> "The waters in your manor are deeper than the sinkhole south of the city."
— Lin Zhou
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[1] A Late-Night Visit
Night fell heavy, and the small courtyard of the Spirit Herb Workshop glowed faintly with lamplight.
Lin Zhou was just about to soak his feet and head to bed when the gate was gently knocked on.
"Young master."
Outside stood the Xiling Heir.
Lin Zhou yanked his foot back in shock. "How did you get past the four layers of defenses around my place?"
The heir smiled with cultured grace. "I'm only here to discuss a deal—didn't want to alarm the Crown Prince or the others."
But in the next instant—
Thud! The courtyard wall shook as Crown Prince Chiyan vaulted over, his face dark as a storm. "Do you think I don't exist?"
From the other side, Honglei appeared like a shadow behind the heir, a thin blood-red thread in her hand lightly looping around his neck.
The Dragon Clan Saint Son descended from the sky, two young dragons landing at the gate, blocking the heir in completely.
Li Xinglan slapped a "Guest-Repelling Talisman" straight onto the heir's forehead.
The heir's smile froze. "…Seems tonight isn't suitable for business."
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[2] First Wave of the Underflow
Even so, the heir pressed on. "My father wishes to see Young Master Lin Zhou… because someone has offered a million taels… for his life."
Lin Zhou's foot slipped. "What? I'm worth that much?!"
Crown Prince Chiyan's voice was ice. "Who paid?"
The heir shook his head. "I don't know. The messenger wore a mask, only left one sentence—'Meet at Qingqiu Terrace.'"
A cold gleam flashed in Honglei's eyes. "Qingqiu Terrace… That's the assassins' market."
The Dragon Clan Saint Son snapped his fan shut. "So it's not just a banquet—it's a test and a trap."
Li Xinglan flipped open her notebook. "Add a line under 'Potential Attack Points'—Qingqiu Terrace."
Lin Zhou panicked. "Can't I just cancel this bounty?"
Crown Prince Chiyan replied flatly, "Sure—just kill the one who placed it."
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[3] The Next Day at the Xiling Royal Manor
The following day, Lin Zhou went again to the Xiling Royal Manor, accompanied by the entire squad.
This time, hundreds of armored soldiers stood at the gates, long halberds gleaming coldly.
Crown Prince Chiyan flicked his hand, and the Imperial Guards lined up in perfect formation to assert dominance.
Honglei quietly ordered her Bloodshadow Guard to infiltrate the manor.
The Dragon Clan Saint Son had his young dragons circling overhead on patrol.
Li Xinglan clutched a thick stack of talismans, her gaze suggesting she could burn the entire manor down at any moment.
At last, the Xiling King appeared—a stern-faced old man with snow-white hair and beard.
He stared at Lin Zhou for a long time before suddenly smiling. "So it is you."
Lin Zhou felt a bad chill. So it is me… What's that supposed to mean?
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[4] Second Wave of the Underflow
Three rounds of wine later, the Xiling King suddenly slapped the table and laughed. "Young Master Lin Zhou, do you know… that ten years ago in the Imperial Capital, there was someone known as the 'Undying Guest'?"
Crown Prince Chiyan's eyes turned cold, his hand falling to his sword hilt.
Blood threads began to creep from Honglei's fingertips.
The Dragon Clan Saint Son's gaze sharpened like a blade.
The talismans in Li Xinglan's hands began to glow faintly.
Lin Zhou raised a hand. "Sorry, ten years ago I was pulling up radishes."
The Xiling King smiled faintly. "Some say the blood of the Undying Guest can grant eternal life. Some suspect—that person is you."
Lin Zhou: "…I'm more inclined to think you've had too much to drink."
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[5] Foreshadowing Ignites
Just as the air grew taut as a drawn bow, a guard burst in. "Bad news! Qingqiu Terrace has mobilized—the top three killers on the Black List are all heading for the manor!"
Crown Prince Chiyan sneered on the spot. "Perfect. I haven't warmed up yet."
Honglei's lips curved. "Let's see whose blood spills first."
The Dragon Clan Saint Son folded his fan. "Anyone who touches him won't even get to keep their bones."
Li Xinglan said coolly, "I brought enough talismans to burn down ten manors."
Lin Zhou covered his face. "Am I going to have to go berserk today?"