Yan Chihuo and his companions followed Young Master Yuan to a sprawling residence in the city. As Yan Chihuo gazed at the words "Yuan Residence" above the gate, a deep unease rose within him.
Old Man Mo also felt that something was amiss, but having come this far, he could not refuse. Besides, he had nowhere else to go.
Once they entered through the gates, someone was already waiting to receive them. Young Master Yuan said to a steward-like man, "Get the three of them settled first."
The steward led the three of them to a small courtyard and said, "You three will stay here tonight."
Old Man Mo thanked him repeatedly.
After giving a few instructions, the steward left. Old Man Mo turned to Yan Chihuo and Mo Xia. "We all need to stay alert tonight. Don't sleep too deeply."
Just then, two servants entered carrying several food boxes. There were four dishes and a soup—and even a flask of wine.
Yan Chihuo looked at the food, then at Old Man Mo. Old Man Mo waved his hand. "We've already eaten today. We wouldn't dare trouble you further."
Yan Chihuo thought, Old Man Mo hasn't gone completely muddleheaded. He knows to stay wary.
The two servants said, "If that is the case, we'll clear it away."
After the servants left, Yan Chihuo suddenly felt dizzy and fell to the ground. Sensing that something was wrong, he looked over at Old Man Mo and Mo Xia, only to see them already slumped over the table, fast asleep.
Yan Chihuo was secretly alarmed, unable to understand how they had fallen into the trap. Then he spotted the burning incense, and his heart stirred. There's something wrong with that incense.
Still, he remembered that he was in the midst of undergoing his