As the sun set, Amir saw Gu Sanqiu off with a wide smile on his face outside Northland Bank.
That "welcoming the big spender" smile on the banker's face sent a chill down the spines of the spies who had been watching all day. Even without knowing what exactly had transpired inside, seeing the Snezhnayan being so deferential was enough to make them realize just how much of an impact it would have on their target.
"Heh." Gu Sanqiu flashed a sly smile as he waved at the familiar faces of the spies, then casually walked off in the opposite direction.
Later, inside Wanmin Restaurant, Master Mao stood with his arms crossed, watching Gu Sanqiu eat and drink his fill. After putting down his towel, he sat across from him.
"So, finally doing something serious today? You're coming by for dinner this late."
"Heh, something like that. Master Mao, you're truly the best chef on Chihu Rock—this Boiled Black-Back Bass is incredible."
"Haha, of course! Even the ingredients for the dish at Xinyue Kiosk came from here first."
Master Mao let out a hearty laugh. "You know, if I had the drive for it, I'd have opened up a fancy restaurant in Feiyun Slope by now."
"But meals are meant to bring people happiness and peace. That's why I stay true to running a place that's affordable for everyone."
"It's simple then—when Xiangling gets back, I'll invest some money, you chip in a bit, and together we'll monopolize Liyue Harbor's food scene."
A mischievous smile appeared on Gu Sanqiu's face. "We'll have Wanmin Restaurant cover the affordable meals and let Xiangling run the high-end spots. It's a golden opportunity."
"Hah, you know that girl's personality—she's not the type to settle down and be head chef at some fancy place."
Master Mao brought over a plate of Crystal Shrimp. "Young folks should get out and explore the world instead of staying stuck in one place."
"Master Mao, stop trying to hint at me."
Gu Sanqiu shrugged. "Anyway, I came here today for another reason too. Seems like things are getting a bit unstable over at Chihu Rock lately. You'd better stay sharp."
"Oh?"
Master Mao frowned. "You mean someone's been eyeing you?"
"Not quite. They've probably had their eyes on the Gu Clan for a while now."
Gu Sanqiu sipped his tea. "They're not exactly good people, but they do maintain a kind of order, albeit a twisted one."
"If things start to shift, Chihu Rock might attract some sneaky rats."
"Hah, and here I thought it was something serious. You're just talking about small fry."
Master Mao waved his cleaver in the air with a few impressive swishes. "I know what you're worried about. Don't sweat it—just focus on your own affairs, and leave Chihu Rock to me."
"Thanks a bunch, Master Mao."
Gu Sanqiu placed a pouch of Mora on the table and stretched his wrists. A faint eagle's cry in the distance brought a cold smile to his lips.
Under the moonlit sky, with stars scattered across the heavens, the light shone on the Gu Clan's grand courtyard, casting shadows over the incense smoke that drifted from the Fengxiang Hall.
High above, Shadowhawk sat on the roof, preening its feathers while keeping a vigilant watch over the surroundings, ready to defend Gu Sanqiu from any potential threats.
"The responsibilities of a Fengxiang in this day and age... It's like when people find out you went to college without ever having dated—so many people made fun of me for that back then."
"Times are changing. But why is it that in the future I've foreseen, there's no mention of the Fengxiang Clan, only the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"
Gu Sanqiu closed the door to Fengxiang Hall behind him, lightly polishing his golden fishing rod with a silk cloth.
"I promised that young man that no matter what happens, I'd protect this clan. After all, a man's word is his bond."
Suddenly, an eagle's sharp cry pierced the night. Gu Sanqiu's eyes flashed, and he cast his fishing rod toward the direction of Shadowhawk's signal. The line, seemingly endless, sliced through the air, sweeping over a patch of pitch-black ground.
Just as the hook was about to hit, a figure clad in leather armor suddenly appeared, scrambling to deflect the strike with twin daggers.
"Too late."
Gu Sanqiu smirked coldly and flicked his wrist. The hook switched direction, curving to slice cleanly across the man's throat!
Shhh!
Blood sprayed like a fountain as Gu Sanqiu reeled in his line, casting a resigned glance at his weapon.
"Ugh, if this keeps up, I'm going to turn into a throat-slashing maniac. Can't I get a proper weapon for once?"
"Still, this kind of method seems pretty intimidating."
Gu Sanqiu turned his thoughtful gaze toward the trees and rock formations in the garden.
"You know," he called out, "is this your first time doing business in Liyue Harbor? You can't seriously not know the local taboos."
"First, never cause trouble on Yujing Terrace."
"Second, don't mess with old folks or children on the streets—they might be Adepti in disguise."
"Third, don't challenge certain ancient customs or entities. You don't have to believe in them, but you must show respect."
From the shadows, several figures emerged. One of them, wearing armor with a plate on his chest, eyed Gu Sanqiu warily as he responded.
"And fourth, never, ever step into a Fengxiang's home at night!"
"So, what time do you think it is now? Or did all of you transmigrate here and are operating on some kind of American time zone?"
They didn't fully grasp everything Gu Sanqiu was saying, but they got the gist: Are you all trying to die?
"Master Gu, we're just trying to make a living. Could you find it in your heart to let us go?"
Suddenly, they attacked!
The man with the chest plate had barely finished speaking when the others sprang toward Gu Sanqiu in unison! They'd seen what happened to their fallen comrade—they didn't believe for a second they'd be allowed to leave alive.
"There's a rumor going around that this generation's Fengxiang is a frail, non-combatant sickling. I bet that's something you spread yourself."
"What does it matter to you?"
Gu Sanqiu turned his head, and with a swift motion, he sent one assailant flying with a palm strike. With another flick of his fishing rod, the sharp hook sliced the throat of a nearby attacker.
Keeyah!
Shadowhawk let out a piercing cry as black gusts of wind rose from the ground and merged into its body.
With a flap of its wings, sharp black energy slashes flew toward the remaining attackers like blades!
The commotion reached the Millelith patrolling Feiyun Slope, even startling the noble families in their sleep. When their guards rushed out with hounds to prepare for intruders, they were stunned to find their once-fierce guard dogs now trembling and whimpering in fear, as if facing a calamity.
Back in the Gu Clan's courtyard, Gu Sanqiu smiled warmly—the same comforting smile he'd always given his childhood friends.
"Don't worry, all of you. None of you are getting away tonight."
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If you spot any mistakes let me know so I can fix them.
Read up to Chapter 40! [P@treon.com/WiseTL]