Ling Qingzi's medicine was really effective. When Bai Fanlu woke up again, he body was without discomfort. Even the scars of old wounds on him were gone.
It's just that there was a sudden abnormality in his body, and he still felt something off. Before Ling Qingzi got close to him, he didn't feel it. So what was going on?
Bai Fanlu hesitated to ask Ling Qingzi, but when he opened the door, he saw Wang Chongyu standing guard outside. The man was gazing into the distance with hands behind his back. No one could tell what was on his mind. He was very focused, even when Bai Fanlu came out, he did not turn back.
That was Wang Chongyu for you. Even without anyone looking, he maintained his immaculate gentlemanly posture.
"Chongyu? What’s wrong?” Bai Fanlu approached and asked, and followed his gaze, but only saw silk-like clouds peacefully drifting among the mountains, and two cranes who’d been pecking at spiritual grass rise up then leisurely fly past.
Wang Chongyu finally turned and saw Bai Fanlu. A gentle smile broke across his face, "Shixiong, I will go down the mountain with you.”
Bai Fanlu suddenly remembered that he had to go to Yufang City today, "No need. I’ll meet Yun Zhan on my own. You should stay and help Shizun out.”
"Shizun wanted me to. Demonic creatures are rampant in the mortal world, and he instructed that no one is to go down the mountain alone.”
Bai Fanlu understood, "Then let's set off now and return quickly, so that Shizun does not worry needlessly.”
"Shixiong, don't worry," Wang Chongyu raised his hand and handed a sword to Bai Fanlu. "Last time I promised to craft a better sword for you. I shall be keeping my word today.”
Speaking of sword casting, Bai Fanlu suddenly recalled something. He summoned his current sword, "Chongyu, my sword has become a bit strange.”
Wang Chongyu noticed that the original silver blade was slightly bluish, and Bai Fanlu also described the sudden shattering of the sword body which ended up with the revelation of a brand new blade. He wanted to ask whether Wang Chongyu added any special materials to the sword, resulting in the phenomena.
Wang Chongyu received the sword and examined it carefully. When he turned the hilt, the sword glare shot and reflected in his eyes. He then handed the sword back to Bai Fanlu, “It is likely that the weapon evolved at an opportune moment. This sword is now a divine one.”
Bai Fanlu was surprised. This meant that Wang Chongyu did not secretly help him, but because he got lucky?
For the very first time since he transmigrated, he was blessed by the god of luck. This made Bai Fanlu feel flattered.
The sword that Wang Chongyu wanted to give him paled in comparison with the original one, so the man planned to take it back silently. When Bai Fanlu saw his movement, he felt a little sorry, "Give me this sword too, having one more makes me feel more secure.”
"Shixiong must be joking. How can anyone wield two swords at the same time? Let’s not.”
Although Wang Chongyu was not without regret, he gave righteous advice, "A sword only serves one master. Its loyalty is second to none. A sword’s master should do the same.”
Therefore, a sword was controlled by its master's will, whether in sword flight or in a battle, they moved as one. One would probably not be able to manipulate either blade if he wielded two.
Bai Fanlu understood this, but felt strange. How then did Xiao Liu manage to control his sword? Could it be that his sword mistook Xiao Liu for its master? Or was Xiao Liu so skilful that even his sword acknowledged and listened to him?
This question could only be clarified when he found the opportunity to meet Xiao Liu again. Wang Chongyu melted the extra sword into the casting furnace, before the two immediately set off. They arrived at Yufang City smoothly half an hour before noon.
Yufang City, as its name suggested, was a city full of red peach and white plum blossoms in early spring. When strolling through the city, one would tread on scattered petals, accumulating fragrance on the soles of one’s feet with each step.
According to legends, the origin of the city’s name was associated with the Immortal Realm.
Rumour had it that there was once a deity in the immortal realm, some even said that it was the same entity who created the Spirit Spring Formation but no one could be certain. This deity took in two disciples whose names no one knew. The disciples were like-minded and shared a close relationship. Even their cultivation levels were also comparable.
The two of them often travelled the world, slaying demons and eliminating trouble for the people. One day they arrived at Yufang City, and witnessing the city full of blossoms drifting in the air, they found it exceedingly beautiful. The elder disciple said on a whim that he would gather some blossoms and brew a special wine. Anyone who tasted this wine would become a half immortal, invulnerable to all poisons and protected from bodily harm by divine spirits.
