Chapter Forty-Eight: Entering the Fortress

Mo Bai and his companions were taken aback; they hadn’t expected anyone to stop them at this moment. What surprised them even more was that the one barring their way wasn’t Hai Kun Gang and his men, with whom they'd just clashed, but rather Gan Ying, who had entered later.

Gan Ying spoke with a sense of righteousness that made everyone see him in a new light.

Wu Luohua gave a wry smile and said, “Sir, I don’t think that’s necessary, is it?”

“No!” Gan Ying replied with unwavering determination, and continued, “There’s something you don’t know. My younger sister is to be married in three days, and her fiancé is joining our family as a live-in son-in-law. He is especially particular about matters of theft. If he were to hear that something handed down from our ancestors was inexplicably lost at Gan Fortress, it would surely weigh on his heart. Should this disturbance affect my sister’s wedding, it would be most improper. So I must ask you to give me a little time.”

Wu Luohua glanced at Mo Bai, then unexpectedly asked, “Is the bride beautiful?”

From the shadows, Nalan Xiner gave Wu Luohua a secret thumbs-up. The little enchantress! Mo Bai could only shake his head in helpless amusement.

Gan Ying, somewhat embarrassed, replied, “My sister does possess some measure of beauty.”

“That’s wonderful! We want to see the bride!” Nalan Xiner finally couldn’t hold back and leapt out from behind, shouting. Her appearance made Gan Ying’s eyes brighten.

Gan Ying quickly said, “Please wait a moment. Once I’ve dealt with matters here, I’ll escort you into the fortress. After you’ve met my father, I’ll be sure to give you a satisfactory answer.”

Wu Luohua and Nalan Xiner both cheered, and Mo Bai merely smiled without a word.

Gan Ying then turned and called out to Zhang Biao, “Zhang Biao, though we are both disciples of the Fallen Leaf Sect, we barely know each other. Now, with my sister’s wedding at hand, you come here causing trouble. What are your intentions?”

Zhang Biao’s eyes flashed with anger, but his bravado quickly faded when he caught Mo Bai’s casual glance. Though he was unsure of Mo Bai’s true strength, that single look left him at a loss. Stammering, he said, “N-nothing at all.”

Noticing his earlier slip, Zhang Biao straightened his back and declared, “I, Zhang Biao, will vouch with my own head that none of my brothers here have dirty hands.” Pausing, he turned to glare fiercely at the members of the Hai Kun Gang. “If I find out anyone stole something, I won’t let them off.”

His glare was so intimidating that his men quickly shook their heads, declaring their innocence, which finally put Zhang Biao at ease.

With a swift motion, Gan Ying sheathed the golden sword and said magnanimously, “Then I must ask our friends from the Hai Kun Gang to leave Gan Fortress. I won’t be seeing you off.”

Zhang Biao realized there was nothing more to be gained from causing a scene today. He waved his hand and left with his men in a grand display. Once the commotion died down, Gan Ying turned and summoned the innkeeper, pressing a large gold ingot into his hand as compensation before the man could protest. The innkeeper thanked him profusely, while Gan Ying, his face radiant, exuded generosity and flair.

Under Gan Ying’s guidance, Mo Bai and his two companions entered Gan Fortress. The mansion was grand, a clear sign of the lord’s wealth, and the interiors were lavishly decorated.

A servant had already gone to inform Lord Gan that his son had brought guests. Though the lord was busy entertaining many friends at this time, since these guests had been personally invited by his son, Lord Gan Sen came out to greet them as a matter of courtesy.

Gan Sen, around fifty years of age, showed none of the heaviness that often comes with age. He moved with the vigor of a dragon and tiger, though a hint of fatigue showed in his brows. Stroking his three wispy whiskers, he approached the guests and saluted them. “Honored guests, you have come from afar. If I have not welcomed you properly, I beg your pardon.”

Mo Bai returned the salute with a smile. “You’re too kind, Lord Gan. We are but ordinary travelers, yet you’ve come to greet us personally. We are deeply honored.”

Gan Sen laughed heartily, displaying the demeanor of a true host. “Ying’er, your father is quite busy these days. Please keep our guests company. As for me, I must return to my duties.”

Mo Bai and the others bowed and watched Lord Gan depart.

Gan Ying, watching his father’s retreating figure, said with a touch of sorrow, “This wedding has truly exhausted my poor father.” Turning to Nalan Xiner, he sighed, “My mother passed away when we were very young. My father raised my sister and me single-handedly. Now that my sister is to be married, at last, he can see one of his wishes fulfilled.”

The others nodded slightly, moved by Lord Gan’s hardships. Gan Ying, his gaze fixed on Nalan Xiner, added, “If one day I, too, could marry a fine wife, my father might finally enjoy a peaceful life.”

Nalan Xiner blinked her large, sparkling eyes but gave him no reply. Embarrassed, Gan Ying heard Mo Bai laugh, “With your talents, you are sure to win a wonderful bride.”

Gan Ying finally regained his composure and, raising his hand awkwardly, said, “May I ask your honored names?”

Wu Luohua, with a knowing look, replied, “This is Nalan Xiner.” He could easily see through Gan Ying’s intentions and deliberately introduced the little enchantress first.

Gan Ying immediately bowed deeply, his excitement barely contained. “So it is Miss Nalan!”

Wu Luohua went on, “I am Wu Luohua, and this is Mo Bai, Brother Mo.” But Gan Ying seemed not to hear, his mind entirely elsewhere.

Wu Luohua called out loudly, “I said my surname is Wu, his is Mo!”

Gan Ying snapped out of his daze, muttering absently, “No touching, no touching, just looking is enough. Just looking is enough.”

Wu Luohua nearly stumbled at the lovesick Gan Ying’s words, completely conquered by his foolishness. Mo Bai burst into hearty laughter, only to realize that at some point, Nalan Xiner had taken hold of his arm.

In that instant, Gan Ying’s eyes flared with a jealous light—anyone could see that the way Nalan Xiner clung to Mo Bai’s arm was far too intimate for mere siblings; it was the gesture of lovers.

A seed of resentment quietly took root in Gan Ying’s heart.