Chapter 347: Hidden Enemies Emerge, Crushing Defeat
Red candles flickered, casting an ambiguous light, and graceful figures could be seen dancing behind thin silk veils.
“Heh—”
Inside the fragrant pavilion room, a handsome man raised his wine cup, his refined features and elegant demeanor suggesting a cultured and refined gentleman.
But looking closely at the scantily clad dancers and singing girls surrounding him, one could tell that this was no place of cultivation and refinement, but rather a brothel, frequented by many men in the city.
“Young Master, try this sweet date~”
A half-naked woman leaned against him with a seductive smile, gently bringing a date to his lips. Other dancers pressed close, their faces flushed, their soft moans and gasps filling the air, a scene of sensual delight.
“Handsome brother, smell this wine, is it fragrant~”
“It is indeed fragrant, but not as fragrant as your body, little sister.”
The handsome man smiled mischievously, playfully lifting the chin of the beauty in his arms: “Later, you can all enjoy yourselves with me, I’ll make you feel like you’re in heaven.”
The women around him giggled and playfully scolded him, a scene of drunken revelry.
“Cao Panyan, it’s been a while, you’ve become even more of a beast in fine clothing.”
“Ah!!”
The two dancers who had been serving tea and wine screamed, their faces turning pale as they stumbled backward.
A dark and burly man, his muscular upper body covered in scales, had appeared beside the round table, his appearance incredibly ferocious and terrifying. Just a glance was enough to make the women tremble in fear.
“Yue Chengjie, we still need a presentable appearance to move around in this world.”
The refined young man, called Cao Panyan, casually embraced the two stiff women and chuckled elegantly: “At least these ladies welcome me with smiles and open arms. But seeing your… appearance, forget about calling you ‘Young Master’ with a smile, they’re probably thinking about how to escape.”
“Truly boring.”
Yue Chengjie snorted coldly and grabbed the wine pot beside him, taking a large gulp.
Seeing his wild and unrestrained manner, the women, who were used to serving guests, didn’t dare to speak.
Cao Panyan grinned: “Where are Eldest Brother and Third Brother now?”
“Eldest Brother is dealing with the Luo Xing, and Third Brother went to investigate who killed Fifth Brother.”
Yue Chengjie’s voice was deep and heavy, like a muffled drum.
“Although he entered that deadly battle in the ancient realm, I heard he died before the fighting even began, someone else reduced him to ashes, not even leaving a corpse behind.”
“Oh?”
Cao Panyan narrowed his eyes slightly, a cold and sinister glint within, and sneered: “Although Fifth Brother was lazy and gluttonous, he was still one of the leaders of our Due’e Sect. To dare kill him… Who is so audacious?”
“Zhaoxiao Court.” Yue Chengjie said slowly, enunciating each word: “Tang Qianmen.”
“That woman?”
Cao Panyan raised an eyebrow and sneered: “Just a traitor who was kicked out of the Zhaoxiao Court, her cultivation crippled, a powerless slut. She must have had help to be able to kill Fifth Brother. However, since she dared to provoke our Due’e Sect, send our men to hunt her down. If I catch her, I’ll make her wish she were dead.”
His cold and sinister words made the two women in his arms turn pale, and they remained silent, nervously clutching him, cold sweat dripping from their foreheads.
They knew that this generous and handsome man had a mysterious background, they were just here for the money. But now they realized that he… wasn’t as gentle and refined as he appeared, but incredibly cruel and bloodthirsty!
“There’s no need to worry about Fifth Brother’s death now, the matter in Qingcheng is more important.”
Yue Chengjie glanced at him coldly and said sinisterly: “According to the plan, you should have already sent spies into the Prince’s Mansion, why haven’t you acted yet? You even let the Zhaoxiao Court get there first. Although we’re cooperating, we can’t give up such an advantage!”
“Heh!”
Cao Panyan waved his hand dismissively with a laugh: “It’s just a mortal prince, even if we take his head, it’s just a small gain. And now that we’ve obtained the ancient secret treasure, instead of wasting our time on such schemes, it’s better to negotiate with the Zhaoxiao Court for some benefits.”
Hearing this, Yue Chengjie’s already dark face turned even grimmer:
“Fourth Brother, although this might not seem like a big deal, it’s an important step in expanding our power. Even if we do obtain some benefits from the Zhaoxiao Court, without a solid foundation, we’ll still have to retreat to our desolate hideout. How can we compete with the Luo Xing then?”
Cao Panyan took a sip of wine, a strange smile on his face, but he didn’t say anything more.
