Jingzhou City, situated along the canal banks, was a nexus of transit, bustling and thriving to a degree not overshadowed even by the Imperial Capital.
Jingzhou’s pleasure houses were renowned, boasting the claim that all the world’s supreme beauties could be found within the city walls. When Li Muzhan saw the small note from Yi Xiaoru, he instantly knew it was genuine.
For the pleasure-seeking man, Jingzhou was nothing short of a sacred land—a place one simply had to visit, and linger in.
Upon arriving in Jingzhou, Li Muzhan swiftly acquired a courtyard residence. To purchase a place here and live in seclusion was, in itself, a great indulgence. Li Muzhan privately sighed with admiration; alas, he carried a heavy mandate and could not drift about like an untethered cloud, else he would truly wish to remain here.
Jingzhou was a water city, crisscrossed by a labyrinth of waterways. In the early morning, a thin mist lay draped over the rivers, shrouding the surrounding mansions in a veil of near-invisibility. The entire city rested in a profound quietude.
Along the riverbank of Zhengqing Street, a middle-aged man in grey robes strolled slowly, hands clasped behind his back, meandering along the water’s edge. He was slender, with a flowing, wispy beard beneath his chin, possessing an air of ancient, ascetic grace.
The long sword belted at his waist seemed purely ornamental. His bearing suggested delicacy; he looked nothing like a martial artist, and his gait lacked any hint of the warrior’s stance, causing other martial artists to unconsciously disregard him, too lazy to spare him a second glance.
This was, in fact, Li Muzhan, disguised.
The courtyard he purchased lay by the river. Every morning, he would rise to wander along the banks; ostensibly an innocent constitutional, his true purpose was to survey the whole of Jingzhou using his Void Eye.
Jingzhou was indeed prosperous and vibrant, yet it concealed a multitude of masters. It was clear that not a few people harbored intentions similar to his own, including many top-tier martial experts.
It was not just the gentry within the city walls. Even the flower-boats drifting on the Jingzhou waters harbored hidden dragons and crouching tigers—many supreme experts resided there, even among the boat girls.
The boat girls of Jingzhou were also extraordinary. Their skills in song, dance, and the tea ceremony far surpassed those of ordinary women. They differed from the famous courtesans on the grand pleasure barges, possessing instead the delicate charm of a refined, well-bred young lady. Some preferred the dazzling, rose-like allure of the top courtesans; others favored these quieter beauties, who resembled respectable wives.
Li Muzhan noted the presence of many experts among these boat girls and sighed inwardly, yet was also filled with curiosity. If they possessed such peerless skills, why engage in this livelihood—serving others with their beauty, selling smiles for amusement?
There must be some secret involved. Li Muzhan chose not to pry too deeply; such secrets usually carried immense weight, and entanglement often led to a fight to the death, inviting trouble for no reason.
He walked on, observing the entirety of Jingzhou. His current formidable spiritual strength allowed him to encompass the whole city within his gaze, observing every detail.
Unfortunately, he did not know Fan Pingye’s appearance, making him impossible to locate. He was waiting for Yi Xiaoru, presuming she would eventually come to assist him.
Li Muzhan had grown somewhat reliant on the mercurial Yi Xiaoru. Without her network of informants, his matchless martial arts were useless, lacking any outlet.
However, he was also testing her now, to see if she could find him. His current disguise was so drastic that even those familiar with him might not recognize him.
———— “Brother Li, looking rather leisurely!” A soft, feminine voice suddenly sounded behind him.
Li Muzhan chuckled, turning around with his hands behind his back. Yi Xiaoru, clad in close-fitting garb that emphasized both her vigor and grace, stood beside him with a playful posture, looking every bit the valiant heroine.
Her dark green fitted attire accentuated her graceful figure. Already naturally voluptuous, the clothing added an extra layer of allure.
Li Muzhan feigned surprise, putting on an expression of confusion, and cupped his hands in a salute: “Is the young lady addressing this humble student?”
Yi Xiaoru snorted and gave him a sidelong glance: “Enough with the charade!”
Li Muzhan smiled: “How so, young lady? This junior truly does not understand!”
“Are you asking for a beating?!” Yi Xiaoru retorted impatiently. “Your disguise is quite good; it could certainly fool the average person!”
Li Muzhan grinned: “Yet it couldn't fool Miss Yi. What’s the secret?”
“That’s none of your business!” Yi Xiaoru said triumphantly.
The more they met, the more familiar they became with each other; every encounter felt like years of shared history, like old friends reuniting.
Li Muzhan laughed: “I know. You must have done something to me, haven't you?”
“If you say so!” Yi Xiaoru huffed noncommittally.
Li Muzhan tilted his head to observe her, smiling: “It probably wasn't that… then how did you find me?”
“I won't tell you!” Yi Xiaoru stated proudly.
Li Muzhan smiled. It must be some secret technique, but knowing his location was troublesome, as his actions were seldom entirely above board.
