Yi Xiaoru replied coldly, "Then let's make it tonight!"

"Couldn't be better!" Feng Zui nodded with a smile, cupped his hands, and said, "Very well, I shall await Senior Sister Yi's arrival then. Farewell!"

Yi Xiaoru glared at him coldly. Feng Zui chuckled twice, turned around without a care, pushed aside the curtain, and left the cabin. The boat swayed slightly and moved forward again.

Li Muzhan remained seated on the couch, picked up a book, shook his head, and smiled.

Yi Xiaoru, meanwhile, gritted her teeth and slammed the book down: "Despicable!"

Li Muzhan glanced at her with a smile: "Are all of Shenjian Sect like this? We should have expected it. Since they have no scruples, they naturally wouldn't save you any face. You should have made sure all your people withdrew beforehand."

"It was my lack of foresight!" Yi Xiaoru slowly nodded, her jade cheeks slightly puffed out as she angrily gnashed her teeth, a hidden killing intent swirling around her.

Li Muzhan waved a hand dismissively: "Forget it, it's nothing major. A trip might be for the best."

"Big Brother!" Yi Xiaoru glared at him, chiding, "Do you think my subordinates are insignificant, not worth mentioning?!"

Li Muzhan quickly waved his hands: "Certainly not, certainly not!" But you must also be prepared; I'm afraid they might not survive."

"How could that be?!" Yi Xiaoru frowned worriedly: "We have to save them!"

Li Muzhan sighed and shook his head: "It's already too late! What if conflict arises when they escort you to the banquet?"

"We fight then," Yi Xiaoru sniffed. "If things get truly urgent, we can only resort to fighting."

Li Muzhan shook his head: "They will use your subordinates to threaten you, forcing you to submit meekly!"

"I..." Yi Xiaoru froze.

Li Muzhan continued: "Given your temperament, you probably would agree, wouldn't you?"

"...No!" Yi Xiaoru let out a soft huff. "Big Brother, I'm not stupid! If I surrender, they absolutely won't spare me. It's better to fight it out!"

"What if they start killing people right in front of you?" Li Muzhan smiled faintly. "If you don't stop, they kill one person at a time, yes?"

Yi Xiaoru's expression changed, her lips pressed tightly together.

Li Muzhan’s smile remained, and he shook his head: "You can't withstand it, because you are not heartless enough to watch these people be killed because of you."

Yi Xiaoru found his smile infuriating and retorted: "Big Brother, is this so laughable?!"

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head: "Think about it. I guarantee they will use this tactic. Can you truly endure it? If you can't, I think it's best not to go!"

"If I don't go, I won't have peace of mind!" Yi Xiaoru shook her head, her expression firm: "I must go!"

Li Muzhan sighed deeply: "So you just want to die along with them? You don't need to worry about the Sect Leader, nor about me, is that it?"

"Big Brother, you definitely have a way!" Yi Xiaoru quickly grabbed his hand.

Li Muzhan sighed again: "What method do I have? If they are truly set on this, we can only force our way in. But once we force our way in, they will inevitably kill those people... We can only do our best, save as many as we can!"

"Big—Brother—!" Yi Xiaoru quickly shook his hand: "You must have a way!"

She had always been aloof, her demeanor cool, like an ice mountain goddess. Even when speaking to Li Muzhan, her tone was measured. But at this moment, she was unusually charming, her voice sweet and delicate, making the hairs stand up on Li Muzhan's arms. He quickly waved his hands: "Alright, alright, I'll think of a way!"

Yi Xiaoru smiled. Since Li Muzhan had agreed, he surely had a plan. She felt completely confident.

Li Muzhan sat down to write, pondered for a moment, and then said, "We still don't know the main base of Shenjian Sect. We need to find out first."

"They've all been captured..." Yi Xiaoru frowned.

Li Muzhan said, "All captured? Surely there must be some who escaped?"

"I'll try to find out," Yi Xiaoru nodded.

The small boat suddenly accelerated, stopping shortly after at a shore near a small courtyard. This was the courtyard where Li Muzhan stayed, though it was easily overlooked.

Li Muzhan and Yi Xiaoru disembarked and ascended the bank. Following a unique set of steps—three to the side, two forward—they walked a dozen paces, and a small courtyard suddenly appeared before them.

Yi Xiaoru found it magical, but her mind was heavy, so she didn't ask further questions.

"Young Master!" Xiuxiu suddenly opened the door and called out in surprise.

She was wearing a delicate pink silk robe, looking captivatingly beautiful. She looked Li Muzhan up and down with a hint of complaint: "Young Master, you haven't been back for several days!"

