18: 18.
{Night} 18: 18.
{Night} Inside the study of the Leng Family Estate, a place that should have been occupied only by Leng Qingqiu, an additional figure now knelt on one knee, her eyes covered by a dark blindfold.
The blindfolded woman wore a simple yet elegant red robe.
Her long red hair cascaded down to her waist like a waterfall, and her skin was as white as snow.
Her long, graceful posture exuded an extraordinary aura.
“Master, according to our investigation, one of the murderer in the massacre has been found,” she said respectfully.
At these words, Leng Qingqiu stopped what she was doing.
A cold glint flashed in her eyes, and she stood up, a sudden wave of terrific killing intent rising in her chest.
Thud.
The book in her hand was slammed shut.
She turned in the direction of the blindfolded woman, her voice carrying a heavy chill.
“Tell me.
Who is it?” Leng Qingqiu’s heart hammered with anxiety.
Five years had passed, and at last, there was some progress in uncovering the truth behind that horrific massacre.
Although it was only one of the participants, it meant she was one step closer to finding the real culprit.
The blindfolded woman, Mei Xue, kept her head bowed and replied, “It is a member of an organization called ‘Grim Reaper,’ named Lin Feng.” “Who is Lin Feng?
And what is this ‘Grim Reaper’ organization?” Leng Qingqiu asked, taking a deep breath to steady her breathing.
Mei Xue knew the supreme importance of this matter and had already investigated everything thoroughly.
“Reporting to master, during our investigation of Lin Feng, we discovered that he has already left the martial life behind.
He has started a family and is currently working as a low-level employee at the Wanli Group right here in Jianghai City.” “As for ‘Grim Reaper,’ it is a well-known assassination organization in the overseas ancient martial arts world.
All its members are formidable martial artists who mainly earn their living by taking execution contracts from the dark web.” Hearing this, a bitter, cold laughter bubbled up in Leng Qingqiu’s chest.
“Good, good, good!” She pushed her desk aside, her shawl fluttering around her like a shadow in the dark.
Striding to the window, she pulled the curtains open with a sharp tug.
The cold wind rushed in from outside, instantly freezing the air in the room.
Leng Qingqiu breathed in the icy air, forcing her racing heart to slowly cool down.
Grim Reaper.
What an outrageous name.
Moreover, An assassination organization?
Lin Feng…
Leng Qingqiu gripped the curtains tightly.
She had never expected this.
Five years ago, this man had participated in the massacre that nearly wiped out the entire Leng Family.
And now, he had actually left the organization, returned to the Eastern Nation, married, had children, and was living a completely normal life?
How dare you?!
You took away the lives of my family, yet you get to live freely in the light?!
“Mei Xue,” Leng Qingqiu’s voice dropped into a low, terrifying whisper.
“Find Lin Feng.
Extract every single piece of useful information from him, by any means necessary.” “Threaten his family, threaten his friends.
I want every bit of data he knows!” Her tone revealed a chilling indifference, causing an immense pressure to fill the study.
Mei Xue swallowed hard, cold sweat dripping down her face.
She quickly bowed her head deeper.
“Yes, Master!” The moment the words fell, ripples of black shadows began to form on the hardwood floor beneath her feet.
Mei Xue slowly sank into the darkness, vanishing completely from the room within a few seconds.
Leng Qingqiu stood alone, finally beginning to regain her composure.
She let go of the curtains and took a long, shaky breath, her heart filling with a deep, familiar sorrow.
Hehe.
Never expected this.
The murderer is living a peaceful life.
Dad, mom, grandpa, grandma…
I, Qingqiu, swear that I will find the truth and avenge you all.
I will do it with this very dagger that once slashed my eyes.
The moment the thought crossed her mind, a dark, heavy luster rippled in the air, and a sleek dagger slowly materialized in her palm.
The blade was as deep as the night, its surface engraved with many ancient, enigmatic characters, exuding a chilling aura.
This was the very weapon Leng Qingqiu had used to blind herself.
In that instant, a surge of vivid memories flooded her consciousness.
[ Night ].
This was the name of the dagger, and also the name of an ancient, mystical book.
That ancient text now rested entirely inside Leng Qingqiu’s mind, not only granting her a photographic memory but also enhancing her cognitive comprehension to supernatural levels.
Moreover, it had revealed to her the existence of a hidden world—the Ancient Martial Arts World.
Thinking of this, Leng Qingqiu gently touched her eyelids.
She slightly opened them.
Unlike what one might expect from a blind person, two strange, intricate talismans were imprinted directly onto her pupils.
Her vision had been deliberately sealed.
According to the records of the ancient book, the practice of this technique was unique: Absorb the Night, Understand the Night, Become the Night.
Only by enduring five consecutive years of absolute darkness could a person break through human limits and become truly invincible upon regaining their sight.
“Five years…” Leng Qingqiu murmured, closing her eyes once more.
According to the timeline, she only needed to endure a little longer.