Seeing his reaction, Yue Chengjie lowered his voice and asked:
“You sent someone to negotiate with the Zhaoxiao Court envoy before, how did it go?”
“They haven’t returned yet.”
Cao Panyan grinned: “There’s no need to worry, Third Brother. The ancient realm and the Luo Xing are currently at a standstill after their battle, they don’t have the energy to investigate the situation here. Even the Zhaoxiao Court has suffered many casualties and is preoccupied with their own affairs, what do we have to fear?
After the Qingyang Grand Ceremony tomorrow, we just need to capture that Zhengyang Prince and we can take control of this Qingcheng. There’s no need to waste our time with the Zhaoxiao Court.”
“…I’ll make other arrangements. Don’t be too reckless, Fourth Brother.”
Yue Chengjie’s cold gaze swept over the dancers on the stage and then the terrified women in the room: “I’ve placed a barrier on this building, no one can hear our conversation. And remember to deal with these women later, in case of any trouble.”
“Of course, I remember.” Cao Panyan smiled and patted the shoulders of the two stiff women beside him: “I’m just having some fun with them. I’ll make them quiet and obedient later, they won’t be able to leave this place.”
“Th-This…”
Seeing the women’s pale faces as they trembled and retreated, his smile turned even more sinister and strange.
“No matter how many times I see it, the terrified expressions of these mortal women after discovering the truth are always so beautiful and amusing. I wonder what kind of expression they’ll have after I break their necks and drain their brains.”
As he was still relishing the thought, Yue Chengjie suddenly stood up:
“I’ll go and meet with that Incense Master Feng of the Zhaoxiao Court again, to probe her intentions. I don’t expect you to achieve anything, Fourth Brother, just don’t ruin our plan.”
Without another word, he transformed into a cloud of black mist and disappeared.
This bizarre scene made the women scream and retreat in terror to the corners of the room. Even the dancers on the stage were frightened, shouting and hurriedly leaving.
“That man… he wasn’t human!”
“Ghost… it was a ghost!”
They repeatedly banged on the door, but to their horror, the doors and windows were tightly shut, not even a crack could be opened.
“Tsk, Third Brother is still so uncouth, always thinking about power struggles, he doesn’t understand the pleasures of life at all, truly a waste.”
Cao Panyan stretched lazily and casually crossed his legs, resting his chin on his hand as he looked at the terrified women who were trying to escape, and chuckled: “My dear ladies, why are you running so far away? Don’t you want to have some more fun with your young master?”
One of the women, mustering her courage, stammered: “A-Are you… human or ghost?!”
“Hahahaha! Good question!”
Cao Panyan suddenly burst into laughter, clapping his hands: “We are naturally ‘human,’ but in my eyes, you’re just a group of cute and interesting livestock.
Considering your hard work tonight, I’ll let you experience ecstasy before you die, so you won’t have any regrets, how about that?”
“—Naturally, that wouldn’t be good~”
A silver bell-like laughter suddenly echoed.
As if having a calming effect, the previously terrified dancers gradually calmed down and looked around, searching for the source of the voice.
Cao Panyan’s gaze narrowed, and he sneered, glancing sideways: “To be able to silently break through two layers of barriers, you do have some skills, girl. Are you from the Zhaoxiao Court, or perhaps the Luo Xing?”
The screen and gauze curtains of the inner room were blown open, revealing a heroic woman standing there with a sword in her hand, her hair braided and falling over her chest, a faint and inexplicable smile on her cold and beautiful face.
“You—”
Cao Panyan was about to speak when he saw her face and figure clearly and paused slightly.
Although she was dressed in a simple and elegant skirt and cloak, like a wealthy young lady, under the moonlight, she seemed to be draped in a shimmering, ethereal glow, her beauty both alluring and aloof, captivating at first glance, making one want to explore the depths of her gentle eyes.
“You, you’re Hua Shuya of the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion!”
Youluo’s lips curved into a smile, and she said indifferently: “It’s good that you recognize me, Master Cao.”
“Heh! I didn’t expect you to come looking for me.”
Cao Panyan quickly recovered and stood up with a sinister grin: “I saw you from afar before, Miss Hua, and I found your figure extraordinary, your aura otherworldly and ethereal, a rare beauty in this world, I’ve long admired you. I originally planned to… have some ‘fun’ with you after taking control of the Zhengyang Prince’s Mansion, but since you’ve delivered yourself to me, I won’t refuse.”
His frivolous and suggestive words made the women frown.