“What, are you uncomfortable?” Yi Xiaoru was sharp-witted; even though Li Muzhan kept his expression neutral, she could guess his feelings.
Li Muzhan laughed: “Indeed, somewhat uneasy.”
Yi Xiaoru said: “Don't worry, I can only sense you within a ten-mile radius!”
Li Muzhan raised an eyebrow and chuckled: “A secret art, then. But are you certain it’s safe from the Myriad Saint Sect? Their ultimate skills are endless… Is that fellow still in the city?”
“Mm, enjoying himself immensely!” Yi Xiaoru nodded.
Li Muzhan said: “I have an idea, and I’d like your input.”
“Out with it,” Yi Xiaoru said without ceremony.
Li Muzhan stated: “I plan to pretend to be his rival in love and deal with him!”
Yi Xiaoru pondered for a moment, knitting her brows: “But can you withstand investigation?”
Li Muzhan smiled: “If I stay here for a while, dealing with that situation will be enough!”
“That is a decent plan,” Yi Xiaoru agreed, nodding. “But you really intend to stay here? Hmph, all you men are the same!”
Li Muzhan laughed: “You are overthinking things!”
“Do you think I don’t know your mind?” Yi Xiaoru scoffed. “Aren't the beauties here, like a forest of flowers, very pleasing to the eye?”
Li Muzhan smiled and nodded slowly: “Indeed they are… Everyone has a love for beauty, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Hmph, fine. Stay here then. Stay a lifetime!” Yi Xiaoru sneered.
Li Muzhan countered: “Once I’ve dealt with the Fan brothers, I’ll stay a while longer before leaving, pretending to be scared off by their status and fleeing into the deep mountains. Who could trace me then?”
“…The plan is actually quite good,” Yi Xiaoru conceded with a helpless nod.
———— The Hundred Flowers Boat was the largest pleasure barge in Jingzhou. It could accommodate over a hundred people, effectively operating as a floating brothel, and its fame stretched far beyond the city limits, attracting numerous high-ranking officials and nobles.
Every evening as dusk fell, the Hundred Flowers Boat would moor. When lanterns were lit, it would set sail to wander the river. At that time, the boat would blaze with light, and the delicate sounds of silk strings and singing would drift out, visible from afar, causing onlookers to sigh with longing, wishing they were aboard.
However, not just anyone could board the Hundred Flowers Boat. A ticket cost a hundred taels of silver. Even in prosperous Jingzhou, an ordinary family's annual expenses were only about twenty taels. Just boarding the boat required five or six years of savings—something common folk wouldn't even dare to dream of.
That evening, as twilight approached, the man Li Muzhan was disguised as drifted ashore. He handed a hundred-tael banknote to the boatman and stepped onto the Hundred Flowers Boat.
The vessel had two decks, rising nearly three zhang high, appearing quite imposing up close. Though true night had not yet fallen, the boat was already ablaze with light.
Upon boarding, a woman of considerable charm and maturity immediately greeted him. She wore a simple, elegant silk robe, her bearing suggestive of allure without any hint of worldliness.
“Welcome, welcome!” She smiled before speaking, her lips lightly pursed, revealing shallow dimples—a blossoming smile radiant as a flower.
Li Muzhan smiled slightly: “Mama Xu, I apologize for the intrusion.”
“My lord is too polite,” Mama Xu replied, smiling sweetly. She approached, emanating a faint, delicate fragrance, curtsied slightly, and said with a gentle smile: “I have yet to ask for my honored guest’s noble name.”
Li Muzhan smiled: “My name is He Zudao.”
He recalled a wuxia novel he had read in a later age; feeling that his current bearing resonated with that of the Kunlun Third Sage, He Zudao, he found the choice amusing.
“Lord He, please take a seat and rest a moment,” Mama Xu said, smiling. She turned and gracefully led the way into the boat’s grand hall, where the space suddenly opened up before him, creating a sensation of sudden vastness.
The hall was quiet. A lingering zheng melody calmed the patrons, who were enjoying fruit and pastries while listening, or occasionally whispering among themselves.
Li Muzhan scanned the hall. There was an open area in the very center, around which nearly forty tables were arranged, accompanied by a comfortable armchair.
About twenty people were already seated, each radiating full vitality, clearly men of wealth and status, each possessing an undeniable air of distinction.
As Li Muzhan entered, they glanced at him once before returning to their conversations or private musings, paying him no further mind.
Li Muzhan smiled faintly and glanced toward the middle-aged man seated centrally.
———— This middle-aged man looked to be in his early forties. His features were ordinary, easily lost in a crowd, but his eyes were remarkably bright, seeming to pierce right through whomever he looked at.
He was currently sitting quietly in his chair, his eyes slightly narrowed, apparently savoring the music, utterly unconcerned by Li Muzhan’s steady gaze.
This was Fan Pingye!
Li Muzhan suppressed the killing intent welling up inside, maintained a smiling expression, swept his gaze over the assembled guests, and then chose a seat adjacent to Fan Pingye, turning his attention to the zheng music.
