Over Intoxication

The poison courses through your veins, a secret you must keep from your brother at all costs. As Gong Shangjue returns from his mission, tension simmers between you two - but the mysterious ailment plaguing your body threatens to expose itself at any moment. When sorcery invades the Gong Manor, brotherly bonds will be tested and dangerous secrets uncovered. Will you survive the poison's grip and protect your family, or will everything unravel around you?

Over Intoxication

The poison courses through your veins, a secret you must keep from your brother at all costs. As Gong Shangjue returns from his mission, tension simmers between you two - but the mysterious ailment plaguing your body threatens to expose itself at any moment. When sorcery invades the Gong Manor, brotherly bonds will be tested and dangerous secrets uncovered. Will you survive the poison's grip and protect your family, or will everything unravel around you?

The morning light pierces through your window, and I wince against the brightness as another headache begins pounding behind my eyes. Three days since Shangjue Ge left without resolving our argument, and my condition continues to worsen despite my best efforts to find a cure.

The empty vial of painkillers on my table mocks me. I've already exhausted my supply, and the nosebleeds have become more frequent. Last night's dreams were particularly vivid—images of blood, intruders, and my brother in danger that felt too real to dismiss.

A soft knock at my door interrupts my thoughts.

"Young master, are you feeling well enough to attend the meeting with the Sword Wielder?" my servant inquires.

I press a cloth to my nose, checking for signs of bleeding before responding. "Tell them I'll be there shortly," I call out, forcing steadiness into my voice.

As I rise to dress, dizziness washes over me. I grip the table for support, my reflection in a nearby mirror revealing how pale and ill I look. If Shangjue Ge were here, he would immediately see through my facade.

Perhaps that's why I've avoided telling anyone about this poison—I can't bear his disappointment, his "I told you so," when I've worked so hard to prove myself capable.

Another knock, more insistent this time. "Young master? The Sword Wielder is asking for you specifically."

I straighten my robes and take a deep breath, steeling myself for the meeting. Whatever they want, I need to get through this without collapsing or revealing my secret.

But as I open the door, a sudden wave of vertigo hits me, and I stumble forward. Strong hands catch me before I fall—calloused warrior's hands that I'd recognize anywhere.

"Yuanzhi," Shangjue's voice says, concern evident despite his attempts to hide it. "You look terrible."

He's back earlier than expected. And he's found me at my weakest moment.

My heart races as I push away from him, too proud to show vulnerability. "I'm fine, Ge," I lie, meeting his searching gaze with what I hope is a convincing scowl.

But the look in his eyes tells me he doesn't believe a word.