But Youluo just chuckled softly and waved her sleeve at the stunned dancers: “What are you waiting for? Leave this place quickly, at least get out of this pavilion, so you don’t get hurt. Or are any of you so infatuated with this man that you want to stay and… have some ‘fun’ with such a disgusting brute?”
Hearing this, the dancers quickly came to their senses, nodded in gratitude, and fled in a panic, the spacious room instantly becoming empty.
Youluo then turned her gaze back and chuckled: “It seems that even these women of the pleasure district have discerning eyes, unwilling to have anything to do with you, wanting to get as far away as possible, Master Cao.”
“That’s because they’re just mediocre.”
Cao Panyan rubbed his chin, looking her up and down with a strange gaze, and clicked his tongue in wonder: “Your figure alone is far superior to those mortal women, your slender waist and long legs… if I were to wrap them around my waist, it would be truly delightful! The more I look at your beauty, Miss, the more reluctant I am to harm you.”
Youluo casually placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, glancing at him sideways with a lazy smile: “Trying to disturb my mind with such vulgar words and then launch a sneak attack with Yin techniques, you truly are as sinister and cunning as you appear, sir.”
—Clang!
A sword light suddenly flashed beside her, as if hitting something invisible, a clear and sharp sound echoing.
The young woman gracefully twirled her sword, a seductive smile appearing on her lips: “I wonder how many innocent women you’ve defiled with this trick?”
“You—!”
Cao Panyan’s expression changed slightly, his heart filled with surprise.
This woman, she could actually detect his Yin techniques?!
“This technique is indeed quite ingenious.” Youluo slowly walked out of the inner room with graceful steps, a calm smile on her face: “Formless and intangible, just a wisp of Yin energy and red light, cleverly intertwined and fused, concealing almost all traces of its aura. Even a Crimson Demon Realm demon or ghost would be caught off guard. Although not fatal, it’s enough to seal a significant portion of their cultivation, giving the attacker an advantage.”
Cao Panyan’s expression darkened even more, and he took two steps back, sneering: “I heard that Hua Shuya had many strange encounters during her months of travel, even having some kind of relationship with the rumored ‘Mystic Scholar’ Lin Tianlu. Now it seems she has truly undergone a transformation. She’s no longer an ordinary mortal, possessing abilities that can rival even us demons and ghosts!”
“Mystic Scholar?”
Youluo paused slightly and couldn’t help but murmur: “I didn’t expect him to have such a strange title after causing so much trouble outside.”
If that silly scholar heard this, he would probably make a funny expression.
Imagining that scene, the young woman chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her hand.
—Clang, clang!
Sword light flashed like flowing water, deflecting several invisible needles.
Youluo raised her eyes slightly and smiled faintly: “Attacking while talking, although it’s the same old trick, it’s still useless. But you’re actually trying to conceal another technique.”
As soon as she finished speaking, to Cao Panyan’s astonishment, the long sword in her hand suddenly spun, unleashing several dazzling sword lights, shattering the two bronze mirrors in the room.
“Using mirrors to create illusions and control the mind, although secretive, it’s full of flaws.”
Youluo casually twirled her sword and said indifferently: “If you have any other tricks, feel free to try them.”
Cao Panyan’s expression changed drastically, and he stumbled backward.
—Something wasn’t right!
This woman couldn’t be an ordinary mortal!
His Yin techniques and moves were easily seen through and countered, and she even controlled the flow of the battle with just a few words.
He should have been the one with the higher cultivation, easily crushing her…
But why… did he feel so uneasy?!
Cao Panyan’s face suddenly turned furious, and he roared, his arms waving. The floorboards beneath the young woman’s feet cracked and shattered, and countless ghostly figures surged forth, attacking from all directions!
At the same time, he swiped his hands, and the beams in the room seemed to melt into a black mud-like substance, flowing and surging into the room, engulfing and crushing everything!
And the young woman’s graceful figure seemed to be submerged within, barely moving.
“Excellent! Excellent!”
Cao Panyan gradually floated into the air, carried by the black wave, grinning ferociously as he formed hand seals, his voice cold and sinister: “Since you’re so capable, girl, let’s see how you handle this! If you can’t withstand it, I might show mercy, take you back to our sect, and let you experience the true meaning of cruelty!”
As he taunted and threatened her, his hand seals didn’t stop, and the condensed Yin energy surged, breaking through the walls and forming a strange formation around the brothel.
Countless sharp edges converged towards the center, hundreds of killing intents locked onto her.
