A dark morning settled over Kunlun City, and heavy snow drifted across the quiet streets. The city had not recovered from Cardinal Wan Fa’s death, and even the usual market districts remained subdued beneath the gray sky.Guo Jiang sat inside the old carriage while Uncle Lu Mu guided the horses toward the Silver Dragon Gate. Several Feilong Order disciples followed on both sides, their white-gray robes moving softly in the wind as they escorted him out of the city.The carriage slowed near the gate. Guo Jiang lifted the curtain and said, “Uncle Lu Mu, stop here for a moment.”Uncle Lu Mu pulled the reins without asking questions. Guo Jiang stepped down and walked through the falling snow toward Mahya, who stood beneath the Silver Dragon Gate with several senior disciples behind her.Her position had changed greatly in only a few days. She was no longer merely the Holy Maiden of the Feilong Order, but the person expected to lead it after Wan Fa’s death.The disciples around her kept a

Guo Jiang and Ryu crossed into the far western region of Yin Continent after days of flight. The land below changed slowly, replacing snow-covered forests with dry grasslands, exposed rock, and wide stretches of sand. The region was known as the Western Edge Kingdom. Many people believed it stood near the end of the known world, where dangerous currents of energy separated one continent from another. Ordinary humans could not cross those boundaries. The oceans were already vast enough to kill unprepared travelers, while the unstable energy beyond them could tear apart ships, magical beasts, and weaker cultivators. Kaishi experts and those above them were different. Their bodies and cultivation allowed them to survive routes that ordinary people considered impossible, which explained how the Sages from Logun Continent had entered Yin Continent. Guo Jiang observed the terrain from Ryu’s back. The

Guo Jiang’s fingers remained against Ye Su’s throat. The shop owner had lowered his dagger, but fear still held his body rigid. “You have one chance to give me a reasonable explanation,” Guo Jiang said. “Do not waste it.” Ye Su nodded quickly. “Sir, you truly are new to Shanqi City, are you not?” Guo Jiang pressed slightly harder. A dark bruise formed beneath his fingertips, and Ye Su’s breath became strained. “I asked for an explanation, not another question.” “Yes, sir.” Ye Su forced the words out carefully. “Shanqi City is filled with assassins, bounty hunters, martial artists, and people hiding from enemies. No one trusts an unfamiliar face.” He explained that suspicious newcomers could be challenged by anyone. A shopkeeper might test a customer, a guild recruiter mi

The private-room door closed behind Guo Jiang and Mei Gui, shutting out the music and laughter from the lower floors. The chamber was spacious and warm. Yellow chrysanthemums rested inside painted ceramic vases near the walls. Lavender incense drifted from a bronze burner, while soft lamps and a fireplace gave the room a calm, luxurious glow. A bed covered in pink fabric stood behind a carved screen. The furnishings created comfort and privacy. Mei Gui took one slow breath and recovered the professional composure she had nearly lost after failing to measure Guo Jiang’s cultivation. She reminded herself that fear would only make her movements clumsy. The women of Yellow Chrysanthemum Pavilion were trained in more than pleasing conversation. They learned music, singing, dancing, seduction, and the art of making a guest feel powerful enough to become careless. Mei Gui began wi