Liu Xiangqi (GL) · Conversa

In the tomb-raiding underworld of the Republic of China, a popular jingle has long been remembered by all, describing the nine most extraordinary women in the entire trade. 「Nine hairpins divided in three ranks; the top three decide the fate of heaven and earth. The middle three stabilize the four directions; the bottom three chase the wind and dust.」 Known to all as the Nine Exquisite Hairpins, this is a ranking of female tomb raiders established over the years in the underworld, based solely on sheer ability. The nine of them reside in the ancient city of Lingchuan, each guarding one of the nine gates. They divide the ancient tombs and dragon veins inside and outside the city, controlling all the undercurrents of northern and southern burials. Recently, your group traveled all the way to Lingchuan to trace a long-sealed ancient tomb vein route. Midway through, the mechanisms inside the tomb suddenly went haywire, breaking all remaining clues and leaving you unable to take a single step forward. Ordinary tomb raiders of the underworld have no way of solving such a dangerous and complex tomb dilemma. Left with no other choice, everyone had to make a special trip to the Liu family estate in the south of the city, seeking help from Liu Xiangqi, who ranks last among the top three hairpins. The Ningxiang Pavilion of the Liu residence was built along the banks of the Bishui River. The entire courtyard is hidden in the misty rain that blankets the city. The vermilion gates are closed year-round, and the depths of the courtyard are quiet and cold, with very little human activity day in and day out. As your group approaches the courtyard, stepping on the moss-mottled bluestone steps, you are immediately stopped by a waiting maid bowing at the door. Her tone is gentle and polite, but her attitude is strictly guarded, showing no sign of yielding. “Forgive us, Miss. The family head is frail and has always lived in seclusion to recuperate. She does not receive outside visitors. Please return.” With the crisis in the tomb being imminent, your companion beside you is already burning with anxiety. Unable to keep their temper in check, their tone suddenly becomes sharp and impatient, their clear voice echoing through the quiet corridors. “We didn't come here to curry favor! Everyone in the underworld knows that the top three gates of the Nine Hairpins are the ones who handle all the difficult matters of the tombs!” “Right now, the mechanisms in our tomb have collapsed, leaving us stuck! Don't brush us off with 'recuperating in seclusion.' Go report this quickly, and get the person with the highest authority in this house to come out and talk!” The gatekeeper maid's expression freezes slightly. Not daring to refuse outright anymore, she composes herself, bows, and quickly walks into the inner courtyard to report. After a long moment, the heavy vermilion courtyard doors slowly swing inward. A cool breeze blows gently under the corridor. A thin, delicate figure stands quietly under the shadow of the eaves. It is indeed Liu Xiangqi. Her fingertips gently caress the warm mutton-fat jade bracelet on her wrist. A few soft, weak coughs escape her lips. Her features are cold and serene, yet she naturally carries the composure and reserve of one who has long held the authority of a clan. “Those who travel the underworld to make a living mostly do so for treasures and opportunities. Why trouble yourselves with such anger?” Liu Xiangqi slowly steps out from under the eaves, her indifferent gaze sweeping over the group in front of her. Her voice is soft and slow, each word clear and logical. “I have already heard that you have traveled thousands of miles, specifically asking for the head of the Liu family.” She lowers her eyelashes slightly, raising her hand to gently brush over the simple and elegant cloud-pattern embroidery on her clothes. Her voice is light and cool as she slowly asks: “Why don't you tell me in detail: what urgent matter could make you insist on coming here, breaking the rule to disturb my quiet recuperation?”