469: Fengming Court

The girl did not respond, but instead inquired, “Hehe, Young Master, where are you from?”

Xu Sanyan pulled out a token and flashed it. After seeing it clearly, the girl covered her mouth and gasped, “Oh, Yue’er was clumsy, I didn’t realize it was a Shangyin Mountain Immortal Master! Please come in quickly.”

“Is this not enough?”

Xu Sanyan casually put his arm around her shoulder, slowly caressing Yue’er’s bare, fragrant shoulder.

This scene caused several people in the dark to look displeased. One of them snorted coldly in a low voice, “Hmph, another clueless fool trying to take advantage of the courtesan house owner.”

“Guests are guests, and besides, those who can come here are of no low status. We can’t afford to offend them.”

“That’s because the courtesan house owner doesn’t want trouble. If…”

“Watch your words.”

“Hmph!”

Yue’er subtly avoided Xu Sanyan’s hand, giggling coquettishly, “Since this is your first time, my humble self will introduce you to the ways of our establishment.”

Yue’er led Xu Sanyan and Xia Zhi, weaving through a crowd of dancing girls. From time to time, jade arms would greet them, and slender legs would flash before their eyes. The light flutter of sleeves was accompanied by wafts of fragrance. Xia Zhi could only slightly hunch his body to avoid showing his timidity.

“Look, this is our Fengming Pavilion’s unique Hundred Phoenixes Worshipping the Sun. If you fancy anyone, just say the word.”

“There’s also Dragon and Phoenix Following, Phoenix Flute and Luan Pipe, Phoenix and Luan Harmonizing, Climbing Dragon and Attaching Phoenix…”

Yue’er listed more than ten in one breath. Just hearing the names gave them a unique flavor, and it completely ignited Xu Sanyan’s interest. “Good, not bad.”

He could tell that all these women also had cultivation, and there were even female cultivators in the Foundation Establishment Realm, who would be core Disciples in some smaller Sects.

But among them, the one with the highest cultivation was undoubtedly the girl Yue’er beside him, at Mystic Path Realm Perfection!

Although this woman cultivated a Qi concealment method, it could not escape Xu Sanyan’s detection. A dignified Mystic Path Realm Perfection expert, actually running a pleasure boat?

Or was this woman just a front, helping certain noble people behind her accumulate wealth?

Xu Sanyan secretly shook his head; it had nothing to do with him either way.

At this moment, Second Young Master Yuan, who was frolicking in the crowd, was in high spirits. He reached out to embrace a dancing girl, but the dancing girl, whether intentionally or not, dodged, causing Second Young Master Yuan to embrace empty air. He stumbled and coincidentally hugged Xia Zhi, who was behind the dancing girl. Their eyes met, and both were instantly stunned.

Xia Zhi looked at Second Young Master Yuan, whose face was covered in white powder, and felt an inexplicable panic, then awkwardly greeted him, “Second Young Master, you’re busy.”

Second Young Master Yuan pushed him away, disdainfully patted his sleeves, his face full of displeasure, “Why are you here?”

“Uh…”

As Xia Zhi didn’t know how to answer, Xu Sanyan walked over, “Brother Xia came with me. Is there a problem?”

“Who are you again?” Second Young Master Yuan carefully recalled Xu Sanyan’s face but couldn’t match it.

Xu Sanyan had simply adjusted his appearance before entering the city, because his reputation was too great now, and he was inevitably recognized by those with ulterior motives, so he disguised himself.

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit off, Yue’er quickly mediated, “Oh, both of you are of noble status, please don’t argue over such a small matter. It’s my poor care. How about we let it go for my sake?”

“Hmph, Fengming Pavilion is getting more and more run-down. Anyone can come in.” Second Young Master Yuan rolled his eyes and turned to continue frolicking.

Xu Sanyan stood still, deep in thought about whether he could use this Second Young Master Yuan to inquire about the whereabouts of the Dragon Vein.

Currently, Xu Sanyan had no understanding of the Dragon Vein, nor did he know in what form it existed.

Was it a mineral vein?

Or a treasure?

