Invitation

Power… Yes, power—the intoxicating force that could make people lose their sense of right and wrong. Once captivated by it, reason slipped away, and people acted on their whims. That kind of obsession had led to the downfall of many. Sangguan Yun'er, too, seemed like someone who had become drunk on power. Given her life of commanding with a mere gesture, it wasn't surprising that she'd become like this. What was strange, however, was her rashness in trying to block Xin Long and his companion without knowing whether she could succeed.

She had no idea that Xin Long wasn't some ordinary martial artist, nor did she know he was a mercenary. All that worried her was the possibility of losing face in front of the townsfolk. That fear wasn't entirely unreasonable. Some of the townspeople had already heard her words, and there was no retreating from the situation now.

When Xin Long gave a faint smile in response to Sangguan Yun'er's interference, a calm yet commanding voice suddenly cut through the tension.

"I apologize on his behalf…" Wei Wei said smoothly, her tone both firm and soothing. "My little brother is still young, ignorant of the ways of the world… He doesn't yet know how to conduct himself around others... I only brought him along so he could gain some worldly experience..."

"He's never encountered such impressive ladies before, and I assure you, next time he meets someone like you, he won't behave so poorly... I'll make sure of that. In fact, on our travels, I'll tell him all about the majesty of the Golden Tiger Fortress… Please, forgive his rudeness and allow us to leave..."

With her hands clasped humbly, Wei Wei spoke as she turned her horse slightly, her expression a perfect mask of nervous sincerity. Her voice, gentle yet persuasive, seemed to disarm the tension. Everyone, including Xin Long, heard her words clearly.

Xin Long understood immediately—Wei Wei's words weren't without reason. She wouldn't say such things lightly. Realizing this, he reined in his rising anger. It was the first time in his life he'd had to swallow his fury, and it was no easy feat. He knew that anger clouded judgment, and though he had grown up in a place where controlling such emotions was no simple task, the echo of his father's teachings came back to him now, grounding him, and he let the moment pass.

"Anger and delusion weaken a person's ability to think clearly. So, suppress your anger as much as you can."

When he was young, he once wandered through the forest with his father, gathering wild herbs and fruits. At one point, he became separated from his father, and a wild bear charged at him with a fierce roar. In that terrifying moment, anger surged within him, and he fought back with the small axe he had in hand. But his strength was no match for the beast. He was just a child—small, inexperienced, and untrained in martial arts. The desperate struggle left him battered and bleeding before he finally collapsed, unconscious. What saved him was the timely arrival of his father, who, using a poisoned dart, managed to kill the bear.

He'd spent a month recovering from the wounds, and during that time, his father had spoken those very words to him: to suppress his anger, for anger clouds judgment.

Now, recalling those words, Xin Long took a deep breath and calmed his rising frustration.

He knew nothing of the Golden Tiger Fortress—neither its strength nor its influence. Knowing so little, he decided it was best to follow Wei Wei's lead for now. He had more important matters to attend to. Dying here, in ignorance, was not an option. Time was on his side. He would bide his time and find a way to make Sangguan Yun'er pay for her arrogance. That resolve steadied him, and when he spoke, his voice was calm and measured.

"I apologize as well, young lady. If my gaze was rude, please forgive me."

Hearing the young man's unexpected apology, Sangguan Yun'er felt a flash of satisfaction. This was what she wanted—acknowledgment, submission. Had he refused and a fight broken out, she wasn't entirely sure she could win. That uncertainty made the apology all the sweeter.

Feigning magnanimity, she turned to Mulan with a half-smile and said, "Uncle Mulan, invite these two to the Golden Tiger Fortress as guests. I'll overlook what happened—this time. But next time, if anyone dares speak of shedding skin, be sure to remind them that I keep my promises."

Using Mulan as a messenger was a deliberate move, a subtle insult. She wanted them to understand that they weren't worth speaking to directly. And with that, she turned her horse with a flourish, as if the matter had already been decided.

