The first time Xie Ciyan met Jiang Wanrong could well be called the most wretched moment of his life.
He had been ordered south to investigate a case in secret. Once he found the evidence, he cut off the corrupt official's head on the spot.
Who could have known that his overly high-handed handling of the matter would threaten certain people's interests?
On his journey back to the capital, he consequently faced several attempts on his life in succession.
The most brutal was when his enemies slaughtered an entire village, disguised themselves as villagers, and waited for his party to come seeking lodging and a chance to recuperate.
The people Xie Ciyan encountered then were a child of seven or eight and a widowed woman.
The child called him "big brother" with sparkling eyes and asked him about the world outside.
The woman was simple and honest, with no trace of martial arts training about her. Everything she said and did had the warm, kindly air of a country woman.
Who could have imagined that she would poison the child's toy?
The child invited him to play with a rattle drum. He took it and shook it twice, and then... before long, all the strength drained from his body.
By the time he realized something was wrong and ordered everyone to retreat, the village was surrounded so tightly that not even a drop of water could escape.
His men fought their way out through blood and carnage. To draw the enemies away from him, Shuo Feng exchanged clothes with him.
He stumbled and fell along the way, utterly bedraggled. After running for who knew how long, his vision went black, and he collapsed on the main road.
Fortunately, Heaven favored him. A downpour fell that night, washing away every trace