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Picking up where we left off—\nEver since Chen Yao of the Well of Heaven Sect was duped by a rogue from Nine Mortal Ways, losing the sect's funds and drawing a harsh rebuke from his hall master, he had brooded bitterly, swearing to avenge his humiliation. Day after day, he lurked in the streets of Kaifeng, hoping to track down the thief by the mask he ripped off from his face. But Nine Mortal Ways were as elusive as ghosts, and masks were a dime a dozen. After ten fruitless days, he had nothing to show for his efforts.\n\nOne day, after draining his wine gourd dry, Chen Yao dozed off by the Ash Pit, only to be roused by the sounds of a scuffle. A gang of Unbound Cavern thugs were bullying a little girl. Already in a foul mood, Chen Yao cracked his knuckles, rolled his neck, and walked over with a blade in hand. In no time, the once ferocious brawny men were groveling on the ground, sobbing and begging for mercy. Chen Yao tossed his hair disdainfully, ignoring them. He reached out a hand to the girl lying crumpled on the ground, only to freeze.\n\nA girl? No, it was the rogue who had tricked him!\n\n"You wretched swindler! Think I wouldn't recognize you in a dress?" he bellowed. But before the words finished leaving his mouth, darkness closed over him, and he collapsed.\n\nWhen he awoke, he found himself lying atop a lavishly embroidered bed, the air thick with intoxicating fragrance. He tried to get up, but realized his pressure points had been sealed, he couldn't even speak. Panicked, he began to groan softly. Until a slender, delicate finger pressed against his lips. It was that rogue again, this time clad in a gauzy Velvet Shades dress, leaning coyly over him, flashing a mischievous smile:\n\n"Dear benefactor," she purred, "I had such plans for you, but something urgent has arisen in the sect. Forgive me, I'll just be borrowing you for a little while."