Chapter 1: A Restless Night

When the bird of night drew down the curtain of darkness, the imperial city of Lan was shrouded in blackness, the color of night the only shade left in the world. All was silent; not a sound could be heard.

Suddenly, a delicate shadow darted from the Luo residence, never once looking back, vanishing into the depths of the night. Moments later, a tall, slender silhouette slipped from the same gate, pursuing the smaller figure ahead.

Two shadows, one large, one small, sped through the night, swift as the wind and gone in an instant. No matter how quickly or how far the smaller shadow flew, the one behind always kept pace, never hurrying nor falling behind. With an easy, unhurried stride, as though strolling through a garden, the pursuer betrayed not the slightest hint of effort—revealing a strength beyond the ordinary.

Soon, the smaller shadow halted before a grand building. Upon its massive signboard, three gilded characters danced in majestic calligraphy: Supreme Pavilion.

In the moonlight, it was clear the figure was a girl of thirteen or fourteen. Though not yet fully grown, her slender frame in purple attire was graceful and exquisite; her eyes were as clear as water, her features as elegant as a painted beauty—a rare and lovely sight.

She glanced around, seeing no one in pursuit, but a flash of clever cunning gleamed in her eyes. In a blink, she slipped inside Supreme Pavilion.

Shortly after, the second shadow paused before the same building—a man of striking beauty. Clad in a robe of moonlit silk, his presence was languid yet refined, his every movement as fluid as drifting clouds. Combined with his perfectly sculpted features, he was the very embodiment of grace and elegance—a gentleman like jade, a nobleman like an immortal.

A mischievous glint flickered in his star-bright eyes as he laughed softly, “Back to the Supreme Pavilion again, little lass? Don’t tell me this place belongs to your family?”

With that, he vanished in a flash, clearly slipping inside as well.

Supreme Pavilion was the greatest auction house and intelligence network in all of Lanxi Kingdom, famed for its impenetrable security. Not even a fly could enter uninvited—yet tonight, two figures had slipped in without so much as a sound.

The young girl rushed inside and made straight for the third floor without pause. The entire building was shrouded in darkness and silence, but as she approached the third floor, a light suddenly flickered to life in one of the rooms.

A gentle, affectionate voice, tinged with helplessness, drifted out to her, “Ah, Yao girl, you truly are fearless—coming to my Supreme Pavilion as if it were your own home!”

At these words, the girl’s lips curved into a mischievous smile. With a nimble leap, she vaulted past the door and entered through the window in a flash.

Inside, an elderly man with snowy hair and a childlike face sat at the table, a scroll in hand. Seeing her appear so unexpectedly, he sighed and pressed his hand to his forehead, lamenting, “Ah, if I had another chance, I would never let myself get drunk again!”

At that, the girl couldn’t help but laugh. She approached and seated herself across from him before declaring, “In this world, you can find anything except regret, Old Ning. No backing out now!”

This elder was none other than Ning Buhui, master of Supreme Pavilion.

Ning Buhui glared, his beard quivering with indignation. With a huff, he flung the scroll in his hands at the girl.