Chapter 3: The Consequences of Being Late

With no other choice, Qin Xuan had to retrace his steps and hail another cab. By the time he finally arrived at the Qixia Villa, it was already half past seven in the evening.

From afar, he gazed at the brilliantly lit estate. The surroundings were beautiful, nestled among clear waters and emerald mountains. The sound of flowing water could be heard not far off—truly a worthy residence for the illustrious Dongfang family.

“My master said that the Dongfangs are an ancient clan, and this display certainly proves it,” Qin Xuan mused with a faint smile as he strode toward the villa’s main gate.

As soon as he approached the ornate gate within the high walls, two men stepped forward to intercept him. Both wore security uniforms, armed with electric batons and earpieces—clearly, the villa’s security detail.

“I’m Qin Xuan,” he announced, stating his identity. His master had told him this invitation was issued specifically by the Dongfang family; surely his name would suffice.

Yet, no sooner had he spoken his name than the guards’ expressions shifted. “So you’re Qin Xuan?” they muttered to each other before waving him through, clearly displeased.

Thanks to his sharp hearing, Qin Xuan caught their grumbling.

“Damn it, we had to wait for this guy and missed dinner.”

“That brat really knows how to keep people waiting. Made the whole estate sit around for two hours.”

Qin Xuan could only smile wryly. His tardiness had not been intentional. He thought of the woman he had helped earlier and sighed at his misplaced good intentions. If fate allowed, he would demand justice should they ever meet again.

After walking a short distance, he soon reached the main hall. At the entrance stood two people waiting. One was an elderly man, his hair and beard snow-white, yet his posture was upright and his eyes shone with a piercing vigor, exuding an undeniable aura of authority. Beside him was a young man around Qin Xuan’s age, his face marked by impatience and a strong sense of dissatisfaction upon seeing Qin Xuan.

“Qin Xuan, did something delay you on the way?” the old man greeted him with a smile.

“Yes, I apologize. You must be Master Dongfang?” Qin Xuan replied, nodding. He wasn’t surprised that the man recognized him.

“Haha, that’s right. My young friend, please come inside,” the old man said with a hearty laugh, leading the way into the main hall.

As they walked, Qin Xuan took in his surroundings. His master had briefed him: Master Dongfang’s full name was Dongfang Jingtao. In his youth, he had once been saved by Qin Xuan’s master. Now, faced with an intractable problem, Dongfang Jingtao had come to seek help. Coincidentally, it was time for Qin Xuan to venture into the world for experience, making him the ideal candidate to be sent.

As Qin Xuan passed the young man, he heard him mutter, “You’ve got some nerve, making Grandpa wait two hours. Don’t think I’ll be nice to you just because you’re here to protect my sister. I doubt you’re even up to the task.”

This prompted Qin Xuan to study the youth more carefully. There was a resemblance to Dongfang Jingtao—a handsome young man with neatly cropped hair. He must be Dongfang Jingtao’s grandson. From his words, Qin Xuan now understood that his assignment was to protect the young man’s sister.

He smiled slightly, ignoring the jab, and stepped into the main hall.

Feeling slighted, the young man’s expression darkened as he followed. All he wanted was food, and as for the reason for his hunger—Qin Xuan—he was determined not to make things easy for him.

Inside the main hall, Qin Xuan saw just how seriously they regarded his presence. An elaborate banquet awaited, untouched, as Dongfang Jingtao summoned various family members to begin the meal.

“Qin, come sit here,” Dongfang Jingtao said, motioning for him to take the seat beside him.

“These next months may be troublesome for you. Only people of your kind can resolve this matter; otherwise, I wouldn’t have imposed on your master. Make yourself at home here.”

“Thank you; I won’t stand on ceremony,” Qin Xuan replied. He was indeed hungry, and the sumptuous spread before him whetted his appetite. But with everyone yet to arrive, he refrained from starting.

Soon the table was nearly full when a servant reported, “Miss Qingwan isn’t feeling well and won’t be joining the dinner.”

Dongfang Jingtao nodded and turned to Qin Xuan, “I had hoped you’d meet Qingwan tonight, but it seems you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”

“Qingwan?” Qin Xuan was puzzled.

Dongfang Jingtao chuckled. “The matter for which we seek your help concerns her,” he said, then signaled for the meal to begin. At last, Qin Xuan realized the person he was to protect was Dongfang Qingwan, though he didn’t dwell on it. To him, this was simply a task assigned by his master. Once the months passed and his mission was done, he would have nothing further to do with the Dongfangs. As a swordsman, Qin Xuan seldom interacted with the mundane world except when absolutely necessary.

He picked up a drumstick and placed it in his bowl, preparing to eat. The young man across from him scoffed, “So you’re just a meat-eating charlatan, not the lofty master I expected. Grandpa, is this guy really fit to protect my sister?”

He wasn’t alone; several others at the table eyed Qin Xuan with skepticism.

“Wenhao!” Dongfang Jingtao shot him a stern look.

Qin Xuan smiled, “I’m not a Daoist priest. I’m a swordsman—there’s a difference.” He could see that Dongfang Wenhao was just a child at heart, not worth the argument.

Chastened by his grandfather’s glare, Wenhao shrank back, though the discontent in his eyes remained.

After several mouthfuls, Qin Xuan was more than half-full. The table was so quiet it felt almost solemn, reminding him that this was indeed an ancient family. He was unused to such formality; meals with his master had always been filled with laughter and conversation.

Seeing Qin Xuan put down his chopsticks, Dongfang Jingtao did the same.

“Qin, are you finished? Come with me,” the old man said, rising to his feet.

Though it felt awkward to leave the table early, Qin Xuan sensed there was something important to discuss and followed Dongfang Jingtao to the rear hall.

After they left, Wenhao whispered to a young man beside him, “What do you think that guy’s really capable of? Did we really need to lay out all this for him?”

The other man replied as he picked up a dish, “Grandfather wouldn’t invite him if he wasn’t competent.”

“I doubt it. He’s probably just here to freeload. I’ll find a way to expose his true colors. Just wait and see!” Wenhao muttered, leaving the table.

…

Following Dongfang Jingtao to the secluded rear courtyard, Qin Xuan finally felt a measure of peace.

“Sigh. Qin, now that you’re here, do you sense anything unusual?” Dongfang Jingtao asked, hands clasped behind his back as he gazed at the starry sky.

Qin Xuan pondered the question.