Late night…

At the Cold Night Inn, Mo Han rested like a man with not a care in the world. Fatty Lambu, however, tossed and turned, groaning with nightmares of Bai Rui returning with an army of guards. Jia Kai stayed vigilant, while Chi Kai clung to her blanket, secretly smiling every time she thought of Mo Han's cold, domineering figure facing down Bai Rui.

By dawn, the golden light spilled across the city roofs. The group prepared early, mounting the spirit crane and the mountain eagle, and headed for the gates of the Eternal Night Mansion once more.

The sect loomed at the eastern end of Golden Silk City, its towering walls lined with dark silk banners fluttering in the morning breeze. The guards glanced at them, but said nothing—they had already heard rumors of the strange sword art on the sect's trees.

Inside the administration hall, the plum-faced lady sat with her powdered cheeks puffed and her painted lips curled into a smug sneer. The moment she saw Mo Han approach with the recommendation letters in hand, she tapped her desk impatiently.

"You don't need to waste your time, boy," she said coldly, her bracelets clinking as she leaned forward. "Your application has been rejected. You are not accepted into the Eternal Night Mansion. Now leave."

Fatty Lambu's face went pale. "W-what?!" He clutched Mo Han's sleeve. "Brother Han, didn't we… didn't we bring the letter?!"

Chi Kai's fists tightened in anger. Jia Kai's eyes sharpened, but Mo Han—he only smiled, faintly, calmly. His eyes locked on the woman with a look that was neither anger nor surprise, but quiet amusement.

"Rejected, hm?" Mo Han said softly, leaning his hand on the counter. His smile carried a razor edge. "I'll wait."

The plum-faced woman scoffed. "Wait? For what? Didn't you hear me? You—"

Her words choked in her throat as the doors to the administration hall slammed open with a thunderous bang. The disciples and clerks jumped to their feet as a tall, graceful woman in crimson robes entered. Her presence was commanding, her gaze sharp, her long hair tied with a golden silk ribbon.

It was Elder Mei, one of the thirteen elders of the Eternal Night Mansion. Her very presence made the room tremble.

The plum-faced woman immediately stood, bowing frantically. "E-Elder Mei!"

Elder Mei's voice was cold and cutting as her eyes swept the room and landed on Mo Han. "What's happening? Do you know him?"

The plum-faced woman stammered, "Y-Yes, he came with a recommendation letter. But he was rejected because his letter came from the Pink Blossom—"

"Silence!" Elder Mei's shout cracked like thunder. She took a step forward, her robes billowing as though carried by invisible wind. "Do you take me for a blind fool? Can you not see the sharpness of his eyes? The steadiness of his stance? The precision of his sword aura still clings to his hands!" She jabbed her finger at the plum-faced woman. "You dare reject such a talent?!"

The woman fell to her knees, trembling, sweat dripping down her thick makeup. "Forgive me, Elder Mei, forgive me!"

Elder Mei ignored her, turning instead toward Mo Han. Her cold eyes studied him for a long moment before she raised her chin. "From this moment, Mo Han is a disciple of the Eternal Night Mansion under my recommendation."

Gasps erupted in the hall. Fatty Lambu's mouth fell open, nearly dropping the pouch of food he had carried along. Jia Kai's eyes flickered with relief, while Chi Kai's lips curved with unhidden joy.

Elder Mei extended her hand imperiously. "Give him his disciple token. Now."

The plum-faced woman scrambled up, fumbling with trembling fingers as she pulled out a black jade token engraved with the symbol of the Eternal Night Mansion. She placed it into Mo Han's hands, bowing so low her forehead nearly hit the floor.

Mo Han accepted it calmly, his face unreadable. "Thank you, Elder Mei."

Elder Mei's eyes softened just slightly, though her voice remained stern. "Do not thank me. The Eternal Night Mansion does not waste its favor. If you wish to remain, prove yourself."

Mo Han bowed faintly. "I intend to."

The elder's robes swept behind her as she turned, her voice echoing through the chamber. "From today, you are no longer a wanderer. You are one of us. Remember it well."

As she left, silence followed her, broken only by Fatty Lambu's sudden whoop of joy.

"Brother Han! You did it! You're in! Ha ha ha, I knew it! Well… no, actually, I didn't, but still!"

Mo Han only smirked, slipping the black jade token into his robes.

---

Evening...

The Bai family inner court was cloaked in lantern-light, the walls heavy with shadows that flickered to the rhythm of the flames. Bai Rui sat on a silk couch, his neck still bandaged where Mo Han's sword had grazed him. His eyes burned with fury, but also with a twisted excitement.

Two of the spies knelt before him, heads lowered.

"Young master," one said in a hoarse whisper, "we have confirmed it. The boy is called Mo Han. He has just been accepted into the Eternal Night Mansion under Elder Mei herself. The sect token has already been given."

Bai Rui's fist clenched until the knuckles turned white. "So… he dares step higher and higher, after humiliating me in front of the streets. Not only does he live… he thrives."

He leaned back, forcing a crooked grin. "No matter. A sword at my throat once… but I'll have him crawling at my feet. Begging."

He snapped his fingers, and a servant girl scurried in, bowing low.

"Send word," Bai Rui commanded. "Invite Lady Ku of Eternal Night Mansion here tonight."

The girl's eyes widened but she dared not ask questions. She hurried out into the night.

—

Late Night...

By the time the moon reached its zenith, the scent of perfumed smoke filled Bai Rui's chamber. The doors slid open and a tall, sultry figure entered—her robes cut to reveal her curves, her face hidden behind a violet veil. Lady Ku, one of the Eternal Night Mansion's senior disciples, infamous in Golden Silk City for her charms and cruelty in equal measure.

Her laughter was low and intoxicating as she swayed inside, hips moving like a snake. "Young Master Bai Rui," she cooed, "I was told you were… restless tonight."

Bai Rui's eyes darkened with desire and hatred. "Restless indeed. Sit with me, Lady Ku. Let me tell you of a dog who bit me, and how I intend to make him my slave."

She poured herself onto his lap, her hands tracing the line of his chest through the robe. "Mmm… you always come to me when you want a lesson in taming dogs," she purred.

Their lips met, and soon the chamber filled with the sound of muffled gasps and silk tearing. For an hour, Bai Rui vented his wounded pride on her body, his fury melting into lust. Lady Ku endured and returned every move with practiced perfection, knowing very well that every touch meant more gold in her coffer.