Li Shuying's eyes burned crimson with barely restrained fury. She turned sharply toward Zhang Junyi, her voice low but edged like a drawn blade.
"Tell me everything you know," she said. "About this Hei Lang gang, about Li Guofu's connection to it and what they are doing with my brother."
Zhang Junyi instinctively took a step back, unsettled by the sudden change in her demeanor. He raised both hands in a placating gesture and shook his head.
"Hey… you'd better stay out of this," he muttered, his tone losing its earlier flippancy. "That Hei Lang gang is not something you can contend with. If you value your family, then take your brother and send him away from the county for a while. Do not provoke them. In these matters, retreat is the wisest strategy, as long as the green hills remain, there will be no shortage of firewood."
Li Shuying's gaze hardened.
"If you cannot speak, then stop wasting my time," she replied coldly. "I will find out the truth myself."
Zhang Junyi opened his mouth to argue, but before he could utter another word, the distant clang of the school bell rang through the afternoon air, echoing across the quiet streets.
The sound snapped Li Shuying's attention toward the school gates. Her eyes sharpened instantly, a thought flashing through her mind. Instead of moving forward, she stepped back into the shadow of a nearby wall, concealing herself behind a narrow corner.
Zhang Junyi froze, realization dawning upon him. He slapped his forehead inwardly, cursing his loose tongue.
"This is bad…" he muttered under his breath.
Unwilling to leave her alone at such a moment, he quickly followed and lowered his voice.
"Li Shuying, do you even understand how dangerous this is?" he whispered urgently. "That Hei Lang gang is not some street rabble. It is one of the most feared organizations in the county. They even have connections across the northern border rumors say as far as the Soviet side. Though their numbers are not large, their leader…" He hesitated, his expression tightening. "Their leader is no ordinary man."
Li Shuying remained silent, her gaze fixed on the school gate, urging him to continue.
"In recent years, with stricter state policies and increased patrols along the borders, many of their operations have been cut off. Public security has also tightened its grip within the county. Because of this, they have withdrawn into the shadows. Now they operate in hidden corners, away from prying eyes." He lowered his voice even further. "But what they do there… no one truly knows. Only the leader and his inner circle are aware. Yet one thing is certain, they do not lack money. It is as if they have tapped into an endless source."
At that moment, Li Shuying's eyes flickered.
From the school gate, students began to pour out and among them, she spotted a familiar figure.
Li Jianhua.
Her elder brother walked slowly, his head lowered, his steps heavy as though burdened by unseen chains. Behind him, like a shadow clinging too closely, followed Li Guofu.
A cold glint flashed across Li Shuying's eyes.
Without a word, she slipped out from her hiding place and began to follow them at a careful distance, her movements light and deliberate.
Zhang Junyi cursed under his breath and hurried after her.
"They're heading toward the Hei Lang gang's hidden base," he whispered urgently. "You really shouldn't follow them. If you're discovered, the consequences are too dreadful to imagine."
Li Shuying clenched her teeth, her voice laced with frost.
"So you want me to watch my brother walk into a tiger's den and do nothing?" she shot back. "I do not know what they are making him do, but I know this, whatever it is, it is not good. And I did not ask for your opinion. You may leave."
Zhang Junyi shook his head stubbornly.
"No," he said firmly. "I will not let you go alone. If something happens, at least I can help."
Li Shuying gave a soft snort but did not argue further, her focus already locked onto the two figures ahead.
They moved through winding lanes, the noise of the school fading behind them. The air seemed to grow heavier with each step, the surroundings quieter, more desolate.
Li Shuying slowed her breathing, sharpening her senses.
Then, faintly, she caught the sound of voices carried by the wind.
Li Guofu's voice, harsh and threatening:
"Today there is a major deal. You must work harder than before. Endure it, and they will reward you well. But if you dare slack off or anger Master…" He paused, his tone turning venomous. "I will deal with you personally."