He named the wine ‘Yuxiu LiufangA performance of lasting fragrance.’, and as time went ons, the city gained its name ‘Yufang’.
However, whether this Yufang Wine was actually brewed, or if it had an amazing effect, and what went into it, remained a mystery for hundreds or thousands of years. Perhaps it was simply a gimmick that a wine merchant came up with.
But it was a fact that wines produced in Yufang City were exceptionally good. It was also true that Yufang City had been peaceful and carefree for hundreds of years. People said that this was due to the blessing of the deity.
That's why when he and Yun Zhan left the mountain and heard about the rumours, the man decided to stop by Yufang City first. After all, in the eyes of people, Yufang City should be peaceful and anything odd occurring was a cause for concern.
But now, that peace no longer existed.
Bai Fanlu and Wang Chongyu headed directly to Baihua Pavilion, the meeting place agreed on with Yun Zhan.
To put it bluntly, Baihua Pavilion was a brothel and should not be open at noon.
Sure enough, when the duo arrived in front of the exquisite, three-storey carved pavilion, the door was tightly shut.
They waited by the side of the road, and suddenly Bai Fanlu sensed that someone was watching him.
When he turned around, he noticed Yun Zhan was walking towards them.
"Shixiongs, sorry to keep you waiting.”
Bai Fanlu didn't want to speak to him. Wang Chongyu first glanced at Yun Zhan and then at Bai Fanlu, and seemed to have an epiphany.
"We didn’t wait long," Wang Chongyu said, "Why didn't Shidi go back to the Sect directly? What happened?”
Wang Chongyu didn't know the plot, so naturally he was puzzled.
Yun Zhan replied, "There is indeed a tricky matter.”
"What is it?”
To Wang Chongyu, there was nothing more important than Ling Qingzi's orders. Before this, he could only communicate with Yun Zhan through message transmission. Now that they were there in person, he couldn’t help but give him advice as a Shixiong.
"Shizun's opinion is that the Four Mountains Alliance is the matter of the highest importance right now. If Shidi is not injured, we should all head back together first.”
Wang Chongyu had a hint of dissatisfaction in his tone, meant to put pressure on Yun Zhan.
Bai Fanlu originally thought that Yun Zhan wanted them here because he encountered some trouble that he could not resolve alone. But now it seemed that Yun Zhan was perfectly fine and did not need help.
"This matter is related to the Sect Leader of Qingyang Sect.”
"What?”
Wang Chongyu and Bai Fan glanced at each other, only to hear Yun Zhan continue, "The current Sect Leader of Qingyang Sect is probably an imposter. If she is allowed to enter the Four Mountains Alliance meeting, wouldn’t there be dire consequences? Can Shixiong afford this risk?”
Wang Chongyu squinted slightly, "What do you mean by this?”
Yun Zhan grinned, but his gaze fell on Bai Fanlu, and he slowly explained, "The Qingyang Sect Leader is in Baihua Pavilion.”
When night fell, the lanterns lit up, and the day officially began for Baihua Pavilion.
In front of the prosperous red mansion, the sound of silk and bamboo drifted in the atmosphere with an extravagant charm. Exquisite qin tunes were played in the background and from time to time, sweet giggles came from behind the door. Even without seeing them, just the fragrance and laughter was enough to lure men in.
Some bold and sparsely-dressed girls leaned against the window, waving their small handkerchiefs at passers-by. They gave such seductive smiles that those who saw them could not help but feel their faces blush and hearts race.
Bai Fanlu and his two Shidis pretended to be guests. The Madam at the door greeted them delightedly.
Yun Zhan was walking in the forefront, seemed familiar with the way, and did not show any timidity nor hesitation. Wang Chongyu stared at his back profile and couldn’t help raising his eyebrows. Then, he glanced back at Bai Fanlu, but noticed that the other party was not paying attention to Yun Zhan at all. Instead, the Shixiong was blushing when he saw the beauty that barely had any clothes on by the door.
The lady twisted her waist charmingly and sauntered over with a smile.
Bai Fanlu didn't just blush slightly. His entire face was bright red at this point. It was not his lack of experience, but that beautiful courtesan was almost naked…Definitely not for his eyes…Were women of this era so progressive and bold?
Bai Fanlu lowered his head and attempted to ignore the lady, but as expected, a rich powdery scent got closer. Yet, when the beautiful courtesan was about to touch him, someone stood in between them, silently shielding Bai Fanlu behind him.
Looking up, it was Wang Chongyu.
