On the busiest Nanling Street in the southern district of Jiayuan City stood a giant mansion spanning several acres. Above its imposing black-lacquered gates hung a plaque bearing the two characters "Mo Residence." Below it, eight burly men in tight-fitting attire stood in two rows, their chests puffed out and eyes fixed straight ahead, exuding a disciplined, formidable air that discouraged any casual disrespect.
Directly across the street, not far from the Mo residence, stood the three-story Xiang Family Tavern. This establishment was one of the more renowned dining houses in all of Jiayuan City, particularly famous for its signature wine, "Baili Xiang" (Hundred-Li Fragrance). Its excellent reputation had drawn many travelers and merchants who had come specifically to taste it.
As it was the noon meal hour, the tavern was packed. Every table, from the ground floor to the third, was occupied by diners.
Passersby on the busy street outside could smell the rich, enticing aroma of food and wine wafting from the tavern, making their mouths water.
At a table by the window overlooking the street on the second floor sat a young man. A few appetizing dishes, both meat and vegetable, and a bottle of the famous "Baili Xiang" wine were laid out before him. Behind the young man stood a towering, intimidating figure. This was Han Li, who had come out to gather information.
Han Li gazed down from the window, toying with a small wine cup filled with liquor. The food on his table was barely touched, giving him an air of absent-minded languor.
He glanced briefly at the Mo residence not far away, then let his gaze drift back to the street below, his expression unchanged. With a tilt of his head, he drained the cup of wine in one gulp and continued staring out of the window, lost in thought.
Through some inquiry, Han Li had learned that Doctor Mo's two biological daughters and his adopted daughter were all considered dazzling beauties, known collectively as the "Three Beauties of the Mo Residence." They were famous throughout Jiayuan City.
Due to their widespread renown, countless young masters, gallant heroes, and promising youths vied for their attention.
Among them, Mo Yuzhu was considered the most exceptionally beautiful and had the largest number of suitors. Her recent betrothal had caused a huge stir, leaving most of her admirers heartbroken. Some with martial skills even challenged the young master named Wu. This Wu Jianming proceeded to defeat sixteen of these rivals in succession, which ironically only enhanced his reputation as a master martial artist. This, in turn, seemed to deepen the affection between him and Mo Yuzhu.
As Han Li pondered, he found the whole situation rather amusing. Others might not know the background of this "Young Master Wu," but Han Li was well aware.
This Wu Jianming was almost certainly sent by Doctor Mo's enemies. It seemed that Doctor Mo's prolonged absence had aroused suspicion, and this Wu's arrival was likely a probing move. Han Li wondered how he had gained the trust of the Mo family. A mere token or letter probably wouldn't have been enough to convince Doctor Mo's wives so easily.
Tapping his finger lightly on the table, Han Li turned these questions over in his mind.
"Please, sir, have a seat over here! The dishes you ordered will be out shortly." A waiter in a short white tunic guided a young man of about twenty-seven or twenty-eight, dressed in blue robes, to the second floor. He seated him at an empty table next to Han Li's, then hurried off to attend to other customers.
This young man in blue had well-defined features—thick eyebrows and large eyes—with a hint of heroic spirit between his brows.
After sitting down, he scanned the room, and his gaze happened to meet Han Li's.
Han Li felt an inexplicable depth in the other's eyes, as if a strange force were trying to pull him in. Startled, Han Li quickly looked away, his expression shifting slightly.
The man in blue also seemed momentarily surprised. He then gave Han Li a cold glance before turning away, paying him no further attention.
Han Li's face had paled somewhat. That single look had given him the unnerving feeling of being seen through completely, both inside and out. It was a deeply unsettling sensation.
It was the first time Han Li had ever experienced the feeling of being so instantly and thoroughly appraised.
Once the food and wine had filled his table, the man in blue began to eat and drink heartily, doing so with great relish, seemingly oblivious to everyone around him.