised.