A night rain fell.

Even in a prosperous city like Nan’an, the spring rain brought unusual tranquility to the night. Few pedestrians remained on the long streets. Candles flickered in each household, and the aroma of meals wafted through every alley, creating a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere.

At Hu’an Temple’s Ming’an Tower, the highest point in all of Nan’an City.

A black figure stood atop the tower, surveying all of Nan’an City before leaning forward slightly with a grin. “It’s quite a nice city. No wonder he likes staying here.”

“If he likes it, then let him stay here forever,” a voice emerged from within Ming’an Tower as a tall, thin middle-aged man walked to the window to speak with the man on the tower.

“Accompany me on this final journey. After all, where we’re going isn’t simple—I’d feel rather uneasy going alone,” the man on the tower said with a smile.

The tall, thin middle-aged man nodded, watching the spring rain as he took a drag from his pipe. “Very well.”

“I’m going,” the man on the tower suddenly announced.

“Going where?” the tall man asked languidly.

“To my old profession, of course—to conduct a funeral.” The man on the tower leaped into the air.

At Ming’an Inn.

A group dressed as traveling merchants gathered around a hot pot. A burly man was using a gleaming golden knife to slice meat from a lamb leg, flicking each slice into the boiling pot while muttering, “This southern lamb has such a strange taste. It’s not satisfying. Boss, when can we return to Tianqi?”

“Soon. Our scouts have followed the trail here—this looks to be our journey’s end,” replied a man with a long beard.

“The world’s most secret place, the legendary Dark River that can only be found in the deepest night by the following moonlight—how could it be in this prosperous Nan’an City? I find it hard to believe,” the burly man responded.

“I didn’t believe it at first either. Perhaps its very prosperity makes it more concealing,” the bearded man replied.

Just then, a black-robed man who had been quietly drinking in the corner suddenly frowned as a black centipede crawled from his sleeve. He hurriedly shouted, “Be careful!”

All nine merchants at the table instantly drew their short knives and spun around, glaring vigilantly ahead.

Their reaction speed and movements were swift and coordinated, like a well-trained military unit.

A dagger whirled through the room, extinguishing all the candles in moments. The room plunged into darkness.

“Five Poisons Sect’s Shadow-Tracking Centipede—not bad. The creature detected me before you did,” a somewhat amused voice rang out.

The black-robed man froze. He turned slightly to see a black-clad man wearing a silver mask sitting beside him. The masked man picked up an unused pair of chopsticks, stirred the hot pot, retrieved a piece of lamb, and began eating with relish. “It’s not that bad, though the lamb in Tianqi City is indeed more delicious. Coming to Nan’an City, one should eat the river delicacies—the seafood here is truly exceptional.”

“Kill him!” the bearded man commanded.

All nine men swung their knives at the masked man simultaneously. Though the room was dark, the man had revealed his position by speaking. Having executed countless missions together over the years, the nine moved with perfect coordination, their nine blades forming a deadly formation.

The man casually flicked his left hand, sending three daggers spinning around him in a circle, forcing everyone back three steps. He continued leisurely picking at the lamb, and after a few more bites, shook his head. “If you were to live until tomorrow, I’d certainly recommend you visit Fu Shou Tower. Unfortunately, you’ll be dead tomorrow.” He set down his chopsticks and stood, looking at the bearded man. “The Flying Tiger General’s Twenty-Six Riders. Nine of you came at once—it seems General Dian still holds quite a grudge against us from Si Huai City.”

The bearded man spoke gravely: “Who exactly are you?”

“You came looking for us, actually found us, yet don’t seem too pleased?” The man touched his silver mask. “I am, of course, from Dark River. Dark River’s Funeral Director.”

“Dark River’s Master Su Changhe!” the bearded man exclaimed. “We didn’t come here to kill you.”

“Well, that’s not my concern,” Su Changhe smiled, silver light flashing in his hand.

At White Crane Medicine Manor, Su Muyu had cooked a pot of porridge, Xiao Chaoyan had borrowed some pickled vegetables from Sister Wang next door, and Bai Hehuan had even made the rare effort to fry an egg. Su Zhe had gone off somewhere, leaving just the three of them gathering around to enjoy the steaming porridge. These simple dishes required little skill, but the three ate contentedly.

Xiao Chaoyan sighed while eating: “Sister Wang’s pickled vegetables are truly delicious. Back at the estate, people would pickle vegetables every winter, but none could compare to Sister Wang’s.”

Su Muyu asked curiously, “How are these pickled vegetables made?”

“These pickled vegetables…” Xiao Chaoyan thought for a moment. “I don’t know! They’re different from ours.”

“I know, I know!” Bai Hehuan raised her hand. “First, you buy the greens, wash them clean, and dry them in the courtyard for three days. Then you prepare a large vat, put in a batch of greens, add salt, and step on them to release some juice. Then add another batch and repeat several times until the vat is full. Then you press it down with stones and wooden boards, place it in a cool, ventilated spot for ten to fifteen days, and it’s ready to eat.”

Xiao Chaoyan froze. “Step on them?”

Bai Hehuan nodded. “They say the vegetables taste best when stepped on with sweaty feet.”

Xiao Chaoyan blinked. “…”

Su Muyu also froze. Bai Hehuan realized and put down her chopsticks: “That’s just what Sister Wang told me…”

Just then, the door suddenly opened, and Su Changhe walked in wearing a raincoat. “Everyone’s eating? My timing is perfect then.”

Xiao Chaoyan sniffed. “I smell roast duck.”

“How impressive. Roast duck, duck oil pastries, osmanthus cakes.” Su Changhe pulled out several oil paper packages from his raincoat. “Three-coin preserved fruits, crab roe buns… Come, come, eat while they’re hot.”

Su Muyu also sniffed but detected a different scent.

The two exchanged glances, and Su Changhe smiled. “It’s nothing.”