Li Shuying's fists tightened at her sides.
Behind her, Zhang Junyi leaned closer and whispered in a low voice,
"They call their leader 'Master.' That man… he behaves like some relic of the old feudal era. The way he speaks, the clothes he wears, even the way he carries himself, it is as if he imagines himself a sect master from ancient times, with disciples beneath him."
He let out a quiet scoff.
"A madman clinging to the past… but a dangerous one."
Ahead, Li Jianhua did not respond to Li Guofu. He merely continued walking, silent and subdued, like a puppet whose strings were held by another.
Watching her brother's bent figure, something deep within Li Shuying stirred anger, grief, and a cold, unyielding resolve intertwining into one.
Keeping to the shadow of the trees, Li Shuying and Zhang Junyi trailed behind at a cautious distance, their footsteps softened by the uneven mud road. The further west they went, the more desolate the county became. The bustle of the town had long faded behind them, replaced by a vast emptiness, no settlements, cultivated fields, only barren earth and clusters of withered trees swaying under the autumn wind.
Ahead, was the abandoned textile factory, a relic of a bygone time.
Zhang Junyi, who had been chattering endlessly before, fell unusually quiet. His brows knit together as he followed behind Li Shuying, no longer making light remarks.
Soon, they saw it.
A large courtyard stood beyond the factory ruins, its walls dull grey, streaked with age and neglect. The structure looked half-abandoned, yet something about it felt wrong. Too quiet… yet not empty. The faint murmur of voices drifted from within, muffled but unmistakably present.
Li Shuying narrowed her eyes.
They crouched behind a broken section of wall, watching.
Li Guofu, who had been stern and domineering along the way, suddenly transformed. His back bent slightly, his fat chubby face broke into an ingratiating smile, and even his steps turned submissive as he approached the heavy wooden door.
He knocked.
A moment later, the door creaked open.
The man who appeared made Li Shuying frown instinctively.
He did not dress like any ordinary person. Instead, he wore a long, dark robe with wide sleeves, the fabric coarse yet deliberately styled to resemble the attire of old sect guards, high-collared, layered, with a cloth belt tied tightly at the waist. His hair was kept slightly longer than usual, combed back in a manner that felt strangely outdated, almost theatrical, as though he were playing a role from some feudal tale.
His expression was cold, eyes sharp and probing.
"What is it?" he asked flatly.
Li Guofu bowed slightly, his tone oily and respectful. "Senior brother, I've brought a lacquey for today's entertainment. I heard Master has honored guests. Surely such an occasion requires proper amusement, no?"
The guard's gaze shifted to Li Jianhua.
A sinister chuckle escaped his lips.
"You brought him again? Hah… Is he that desperate for money?"
Li Guofu nodded eagerly, "Yes, yes, Senior Brother. His family is dirt poor, barely enough to eat or wear. He needs this opportunity. You wouldn't turn him away, would you?"
The guard snorted.
"Fine. Take him to the changing room. Dress him properly and bring him to the main hall quickly. The previous one is already losing. Master has been waiting for this one… The deal isn't finalized yet. Our guest must be entertained well."
His lips curled into a cruel smile.
"I'm sure this one will last longer."
Li Guofu laughed along, nodding repeatedly.
"Of course, of course. My lacquey can endure. He can stand his ground for hours."
The door shut with a dull thud.
Behind the wall, Li Shuying's fists clenched tightly.
A lacquey...
Her chest burned with anger.
She did not yet understand the full meaning of their words, but the tone, the laughter, the way they looked at her brother… it was enough.
She turned sharply toward Zhang Junyi and whispered, her voice cold and firm,
"How do we get inside?"
Zhang Junyi's eyes widened in alarm.
"Are you out of your mind? Going in there is like courting death!"
Li Shuying's gaze hardened.
"How do we get inside?" she repeated, each word deliberate.
Zhang Junyi hesitated. He studied her expression, there was no trace of hesitation, no fear. Only determination, sharp as a blade.
