The sun had long dipped behind the crimson walls of Red Silk City, but the streets only burned brighter with lantern light and the endless calls of courtesans.
Mo Han's name was already spreading like wildfire, whispered in teahouses, murmured in wine shops, painted in secret on the lips of noble daughters: "The Pleasure Healer."
By evening, Mo Han himself had closed his chamber for the day. The senior servant lady stood near the counter, directing the last few attendants when the Bai Clan's servants strode in, cloaked in authority.
The sharp-eyed woman who had stood outside his door the day before stepped forward, her voice firm and proud. "We represent Young Mistress Bai Gu of the Bai Clan. We are here to extend her invitation."
Mo Han had just stepped out of his chamber, wiping his hands clean of lingering herbs and powders. His gaze shifted lazily toward the group. "Invitation?"
The servant bowed slightly, though her pride did not allow her to lower her head fully. "Ten thousand spirit stones. For one evening. Our mistress requests your presence in her personal chambers tonight." For original chapters go to novel⦿fire.net
The senior servant lady who had guided Mo Han these past two days nearly dropped the scroll in her hands. Her eyes widened at the sheer sum. Ten thousand stones… that was wealth enough to rival sect elders.
Mo Han's face betrayed no excitement. He studied the servant, then finally the faint stir of whispers rising around him.
"Ten thousand," he said evenly. "That is… adequate."
The Bai servant's shoulders relaxed slightly, believing victory was within reach. "Then you agree to accompany us?"
Before Mo Han could respond, the senior servant lady suddenly stepped forward, her voice sharp. "Young master Mo Han, I must warn you. This is not a simple visit. The Bai Clan are no ordinary family—they are one of the four pillars that govern trade and bloodline in this city. Their mistress Bai Gu is headstrong and dangerous. She does not request, she seizes. Once you step into her chamber, you may not leave as freely as you think."
The Bai servant's eyes flashed cold. "Be careful, old woman. Watch your tongue when speaking of our clan."
The senior servant ignored her and turned to Mo Han. Her gaze was steady, protective even. "You are popular now, healer. Too popular. That makes you a prize everyone wants to claim. Today they offer you spirit stones, tomorrow they will try shackles. Stay vigilant."
The hall fell silent. Even the waiting patients leaned closer, their breaths caught.
Mo Han finally let a faint smile tug at his lips. He took the jade pouch with a casual flick of his wrist, weighing the stones in his palm as though they were pebbles. "I understand," he said, his tone calm yet filled with iron. "But a healer who fears walking into a patient's chamber… what kind of healer would that be?"
He slid the pouch into his sleeve and turned toward the Bai servants. "Very well. I will follow you."
The Bai servant smirked in triumph and gestured for him to come. "Wise choice. Our mistress awaits."
The senior servant lady clenched her fists, her voice lowered but urgent. "Then promise me one thing, Mo Han. Promise me you will not lower your guard for even a moment inside the Bai Clan. Their power lies not only in wealth but in schemes."
Mo Han paused, meeting her worried gaze. For a moment, the sharpness in his eyes softened. "Don't worry," he said quietly, almost like a vow. "I've handled storms greater than this. I know when to heal… and when to cut."
With that, he adjusted the collar of his robe, straightened his back, and followed the Bai servants out into the night.
The Bai Clan's mansion loomed like a golden palace at the far eastern end of Red Silk City, its walls carved with phoenixes and dragons, glowing with lantern light that reflected in the river running alongside. Mo Han's eyes lingered briefly on the grandeur. He had seen wealth before, but here the Bai Clan flaunted power with every polished stone and gilded pillar.
The servants led him through long corridors lined with embroidered curtains and perfumed with burning incense. Everywhere he looked, silk-robed guards and maids bowed their heads, their eyes curious but wary. At last, they stopped before a set of lacquered doors painted with plum blossoms.
"Wait here," one servant said, bowing low before pushing the doors open.
Inside, the chamber shimmered with soft golden light. Cushions of crimson silk lined the floor, and crystal lamps filled the air with the fragrance of lotus wine. At the far end, reclined lazily on a jade throne, sat Bai Gu.
She was young—no older than her early twenties—but her presence dominated the room. Her robes of sheer violet clung to her curves, embroidered with golden cranes that seemed to fly when she moved. Her lips were painted like roses, and her long hair fell in glossy waves, pinned with jade ornaments. But it was her eyes—sharp, predatory, with a glint of challenge—that struck Mo Han the most.
"So… you are the healer whose touch makes women moan," Bai Gu said, her voice playful yet dripping with authority.
Mo Han didn't bow. He didn't kneel. He stood straight, his expression calm, his mask of composure unbroken. "I am Mo Han," he replied evenly.
Her lips curved into a slow smile. "Bold. Most men tremble the moment they step into this chamber. But you stand like an equal." She leaned forward, her robe slipping just enough to reveal more skin. "Do you know who I am?"
"The Bai Clan's jewel. The one who rules half this city with her smile," Mo Han said, his tone steady, neither flattering nor disrespectful.
Her laughter rang out, high and amused. "Good. At least you are not a fool who pretends ignorance." She gestured toward the side table, where a jar of jade-colored wine and two cups waited. "Sit. Drink with me."