Leng family estate.
Study room.
A man in orange-and-yellow robes stood quietly behind Leng Qingqiu. His long hair was tied neatly, and a strip of cloth covered his eyes. His posture was respectful, voice steady.
"Master, after days of investigation, we've confirmed five organizations in Jianghai City connected to the incident back then."
"They are: Dragon King Palace, Death God, Hades Palace, Peach Blossom Society, and Xuanwu Sect."
Leng Qingqiu listened without interrupting.
"The Dragon King Palace is currently hiding in Jianghai City. Their young master is active in the open."
"The sole member of the Death God was eliminated by Mei Xue not long ago."
"Peach Blossom Society and Xuanwu Sect have declined over the years. Most members are dead. Only a few insignificant remnants remain, hiding and allegedly searching for a successor."
He paused, tone turning serious.
"The only force that truly requires caution is Hades Palace. After years of operating in Jianghai City, they've developed a solid foundation."
"They have people embedded not only in the ancient martial arts world, but also in the underworld and legitimate industries."
As the report continued, a cold killing intent slowly gathered in Leng Qingqiu's eyes.
Five forces.
All hiding in one Jianghai City.
If she hadn't steadily expanded her power over the years, she might never have realized how close the enemies truly were.
After a moment, she spoke calmly.
"Junzilan. You've done well."
The blindfolded man—Junzilan—froze for a second.
Then his face lit up instantly.
He snapped open his folding fan to hide the corners of his mouth, voice full of uncontrollable excitement.
"Ahem—serving the master is Junzilan's honor! Sharing your burdens is my duty!"
He swayed slightly, clearly overjoyed.
Leng Qingqiu ignored his theatrics and continued thinking.
Mei Xue had already gone to test the Dragon King Palace's young master.
If the opponent was weak—kill him first.
If strong—delay, hunt down the remnants of Peach Blossom Society and Xuanwu Sect, and clean them up one by one.
Just as she was about to speak—
Her expression changed sharply.
She sensed something.
"Leave," Leng Qingqiu said coldly.
Junzilan blinked. "Leave?"
He still had many heartfelt compliments prepared. Poems, even.
Leng Qingqiu's gaze turned icy.
"Get. Out."
Junzilan's face turned pale instantly.
"Yes!"
Bang—
His body dissolved into a swarm of butterflies, disappearing out the window.
Only seconds later—
"Xiao~ Qingqing~~"
Leng Qingqiu's temple twitched.
Click.
The door opened.
"Xiao Qingqing~! (づ￣3￣)づ╭～ I'm here!"
Gu Yan strolled in cheerfully.
Leng Qingqiu stood by the window. The moment Gu Yan rushed forward, clearly planning a hug from behind—
She stepped aside effortlessly.
Gu Yan hugged empty air.
"…Ah."
Unbothered, he straightened up and smiled brightly.
"Qingqiu, what were you doing? Hmm—haven't seen you in a while. You're even more beautiful."
This bastard…
Leng Qingqiu tried to maintain her usual composure—the calm authority of the Night King.
But the moment she heard his voice—
Crack.
It shattered.
She raised her chin and snorted.
"I don't need your commentary. And stop calling me Xiao Qingqing."
If her subordinates ever heard that nickname…
Her reputation would be finished.
Gu Yan only smiled wider.
Leng Qingqiu frowned, then suddenly remembered something.
Her expression cooled.
"So. How was your visit this morning?"
"Your friend's mother—still okay?"
"Ling'er wanted her brother-in-law to take her to McDonald's. Your butler went instead."
Gu Yan coughed awkwardly.
He had no excuse.
He naturally reached out and took Leng Qingqiu's hand, leading her back toward the desk.
[Touched pure love target. Score +1]
"Qingqiu, believe me. There's nothing between me and my friend."
"I'm just… soft-hearted."
"I can't watch people suffer."
Leng Qingqiu pulled her hand away, turning her head.
"I didn't say there was anything between you."
"Why rush to explain?"
"And there are countless people suffering in this world. Why don't I see you helping everyone?"
She didn't know why those words slipped out.
She also didn't know why the thought of Gu Yan visiting Wang Yulan bothered her.
This wasn't jealousy.
It must be… possession.
Yes.
She simply didn't want her servant serving someone else.
Gu Yan noticed her breathing—steady, controlled.
She wasn't angry.
So he relaxed.
He took her hand again, voice gentle.
"She was hospitalized this morning. Could I really ignore that?"
"I helped her with the procedures and paid the medical fees."
"That's all I could do."
Leng Qingqiu felt inexplicably relieved.
But her expression stayed indifferent.
"Oh? I thought Miss Wang would propose to you on the spot."
"What? Qingqiu, don't say that. Even if every woman in the world threw herself at me—"
"You've imagined that scenario?"
"…It's a metaphor."
"Heh."
"Please believe me, Qingqiu."