Chapter 13: Layers of Mist

The sky was pitch black, as if someone had just spilled fresh ink across it. Here and there, a few stars gleamed—tiny bits of light left in the wake of a full, round moon gliding high above.

Above, a glowing full moon hung surrounded by scattered stars.

On the busiest street in White Deer Town, Gu Qingyi and his three companions strolled along, laughter ringing out as they enjoyed their shopping spree.

Gu Qingyi had, quite naturally, become the girls’ official pack mule, lugging their bags without complaint.

Sticking to his usual style, Gu Qingyi wore his signature blue robe.

Nangong Lin’s pink dress swayed as she walked, Liu Ruyan shimmered in soft mint green, and Wang Wan shone in pure white. The three women looked so radiant you’d think they’d just stepped down from the heavens.

These sparkling figures turned heads left and right, captivating everyone around them and bringing foot traffic to a standstill.

Trailing behind, Gu Qingyi lumbered along, arms full of bags both big and small.

Spotting a street stall selling sugar-coated hawthorn, Nangong Lin’s eyes lit up. She grabbed Liu Ruyan and Wang Wan by the hand and dashed off excitedly.

She bought four sticks in one go and bit straight into one.

“Wow, that’s so sweet!” She giggled, handing the rest out. “Here, try it, Ruyan, Wan!”

“Come on, Gu, open up. Let me feed you—ah!” Without waiting, she hustled over to Gu Qingyi.

Gu Qingyi did as told, opening his mouth. The moment he bit down, sweetness burst on his tongue, and the more he chewed, the better it tasted.

The flavor and texture put anything from his old 21st-century world to shame—no additives, just pure melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Eyes closed, Gu Qingyi savored the taste—until a voice snapped him back.

“How is it, Gu? Tasty?” Opening his eyes, he saw Nangong Lin watching hopefully.

After a moment’s thought he nodded. “It’s delicious. The look and the taste are both top-notch.”

“Great! Gu, let me feed you the rest—ah!” Nangong Lin grinned and proceeded to do exactly that.

“Alright, I’m off to find Ruyan and Wan!” A moment later, she’d polished off the hawthorn sticks and wandered off, lost in thought.

“Be careful. Take this—if anything happens, I’ll know right away.” Gu Qingyi glanced at her, his voice calm, and handed Nangong Lin an earring.

She stared for a second, thoughtful, then nodded and skipped away.

………………..

Soon, the three women, still laughing, wandered into a narrow alley, completely unaware of the danger waiting for them.

At a jewelry stall up ahead—

“Ruyan, what do you think of this hairpin? And this bracelet! Here—try them on!” Nangong Lin wasted no time dressing Liu Ruyan up.

Afterwards, Wang Wan and Nangong Lin both gasped. “Wow, Ruyan, you’re so pretty! If I were a man, I’d marry you on the spot!” She sighed. “Too bad I’m not.”

“Here, Wan, this necklace suits you.” Nangong Lin picked up a pair of earrings too.

She turned to the shopkeeper. “How much for everything? I want it all. Wrap it up!”

The shopkeeper could barely contain his excitement, rubbing his hands eagerly. “For three fairies, just three mid-grade spirit stones and one low-grade. But how about a friendly discount—three mid-grade will do.” He passed the wrapped jewelry to them. “Here you are, ladies.”

With a dramatic flourish, Nangong Lin plucked out a spirit stone from her ring and tossed it over. “Keep the change.”

As the shopkeeper caught the stone, his eyes nearly popped out. “A…high-grade spirit stone! Thank you, fairies—take care!”

【Spirit stone value: One supreme = five high-grade, one high-grade = five mid-grade, one mid-grade = five low-grade. Essential for shopping and cultivation.】

Nangong Lin dragged Liu Ruyan and Wang Wan along, urging, “Let’s hurry. If we’re not quick, Gu will get impatient.”

Not one of them noticed the dark figures crouched on both sides of the alley walls.

Their leader watched the time, raised a hand and gave his command: “Move!”

Instantly, the alley filled with rolling clouds of thick smoke. Shadows darted everywhere, the fog so dense you couldn’t see your own hand.

Trusting her instincts, Liu Ruyan shouted, “Run! Something’s wrong with this smoke!”

She only had time to shout before she collapsed on the ground.

“Ruyan, what’s wrong?” Nangong Lin and Wang Wan rushed to help but found themselves dizzy too.

“Gu…” Nangong Lin murmured softly before her eyes rolled back and she slumped over.

…………….

Before them now stood over twenty men dressed all in black.

“Boss, why don’t we just finish them off?” One made a throat-slitting gesture.

“Idiot! The Wang family wants them alive or they’re worth nothing—got it?” their leader barked. “Grab the three and clear out quick before anyone notices.”

