Zong Shou’s body gave a slight tremor, then his heart inwardly noted, Well now! I wondered who was spreading such baseless rumors, and it turns out one of the sources is right here in Tiger Central. With a heavy snort, Zong Shou strode purposefully toward the pavilion, his gait vigorous and commanding. A cold glint flickered in his eyes, and a chilling smile played at the corners of his lips. The building rose about five stories high, painted a bright vermillion, appearing both elegant and grand.

Just as Zong Shou reached the doorway, a woman comparable in age to Xuanyuan Yiren emerged from within. Her figure was captivatingly graceful, and she moved with delicate elegance. Following behind her were two maids, one carrying a zither and the other a pipa.

Upon seeing Zong Shou approach, the woman paused momentarily. Then, with a light, dismissive laugh, she shook her head, “What is happening in this world? Even such a small child knows to seek pleasure in a place as tainted as this house of fleeting joys.”

She then turned back to the middle-aged woman who was escorting her out, saying, “Madam Zhang, humor me today. This child is simply too young; please do not let him enter.”

Zong Shou had been frowning deeply while listening, but when he heard the woman’s voice, which was as melodious as a clear spring, he finally looked up to take a proper glance at her.

It was then he realized that the woman was not only enchantingly shaped but possessed a top-tier, outstanding beauty. Her elegance was peerless, her skin as white as snow, and her eyes were like pools of still water; whenever she glanced around, an ethereal quality emanated from her that made observers feel utterly ashamed of their own plainness.

However, wasn’t this woman being overly presumptuous?

This body had already passed fourteen years; it certainly wasn't a ‘child’ anymore. Moreover, the ‘elephant’ beneath his robes had already achieved considerable stature.

No, he hadn't come here for frivolous amusement; he was here to settle accounts with Hu Zhongyuan.

He then overheard the middle-aged woman, clad in understated attire, offer a fawning smile: “Miss Yunlan, please rest assured. A child so young—even if you hadn't said so, I wouldn't have allowed him in. This youth has an extraordinary background; we at Jingyun Yaluo do not wish to provoke his parents.”

Zong Shou let out a soft, sharp ‘Hmph,’ concealing his rising anger in his eyes.

The ‘Miss Yunlan,’ likely the one who had just played that preceding melody, inclined her head in satisfaction before departing directly to the side with her two maids.

Zong Shou paid them no mind and continued toward the entrance.

As expected, the middle-aged madam gave a single glance, and several burly men, with corded muscles and standing seven feet tall, blocked his path. Immediately following this, the same ‘Madam Zhang’ scoffed again, “What business does a mere child like you have coming to a place like this? You were even escorted by a maid. Jingyun Yaluo is the foremost brothel in the Ten-Mile Fragrant Lane; it is no playground for children. I suggest, young master, you leave quickly; we do not serve customers of your age.”

Zong Shou let out a cold snort, preparing to force his way in.

Qiantian Mountain City was practically his own territory now; who could possibly stop him from entering wherever he wished!

The thought had barely crossed his mind when Zong Shou’s steps halted. He narrowed his eyes, watching the interior direction with caution, feeling a sudden internal shock.

Inside, several formidable auras rose up almost simultaneously.

His physical body had recently merged with a portion of the Thunder Luan Essence, leading to a significant advancement in his martial arts. Within Qiantian City, he could summon the might of an entire nation at any moment.

The only ones capable of posing even a slight threat to him were Grandmasters of the Sixth Order Xuanwu Realm and Spiritual Masters of the Huan Yang Realm.

Yet, within this modest brothel, he sensed no fewer than four experts at the Xuanwu level! And there were at least three Spiritual Masters at the Huan Yang level as well!

This wasn't a mere brothel; it was a den of hidden dragons and crouching tigers!

Within the small pavilion, there were seven individuals representing the pinnacle of worldly power—nearly half the number of peak experts in his entire Qiantian Mountain City.

Such power could establish dominance, build cities, and found nations anywhere; why would they choose to operate a brothel here?

Zong Shou’s intent to barge in vanished instantly. It wasn't fear, exactly—these mere seven individuals, while within Qiantian City, were not worth his attention.

It was a subconscious vigilance: what exactly was the purpose of this Jingyun Yaluo? Were they planning to assassinate him? Or perhaps use this location to gather intelligence?

These speculations were quickly dismissed.

This brothel had clearly been established for some time; it would have been impossible for them to gather so many masters in just two days, much less fail to recognize him.

As for gathering intelligence on Qiantian Mountain City, that was even more impossible. Seven converged experts could attempt a rebellion.

The madam with the surname Zhang ignored Zong Shou’s expression, her lips still curled in a perpetual, knowing smile: “Young man, I know the two maids beside you are both skilled in both Spiritual and Martial arts, indicating you must have an illustrious lineage. However, Jingyun Yaluo is not a place you can afford to offend. I advise you, young master, to return home as soon as possible!”

She then looked down toward Zong Shou’s lower body with overt disdain and contempt. “At such a tender age, I wonder if the hair down there has even grown in yet. To rush to the Ten-Mile Fragrant Lane… If you seek pleasure, come back in two years.”

