Blood Bonds And Golden Ties

Chapter 3: The Mission

[Quan Mo Ran]

A high-ranking feudal official started on his way home late one night. He had been busy the whole day and had stayed late to finish reporting criminal cases. Having realized how late he would stay at the Ya Men, he ordered his right-hand man to return home without him.

The official walked down the frozen cobblestone road and whistled as he enjoyed the quietness of the night. Tonight, the moon was shining brightly with no signs of clouds. The snow glistened under the moonlight, making everything much brighter. By now, the streets were empty and void of life. The wind picked up as he passed dark, silent shops. The red lanterns that hung from the shops swayed back and forth unsteadily. The feudal official pulled his robe tighter around him as the bitter wind bit his face. He felt his neck hairs stand up, and he stiffened.

Someone was watching him.

Trying to act nonchalant, he kept walking. He glanced to the side and saw a shadow following him a couple paces back.

Pushing down his nervousness, he demanded, "Why are you following me?"

There was no answer.

The feudal official slowly turned around. He came face to face with a cold, black mask shaped like cat eyes. Except for the man's menacing black eyes and his mouth, his facial features were entirely covered.

"W-who are you?" The official stuttered.

The man's lips cracked into a malicious smile. "I'm one of the innocent souls you killed! I've come for revenge!" With that, the man stabbed the official in the stomach. Blood spurted on the walls.

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A shadow walked through the empty cobble streets of Bei Pan City, his black cape fluttering behind him. All was still except for the crunching of snow under his boots. The figure weaved around the city and made his way to the biggest pleasure house.

Two stories high with red columns on both sides supporting the porch, it had a big sign that read, 楼花莲 Lotus Tower. At the doorway, there were many women who waved him in and reached their hands toward him. He ignored all of them and pushed their hands away.

Inside the building, there were round tables where men sat and women entertained and served them. A group of women who had their faces covered and thin clothes hanging on their arms were dancing at the center of the room. Men came here to have fun and become drunk. On the surface, Lian Hua Lou appeared to be just an ordinary brothel, but that was just a cover for something more sinister: a black market.

The owner of the pleasure house came to greet him. The mysterious figure strode toward the counter while the owner trailed behind him. Once they had arrived, the man went behind the counter. "What can I do for you?"

The figure barely glanced at the owner as he pulled out a golden metal card with a black character '王'on it. The man's eyes flew open in surprise but he quickly recovered. "This way please." He lifted his arm in front of him to his left side so as to show the figure the way.

"Stay there," the figure ordered. "No need to walk me there. I know my way."

"As you wish," the owner bowed.

The figure strode down a dark hallway and entered a room that had a marble table and chairs made of deep colored wood. On the table was a green jade teapot and some small round cups on a tray. Behind the table sat a man who had an unkempt, long brown beard with different colored beads woven into it. His hair, likewise, was woven into many braids with beads in them and tied into one high ponytail at the back of his head. He wore a strip of animal fur from his right shoulder to his left thigh. The man was surrounded by a group dressed much like he was.