"Chong Yu..."
"If Shixiong doesn't like this place, I’ll go in with Yun Zhan. Shixiong can wait for us at the inn.”
Bai Fanlu waved his hand hurriedly, "No no, I'm just a little...cough, it's fine, let's head in together.”
The courtesan knew she couldn’t make Bai Fanlu her client, so she left in search of her next prey. But her gaze continued to linger on Bai Fanlu and Wang Chongyu from the corner of her eyes and she smiled ambiguously at a female companion next to her.
Wang Chongyu furrowed his brows deeper, blocking Bai Fanlu from all the various sights of debauchery, watching his surroundings vigilantly. On the other hand, Yun Zhan was in front of them and currently surrounded by a crowd of beauties.
The Baihua Pavilion was at its peak hour and the hall was filled up. Yun Zhan was generous with his tips, causing the trio to be directly led to a separate room with an attached balcony on the second floor.
Looking down from there, everyone was cheering and laughing. Seductive and attractive courtesans shuttled among the guests, smiling and dancing while waving their long sleeves.
Two beauties had settled down beside Yun Zhan since they stepped in. Wang Chongyu and Bai Fanlu were both good-looking men as well and plenty of ladies flocked over, determined to engage them in a conversation. Wang Chongyu turned all of them down for himself and his Shixiong. Bai Fanlu didn’t need to speak once. He merely maintained his upright posture and gentlemanly demeanour—like a peach tree.
At first sight, these two elegant gentlemen appeared really out of place, as if they were insistent on being upright despite entering a brothel. People around started to whisper and gossip about them. Bai Fanlu knew but pretended not to hear a thing.
Back in the real world. Bai Fanlu never frequented such entertainment outlets in the first place. He had never even set foot in a bar, so right now he felt like a bride who was in a wedding sedan for the first time. He was so popular that he really couldn’t adapt.
Wang Chongyu gradually became impatient, and asked Yun Zhan coldly, "Is the Qingyang Sect Leader really here?”
Yun Zhan didn't answer him directly, but instead said, "Won't we know after seeing with our own eyes?”
Wang Chongyu glanced at Bai Fanlu again and sought his opinion. Bai Fanlu thought for a while and responded, "Let’s wait a little longer.”
"En.” Wang Chongyu looked back at Yun Zhan, then leaned closer to Bai Fanlu and whispered, "Look at Yun Zhan. Do you really not care?"
"Huh? What?”
Bai Fanlu was taken aback. He noticed Wang Chongyu's puzzled expression, and then reacted with a laugh "I told you before that Yun Zhan and I are not, and will never be, cultivation partners. So should I care about what he does?”
"You didn't say so with this certainty last time.”
"Really?”
Bai Fanlu recalled that it seemed that he had quickly changed the subject back then, mainly because the painting made him seem guilty, with no way to defend himself.
"But looking at you now, you seem to have it all figured out," Wang Chongyu stared intently at Bai Fanlu with a hint of imperceptible ease. "Shixiong, Yun Zhan is not good enough for you. I'm relieved that you are letting him go.”
Although he didn't know where Wang Chongyu got that from, he also felt that Yun Zhan that scumbag was really not worth his time. In future, he shall just be his Shixiong, that’s all.
Bai Fanlu was in a good mood and patted Wang Chongyu, before eyeing Yun Zhan, "Let’s not interfere with his personal life. It's fine if all parties have a clear conscience.”
It was not as though they were cultivating the Emotionless Path, so the various Immortal Sects did not have exceptionally strict rules about such vices. The harshest punishment for breaking them were merely criticisms on one’s moral values, so it was entirely up to individuals to choose their lifestyles.
In the novel, Yun Zhan pissed off the original owner just by hugging the courtesans in Baihua Pavilion. But Bai Fanlu had expected that he would do so and was not at all surprised. He did however feel the man wasn’t worth the original owner’s affection.
After waiting for a while, there seemed to be certain changes outside. Bai Fanlu peered out and saw a woman walking out slowly beside the carved railings on the third floor.
Her bright red dress was so eye-catching that Bai Fanlu noticed her at once, and he couldn't help but look more closely. She was not like the other girls who wore revealing attire. On the contrary, she was dressed considerably conservatively.
However, that face was enough to make all men swoon over the woman. She was really a rare and exceptional beauty.
At this moment, the gorgeous lady was standing by the railing, looking down slightly. Her eyes were so cold, as if everything she saw was filthy and humiliating her presence.