As time passed, another dozen or so people entered, all evidently affluent, their accents suggesting they were wealthy merchants from outside Jingzhou. They found seats in small groups, most having arrived in company, as outsiders were often cautious about facing trouble alone.
Li Muzhan leisurely ate some fruit, casually glancing toward Fan Pingye on his right, contemplating a pretext to provoke him.
More lanterns were lit in the hall, and soon Mama Xu entered, clapping her jade hands, and announced sweetly: “Gentlemen, we are setting sail!”
The assembled guests stirred; once underway, the entertainment would commence.
The great boat gently rocked, then the patrons felt the shift as it left the bank and began gliding along the river.
Mama Xu clapped her hands again and called out in a clear voice: “Girls, begin!”
The sound of strings and pipes swelled, and immediately a group of graceful women drifted in from a side door, assembling in the center to begin a mesmerizing dance.
Another group of young women, clad in silk gowns, approached softly, each pausing beside a table to pour wine for the guests. The atmosphere in the hall instantly grew warm.
The maiden serving Li Muzhan looked to be about sixteen or seventeen, well-proportioned, pure, and beautiful—a top-tier beauty anywhere else, but here she was merely serving tea and wine.
Li Muzhan regarded her with a slight smile: “Young lady, what is your name?”
“This humble girl is Xiuxiu,” the maiden replied shyly, dressed in a dark green silk top.
Li Muzhan nodded: “How old are you, Xiuxiu?”
“Eighteen,” Xiuxiu whispered.
Li Muzhan smiled: “A perfect age. Come, pour me some wine.”
Xiuxiu, slightly flustered, quickly took the flask and filled his cup, bringing it with both hands to his lips. Li Muzhan made no fuss, taking a small sip directly from her mouth.
Just then, another group of girls brought trays, placing two small dishes of appetizers, a pair of silver chopsticks, and a small jar of wine at every table.
Xiuxiu picked up the silver chopsticks again and offered Li Muzhan a piece of the appetizer, bringing it to his lips.
Li Muzhan opened his mouth and ate it, smiling inwardly. This hundred taels had not been spent in vain; such meticulous service from such a beauty was irresistible to any man.
———— Xiuxiu and the others were dressed conservatively, revealing no skin. In contrast, the dozen women dancing centrally were teasingly veiled, clad only in dudou bodices and underpants, covered by a sheer layer of pink gauze, their movements—kicks and twists of the waist—being utterly captivating.
Li Muzhan remained unmoved, smiling as he spoke with Xiuxiu, while simultaneously employing his Clairaudience technique. He sighed inwardly, noting that Xiuxiu was also a person of sorrow: her parents had died suddenly due to illness, leaving her an orphan. Lacking funds to bury them properly, she had sold herself to the Hundred Flowers Boat to pay for their coffins.
This was her first time serving guests, and Li Muzhan could clearly sense her inexperience, despite her rigorous training—though the average person wouldn't notice.
Li Muzhan chatted with her to ease her nervousness while surveying his surroundings. This Hundred Flowers Boat was truly remarkable. Not only were the women all beauties, but several were also masters, possessing profound skills.
Mama Xu, for example, was a top-tier expert whose technique for concealing her aura was superb; most people could not detect it, but unfortunately for her, she had encountered Li Muzhan.
Li Muzhan then glanced toward the two elders standing near the bow. Though they appeared frail and ancient, they too were supreme masters. With the protective forces on this boat, even an ordinary sect might struggle to compete.
Li Muzhan beckoned. Mama Xu gracefully approached, smiling: “What are Lord He’s commands?”
Li Muzhan pointed at Xiuxiu and smiled: “Mama Xu, I wish to take Xiuxiu home with me. Name your price, Mama Xu!”
“This…” Mama Xu immediately showed an expression of difficulty. “Lord He, the young girl is clumsy and inexperienced; why would you buy her?”
Li Muzhan laughed: “I just purchased a residence and lack servants. Xiuxiu suits my temperament; though her movements aren’t always nimble, she is honest and sincere.”
Mama Xu smiled gently: “Lord He, perhaps you should look at others? This girl has a stubborn streak; I fear my Lord might regret it.”
Li Muzhan laughed: “It will be her. Mama Xu is reluctant to part with her?”
“Alas… I truly am reluctant. The girl is a dutiful daughter,” Mama Xu sighed, shaking her head. “It is a pity fate is unkind. Very well, seeing that Lord He is a good person, let’s say one thousand taels.”
Xiuxiu’s eyes widened beside him. Li Muzhan smiled, pulled a banknote from his robes, and handed it over: “Please handle the rest for me, Mama Xu.”
“Lord He is truly straightforward!” Mama Xu praised, surprised that Li Muzhan hadn't haggled.
She took the banknote and disappeared gracefully, soon returning with a contract—Xiuxiu’s deed of sale. Li Muzhan handed it to Xiuxiu and asked with a smile: “Xiuxiu, are you willing to come with me?”
Xiuxiu hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded.