A Twist of Fate

The two of them fenced with false civility, and the atmosphere was somewhat awkward. They merely sipped at the wine with their lips; neither of them truly drank.

As for the dishes on the table, Zhang Chen ate only in the order Zhang Gaoqiu had eaten them. Anything Zhang Gaoqiu had not touched, Zhang Chen refused to take even a single bite of.

The two traded cups and exchanged toasts. Another quarter of an hour passed. During that time, Zhang Gaoqiu urged the servants several times, yet Wang Xifeng and Shen Ling never arrived.

"Perhaps something unexpected delayed them. I'll go invite them myself. Rest here for now, worthy brother," Zhang Gaoqiu said to Zhang Chen, then rose and left his seat.

Zhang Chen watched Zhang Gaoqiu's receding back in silence and set down his bowl and chopsticks.

Zhuge Family

The Shen Family's Tenth-Order god stood together with the Zhuge Family's experts. The Zhuge Family head held a shattered mirror fragment in his hand and passed it to the Shen Family god. "This is a Secret Treasure of my Zhuge Family. It can turn back Time Power and should help you seize that thief."

The Shen Family god accepted the fragment, immediately overjoyed. "Good! If this succeeds, my Shen Family will reward you handsomely."

Zhang Gaoqiu made his way through the corridors, passing one Hanging Flower Gate after another until he reached Wang Xifeng's residence, where Shen Ling and Wang Xifeng were both waiting.

"How did it go?" Shen Ling asked when Zhang Gaoqiu entered.

Zhang Gaoqiu said, "That boy has already walked into the jar. Auntie only needs to go now, and we can catch a turtle in a jar."

Wang Xifeng glanced at Zhang Gaoqiu. "Boy, there can't be any mistakes in this matter. If something goes wrong,