The secret of the saber hilt was not worth the risk at all. Gu Shenwei was bitterly disappointed.
After he removed the thread, all that remained on the hilt were a few inconspicuous indentations: seven on one side and three on the other. If they represented anything, Gu Shenwei had no idea what it could be.
He carefully retied the thread and waited in silence for the second watch's gong. Old Zhang showed no intention of coming near him again and did not return after nightfall.
Xue Niang probably wouldn't live through the night, and Gu Shenwei's life depended entirely on a whim of Shangguan Nu's. He had even considered asking Shangguan Ru for help. She was about to become the Tenth Young Master and would have more power to protect others. But he quickly abandoned the idea. In Shangguan Ru's eyes, his actions would amount to exploitation and betrayal. With Shangguan Yushi fanning the flames, she might kill him herself.
The second watch had begun. Gu Shenwei left the stone hut.
From the moment his family was massacred, he had been walking a crooked, narrow road riddled with traps. Every day he stayed alive was a miracle, and today was no exception.
He had not thought of the Divine Will that had sustained him through those first few days in a long time. Now he summoned it once more.
The gatekeeper at the Eighth Young Master's residence was surprised to see Huan Nu. At this hour, few people walked around the Stone Fortress. Gu Shenwei claimed that Xue Niang had summoned him, and the man reluctantly let him into the courtyard.
Xue Niang seemed to have guessed that Huan Nu would come. The room was lit, and before he could say a word, she ordered him inside.
Gu Shenwei