There was a ship on the sea, enormous, magnificent, and dazzling, like a moving palace, its interior steeped in luxury.
The ship had traveled from afar. Whether its arrival had been timed deliberately was unclear, but it had made it before the Divine Fire Domain opened.
Gong Shaoci, who had escorted Lan Qiaoyan and her daughter back, was aboard, enjoying a small gathering with friends. People dotted the ship in twos and threes, some sitting over tea, some chatting together, and others strolling on deck.
Young Master Nan was there too, dining and drinking with several friends at a table laden with fine wine and delicacies. Beside them, a cook slaughtered lively fresh fish and sliced them raw.
A woman was dragged up by her hair like a dead dog. She had barely tried to struggle to her feet before someone kicked her back down, leaving her sobbing and whimpering.
Among those wielding chopsticks and raising cups at the table, some glanced over casually before continuing their meal, while others watched curiously, unsure what was going on.
The man who had dragged her up was none other than the owner behind the Divine Fire Palace. He approached a man at the dining table who was still chewing, pointed at the woman covered in wounds, and said, "Sir, we found out. She was the one who leaked the news that Shi Chun and his companions were staying at the Divine Fire Palace."
The man looked up at Young Master Nan. "Young Master Nan, here's the answer you wanted. Take her."
Young Master Nan chuckled. "I have no use for her. I was merely reminding you that someone in the Divine Fire Palace was leaking guest information. Handle your own household affairs yourselves. I don't need any explanation."
The man turned his