With her words concluded, ‘Madam Zhang’ paid Zong Shou no further heed and gracefully entered the main hall with a swaying gait.

Zong Shou, however, found the situation amusing rather than infuriating, managing a cold smile despite the rising anger in his heart. He was beginning to grasp the true origins of Jingyun Yaluo.

Legend held that within the Dao of All Sentience, there was a sect called the Light Sound Faction, known for cultivating in worldly places of desire and pleasure. Their disciples often entered the pleasure quarters as zither players, songstresses, or courtesans, seeking to experience the mortal realm and temper their state of mind.

Of the Six Gates and Three Sects of the Dao of All Sentience, the Light Sound Gate had the most peculiar style of conduct, and their methods were the most outwardly placid. They did not occupy Spiritual Prefectures, nor did they claim Holy Lands; their places of cultivation were the common brothels of the world.

This realization complicated matters.

By his usual temperament, he should immediately summon troops and flatten this Jingyun Yaluo. While the experts inside were numerous, since they couldn't reveal the true strength of the gradually healing Weak Water, their power must have limits.

However, now that there was a fifty percent chance they might be future fellow sect members, taking action became difficult.

While he was deliberating, Zong Shou felt a tug on his sleeve. He turned to see Chuxue looking at him with a pitiful expression, clearly unwilling to enter.

He sighed inwardly. Very well, I will let this place off for today and settle this matter another time.

He shot one last cold, sweeping glance over the five-story building, and the next instant, he heard a cry of, “Be careful!”

Looking up, he saw a window open. Several women were merrily tipping a basin of clear water out into the air.

A surge of rage immediately flooded Zong Shou’s chest. With incredible agility, he moved backward with Chuxue and Weak Water.

But the instant Zong Shou’s figure lifted even half a foot off the ground, he felt the vital energy within him suddenly disrupt. Then, he completely lost control and tumbled onto his back on the ground.

The water splashed down onto his face the very next second. Zong Shou didn't even have time to dodge; he was soaked from head to toe. A string of delicate, bell-like giggles erupted from the window above.

Chuxue subconsciously let out a small puff of laughter herself. She quickly helped Zong Shou up, only to meet his suspicious gaze.

Confusion washed over her heart until Weak Water, with a playful smile, mouthed a reminder. Chuxue then woke up, shaking her head vigorously like a drum roll, proclaiming indignantly and wronged, “Young Master, how could you suspect Xue’er? I have no time to place ‘Fortune’ talismans on you! Sister Weak Water can vouch for me!”

Zong Shou was momentarily stunned. If it wasn't Chuxue, then what was the cause? Such a low-probability event as a disruption of vital energy—it couldn’t have happened so coincidentally, could it?

Thinking back, the only thing associated with the ‘Fortune’ talisman recently was when he had used five or six Luck-Pleading Talismans on himself two days prior.

Recalling the previous incident of his vocal cords tearing, and now this, a chill went down Zong Shou’s spine, and he suddenly understood.

Most likely, he had used too many Luck-Pleading Talismans, and the accumulated ‘Misfortune’ was erupting now.

It seemed this ‘cheat device’ wasn't as perfect as he imagined; he would need to use it cautiously in the future.

Then, he became incandescent with rage. Standing up, Zong Shou’s face was livid, his eyes like sharp swords as he scanned Jingyun Yaluo.

This was a true, bizarre humiliation. If this vengeance was not exacted, he would never be able to show his face again! It was utterly absurd. This so-called Light Sound Gate was outrageously arrogant!

Chuxue felt both satisfied and amused watching her Young Master humiliated in front of the brothel. Delighted internally, she thought that perhaps now her Young Master wouldn't frequent the Ten-Mile Fragrant Lane for a while.

Yet, on her face, she feigned shared indignation: “Young Master, shall I call Brother Zongyuan to bring the troops and level this Jingyun Yaluo? These people are truly infuriating!”

Zong Shou, however, remained noncommittal. His eyes flickered, and he already had an idea. He let out a low ‘Hmph,’ then turned to leave.

An insidious smile played on his face. He thought: simply leveling this wretched brothel wouldn't be enough to quell the anger in his chest. Furthermore, that method was too crude, too barbaric. He needed to subdue them through virtue. He wanted the master of Jingyun Yaluo to beg him personally—that would be truly satisfying.

And it would be on legitimate, honorable grounds, leaving absolutely no evidence behind.

Chuxue was slightly startled by this reaction. Given her Young Master’s usual temperament of never letting grudges last overnight, how could he walk away without even making a sound after suffering such an insult, especially on his own territory?

—This was completely unlike Zong Shou’s usual style.

Could it be that Jingyun Yaluo truly possessed a background so formidable that even the Young Master was utterly intimidated?

Just as she was about to inquire, Weak Water suddenly grabbed her hand and pointed at the clothes on Zong Shou with a knowing smile.

Although the water stains were already beginning to dry from the vital energy emanating from Zong Shou’s body, his appearance was still undeniably disheveled. Not only was his hair messy, but his back had also picked up some grime from falling to the ground.

Chuxue immediately understood. Right! For this to happen now is clearly telling everyone that the Young Master lost face and was humiliated here.

Indeed, in the Young Master’s heart, reputation was more important than outright hatred. (To be continued)