The Four Great Killers of the Heaven-Slaying Pavilion: You Xiang, the Poison Killer known as Fragrant Soul; Can Yang, the Blood Killer who paints sunsets with blood; Qian Bai Huan, the Seductive Killer known as the Thousand-Faced Fox; and Shun, the Instant Killer who strikes in a heartbeat. These four had followed Shangguan Ye since childhood, facing life and death together. Later, he sent them to train, and each mastered their respective specialties.
Though they appeared fearful of Shangguan Ye, only these four dared to tease him. No matter how he punished them, it was mostly for show—all bark and little bite. Their quirky personalities often led them to play tricks and act theatrically.
Now, the two of them stood silently to the side, heads lowered in feigned obedience. Yet, their eyes furtively glanced at Murong Qiufeng countless times.
They had learned of Murong Qiufeng’s existence after their failed mission to kill Yun Feiyang. Investigating Yun Feiyang’s background led to revelations from You Xiang’s eloquent storytelling: the issuance of the Heaven-Slaying Order was, in fact, because of Murong Qiufeng. Their master had truly flown into a rage for the sake of a beauty.
Initially, they’d heard You Xiang had been reassigned to protect a new “young master” by their lord’s side. They thought little of it, given the transient nature of their master’s infatuations. But as time passed and more orders came through, paired with You Xiang’s increasingly boastful remarks, their curiosity about Murong Qiufeng grew. They were shocked when You Xiang confidently claimed their master had fallen deeply in love. The notion was so absurd they refused to believe it.
Their master was notoriously cold and heartless; they’d witnessed it since childhood. How could someone who’d just entered his life break through that icy exterior? Love at first sight? Impossible.
The idea of their cold-blooded master turning into a devoted lover sent shivers down their spines. Yet their curiosity remained unchecked. They had longed for this summons, and when it finally came, they jumped at the chance.
Seeing Murong Qiufeng in person, however, only deepened their confusion. It wasn’t his appearance that surprised them, but his aura and nature. After years of judging countless people, they knew what kind of man Murong Qiufeng was. What baffled them was how two such contrasting individuals could be together.
If Shangguan Ye was a demon from hell, Murong Qiufeng was a celestial being from the heavens. They were opposites in every aspect: one elegant, one wild; one kind, one ruthless; one gentle, one cold. No matter how they analyzed it, the pair defied logic.
“But having them follow me seems like a waste of their talents. Wouldn’t it be better for them to assist you instead?” Murong Qiufeng asked with a hint of helplessness, feeling as though Shangguan Ye treated him like a defenseless maiden in need of protection.
“Heh, Young Master, don’t let them fool you,” You Xiang said as she entered with a tray in hand, her eyes full of disdain toward the two standing men. “Talent? Hardly. They’re more like driftwood—scrap wood at that. Master, aren’t you afraid they’ll corrupt your beloved?”
The two men immediately looked up, their gazes locking on You Xiang. In perfect unison, they arched their brows and spoke in mock sorrow, “Oh, dear sister, we share the same roots. Why such cruelty?”
“Hah! As if I’m related to you two freaks! Don’t sully my name,” You Xiang scoffed.
Murong Qiufeng found their dynamic amusing. Despite their bickering, their camaraderie was obvious. The men’s synchronization intrigued him; every word they’d spoken since arriving had been perfectly in sync.
He turned to Shangguan Ye with curiosity. Wasn’t there a saying that a general’s subordinates reflected his character? Yet here was Shangguan Ye, cold and stern, while his men were lively and eccentric.
Shangguan Ye, sipping tea leisurely, caught his gaze and arched a brow with a smirk. “What? Smitten already?”
Murong Qiufeng’s eye twitched as he quickly turned away, his ears turning red. Indeed, people weren’t lying when they said personality could be deceptive. Shangguan Ye’s hidden roguishness was unmatched.
Meanwhile, the two men gawked, jaws slack with disbelief. Was this truly their master? The man they’d only ever seen sneer or offer hollow smiles now wore a playful grin and spoke flirtatiously?
“Brother Sun, did our dear sister cast a soul-enchantment spell on me again? I think I’m hallucinating,” Can Yang mumbled, rubbing his chin.
“Possibly,” Qian Bai Huan replied with a grave nod. “I feel bewitched too.”
“Them?” Murong Qiufeng asked, puzzled.
“Ignore them,” You Xiang said, rolling her eyes. “They have daily episodes of spontaneous madness. Young Master, here’s the medicinal porridge. Eat it while it’s hot.” She ladled a bowl and placed it before him.
Qian Bai Huan sniffed the porridge and grinned. “Ah, top-quality stuff! Good for the skin, too! Sister You Xiang, you playing favorites again? Got any for your dear brother?”
“In your dreams,” she sneered, pushing his face away with one finger. “If you want some, ask the prince. He specially ordered this for the young master.”
“Tsk! Courting death, huh? That’s the prince’s treasure you’re eyeing. Careful, or you’ll end up boiled into soup yourself,” Can Yang quipped, dragging his companion away by the collar. “Your Highness, this rascal tried to seduce the young master. Shall I flog him?”
Murong Qiufeng chuckled at their antics.
Shangguan Ye, however, took the bowl and scooped a spoonful. Holding it near Murong Qiufeng’s lips, he leaned in close and whispered, “Shall I feed you?”
Meanwhile, in Lanxin Palace, the night wind howled outside. Noble Consort An sat at her dressing table, combing her hair. Staring at her reflection, she touched her cheek and recalled Murong Qiujun’s breathtaking beauty. Rage twisted her expression. She’d once spread false rumors about Murong Qiujun to prevent her from entering the palace, only for that woman to marry into nobility and bear Murong Qiufeng, who had now charmed the emperor.
“The Murong family,” she spat, hurling her comb and shattering her mirror. “They won’t hold power for long. Just wait and see.”