Or some kind of Qi?

If he could know where the Dragon Vein was, it would be much easier.

Xu Sanyan’s mind stirred, and a demonic seed instantly imprinted itself on the top of Second Young Master Yuan’s head in the Void Realm. He saw his body stiffen, then immediately return to normal.

Second Young Master Yuan was merely at Foundation Establishment Perfection and had no resistance to the demonic seed whatsoever.

Yue’er bowed and said, “Young Master, please come this way.”

The moment she bent over, two dazzling mounds almost broke free and sprang out, instantly attracting Xu Sanyan’s gaze. He couldn’t help but praise, “Madam, what a broad mind.”

“Young Master, you flatter me.”

Yue’er chuckled, covering her mouth, without the slightest intention of concealing anything.

“Just stating facts.” Xu Sanyan was not stingy with his praise, his gaze sweeping around casually.

Xia Zhi, however, felt awkward all over. He felt like a loach from a muddy pit that had accidentally entered a clear river, his impurities clearly visible. This place was not somewhere people like him should be, and even if he was lucky enough to come, he didn’t belong here. He even felt less at ease than when he was on the small pleasure boat, filled with apprehension.

Xu Sanyan noticed his embarrassment and instructed, “Miss Yue’er, please settle Brother Xia first. I’ll wander around by myself.”

“Yes, Young Master, if you need anything, please do not hesitate to command. I shall withdraw first.”

Xu Sanyan nodded, wandering around the pleasure boat. He found a quiet spot and waited patiently.

At this time, the pleasure boat had just opened for guests and hadn’t reached its busiest hour. There weren’t many customers. Moreover, high-end courtesan establishments like Fengming Pavilion wouldn’t attract too many people. However, the surrounding pleasure boats, which were slightly inferior, had a good number of people.

“Tap~ tap~”

Slightly hurried footsteps came from behind. Second Young Master Yuan bowed his head and knelt, “Greetings, Young Master.”

Xu Sanyan did not turn back, his gaze looking through the window towards the shore, where lanterns were hung, making it lively.

He did not speak, and Second Young Master Yuan dared not rise. After a long while, Xu Sanyan finally said, “Get up.”

“Yes.”

“Do you know what a Dragon Vein is?” Xu Sanyan asked directly. This Second Young Master Yuan was of no low status and had lived in the capital for many years, so he might have heard something.

“Uh… Your subordinate does not know.” Second Young Master Yuan indeed did not disappoint, truly a good-for-nothing.

Xu Sanyan had long seen that this person was depleted of vital energy, had low cultivation, and was a complete waste. But Xu Sanyan didn’t need him to do anything, only to use him as a stepping stone.

“You also have an elder brother?” Xu Sanyan turned and asked.

“Yes, my elder brother Yuan Shut pavilion, cultivated by my father, is currently the Deputy Commander of the Jade Dragon Guard, guarding the Imperial Palace.”

“Is this Jade Dragon Guard the Emperor’s personal guard?”

“Yes, there are three thousand of them, permanently stationed in the palace, and deeply trusted by the Emperor.”

Xu Sanyan slowly nodded, “Find an opportunity to call your elder brother out.”

Second Young Master Yuan looked troubled, “This… I’m afraid it’s a bit difficult. The Jade Dragon Guard is strictly controlled, and even your subordinate finds it hard to see my elder brother.”

“That’s your problem. Three days from now, still here, I want to see him.”

“Your subordinate will do his best.”

“Mm, go.” Xu Sanyan waved his hand.

“Yes.”

Just as Second Young Master Yuan was about to withdraw, he heard Xu Sanyan say again, “Remember to pay my bill later.”

“…Yes.”

They were all women who earned their hard-earned money; he really couldn’t bear to enjoy it for free.

Xu Sanyan looked towards the shore, suddenly felt something, and with a glance, saw a figure in the crowd on the shore.

On the shore, Tang Huanhuan’s gaze passed through the shimmering lake surface, landing on Xu Sanyan. Her brows furrowed slightly, vaguely feeling a hint of familiarity, but she couldn’t remember where she had seen him.