There was a time Mo Han read from a book about chess pieces, where the writer claimed that each one was a puzzle on its own to be solved.
But looking at the courtesan before him—the head of the Flower Pavilion—he couldn't help but remember that quote.
She looked at him with a playful smile, like a mother watching her unruly son. Who was this Courtesan to Mo Feng? She looked like she had been carved by a divine blade—eyes like the moon, lips like plum wine. And they said she was old?
"I don't know who you think I am—" It was best he lied now, to fish for the identity of this so-called girl she mentioned.
"Don't lie to me!" she snapped. "You took her from my hands. You said you would come back and visit me with her—but instead, you showed up with Bai Rong. What's the meaning of this?" She glanced at Bai Rong, who immediately looked away, nervous.
Mo Han finally understand. He pressed his lips into a thin line. This girl who was taken...she was a courtesan. A young one too.
[Ding!]
[Identity Identified.]
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Name: Ye Hua
Title: One-Thousand-Year-Old Rabbit Demon
Race: Demon
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'So that was it.' The demon race doesn't age past their young adult stage, because of the amount of souls they consumed. And despite being a rabbit demon, this one was no soft little bunny.
"I didn't take anyone," Mo Han said, carefully watching the flicker of pain cross her face. Was the girl someone precious to her? "I am not him. I am his younger brother. Ye Mo Han."
Her mouth fell open in realization as he offered a slight bow—one that should've been beneath his status.
"You...look exactly like him."
She staggered back, color draining from her face as she collapsed onto a nearby stool.
Bai Rong, along with a maidservant beside her rushed to her side. Bai Rong was quick to pour a cup of tea, lifting it to Ye Hua's lips.
Mo Han's gaze sharpened. This was the moment to dig.
"Tell me everything you know. Who is this girl?"
"Young Ma-"
"Is this what you came to see me for?" Ye Hua cut in, her brows creasing.
Mo Han exhaled slowly, trying to rein in his exasperation. What was more important—the alchemist or this girl?
"I have never met you before. Never heard of this girl. But if my brother—who's currently rotting in the Ye dungeons—was involved, I need to know what he did. And who she is." His voice dropped, low and dark.
Bai Rong stared at him, stunned. Since when did her master's voice sound so...alluring?
Apart from Bai Rong who thought so, Ye Hua and her maidservant gave him a strange look—curiosity, suspicion, and maybe even interest.
Perhaps it was time to truly pick a side. Ye Hua had never liked Mo Feng in the first place.
"A decade ago," Ye Hua began, voice brittle, "he came to me in the night, claiming he wanted to buy a courtesan from me. But the one he asked for...had died during child birth. No one told him. Because he was the father of the child and someone unworthy to raise her." She paused. Her eyes fluttering close.
"I don't know how he knew but around the time he returned, he had found out about the child and came to claim her."
When she opened her eyes, they settled on Mo Han. Her gaze felt like a blade, and suddenly he was clenching his fists just to breathe.
"I couldn't stop him," she continued, voice flat. "He threatened to destroy my business if I tried." She continued, looking away almost immediately, after noticing the beads of sweat that rolled down Mo Han's cheeks and the way he clenched his jaws.
The only one that noticed this oddities was of course was not only Mo Han but Bai Rong who stood at the side.
"Do you know what happened to her?"
"I don't know. He left. Took the child and vanished into the Ye Manor. Didn't even let my other girls visit her, said they would 'taint his reputation.' Since then, I've heard nothing."
Her voice dropped into a whisper. "So I sent Bai Rong... Who knew..."
A smile tilted at the corner of Ye Hua's lips. Bai Rong shifted awkwardly, turning her face away. \
Mo Han was quick to realize that Ye Hua had found out what happened.
Everything Bai Rong had told him was true. Touching her spiritual space was nearly the same as forming a contract. It wasn't complete yet, but if it had been...
She wouldn't be able to leave him. Not unless he allowed it. And if she tried—she could die.
Mo Han shivered the thought. He was glad that Bai Rong didn't have a demonic beast in her spiritual space.
Sure, having boobs pressed in his face every morning wouldn't be the worst thing. But forcing someone to stay? That wasn't who he was.
He wasn't even powerful enough to protect them yet.
He walked toward Bai Rong and stood in front of her, his body shielding hers. Ye Hua's brows lifted, but her piercing gaze never softened. A chill ran down Mo Han's spine.
She crossed her legs and chuckled.
"But I heard that the brothers of the Ye Family never get along. Seems like it's true." It was a declaration not a question.
Maybe she thought she could use this boy who had already stolen little Rong'er.
He even had the guts to protect her.
She chuckled again.
"My brother and I have been dead to each other for years. Even my own family doesn't regard me," Mo Han said coldly. "So if you think you can use me to find that girl, you're talking to the wrong person."
There was one thing he hated more than anything—being used.
Ye Hua's eyes widened in surprise. This boy had bite. "My, oh my. Lord Mo Han," she said sweetly, "don't get me wrong. I believe we can help each other. You want something, right? I can serve as your eyes and ears. In return, help me find that girl...and take care of her."
Her gaze softened, lips curling with warmth that made Mo Han's skin crawl.
It was a fair trade. He did need information on blossom city—he had enemies hiding in the shadows, enemies targeting the Ye Manor. If he could root them out, he could finally move on to the Capital and start again.
[At least you're this wise. The System can only make you the strongest cultivator, rivaled by none—but when it comes to emotions and intellect, you're on your own. Still... you're on the right path. Your grandma would be proud.]
The little fluffball's serious voice echoed in his mind, and Mo Han froze for half a second before a smile tugged at his lips.
'I guess all those late-night study hours weren't for nothing.'
"I want two things," he said. "The location of the Master Alchemist under your care... and Bai Rong's papers. I'll be buying her from you." He met her gaze, calm and confident. "In return, the next time I come, I'll bring you the little girl."