Tianyun Town was the largest in Shuyun Kingdom's northwest, though "large" meant merely over a thousand residents. Still, as it bordered Huguo's territory, its transient population surged—especially with Hu merchants constantly passing through. In times of peace, daily visitors easily exceeded several thousands...

But ever since Liangge moons ago when Xiaogeng's 50,000-strong army arrived at the western frontier, Tianyun Town's foot traffic had plummeted. Now its total population barely reached two thousand.

Yet this small place possessed everything a town needed—wine houses, brothels, gambling dens... especially the latter, where numerous alluring Hu girls awaited, enough to entice merchants from every direction...

Now Xiaogeng followed a low-ranking officer's lead into Tianyun Town's premier brothel—Zui Xiang Brothel.

Twenty crimson-skinned warriors stood at the entrance, each over two zhang tall in full iron armor with massive battle-axes. Their grim expressions shattered any notion of romantic ambience.

Xiaogeng's face remained impassive as he strode past them without glance. He'd never believe Ye Jingyu dared kill him here—with his 50,000 vanguard troops just three li away, half a shi could crush this place if trouble arose...

Wasn't Ye Jingyu the one who defied authority? Did he Xiaogeng need to cower?

Even if such treachery occurred, confidence surged through him as he entered.

But what met his eyes stunned him—no killing intent, no hidden blade-wielders, no assassins in sight. Instead thirty scantily-clad women swarmed forward...

No time for reaction before flesh surrounded Xiaogeng like a carnal thicket. Lips covered his face, hands massaged his body until his sash fell loose, then armor, then tunic—all peeled away by eager fingers.

Some even reached into his belt pouches.

"Get back—!" Shocked beyond measure, he unleashed his innate energy in wild bursts that launched every woman flying with painful shrieks.

Now bare-chested under a white undershirt stained red with kisses, his loose hair and countless lip prints made him appear ridiculous.

A languid voice interrupted the chaos: "What? Disappointed by these beauties, General Xiao? I scoured all of Tianyun Town to find them for you..." Xiaogeng turned to see Ye Jingyu reclining in a wide chair, boots on table, wine jug and peanuts at hand.

The sight ignited Xiaogeng's fury—especially upon seeing the grotesque women claiming beauty status.

"Yah yah yah," chuckled Ye Jingyu as crimson warriors and others emerged from shadows, openly eyeing their half-dressed prisoner.

Even steady-minded Xiaogeng couldn't hide his darkening complexion under such scrutiny.

"You dare kill me now while Huguo's legions approach?" He forced out coldly.

"Nonsense," Ye Jingyu smiled easily. "You're our nation's greatest pillar. If I could harm you, wouldn't I have done so years ago? We merely discuss strategies against the enemy—"

The others' suppressed laughter made Xiaogeng's face turn puce as he swore silent vengeance.

"This is how you negotiate strategy?" He sneered.

"Certainly," Ye Jingyu replied, emphasizing "honesty" with sly emphasis. The assembled men finally erupted in uncontrolled chuckles.

Now this was truly honest—Xiaogeng's current state of naked vulnerability.

After several deep breaths to steady himself, Xiaogeng finally spoke: "The Huguo Lion Command occupies the Tian Gan Mountains' valley below, blocking our path. His Majesty ordered my Iron Army to divert them while we pass through."