Until that moment of awakening arrived, she would remain outwardly indistinguishable from an ordinary mortal.
Fortunately, the knowledge inherited in her mind provided her with immense leverage.
It had allowed her to claim ownership over a hidden force called the Night Organization.
This group did not recognize faces or lineages—they only recognized the dagger.
Whoever possessed the weapon was the undisputed master of their network.
Over the years, Leng Qingqiu had relied entirely on their underground information web to gather one useful piece of intelligence after another.
“Phew.” Leng Qingqiu put away the dagger, letting out a soft sigh.
Suddenly learning this news from Mei Xue had been a massive shock to her system.
Leng Qingqiu, stay focused, she told herself.
You will have to deal with far more dangerous enemies in the days to come.
You must remain steady.
Absolutely steady.
Calming her thoughts, she reached out her hand, searching for her blind cane.
If her internal clock was calculating correctly, it should be around noon.
Ling’er was away at school, so she figured she would just prepare something simple to eat.
But right at that moment, instead of touching the cold metal of her cane, a strong, warm hand gently clasped her fingers.
Then, the familiar voice that never failed to disrupt her composure echoed right beside her.
“Qingqiu, what are you thinking about?
Why are you standing by the window all by yourself?” Gu Yan held her hand, looking at her with a puzzled expression.
The moment he had walked into the study, he had noticed her standing motionless by the glass.
He glanced out the open frame.
The curtains were billowing, and the biting noon wind was pouring into the room.
“Sss, it’s freezing in here.
Qingqiu, your hands are like ice,” Gu Yan said, immediately stepping forward to pull the window shut and lock out the cold.
Leng Qingqiu stood perfectly still, her mind racing.
Gu Yan…
when did he arrive?
Did he hear my conversation with Mei Xue?
Did he see the dagger?
Her heart was torn by intense conflict.
The dagger and her inherited technique were her ultimate secrets—the only weapons she possessed to avenge her family.
She didn’t dare to gamble on whether Gu Yan had witnessed the weapon and was simply pretending not to notice.
Nor did she dare to gamble on whether the powerful Gu Family had been involved in that massacre five years ago.
If…
if Gu Yan knows…
Leng Qingqiu’s breathing turned shallow, her survival instincts screaming for a defensive response.
Even though she was currently just an ordinary person, the latent power of the dagger was devastating.
In the blink of an eye, at this close range, she could easily— “Qingqiu, what’s on your mind?” Gu Yan, finding her sudden silence strange, reached out and gently placed the back of his hand against her forehead, checking her temperature.
“You’re not coming down with a fever, are you?” At such a close distance, a single, targeted strike would be fatal…
her inner voice whispered.
Then I can just have Mei Xue dispose of the evidence…
I have to do it…
I must eliminate every single potential threat to my family’s vengeance…
Leng Qingqiu’s hand subtly began to rise.
Gu Yan noticed her slight movement, but he merely offered a gentle, reassuring smile.
“Are you worried about Ling’er?
Relax, she’s completely fine.
I safely dropped her off right at the school gates.” Yes…
not only did he ensure her safety, but he had also actively gone out of his way to dismantle a dangerous tragic plotline for her sister.
Gu Yan…
you really are an incredibly decent person.
“By the way, Qingqiu, you must be hungry.
What do you feel like having for lunch today?” Gu Yan’s casual, warm chatter continued to fill the quiet room.
For some inexplicable reason, the cold determination in Leng Qingqiu’s chest completely evaporated.
Why…
why can’t I bring myself to strike him down?
Damn it…
Ultimately, she let out a quiet sigh and gave up.
She lowered her head, her hand dropping harmlessly back to her side, her emotional state turning heavy and complicated.
Gu Yan finally picked up on her unusual mood and panicked slightly.
Oh no, did I cross a line somewhere?
Why does my pure love spouse look so downcast all of a sudden?
“Do you…
do you have any idea how utterly annoying you are?” Leng Qingqiu raised her head, her face blank as she spoke in a soft, quiet murmur.
Hearing her complaint, Gu Yan let out a relieved laugh.
He took her cold hand back into his own, gently rubbing it to restore the warmth.
“That’s nonsense, Qingqiu.
You’re so cute and beautiful, I want nothing more than to bother you every single day.
Honestly, I don’t even talk to my own dad like this—only you.
You’re probably the only person on the planet who gets this exclusive treatment, so you should be thrilled!” [Contact with Pure Love Spouse, +1 point] [Pure love Spouse’s mood improves, +3 points] Hearing his ridiculous defense, Leng Qingqiu couldn’t help but let out a silent chuckle.
This scoundrel—everyone in the city knew he barely exchanged three sentences a year with his own father.
He had nearly severed all familial ties with the Gu family just to chase after Shen Wan’er.
On the surface, however, she merely let out a sharp snort and tilted her chin up slightly.
“Who cares about your exclusive treatment?” “You don’t have to care, because I’ll do enough caring for the both of us, Qingqiu.” “Hmph.