The curious townsfolk watching from a distance could feel her imposing presence. That was exactly what she wanted. The invitation wasn't really an invitation—it was a command, and they all knew it. But rather than deliver the message herself, she made Mulan do it, a gesture designed to reinforce their inferiority.

Xin Long let out a slow breath, his frustration hidden behind a calm exterior. Seeing this, Sangguan Yun'er couldn't help but smirk, turning her head slightly so he wouldn't catch the triumphant glint in her eyes. A northern breeze swept past, brushing her cheek, and for a moment, she closed her eyes to feel its chill.

Mulan, understanding his mistress's intentions all too well, glanced at Xin Long and Wei Wei, his expression unreadable. Then, with a neutral tone, he spoke.

"Well then, young lady and young man, you are invited to the Golden Tiger Fortress as honored guests."

Wei Wei, swallowing her anger, took note of Sangguan Yun'er's condescension. Though her expression remained sweet, a sharp glint flashed in her eyes. She smiled warmly, as though genuinely pleased, and bowed her head slightly.

Since the young lady of the Golden Tiger Fortress herself invites us, how could we possibly refuse? We humbly accept.

Her voice was honeyed, but in her heart, she simmered with quiet rage. She knew Xin Long felt the same, though he masked it well. Just as she suspected, he did—his stormy heart perfectly hidden beneath a composed smile.

Moments later, the two of them rode side by side, following the procession of horses that thundered ahead. Had Sangguan Yun'er glanced back just once, she might have noticed the fleeting glimmer of determination in their eyes—an unspoken promise that this insult would not be forgotten.

…

At the far eastern edge of Nan Hai City stood the grand and luxurious Golden Tiger Manor. Inside its lavish halls, a magnificently furnished chamber housed an imposing figure. He had deep-set eyes, sharp, piercing pupils, and a strong jawline. His slightly pale face bore a firm expression, while his large, muscular frame was draped in a woolen robe. His long, jet-black hair was neatly tied back, and in one hand, he held a cup of liquor. This man was none other than the master of Golden Tiger Manor, Sangguan Jin Hu.

Facing him were two men seated at a lavishly prepared dining table. One was an elderly man with a thin, lean frame, silver-white hair, and a well-groomed beard—his pale complexion earning him the moniker "Silver Face" Pu Chun. The other, known as "Twin Blades" Yiyue, had an unremarkable appearance, the kind that could blend into a crowd with ease.

As Sangguan Jin Hu idly swirled his drink, he suddenly spoke up.

"Tie Yi and Shen Li will be resting tonight... Once you're done eating, bring Gugu inside and go to the gambling house to keep watch… As for Gugu, send her to oversee Red Lotus Pavilion instead..."

At his words, both the older man and Yiyue gave a slight nod. Just then, a knock echoed at the chamber door.

Knock, knock.

"Master, the young miss has returned safely from the hunt without harm… She has also brought two guests along."

Hearing the attendant's words from outside, Sangguan Jin Hu smirked slightly. He glanced at his companions before standing up and stepping out of the chamber.

"Hah… That stubborn girl... I'm sure you two have already suffered at my daughter's hands… But she's my wild little tigress, so bear with her… Now, I'll be heading out… Finish your meal at your own pace and take care of the task I assigned you… Since we have guests, I need to be there to greet them…"

As he left, a familiar image surfaced in his mind—the spitting image of his late wife, reflected in his daughter's face. With that thought, he made his way toward the guest hall, where his daughter was likely waiting.

"Hahaha… What kind of prey did you bring back this time, my girl?"

As he entered the guest hall, he was met with the sight of his daughter standing there, as if she had been waiting for him. With a warm smile, he laughed and posed the question. He was aware of the guests but had yet to lay eyes on them, as they stood slightly to the side, facing away.

Meanwhile, Xin Long, who had been admiring the grandeur of Golden Tiger Manor, suddenly froze at the sound of laughter. That voice—it sent a shiver down his spine. It was a laugh he knew all too well. A laugh that had been etched into his memory. A laugh he had been searching for.

And now, that voice had come from the very man who had just called the young miss his daughter.

End - 10