He exhaled in frustration, running a hand through his hair, "…You really won't give up, will you?"
When she said nothing, he clicked his tongue and finally relented.
"At the southern entrance of the courtyard," he whispered, pointing subtly, "there's a side window. The guard stationed there… he's someone I know. We might be able to slip in through him."
Li Shuying frowned slightly and glanced at him, "You have a friend in this gang?"
Zhang Junyi scratched his nose, looking a little embarrassed, "He was in our Dong Tian gang. Couldn't find proper work in the county after things tightened up. These people pay well, so… he joined them."
Li Shuying's expression darkened slightly at that, but she said nothing.
Instead, she turned her gaze back toward the courtyard.
Her eyes grew cold.
"Then lead the way," she said quietly.
Zhang Junyi did not lead her directly toward the courtyard wall. Instead, he first pulled Li Shuying away from the abandoned factory premises, keeping low as they moved through a narrow path lined with wild shrubs and broken stone.
They circled wide and only after putting enough distance between themselves and the visible entrance did Zhang Junyi slow down.
"Here," he whispered.
Before them rose the southern wall of the courtyard, tall, weathered, and stained with age. The plaster had peeled in many places, exposing rough stone beneath. It looked old enough to crumble, yet still stood like a silent barrier.
Li Shuying lifted her gaze, measuring its height, then turned to Zhang Junyi.
"So… I have to climb over?" she asked.
Zhang Junyi nodded. "Yes, but not yet. I'll go in first and speak to Heizi. Once everything is settled, I'll signal you." He glanced at her seriously. "When you see a stone thrown over, that's your cue. Climb the wall the same way I do."
Li Shuying gave a small nod.
Without wasting another word, Zhang Junyi stepped forward. Using the cracks in the wall and protruding stones as footholds, he climbed swiftly, his movements practiced and fluid. At the top, he paused briefly, casting her a quick glance, then dropped silently into the courtyard.
Silence returned.
Li Shuying stood alone beneath the wall, her heartbeat gradually quickening. The stillness around her only amplified the unease in her chest. Thoughts of Li Jianhua surfaced again and again, his lowered head, his silent obedience, the way he had followed Li Guofu without resistance.
Her fists clenched.
If only I had crippled that fat brute earlier… she thought bitterly.
Time stretched.
Each passing second felt heavier than the last.
Just as her patience was nearing its limit, a small stone arced over the wall and landed softly near her feet.
Her eyes sharpened.
Without hesitation, she stepped forward and began to climb. Her fingers found the same holds Zhang Junyi had used; though less practiced, her movements were steady. Within moments, she pulled herself up and swung over the wall.
She landed lightly inside.
The courtyard stretched wider than she had expected. From this side, the main gate appeared far away, partially obscured by old structures and leafless trees.
She turned.
A short distance away stood Zhang Junyi, beside another young man.
The man wore the same robe as the guard at the front gate. His complexion was noticeably darker, his build lean, and narrow eyes.
So this is Heizi, Li Shuying thought.
Zhang Junyi quickly spoke, lowering his voice. "Li Shuying, this is Heizi. Heizi, she is…" He hesitated briefly, then added, "…my younger sister."
Li Shuying cast him a brief, questioning glance but did not correct him. Instead, she turned directly to Heizi.
"I need to go inside," she said without preamble. "Tell me how."
Heizi blinked, clearly taken aback. His gaze shifted from her to Zhang Junyi, disbelief evident.
"Did you leave your brain behind at home?" he muttered. "You want to bring a young girl like her into this place? This is not a playground, it's a tiger's den."
Zhang Junyi snorted softly. "Do you think I want to? She wouldn't listen no matter what I said. Stubborn as a mule."
Li Shuying stepped forward slightly, her tone calm but firm.
"Brother Heizi," she said, "this is not a matter of choice. My elder brother has been brought here. I do not know why, but I must find out."
