Li Yuan hadn’t missed the hatred in the eyes of the inner disciple Ren. He couldn’t afford to gamble on that not turning into action. True, with his master and senior sister stepping up for him—and with sect rules in place, Ren was unlikely to strike directly. But if he chose to take out his anger on someone close to Li Yuan, well, there were plenty of ways to do it.0

Everyone in the inner district would know about Li Yuan’s connection to the proprietress of the Ginger Tavern if they cared to investigate. If Ren secretly harmed or killed her, would the Blood Blade Sect really punish him with severity? Probably not. He’d face, at worst, some token penalty, or they’d simply let the two parties settle it themselves.0

Such an outcome was unthinkable to Li Yuan. He couldn’t bear the risk. One slip, and everything...0