Moments later, the alley looked as if nothing had ever happened.

Back where he’d been waiting, Gu Qingyi frowned. “It’s been ages—why aren’t they back yet?” Suddenly, the earring he’d given Nangong Lin turned red-hot against his skin. His heart sank. “Something’s wrong!”

Gu Qingyi’s anger flared. “Who dares?” Using the earring’s magical connection, he locked onto their position. In a blink, he vanished from sight and reappeared before the black-clad gang, sword on his back, arms folded.

“Damn, that was fast! He’s Sword King Realm!” The sight of him sent the whole group into a panic.

“Who are you? Don’t meddle in Black Cloud Pavilion’s business! Leave while you can—or else,” one of them warned, sizing him up.

“On a dark windy night like this, you picked the wrong place for murder. I doubt any of you are making it out of here tonight.” Gu Qingyi’s icy gaze swept over the lot of them.

Their leader strode forward, voice grim. “We’ve got no grudge with you—walk away before things get ugly…unless you’re holding a grudge against Black Cloud Pavilion?”

Gu Qingyi turned his head, calm but cold. “No grudge, but you went after the wrong people. Tonight you’ll all be leaving your bones here.”

“So, you won’t back down. I’ll admit you’re strong, but we’re all Sword Sea Realm cultivators. Even Wang Qiang, the Sword King, wouldn’t take us lightly. Even if you had the power, could you take us all?” The leader exchanged a murderous glance with his men. “Kill him!”

Under the moonlight, a dozen swords gleamed.

【Mighty Gale】【Sword Edge Strike】【Earthshaker Sword】【Rising Sun Slash】

Gu Qingyi arched a brow, watching the blades coming his way. “A few high-grade spirit swords… Exactly the materials I need for my cultivation. Sometimes fate truly works in your favor.” A flash of delight flickered in his eyes.

“Suppress!” In an instant, everyone in black was pinned helpless to the ground.

Panic set in. “We’re doomed—he’s far too strong! We’re done for!” One by one, they gave up fighting, shutting their eyes in despair.

“Who sent you? Speak, and I might spare your lives.” Gu Qingyi’s cold voice echoed inside their minds.

“We cannot betray our employer! Kill us if you have to, but we tell you nothing!” The leader bit down, refusing to give in.

“It was… the Wang family in White Deer Town! They offered three high-grade spirit stones to kidnap Liu Ruyan and her friends. We never imagined we’d run into you—that’s why we failed!” blurted another black-clad man.

“You traitor!” The leader coughed up blood in rage.

Others chimed in, “Boss, secrets are important, but we’re about to die here! Survival comes first, even if it does tarnish our reputation.”

Watching his brothers side with the betrayer, a look of resignation crossed the leader’s face. He nodded grimly. “Guess you know it all now. Do what you must—we have no complaints.”

Gu Qingyi thought to himself, “The Wang family… I remember hearing about them, but it doesn’t really matter. They’re all dead men now.”

“As for these black-clad guys—sometimes it helps to have a few people to do the dirty work.” He hesitated a moment. “Maybe I can use them to hunt for swords.”

“I won’t kill you—but from now on, you work for me. Stick with me and you’ll go further than you ever did before.” With a cold gaze, Gu Qingyi swept his hand, placing a binding spell on them. He looked to the leader. “What’s your name?”

The leader snapped to attention. “My name’s Chu Xingyun.”

“Good,” Gu Qingyi said with satisfaction. “Chu Xingyun, you and your crew work for me now. Call me Boss. Here’s a token—hold onto it. If I need you, I’ll be in touch.”

Five swords floated in front of Gu Qingyi. “Where did you get these? Are there any more?”

“Boss, we just picked them up by chance—this is all we have. No more where those came from,” they replied, shaking their heads.

“Alright, you’re dismissed for now. When I need you, I’ll call.” Gu Qingyi waved them away.

“Hold on.” He stopped them one last time. “From now on, Black Cloud Pavilion isn’t allowed to take the Wang family’s jobs. Do it again and this will be your last chance—got it?”

“Here—twenty high-grade spirit stones. Enough for your cultivation.” He casually tossed Chu Xingyun a storage ring.

………………….

Chu Xingyun looked as if he’d just made the biggest decision of his life. He and the others dropped to one knee. “Thank you, Boss! From this day on, we’ll go through fire and water for you—no regrets!”

“Alright, off you go.” Gu Qingyi waved a hand, unconcerned, and the black-clad men disappeared without a trace.

Gu Qingyi brought the three women back to the Liu family estate, laid them out on a big bed and gazed at their stunning figures, the flush on their cheeks, the careless way they slept.

“I swear—this is almost too much to handle.” Shutting his eyes, Gu Qingyi silently recited the phrase ‘see no evil,’ then quietly closed the door behind him.