Yi Xiaoru turned and shot Li Muzhan a sidelong glance, knowing he frequented this place.

Li Muzhan laughed: "Let's go in to talk! Are you planning to go out?"

Xiuxiu shook her head and smiled: "I heard footsteps. Only you, Young Master, could approach the courtyard gate, so I came out to welcome you! Young Master, you're finally back! Miss Yi, please, come in!"

Li Muzhan laughed: "You little girl, you talk too much!"

The three soon entered the rear garden and sat in the pavilion. A pleasant floral fragrance immediately wafted over them, refreshing their spirits.

Xiuxiu bustled about, quickly serving tea and fruit, then sat opposite Li Muzhan, looking at Yi Xiaoru: "Miss Yi, long time no see."

Yi Xiaoru nodded lightly: "It has been a long time, Xiuxiu. Your complexion is excellent."

"Heh heh, but Miss Yi, you don't look so well. Have you encountered some trouble?" Xiuxiu observed Yi Xiaoru's expression with curiosity.

Because Yi Xiaoru was worried about her subordinates, she appeared somewhat listless, a faint shadow of worry on her face.

Li Muzhan shook his head; this Xiuxiu was being deliberately provocative.

Yi Xiaoru gave a wry smile and nodded: "I've run into some trouble."

"What kind of trouble? Can I help? I grew up in Jingzhou City, I know the area well." Xiuxiu offered enthusiastically.

Yi Xiaoru frowned and shook her head: "Thank you for your kindness, Xiuxiu."

Li Muzhan said, "Xiuxiu, we might actually need your help with this matter."

Xiuxiu brightened instantly: "Young Master, please command me!"

Li Muzhan asked, "Xiuxiu, have you managed to locate the headquarters of Shenjian Sect?"

"Oh, their lair?" Xiuxiu nodded quickly. "I found it. It turns out they are connected to a brothel—I never would have guessed!"

Li Muzhan asked, "Which brothel?"

Jingzhou City was incredibly prosperous, boasting several large brothels and pleasure boats. People traveling from all directions came to Jingzhou City to broaden their horizons; a man who hadn't experienced the ladies of Jingzhou City hadn't truly lived.

"Several large ones," Xiuxiu huffed indignantly. "Yiran Lou, Jinyi Lou, Lingyue Lou—the three biggest ones belong to them!"

Li Muzhan frowned: "Then where is their main base?"

Xiuxiu replied, "Yiran Lou!"

Yi Xiaoru snorted, slightly surprised: "It's Yiran Lou?"

"Miss Yi, have you been to Yiran Lou?" Xiuxiu asked, surprised.

Yi Xiaoru shot her a look: "I've heard of it. It’s the biggest brothel in Jingzhou City; men flock there. Hmph!"

As she spoke, she glanced at Li Muzhan, pursing her red lips slightly.

Li Muzhan smiled and shook his head: "I've never been. Can you be sure it's Yiran Lou, Xiuxiu?"

"Yes, I've scouted it several times. I'm certain they are based there," Xiuxiu nodded firmly. "I just don't know if they might move."

Li Muzhan asked, "Did they give you any trouble?"

"Heh heh, I always change my disguise. Every time I go out, I transform into an old woman. They pay little attention to old women; they are all starving wolves obsessed with young women!" Xiuxiu said proudly.

Li Muzhan smiled: "You are quite clever! Alright, I'll go to Yiran Lou and see if the people are there!"

"I'll go with you!" Yi Xiaoru immediately insisted.

Li Muzhan shook his head: "You really want to go to a place like that? I plan to scout it first, not charge in directly. I'll disguise myself as a patron first!"

"I'll go with you!" Yi Xiaoru slowly nodded.

Li Muzhan looked at her and smiled slightly: "Very well, let's go together."

Xiuxiu quickly chimed in: "Young Master, what about me!"

Li Muzhan looked her over and laughed: "Good, you haven't been slacking off. Alright, you come too!"

Xiuxiu immediately clapped her hands in excitement: "Great, let's all go together!"

Yiran Lou blazed with light that night. It had three stories, towering like a giant tree. Music drifted down faintly from the heights, occasionally mingled with bursts of delicate laughter.

Li Muzhan, dressed in a simple blue robe and holding a white jade folding fan, stood before Yiran Lou, smiling faintly as he observed the façade, showing no intention of entering.

He was accompanied by two handsome youths, both looking quite slender, with a slight air of fragility that suggested weaker frames than the average man.

These two were Xiuxiu and Yi Xiaoru disguised as men. Their male attire gave them a distinct aura, and standing next to Li Muzhan, they drew considerable attention.

