Warning, Best Actor Golden Statue Award

"Have you heard? Li Mo has become the top patron of our Misty Rain Pavilion."

"That wealthy guy who deposited a literal gold mountain at the Prosperity Trade House, along with all sorts of treasures, just to put a bounty on anyone who dares to target him—the so-called 'Prosperous Wife Battle Soul'?"

"Exactly! Yesterday, an out-of-town assassin from the Inner Court took Li Mo’s bounty without knowing the latest developments. Guess what happened?"

"What happened?"

"Tsk tsk... The moment he stepped out armed, he realized he’d been poisoned. Then a dozen fellow assassins jumped him. The scene was... well, tsk tsk..."

"Yikes... I have a 'friend' who also took the contract to kill Li Mo..."

"By 'friend,' you don’t mean yourself, do you?"

......

In no time.

The atmosphere in Yunzhou grew tense, and the Misty Rain Pavilion descended into chaos.

Not far from the painted pleasure boats, in a secluded private estate.

From a nearby room, the aura of the Intent Soul drifted, accompanied by faint, ethereal singing—like celestial maidens chanting on the wind.

The Holy Maiden was cultivating inside.

The madam stood guard at the courtyard gate, vigilant against any threats, her nerves taut.

The others around her were no less tense.

Suddenly, a disheveled figure tumbled into the courtyard. Clad in black, covered in wounds, his face was deathly pale—clearly poisoned.

The madam recognized him.

He was a Divine Observation Realm assassin, one of Yin Mianmian’s trusted subordinates brought from another province.

"Save... me..."

The assassin’s voice was a mere whisper, his face twisted in despair—

Just like the many targets he had killed before.

Yet, despite his plea to the Holy Maiden’s people, the madam didn’t dare move. Her eyes were fixed on the darkness behind him.

"Painting Skin, your place seems quite peaceful. It seems serving the Holy Maiden has brought you many rewards?"

A man draped in a black robe stepped forward.

"Ghost Eagle, the Holy Maiden is in seclusion. No one is allowed to disturb her."

The madam’s hand slipped into her sleeve, her body tense.

When the man didn’t respond, she added,

"The bounty on Li Mo was posted by the Holy Maiden herself. Yet you’ve been obstructing it, costing the Pavilion valuable manpower. Does the Yunzhou branch intend to break away from the main Pavilion?!"

"If someone posts a bounty, we take the money and do the job."

"Does the Misty Rain Pavilion now answer to the Holy Maiden instead of the Grand Master?"

The robed man sneered.

Thwip—

A black streak flashed—those with sharp eyes could make out a fan forged from special metal.

Blood splattered. The dying assassin on the ground was cleanly bisected, dark crimson pooling around him.

The madam’s face paled.

When she looked up again, the robed man was gone, leaving only his voice carried by the wind:

"The Branch Master has a message for you."

"The Holy Maiden is still young, her wings untested, her actions rash."

"Yunzhou’s little plot of land isn’t ready to bear the Yin name just yet!"

The madam’s expression shifted several times.

The corpse and these words were an unmistakable warning.

Before long, footsteps approached from behind. She turned and bowed hastily.

"You... have reached the Ninth Layer of Divine Observation?"

Yin Mianmian didn’t answer.

Though her face wore a smile, the murderous intent in her eyes was impossible to conceal.

She had indeed used the "Storm Brewing Decree" to plant her own people in Yunzhou.

But she hadn’t expected the Yunzhou Branch Master to react so swiftly.

Nor had she anticipated Li Mo offering such a staggering sum, giving the Branch Master the perfect excuse to purge dissenters.

"The only way to end this is Li Mo’s death. Only then will his bounty expire."

"But... we’re running out of usable manpower."

The madam murmured cautiously.

Yin Mianmian’s eyes gleamed with resolve.

"I won’t slink back to the main Pavilion in disgrace."

She seemed to reach a decision.

"Help me disguise myself."

"W-what? You’re going personally?!"

......

Meanwhile, by the Dragonfish Lake.

"Big Brother Li, it’s so lively here!"

Jiang Chulong clutched her little vegetable-filled basket, hiding nervously behind Li Mo.

"Don’t worry, these are all our people."

Li Mo chuckled, patting her head.