Smooth talker.” “Oh?
Qingqiu, how can you possibly determine whether your husband’s mouth is oily and his tongue is slippery without a proper trial?
Why don’t we give it a try right now…” “Get lost!” Leng Qingqiu snapped, her face flushing crimson.
Seeing her scowl, Gu Yan grinned, feeling thoroughly entertained.
Oh no, am I developing some kind of weird addiction to her scoldings?
He laughed, shaking his head.
“Alright, alright, no more teasing.
What do you want to eat for lunch?
I can whip up absolutely anything, no bragging intended.” Leng Qingqiu felt her stomach rumble slightly.
Though she was genuinely hungry, her pride refused to let her admit it openly.
“I don’t want to eat anything grand.
I was just going to grab a quick, simple bite.
You are the young master of the Gu family; you don’t need to act like a domestic servant and cook for me.” Gu Yan instantly caught the underlying meaning behind her deflection and waved his hand dismissively.
“Hey, Qingqiu, just throwing together a random quick bite is terrible for your health.
How about this—we’ll keep it light and simple, and I’ll just quickly stir-fry a couple of fresh dishes for us.” Leng Qingqiu felt a wave of warmth settle in her chest.
Though she completely agreed with the arrangement, she maintained her classic, indifferent expression.
“Do whatever you want.” — After lunch, Leng Qingqiu sat on the living room sofa, lost in thought.
The rhythmic sound of Gu Yan washing dishes in the kitchen echoed in her ears.
On the television screen, Ling’er’s favorite gangster cartoon was playing.
For some inexplicable reason, her mind felt unexpectedly calm and harmonious at this moment.
Why do I feel this way?
I shouldn’t be feeling like this.
The Night Organization had already provided her with private armed forces and a vast intelligence network.
Once she successfully executed her plan to take over the Gu Family, she would also possess ample financial capital and an unshakeable social status.
Combining those two powerful tools would undoubtedly allow her to hunt down the true mastermind behind her family’s tragedy.
But…
why was her heart so calm and peaceful right now?
She even felt a sudden, dangerous desire to stay anchored in this comfort forever.
Leng Qingqiu took a deep breath, picked up the remote, and turned off the television.
She forced herself to break free from that comfortable state of mind.
No.
Absolutely not.
I must not allow myself to harbor such thoughts of contentment.
One of the murderers had finally been found, and her immediate priority was to push forward with her strategy.
She had to locate the remaining murderers and secure the takeover of the Gu Family.
She needed to manage both fronts seamlessly, and she absolutely could not let her determination be swayed by a fleeting sense of peace.
“Qingqiu, the weather is beautiful today.
How about we head outside for a quick walk?” Gu Yan wiped his hands on a towel as he walked out of the kitchen, sitting down on the sofa and naturally squeezing right next to her.
He casually rested his arm across her shoulders.
Feeling his touch, Leng Qingqiu knit her brows slightly, giving her shoulder a sharp shrug to throw his hand off.
But Gu Yan’s hand was like a stubborn piece of tape— impossible to shake off.
In the end, she gave up the useless struggle, shook her head, and replied indifferently, “No.” Her timeline was pressing, and he wanted her to waste precious hours wandering around outside?
How ridiculous.
Gu Yan didn’t lose heart in the slightest and let out a soft chuckle.
“My dear future wife, even if you’re firmly dedicated to your corporate work, you still need to balance your effort with some rest.
Besides, if you stay cooped up inside the house all day, your skin is going to get moldy.” He leaned in closer, his tone teasing.
“How about we just step out into the courtyard to catch some fresh air and sunlight?
It will prevent you from developing osteoporosis when you’re older, and you wouldn’t want that, would you?
In my professional opinion, Qingqiu, you’re just being too shy, which is why you refuse to leave the room, right?
Don’t be self-conscious.
With your devoted husband right by your side, let’s just go out and catch some sun…” Leng Qingqiu felt as though a persistent bee were buzzing directly against her eardrums.
She covered her ears with her hands and blurted out in frustration, “Stop talking!
Fine, let’s go!” The moment the words escaped her lips, she instantly regretted it and frantically tried to walk them back.
“Wait, hold on—” But before she could finish her sentence, Gu Yan had already firmly taken her hand and pulled her up from the cushions.
His excited voice drifted into her ears.
“Haha!
Fantastic, Qingqiu!
Come on, let’s head out into the courtyard and enjoy the sunshine!” Hearing the pure, unbridled joy in his voice, the harsh refusal Leng Qingqiu had been preparing to deliver inexplicably died in her throat.
She quietly closed her mouth.
Whatever, she rationalized to her conscience.
Let it be.
After all, her ultimate goal was to completely strip him of the Gu Family fortune down the line.
Before that day arrived, she might as well let this foolish man enjoy a brief period of happiness.
Yes, that was the only reason.
It wasn’t because seeing him happy had softened her stance; it was merely a microscopic bit of emotional compensation for the corporate downfall she would bring upon him later.