The next day.
The subordinate assigned to watch the Gu Family returned to Eight-Nine Prefecture with dark circles under his eyes.
"They're staying at our hotel."
The scout looked haggard as he gave his absentminded report.
"What's wrong? Couldn't handle a single night?"
Little Pig sat at the dining table, leisurely sipping his porridge.
"Brother Pig, this job was fucking torture. That woman kept screaming the first half of the night. She sounded like she was in ecstasy."
The scout cursed, on the verge of tears. "Then the man kept screaming the second half of the night. He sounded downright terrifying."
"Pfft."
Little White Tiger spat out a mouthful of thin porridge.
"Hit a little close to home, buddy?" Old Ninth nudged his brother teasingly.
The latter stole a cautious glance at Xiao Yuan and replied nervously, "Don't talk nonsense."
"The more I look into White Mouse, the more suspicious he gets."
Her cheeks slightly flushed, Xiao Yuan changed the subject. "I asked Guan Lei to help investigate him, but his entire past came back blank."
"You suspect he's... one of the Kou Islanders?"
Little White Tiger's and Old Ninth's faces darkened.
Chun Prefecture was forbidden territory for people from Kou Island.
None of the Kou Islanders dared set foot here, yet this man knew ninjutsu. That was strange.
"Question him. I keep feeling something's wrong."
Xiao Yuan pinned up her hair and took the coat Old Sick handed her. "Let's go meet the Gu Family."
"No need."
Old Ninth suddenly raised his head, gazing intently beyond the courtyard. "They're already here."
A few minutes later.
The Gu Family's Third Master strode into Eight-Nine Prefecture with his granddaughter and White Mouse.
"Gu Shanren of the Gu Family. Forgive me for arriving uninvited and disturbing you."
Third Master Gu wore a