Li Muzhan fanned himself slowly, surveying Yiran Lou with a constant shake of his head.

Men continuously passed by them, either in small groups of three or alone, though mostly in small groups; very few were by themselves.

"These men!" Yi Xiaoru looked at the men entering with distaste, pursing her red lips. She was fastidious and found these men dirty.

Xiuxiu, however, was quite interested, her eyes bright as she surveyed the surroundings.

"Young Master, aren't we going in?" Xiuxiu asked excitedly. The bright lanterns illuminated her face, making her look incredibly beautiful, like a blossoming flower.

Li Muzhan laughed: "No hurry."

Xiuxiu asked, "Young Master, what is there to look at here?"

Li Muzhan shook his head with a smile: "We aren't here to join the revelry. Xiuxiu, haven't you seen this place before?"

"I've only come to glance around, I've never truly experienced it," Xiuxiu shook her head. "I come disguised as an old woman to beg."

"Oh, that must be hard for you," Li Muzhan chuckled.

Xiuxiu said proudly, "Being an old woman is the easiest disguise. People barely pay attention to me, and no one notices."

As the two were speaking, a young man rushed out with a smile plastered on his face: "Three young sirs, please come inside—!"

Li Muzhan frowned slightly with a touch of airs: "You certainly seem busy here."

"Heh heh, yes, yes," the young man bowed and smiled. "Our Yiran Lou is the largest pleasure house in Jingzhou City, so naturally, it's bustling."

Li Muzhan shook his head: "I don't like crowded places."

"Oh, Young Sir, then go to the back!" The young man's smile broadened: "We have a quiet courtyard in the back, perfect for a gentleman like yourself!"

Li Muzhan nodded slowly, feigning reluctance: "Since we're here, we might as well go in and sit for a while!"

"Yes, Young Sir!" Xiuxiu exclaimed excitedly.

The young man led the way, guiding them through the corridors of Yiran Lou and into the courtyard beyond. Suddenly, the scene transformed; the earlier clamor vanished, as if they had stepped into two different worlds.

With small bridges, flowing water, rockeries, and lush foliage, the entire courtyard exuded a spiritual energy that made both Yi Xiaoru and Xiuxiu widen their eyes in wonder.

"Young Master, please this way." The young man led them through the rockery and grove to the entrance of a small courtyard. He smiled: "This is Hanzhu Ju. Do you like it, Young Sir?"

Li Muzhan surveyed it and nodded proudly: "It is passable. Let's go in."

So, the group entered the small courtyard and went straight into the main room. The interior was elegantly and warmly furnished, feeling less like a brothel and more like a home.

The young man bowed and smiled: "Young Sir, a night here costs one hundred taels of silver. If you like it, Young Sir, you may stay for several nights."

"One night will suffice," Li Muzhan waved his jade fan and scoffed. "I'll only look for a little while; I'll get tired of it soon. Call over the best courtesan you have to see."

The young man smiled apologetically, shaking his head: "Miss Yuyao is unwell today, and furthermore, Miss Yuyao sells her art, not her favors, Young Sir, perhaps you could..."

Li Muzhan smiled: "It won't hurt to have her come and look. I happen to know some medicine and can check on her condition!"

"This..." The young man showed a hesitant and troubled expression.

Li Muzhan waved his hand. Xiuxiu pulled a small ingot of silver from her pouch, about ten taels, and tossed it to him, saying with a pout, "The Young Master has spoken, what are you dawdling for? Hurry up!"

"Yes, yes." The young man quickly caught the silver ingot, his face splitting into a wide smile, and retreated hastily. Ten taels for a single gesture was quite generous.

Seeing him leave, Yi Xiaoru glared at Xiuxiu. Xiuxiu giggled: "Miss Yi, the Young Master instructed this. It must be at least ten taels!"

Li Muzhan smiled: "Little Ru, we can't be stingy with money at a time like this. I need to ascertain clearly whether this is the main base. If we can find it, we can save them. Aren't your lives worth several hundred taels of silver!"

Upon hearing the mention of saving people, Yi Xiaoru immediately quieted down, letting out only a soft huff: "That's not how you spend money, though!"

Xiuxiu laughed: "Miss Yi, without these ten taels of silver, it would be difficult to invite Miss Yuyao."

"Why must we see this Miss Yuyao?" Yi Xiaoru frowned, not understanding.

Li Muzhan smiled: "The most popular courtesan often knows the most; inviting her is the most straightforward way."

"...Fine then," Yi Xiaoru conceded helplessly.

