CHAPTER 19 — The First Thread of the Hunt
Dawn crept over the horizon, brushing the Wu residence with pale gold light. Jason Wu stood at the balcony outside his room, watching the sky shift colors like a painter's slow stroke. Sleep had barely touched him. His mind was sharp, focused, and burning with questions. The Crimson Wraith Hall dared attack him inside the Wu estate. That meant the enemy wasn't distant—they were close, watching, probing.
And Jason Wu did not tolerate being prey.
He tightened his wrist guards and turned as Leon Fong entered without knocking. "You're awake early," Leon said, though his tone suggested he already knew the answer.
"Couldn't sleep," Jason replied. "We're starting the investigation today."
Leon grinned. "Good. I was getting bored. It's been a while since we hunted criminals before breakfast."
Jason only shook his head, though a faint smirk appeared. Leon's lightheartedness always grounded him.
Before they could leave, Lily Chen appeared at the doorway carrying a small wooden box. "Wait. Before you two go running headfirst into danger—which you always do—I prepared something."
Jason raised a brow. "Medicine?"
Lily huffed. "Obviously. You think you're invincible after one breakthrough?"
She opened the box, revealing neatly arranged vials of shimmering blue liquid. "They're Essence-Recovery Tonics. Only to be used if you exhaust your spiritual reserves. And Jason—don't pretend you won't."
Jason accepted them, his expression softening. "Thank you."
Leon whispered loudly, "She's worried about you again."
Lily's face went crimson. "I—I'm worried about both of you! Idiots!"
Jason stored the box in his sleeve. "We'll be careful."
Lily nodded, though her eyes still held unease. "The Crimson Wraith Hall… they're not a trivial enemy. Promise you won't be reckless."
Jason Wu met her gaze directly. "I promise."
That seemed to calm her. At least a little.
---
### **THE CITY'S UNDERBELLY**
The two men stepped out into Qinghe City, its bustling marketplace already alive—vendors shouting prices, customers haggling aggressively, and the aroma of fresh bread and grilled meat drifting through the air.
Jason's eyes scanned the surroundings, noticing subtle details others missed: shifting shadows, lingering auras, and the faint trails of spiritual presence. The city seemed normal—but Jason knew better.
"Our first lead is the Xueyin Trading Pavilion," he said. "Assassins often acquire poison, tools, or information through black-market brokers pretending to be legitimate traders. The Pavilion's new owner has been clashing with underground groups lately. She might know something."
Leon nodded. "Plus, the owner is supposed to be… how did rumors describe her? 'The Frost Beauty of Qinghe'?"
Jason elbowed him. "Don't start."
Leon laughed. "Relax, I know your heart already leans toward Lily."
Jason coughed, refusing to comment.
They arrived at the **Xueyin Trading Pavilion**—a tall structure with elegant silver banners fluttering gently. Inside, the air smelled of incense and rare herbs. Shelves were lined with scrolls, artifacts, and medicinal ingredients.
A young attendant bowed as they entered. "Honored guests. The pavilion master is expecting you."
Jason raised an eyebrow. "Expecting us?"
"Yes. She said you would come."
Jason exchanged a glance with Leon. Someone anticipating his actions was either very clever—or very dangerous.
They followed the attendant to a private room where a woman in icy-blue robes sat behind a carved cedar table. Her presence was elegant and calm, yet her eyes held a sharp intelligence.
"Jason Wu," she said softly. "I've been waiting."
Jason studied her. "And you are?"
"Xueyin," she replied. "Owner of this pavilion. I assume you're here about last night's attack."
Leon blinked. "How did you—"
"Crimson Wraith Hall operatives always buy their poison from the same supplier." Xueyin tapped the table. "And yesterday, a large purchase was made. The kind used for assassinating cultivators."
Jason felt the faintest spark of intrigue. "You have the identity of the buyer?"
"Not entirely," she said. "But I have something better: a clue."
She slid a parchment across the table. A sigil was drawn on it—one Jason recognized from the poison dart he caught the night before.
"This mark," Xueyin continued, "belongs to a hidden broker operating out of the old lantern district. A man named Black-Veil Ren. If someone hired the Crimson Wraith Hall to target you, the order likely passed through him."
Leon let out a low whistle. "Finally, a solid lead."
Jason pocketed the parchment. "Why help us?"
Xueyin leaned back slightly. "Because the Crimson Wraith Hall is bad for business. And…" She paused, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "…because you are Jason Wu. Someone whose rise will shake the balance of Qinghe."
Jason kept his expression neutral. "Rumors exaggerate."
She smiled faintly. "Some do. Some don't."
---
### **ON THE MOVE**
Leaving the pavilion, Leon whispered, "That woman… I can't tell if she's helping us or using us."
Jason answered calmly, "Doesn't matter. Her information is good. We trace the broker, we find the employer."
Leon grinned. "A straightforward beat-the-information-out-of-him plan?"
"For once," Jason said, "yes."
As they moved deeper into the old lantern district, the atmosphere grew heavier. Lanterns hung dimly from rusted hooks. Shadowy figures watched from alleys. Danger lingered everywhere.
Jason's senses sharpened.
"Be ready," he murmured. "Someone's watching us."
Leon cracked his knuckles. "Good. I was hoping for a warm-up."
Three masked figures dropped from the rooftops, surrounding them.
Jason exhaled slowly.
"Round two already?" he muttered. "The enemy is impatient."
The assassins drew their blades.
But Jason Wu was ready.
"Leon," he said, eyes narrowing, "let's finish this quickly. We have a broker to question."
And the hunt continued—deeper, darker, and far more dangerous than before.