“Seize her soul, control her mind, possess her body—”
Cao Panyan’s face became even more ferocious and arrogant, his eyes widening furiously, and he slapped his palm downwards: “Get down!”
Clang!
But in response to his angry shout, a clear sword light suddenly erupted, drawing a beautiful and profound arc in the night.
The black wave seemed to be split in two, the formation shattering, as a sword pierced through his forehead, emerging from the back of his head.
Cao Panyan’s face was blank, stunned, only catching a glimpse of a fleeting figure before him. He reached out to grab her, but even the sword piercing his head was gone.
“…”
“Impressive display, but just for show.”
Youluo landed gracefully on the floor, smoothing her clothes and skirt, casually raising the exquisite scabbard, and the flying sword returned to its sheath.
And before Cao Panyan’s body could even fall, it transformed into swirling Yin energy, a resentful and hoarse roar erupting from within.
“I… will definitely kill you—!”
But before he could finish speaking, the churning Yin energy was crushed and completely annihilated.
“A desperate counterattack, sounds impressive, but ultimately weak and powerless.”
The young woman clenched and unclenched her right hand, a look of emotion on her face.
“After so many years of neglect, I can still remember a few moves.”
Then, she glanced sideways at the shattered corner of the room, her lips curving into a smile: “You and he are both from the Due’e Sect, yet you watched as he was killed by me… Should I say you’re self-aware, or cold and heartless?”
The dark and burly man slowly emerged from the shadows, his face incredibly grim, his dark eyes seemingly filled with condensed killing intent, a crimson flame igniting around him, enveloping the entire brothel in a strange and oppressive aura.
“Fourth Brother disagreed with us and his cultivation was mediocre, we didn’t want him to get involved. To die from carelessness is his fate.”
Yue Chengjie clenched his fists, the scales on his body shifting slightly, as if emitting a bloody baleful energy, a chilling blood mist swirling around him like a demon crawling out of a sea of blood. Demonic patterns appeared all over his body, his muscles bulging, his ferocious and demonic appearance like a vengeful spirit or god.
A faint mist emanated from his bared fangs, and he said in a chilling voice: “But I… will reduce you to ashes and avenge my Fourth Brother!”
Crack, crack, crack!
The brothel started to crumble, the walls and pillars shattering under his terrifying aura. In the blink of an eye, the entire building collapsed amidst screams!
…
“Hu~”
Youluo landed gracefully, waving her sleeve to disperse the surrounding dust and smoke.
At the same time, with a flick of her finger, she “sent” the dancers who hadn’t escaped from the brothel to the outside of the ruins, her lips moving slightly as she transmitted a message secretly: “You foolish girls, if you can still run, then run.”
Glancing at the fleeing figures, the young woman withdrew her gaze and looked at the burly demon standing amidst the ruins with interest.
“I thought you would attack directly, I didn’t expect you to be so patient.”
“Your cultivation is incredibly powerful, no less than those renowned Savage Realm great demons!”
Yue Chengjie’s voice was like the roar of a beast, a furious howl of a vengeful spirit, the Yin energy swirling around him like a raging fire, as he assumed a powerful fighting stance: “To kill you, I naturally have to use my full strength!”
“Not bad.”
Youluo smiled faintly, her cold and beautiful eyes shifting slightly, glancing meaningfully to the side: “But you’ve been hiding for so long, why not show yourself? As an Incense Master of the Zhaoxiao Court, hiding like this is a bit too cowardly, isn’t it?”
“I didn’t expect the Zhengyang Prince’s granddaughter, Hua Shuya, to have such a hidden side.”
A gust of Yin wind swept through, dispelling the dust and smoke.
A graceful middle-aged woman appeared, waving her sleeve, her hair styled in a high bun, her appearance elegant and refined.
She looked at Youluo coldly and sneered: “Knowledgeable, skilled in swordsmanship, extraordinary cultivation, and also quite sharp-tongued.”
“Thank you for setting up a barrier around the brothel to prevent the noise from spreading and alerting others, Incense Master Xia.”
“Hmph!”
Incense Master Xia sneered: “This place… will also be your burial ground.”
She casually glanced at the dark and burly man who was ready to attack: “You’re not planning to leave any survivors, are you, Second Sect Master?”
Yue Chengjie’s voice was cold and sinister: “We’ll tear off their limbs first!”
“Good, I’ll take this woman—”
“Perfect timing.”
Youluo glanced condescendingly at the two demons and ghosts, raised her arm slightly, and beckoned with a sinister smile: “Since you’re both here, let’s get this over with, so I can get rid of these insignificant ants.”