Light footsteps sounded, and a graceful woman drifted in, wearing a simple pale yellow silk robe, her face covered by a veil that only partially concealed a delicate, porcelain-like jawline.

After entering lightly, she bowed slightly: "Greetings to the three young sirs."

"Are you Miss Yuyao?" Li Muzhan smiled and waved his hand. "Miss Yuyao, no need for formalities, please come and sit down to talk."

He lightly tapped the palm of his left hand with his jade fan and smiled: "Miss Yuyao is the foremost beauty of Yiran Lou. Let us see your true face?"

"Yuyao obeys," the graceful woman said softly. She walked lightly before the three and elegantly removed her veil, revealing a delicate face capable of expressing both joy and sorrow.

She had a melon-seed shaped face, a refined, straight nose, and lips that were neither too thick nor too thin. Most captivating were her beautiful eyes, which drew the soul in like a deep pool.

Her bright eyes flickered, seeming to pull the observer's soul along with them. She smiled slightly, "Sirs, how about Yuyao plays a piece of music for you?"

"Excellent," Li Muzhan clapped his hands and smiled faintly. "I have long heard that Miss Yuyao's zither skills are unparalleled. To hear them today is truly a great fortune."

"Then this humble girl will make an attempt," Miss Yuyao bowed, gracefully walked to the writing desk by the south window, moved the zither to the center, sat on the chair, and lightly plucked a string.

"Zheng..." The three instantly felt their spirits lift.

Li Muzhan's brow twitched. He hadn't expected Miss Yuyao to possess such profound internal energy. At first glance, he truly couldn't discern that she was a martial arts master.

However, that single, light pluck of the string, though not overtly revealing her internal power, produced a sound different from that of an ordinary person. Even without the trace of internal energy, Li Muzhan could tell.

It seemed her cultivation technique was peculiar, allowing her to weave it into the music without detection—a feat no ordinary technique could achieve.

"Cong cong..." The music flowed, and Li Muzhan slightly lowered his eyelids. He gently fanned his palm while Yi Xiaoru and Xiuxiu were quickly enveloped by the music, unable to break free.

Li Muzhan, however, was unmoved by the melody, remaining alert, and continued to smile as he observed Miss Yuyao.

Miss Yuyao plucked the strings with practiced ease, occasionally looking back. Seeing Li Muzhan slowly fanning his palm, she was inwardly surprised. The music became increasingly distant and ethereal, seeming unreachable, transporting the listener's soul far away.

Li Muzhan still maintained his slow, steady fanning. Miss Yuyao finally gave up, inwardly startled. She realized this man was actually a supreme master.

"Cong..." The music abruptly ceased.

Xiuxiu and Yi Xiaoru suddenly snapped back to awareness. They looked around; they were still in the room, yet it felt as if a long time had passed, as if they had returned from a distant place, feeling utterly changed.

Li Muzhan clapped his hands and laughed: "What a celestial tune! The resonance lingers for three days! What is this piece called, Miss Yuyao?"

"Yixian Qu," Miss Yuyao turned, lips curved into a faint smile. "I never expected the Young Sir could remain unaffected. Yuyao is impressed!"

Li Muzhan shook his head and laughed: "I am merely a vulgar man, unable to appreciate such refined music! Miss Yuyao, shall we play a game of chess?"

"As you please, Young Sir," Miss Yuyao smiled faintly and nodded. They sat at the table, set out the pieces, and began their game, move by careful move.

Yi Xiaoru and Xiuxiu were both somewhat bewildered, not understanding what mystical purpose Li Muzhan was pursuing by taking the time to play chess with Miss Yuyao.

They shot Li Muzhan a look but said nothing, choosing only to watch from the side.

Li Muzhan, while playing chess, activated his Xintong (Heart Connection) and opened his Void Eye to survey the entirety of Yiran Lou's layout.

He paid no heed to the scenes of intimacy unfolding, focusing only on finding Feng Zui's figure. Feng Zui's cultivation was extremely high, and his forceful invitation to Yi Xiaoru suggested he was an important figure in Shenjian Sect; targeting him seemed the best approach.

His gaze suddenly sharpened, and he spotted Feng Zui's figure. Feng Zui was embracing a beautiful young woman, their bodies engaged in fervor. His bare upper body was like cast iron, radiating masculine vigor, starkly different from his thin frame. The beautiful maiden beneath him was clearly entranced, obviously struggling to keep up.

Moments later, Feng Zui put the first maiden down and embraced another beautiful woman on the couch. There were three beautiful women lying on his couch in total, their intimate scene utterly captivating. (To be continued)