Chapter 1: Under orders

Autumn had only just begun. Though the days still held the warmth of summer, a cool breeze had started to rise with the night.

Just after the Xu hour that evening, the faint sound of galloping hooves echoed from the outskirts beyond the city. A group of riders was swiftly approaching the gates. At their head was a tall man in dark clothing, astride a sturdy white steed. As they neared the city wall, the man shouted sharply, tugged at the reins, and brought his horse to a halt.

The riders following closely behind saw the signal and stopped in unison. The man in black cupped his fists respectfully and called out to a young sentry at the gate:
“Young man, we’ve been delayed on the road. Would you do us the favor of letting us in after curfew?”

The soldier raised his torch and peered at the travelers. They were all powerfully built, and even their horses were extraordinary—well-bred, muscular beasts rarely seen. The leader especially stood out: sharp brows, striking eyes, and a presence that demanded attention. As the soldier took a second glance, his gaze landed on the large flag held by a rider at the rear. In the dim light, he couldn’t make out the pattern, but something about it made his heart skip. His expression changed at once, and he raised his voice with new enthusiasm:

“So it’s the brothers of Shuanglongmen—of course you have important business! It’s only right you be allowed in. We’ll open the gate immediately!”

With that, he shouted to the guards below, and soon the heavy gate was creaking open again despite the curfew.

The man in dark clothes laughed heartily.
“Shuanglongmen only meddles in the small affairs of the world—how could we compare to the work of you official soldiers? Thank you for your kindness tonight. If ever you find injustice on the road, come to Shuanglongmen and speak my name, Yao Chuan. I’ll see to it you’re helped.”

With that, he spurred his horse forward. His men followed, filing into the city one after another. As the last rider passed through, the torchlight illuminated the banner he carried—two dragons entwined in fierce embrace!

Yao Chuan and his men had been traveling for three days to reach Yaocheng—a critical hub located at the intersection of the northern and southern trade routes, and home to one of Shuanglongmen’s six major strongholds. This time, Yao Chuan had been sent on a mission by his master. But strangely, his orders were not to return to the capital afterward. Instead, he was told to go straight to the Yaocheng division. No reason had been given, only that something important would be explained once he arrived.

Yao Chuan, honest and upright by nature, had never questioned his master’s commands. Yet this time he couldn’t help but feel unsettled. Yaocheng was not just another outpost—it was also the territory of Qingfeng Village!

Qingfeng Village, though not as vast as Shuanglongmen, had earned its place in the martial world. In recent years, its young leader Lin Yi had brought it into prominence. What’s more, everyone knew Lin Yi was soon to marry the daughter of Fang Zhentian, the leader of Shuanglongmen. Though the wedding had yet to take place, the two clans were already deeply intertwined. It was often said that with Lin Yi’s cunning and Fang Zhentian’s influence, the alliance was a perfect match.

Yao Chuan and Lin Yi, however, had never gotten along. Yao had gone out of his way to avoid Yaocheng in the past—not out of fear, but out of frustration. Every time they crossed paths, their disdain would flare up instantly. Lin Yi always got under his skin with just a few words, and because of an old promise to his junior sister not to lay hands on Lin Yi, Yao was left to stew in silence. He couldn’t win with words, couldn’t fight with fists—he was always the one to walk away angry. Just thinking about it made him grind his teeth.

Now, despite his distaste, duty came first. Wanting to finish quickly, Yao headed straight for the local branch of Shuanglongmen upon arrival. He left his men to rest the horses and went ahead alone to meet Yun Fengtian, the helmsman of Yaocheng.

Yun greeted him warmly, surprised to see him so soon.

“Chuan’er! You arrived quicker than expected—I only just got word from your master yesterday. I thought you’d take another two days at least!”

“Uncle, the matter in Lingnan wasn’t too serious—just a small dispute between two local factions. After a few negotiations and some guidance under the authority of the Shuanglong Order, things settled down. I wrapped it up as quickly as I could. But Master’s repeated letters urging me to rush here made me worry something urgent had happened.”

Yun Fengtian, clearly relieved, clapped Yao on the shoulder and smiled.

“Your master never acts without thought. If he told you to finish in Lingnan first, then this business here must not be a crisis. Stay here a few days. Rest. When your master arrives, we’ll know more.”

Yao frowned in confusion.
“Uncle, you mean Master is coming to Yaocheng himself? But he’s still handling affairs in Bianjing. Why would he travel all this way?”

Yun Fengtian, being Fang Zhentian’s junior martial brother and brother-in-law, held considerable seniority in Shuanglongmen. But Yao knew him well—though his heart was kind and his medical skills unmatched, he had never been one for martial ambition. Most matters at the Yaocheng branch were handled by his deputies.

Yao realized pressing Yun for answers would be futile. Still, he tried.

Yun just stroked his beard and sighed.
“You’re still so impatient, Chuan’er. Your master’s letter said he was sending a horse relay from Bianjing to follow after you. He asked me to prepare rooms for your arrival, and tomorrow—”

He paused, as if weighing the words.

“—tomorrow we are to invite Lin Yi of Qingfeng Village here. Your master wishes to discuss something important with the both of you.”

“Lin Yi?” Yao’s brows furrowed. The moment he heard that name, his heart dropped. Just his luck. He had hoped that coming to Yaocheng wouldn’t mean running into that smug little fox—but apparently, fate had other plans.

It seemed enemies really do meet on narrow roads.