The area had always been bustling, but the past two days saw even more vendors—hawkers selling candied hawthorns, street performers showcasing acrobatics.

Notably, the performers had changed.

The old acts—iron crotch training, chest-crushing steel plates, handstand hair-washing, biting flaming sticks—had been booted from the "hardcore" lineup.

Now, the real daredevils bathed in vats of venomous insects or threw blindfolded daggers, each one aimed precisely at their own navels...

No choice—the street performance industry had suddenly become cutthroat. Even those willing to risk their lives couldn’t keep up.

Passing by, Li Mo sometimes stopped to marvel at the spectacle.

"Master Li, blessings upon you!"

"Hehe, truth be told, before joining this line of work, I specialized in sweet soups. Care for a bowl?"

"You flatter me."

"You’re practically our patron saint now..."

Accepting the bowl, Li Mo took a sip before handing it to the wide-eyed little princess.

As they reached the tavern entrance, a commotion erupted nearby.

"Hey, that guy’s acting suspicious!"

"Could he be here to assassinate Young Master Li?"

"Grab him! Interrogate him thoroughly!"

"B-brothers... I just wanted to pick some pockets..."

A group of burly figures swarmed the trembling thief, who wondered if he’d somehow committed a capital offense.

Gazing at the vibrant scene, Li Mo sighed inwardly.

Thanks to him, Dragonfish Street was livelier than ever.

Public order had improved dramatically.

"If the Governor of Yunzhou knew, he’d give me a 'Model Citizen Award.'"

Li Mo mused aloud.

"What’s a... Model Citizen Award?" Jiang Chulong tilted her head.

"Oh, it’s... well, a kind of recognition. It means you’re a good, kind person."

"Then... can I... give you one?"

The little princess felt Li Mo fit the criteria perfectly.

Was the Governor blind? Why hadn’t he praised Big Brother Li yet?

"Haha, I’d be honored."

Li Mo feigned exaggerated humility.

As they entered, the Qingyuan Sect members were gathered in the main hall.

Senior Brother Xiaobao sidled over.

"What award? Do I get one too?"

"Hehe, Junior Brother Li, how’d I do acting at the Misty Rain Pavilion the other day?"

Li Mo pondered.

It was true—everyone had helped him. He ought to show his appreciation.

The assassins who aided him got rewards; how could he shortchange his own people?

But handing out gifts individually might make them uncomfortable...

After a moment’s thought, inspiration struck.

"Ahem! I think we should hold a banquet."

"Oh? A banquet?"

Shang Wu’s eyes snapped open, suddenly interested.

Xue Jing, however, shook his head.

"Li Mo, this isn’t over yet. It’s too early for celebration."

"Not a victory feast."

Li Mo strode over to the ice block—Ying Bing—sipping tea nearby.

Casually, he picked up the Q-version Li Mo figurine beside her and held it to his lips like a microphone.

"......"

Ying Bing frowned slightly.

Only when she saw that it was him who had picked up the wooden carving did her jade-like expression soften.

He probably...

That childish streak of his was acting up again, driving him to do something nonsensical.

"Considering everyone's performances during the last incident at Black Tower," Li Mo cleared his throat and swept his gaze across the group, "Life is a play—it's all about acting! So, I think it's time we held an acting awards ceremony."

"I hereby declare the commencement of the Qingyuan Sect's First Golden Statue Awards for Best Performances!"

"This ceremony will present multiple awards, including Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actress, and more!"

As the host, Li Mo was quite skilled at hyping up the atmosphere.

Unfortunately, the others didn’t quite catch his drift, failing to grasp what he was going on about.

As a result, the response was lukewarm.

"Tch, how boring."

"This old man has pills to refine."

"I’ve got manuscripts to finish..."

The crowd lacked enthusiasm.

Only a certain ice block remained seated in her spot.

Her face seemed expressionless.

But in truth, her lips—fragile as shattered jade—pressed together faintly as she subtly tucked away a few unruly strands of hair that had escaped her cloud-like coiffure...

Best... Actress?

......

PS: My energy’s definitely better today. Going to bed early yesterday helped, but it’s mostly thanks to you, dear readers, powering me up with your love.

(Hinting at donations~)

Typos will be fixed after posting—just give me a nudge if you spot any.