Heizi's eyes widened. "Your brother is inside?" He frowned deeply. "Then why didn't you stop him earlier?"
Li Shuying shook her head. "Even if I stopped him today, what about tomorrow? If the root of the problem remains, he will be dragged in again. To protect him… the danger itself must be dealt with."
Her words were steady, carrying a weight far beyond her years.
Heizi studied her for a moment, the determination in her eyes unmistakable. Finally, he let out a quiet breath.
"…Fine," he said. "But you must be careful. Security is tighter than usual today. There are at least four guards at the southern side. You will need to move quietly when approaching the window."
Zhang Junyi frowned. "Why so many guards? Is someone important here?"
Heizi nodded, his voice lowering further. "Master is hosting a distinguished guest from the south."
That was explanation enough.
Without further delay, Heizi gestured for them to follow.
They moved through the shadows, crouching low as they advanced along the inner edge of the courtyard wall.
Soon, they reached the spot.
What Heizi had called a "window" was not a window in the usual sense. It was a circular opening carved into the wall meant to allow light and air to pass through. Its edges were worn smooth with age.
Li Shuying frowned slightly but said nothing.
Heizi scanned the surroundings carefully, his eyes sweeping every corner. Only when he was satisfied did he give a small nod.
Zhang Junyi moved first.
With practiced ease, he climbed up and slipped through the circular opening, disappearing inside.
Li Shuying took a steady breath.
Then, without hesitation, she followed.
The moment Li Shuying slipped through the circular opening, she found herself standing in a modest inner compound, worn walls, and a stone-paved courtyard. But upon closer inspection, the details told a different story.
Red couplets had been pasted on pillars and doorframes, their ink bold yet uneven, as though copied from older scripts. Faded paper lanterns hung from wooden beams, swaying gently in the stale air. The entire place carried an eerie imitation of festivity, an attempt to recreate grandeur that only made the surroundings feel more unsettling.
Li Shuying frowned slightly, disbelief flickering across her face.
What kind of place is this…?
Zhang Junyi and Heizi did not pause and without a word, they moved ahead, their steps light and practiced.
Li Shuying followed closely.
They crossed a small open garden, if it could still be called that. Once, it might have been a place of leisure, but now the plants were overgrown and the decorative stones half-buried in dirt.
Beyond it lay the inner courtyard.
The moment they reached its edge, Li Shuying's breath caught.
There were guards.
Ten… fifteen at least. All dressed in those same archaic robes.
Li Shuying instinctively turned to Heizi, her eyes questioning.
What now?
Heizi did not speak.
Instead, he gave a subtle gesture, pointing toward a narrow side door tucked into the wall. Then, moving with careful precision, he stepped forward and eased it open just a fraction.
He glanced inside.
A heartbeat passed.
Then another.
Satisfied, he pushed the door wider and motioned for them to enter.
One by one, they slipped inside.
The moment Li Shuying crossed the threshold, she froze.
The room was unlike anything she had expected.
It was dimly lit, the air heavy with the faint scent of incense. Thick red curtains draped across both sides of the chamber, layered and deliberate, concealing whatever lay beyond. Their fabric was rich, far too refined for this era.
From behind those curtains came sounds of laughter, low voices, the murmur of conversation.
Li Shuying's brows knit together.
The arrangement resembled the hidden chambers described in old tales, the outer court where an emperor might entertain guests, while behind veils and partitions, unseen figures watched and listened.
The absurdity of it clashed violently with the era they lived in.
Feudal ghosts… still playing their games, she thought, a chill running down her spine.
For a brief moment, she was caught between disbelief and unease.
Then...
The laughter beyond the curtains abruptly ceased.
A sudden silence fell, sharp and unnatural.
And in the next instant...
A heart wrenching cry rang out.
"Ahhh...!"
The voice was shrill, pained… unmistakably familiar.
Li Shuying's breath hitched violently.
Her eyes widened in shock.
"Elder brother..."