"It’s really the Qingyang Sect Leader..." Wang Chongyu murmured softly.
Bai Fanlu had never met the Qingyang Sect Leader since he transmigrated. The book described her as an ice beauty always dressed in a Taoist robe. So when Bai Fanlu saw her in this bright red dress, he didn’t realise who she was. Hearing Wang Chongyu’s words, he finally knew.
The Qingyang Sect Leader was called Wu Yueshuang. She was the only female immortal grandmaster and was Ling Qingzi’s Shimei of the same Immortal Sect. She was also an equally formidable figure who could not be underestimated in terms of strength.
But this got Bai Fanlu wondering. Wu Yueshuang was said to be like Ling Qingzi, and also cultivated the Emotional Path. So why would she appear at such a place? Could she have been coerced?
But she had a profound cultivation level so who could have forced her hand?
Wang Chongyu was obviously as puzzled as him. The two exchanged glances, then both observed closely to see what Wu Yueshuang was going to do next.
It just so happened that they had one of the best rooms in the brothel. From where they were situated, no one could peer in, but they could get a good look at what was happening outside.
Wu Yueshuang stood on the third floor for a brief moment. Then, someone down in the hall saw her, praised her and this got her more and more attention from the floor.
Some young masters even abandoned the beauties in their arms and ran up the steps in bid to plant a kiss on her. Within moments, the stairs were packed with people, and even Bai Fanlu could clearly feel a slight tremble of the wooden floor under his feet.
Next, someone started yelling and cursing at the wooden stairs that were too narrow. They couldn't bear the overcrowding and a stampede soon ensued, and everything quickly escalated into a mess.
Even so, more and more guests poured in from outside the door when they heard the commotion. The entire Baihua Pavilion was in a state of overload, and the atmosphere was indescribably stifling.
But Wu Yueshuang, the Qingyang Sect Leader, appeared as though the ruckus had nothing to do with her. She stared at those people coldly, and her face was full of disdain and contempt for them.
At this moment, a sound of beration came from nearby. Bai Fanlu and Wang Chongyu turned their heads at the same time, and saw two strong men fighting until they tumbled into their private room. One of them got punched heavily and rolled to Bai Fanlu’s feet.
The man clutched his bruised left eye, and was about to stand up. His hands swiped recklessly in the air to grab onto any available support and was about to come into contact with Bai Fanlu.
Bai Fanlu didn't care about it, but Wang Chongyu stuck his sword between them. Then, he grabbed the man's hand and threw him upwards.
As the man flew, he shouted, "Which little gigolo dares to lay hands on me!", but his voice was soon drowned out by the commotion.
When Wang Chongyu pushed him away, he used some strength and it set off a gust of wind. The gauze curtains that draped over the outside were lifted for a moment, and then fell down again.
That man was still cursing and Bai Fanlu was trying to stop Wang Chongyu from attempting to teach him another lesson, when suddenly he felt another fierce energy passing by his side. When he turned around, he saw Wu Yueshuang leaping off the third-story railing and flying towards them.
"Chongyu, look..."
“What?”
Wang Chongyu followed Bai Fanlu's gaze, and noticed that the crimson figure already drew close. The air pressure lifted the light apricot veil curtains of their private room and the woman's cold eyes swept across the mess in the room, and finally settled on a single person.
"Qingyang Shishu..."
There was no doubt that the other party was staring at him, and Bai Fanlu greeted at once since he was her junior. Regardless of whether this Sect Leader was real, he thought it was better to say hello before any conclusion had been reached.
Wu Yueshuang didn't say a word. Suddenly, she flipped her wrist, and a piece of red silk suddenly shot out from behind her robes, and instantly wrapped around Bai Fanlu's waist, pulling him over.
Bai Fanlu exclaimed.
Wang Chongyu hurriedly said, "Shishu, what’s the meaning of this?”
Bai Fanlu, Wang Chongyu, and Yun Zhan could be regarded as the three top disciples of Tianshu Sect. Although the book did not mention any other relationship between them and Wu Yueshuang, nor any grudge, what was the meaning behind her actions?
And the weirdest thing was that Wu Yueshuang still hadn't spoken a word. She turned and flew out of the room, even pulling Bai Fanlu out with her.
Wang Chongyu did not expect this, and was about to give chase, when he was suddenly blocked by a sword.
What’s going on?! He was abducted! ∑(ﾟﾛﾟ〃)
Thank You for the new chapter (｡’▽’｡)♡