Chapter Five: The Unexpected Quest

“You...”

Before she could finish the word, Wan Qiuyue lifted her foot and delivered a swift kick. The dagger in Du Guangquan’s hand clattered to the ground.

Immediately, Wan Qiuyue leapt behind Du Guangquan and grasped his throat with a reverse grip.

“Boss Pighead, you’re a bit too domineering, aren’t you? Refusing to give up your seat and resorting to murder?” Wan Qiuyue casually picked up the dagger from the ground and tapped it against Du Guangquan’s face.

The icy cold blade scraped across Du Guangquan’s cheek, sending a chill deep into his body that made him tremble uncontrollably. Yet, he stubbornly refused to admit defeat.

“I-I-I... You outsiders don’t know the power I wield here in Flourishing City. Mark my words, if you offend me... you’ll regret it!”

Though his words were threatening, his trembling legs betrayed him.

“Hah, there’s nothing I can’t handle!” Wan Qiuyue tightened her grip on Du Guangquan’s throat, making it harder for him to breathe.

At this moment, the once arrogant boss of the city’s largest casino had been reduced to such a pitiful state.

The air grew thin, his face shifted from red to purple, and with his last breath, he croaked:

“Spare me, young hero... Spare me! I was blind to not recognize... Mount Tai... Please, show mercy!”

Wan Qiuyue had no intention of hurting him further and eased her grip slightly.

Du Guangquan hastily pulled open his collar, gasping for precious air.

“What about the tables and chairs you smashed?” Wan Qiuyue waved the dagger before his eyes, clearly unwilling to let the matter drop.

“I’ll pay... I’ll pay...”

The steward quickly helped Du Guangquan to his feet, trembling as he pulled a large silver ingot from his sleeve and handed it to the waiter.

“Master Du... that’s far too much...” The waiter’s eyes gleamed with excitement; though he protested aloud, his hands reached out involuntarily.

Du Guangquan, growing impatient, snapped, “Take it—stop wasting time.”

“Thank you, sir! Thank you!”

The waiter eagerly bit into the hefty silver piece, bowing in gratitude.

Even if the silver was hard on his teeth, he was more than willing to accept such a windfall.

The group limped out in defeat.

“Tch, nothing special~” Wan Qiuyue smirked mockingly.

She glanced toward Shang Ruohuai, who had nearly been struck but remained calmly sipping his tea.

“Brother Shang, aren’t you going to help at all?”

Wan Qiuyue snatched the tea cup from his hand and shot him a sharp glare.

Shang Ruohuai was unfazed. He opened his folding fan and gently fanned Wan Qiuyue.

“Calm down, calm down. I’m not skilled in martial arts, only versed in some hidden weapons. Didn’t I warn that Du fellow was behind you just now?”

“Besides, a few low-level thugs are nothing to Brother Yun—it would be a breeze to deal with them.”

Well, she couldn’t argue with that. Wan Qiuyue grumbled as she took a seat.

“Hey~” Suddenly, she felt something hard pressing into her backside.

Thinking it was a shard of broken teacup, she looked down to find a silver coin instead.

Good grief! That flash of silver light earlier was actually silver?

Wan Qiuyue exclaimed, “You use silver as a hidden weapon?”

“I’m no match for Brother Yun’s martial skills. Aside from my meager family wealth, I have nothing else.” Shang Ruohuai’s hands never ceased their movement as he smiled warmly at her.

Ha! Sure, who treats silver like a mere hidden weapon?

Another flash of white light appeared—a familiar piece of parchment materialized before her eyes.

The man holding the teacup remained still as a system voice rang out.

[Quest Completed: Defeat the troublemaker Du Guangquan.]

[Reward: Learn Lightness Skill; Weapon Upgrade (Blade Fan) — when flipped, the fan’s ribs transform into blades capable of being poisoned.]

[System: Congratulations on unlocking a random quest. Quests trigger automatically upon meeting certain conditions, and rewards are randomized.]

So this was the so-called random quest mentioned before. Wan Qiuyue flipped the fan, revealing the sharp blades along its ribs.

She lightly touched the edge—hissing softly—it was quite sharp, a perfect tool for a throat slash.

“What does ‘poisoning’ mean?”

[System: You can apply poison to your weapon by purchasing it or receiving it as a quest reward.]

“Wow, that’s powerful!”

“Oh, by the way, can you help me find Gong Chengling?”

[System: Try checking the Wanbao Tavern on East Street; you might find clues there.]

“Goodness, now you’re keeping secrets. I don’t know the way, so please activate navigation for me.”

[System: Understood.]

[Navigation: Heavy traffic ahead. Navigation activated. Turn left at the upcoming intersection.]

“Ahem, it’s starting already—I’m not ready! Cough cough~”

Unexpectedly efficient, the system’s prompt made Wan Qiuyue choke on her unfinished tea.

“Ready for what?” Shang Ruohuai asked, puzzled.

Caught off guard, she hesitated. This system gave no time to prepare—just words and action all at once, almost exposing her.

“Ahem, thank you, Brother Shang. It’s nothing, really.” Her eyes darted nervously, avoiding his gaze.

“I must say, I truly admire Brother Yun. Even when confronted with troublemakers just now, it didn’t disturb your enjoyment of food and drink.” He smiled and poured her another cup of tea.

Wan Qiuyue waved it off. “Ah, it’s nothing.”

“By the way, Brother Shang, weren’t you planning to take a walk? I’m heading to East Street anyway. Care to join?”

“Gladly, Brother Yun,” he replied eagerly.

The two walked out of the teahouse side by side.

[Navigation: Proceed straight for 500 meters; turn right at the second intersection.]

Wan Qiuyue thought to herself, thankfully there’s navigation. Otherwise, she’d be exposed. This navigation seemed more reliable than the system, though its name was a bit odd.

Walking along the long street, surrounded by quaint bridges and flowing water, it was truly a pleasure.

“Freshly baked flower cakes! Come take a look!”

“Back in the day, the whole world...”

“Try our new crystal sashimi, only forty wen! Not tasty? No charge!”

The calls of street vendors, storytellers, and chatter filled the air. Crossing a stone arch bridge, the two turned into a narrow alley on the right.

[Navigation: After turning right, proceed 200 meters, then turn left.]

[Navigation: After turning left, turn left again at the first intersection.]

The sounds faded away, leaving only the sound of their footsteps.

Uh-oh, it was getting more and more desolate, even somewhat eerie.

Just moments ago, she praised the navigation’s reliability—now she regretted it.

Wan Qiuyue glanced around nervously, afraid her unease might be noticed by Shang Ruohuai.

Meeting his curious gaze, she took a few more steps forward, then raised an eyebrow at him.

“I’m taking you on a shortcut~”

No choice—at this point, she had to grit her teeth and trust the navigation. After all, she didn’t know the way herself.

A gentle breeze stirred the quiet path, scattering fallen leaves in a soothing rustle. Yet beneath the sound lurked a faint, hidden murderous intent.

“Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!”

Three flying darts zipped swiftly toward them from behind.