Chapter 67
Chapter 67
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 67
Chapter Title: Hunan Yiyang's Imperial Jade Pavilion (1)
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Taesan Sect's Shadowless Corps turned out to be more capable than expected.
They'd only infiltrated a short while ago, yet they'd already killed off every last captured Taesan Sect disciple.
From the looks of it, they hadn't quite pulled off the torture-to-suicide setup perfectly.... Well, that hardly mattered much.
The key point was that all the prisoners from Taesan Sect were dead.
With this, Taesan Sect now had a blood feud with Dominion Gate, giving them full justification to mobilize their entire sect and wipe Dominion Gate off the map.
Sneaky bastards. This wasn't the mindset of the righteous factions.
Sure, schemes and tricks were fair game. The righteous path wasn't full of idiots chanting about justice and honor.
But deliberately engineering sacrifices to create a pretext like this? That crossed a line no one should touch.
Even the demonic paths would lose all respect and see their ranks scatter if they stooped to such lows.
Then again, that's probably why they'd mobilized a group like the Shadowless Corps for the job.
Dominion Gate's leader seemed to grasp that much, at least.
Once he realized he'd been caught in their vicious trap, he handled it with surprising composure.
By openly declaring the truth.
Their response was straightforward.
'Dominion Gate did not kill the prisoners. We will do everything to clear this false accusation. If Taesan Sect demands an investigation, we'll set aside our grudge for the time being and cooperate. Otherwise, Dominion Gate will respond with force.'
Who even knows who's righteous and who's demonic anymore.
Or maybe I'm just too steeped in preconceptions? That the white path stands for justice and the demonic for evil?
In any case, Dominion Gate didn't stop there—they made other preparations as well.
The Dominion Gate leader busily requested aid from other demonic sects and ordered the gathering of ronin with generous payouts.
They weren't going down without a fight. No way they'd just stick their necks out meekly.
Of course, that was only natural.
This wasn't some simple matter that would end with Dominion Gate's destruction.
It could very well be the spark for a massive blaze.
Though if no support came their way, it'd fizzle out underfoot like any other ember.
The thought of watching it unfold crossed my mind, but I had my own tasks to handle first.
This wouldn't blow up in a day or two. So I needed to keep moving on my end.
Returning to Taesan Sect, I found the sect leader fast asleep.
He should've received the Shadowless Corps' report by now, right?
No way they hadn't arrived yet.
In any case, things here would be hectic for a while.
With all eyes turning toward Dominion Gate, they'd be focused there.
No need for me to stick around watching, so it was time to head to Crimson Blood Sect territory.
I could keep tabs on events here through the Tang family's apothecaries.
At dawn's first light, I set off toward Crimson Blood Sect.
The immense distance from Shandong's Mount Tai to Hunan’s Dongting Lake.
Crossing that in a single day? Utter madness, no matter how you sliced it.
But I didn't hesitate to do just that. No reason I couldn't.
Without the Tang family's apothecaries reliably present in every decent-sized city, it might've been a real hassle.
Roads weren't straight lines—even a 100 km as-the-crow-flies often stretched to 200 km in reality.
Not like modern asphalt highways stretching dead straight.
But thanks to the Tang family's assistance and my ability to ignore paths and just run, I steadily shaved down the distance.
I'd left at dawn and arrived before midnight.
Yiyang in Hubei’s Yizhou Prefecture—a bustling city on the eastern shore of Dongting Lake.
Who'd believe I'd been on Mount Tai at sunrise and reached Yiyang before the day ended?
Over 900 kilometers by rough estimate.
Anyone would call it a tall tale. The Tang family apothecary folks were probably in a frenzy right now.
They'd be baffled when they pieced together my route later.
Anyway, that's how I entered Yiyang. A dazzling spectacle.
Approaching midnight, yet the vibe felt like night was just getting started.
Colorful lanterns lighting every corner, grand pavilions everywhere.
That's Dongting Lake for you—a year-round hotspot drawing crowds.
Midwinter as it was, the foot traffic showed no sign of thinning.
Winter scenery at Dongting Lake had its own famed charm, after all.
Back in Taesan, Taesan Sect's front yard, I'd deliberately chosen a shabby spot.
To avoid drawing eyes. No point exposing myself unnecessarily.
It was Taesan Sect territory, after all.
Staying at Taesan's top brothel would've drawn scrutiny trying to sniff out my identity.
But not here.
A place swarming with visitors.
And though Crimson Blood Sect turf, even they couldn't scrutinize every passerby in detail.
No reason to pass it up.
Besides, alongside Suzhou, this was a pleasure hub in the Central Plains that no one dared rank second.
Me, turning that down? Absurd. So I went hunting for a suitable brothel.
No need for coin-based big data analysis.
Just follow the flashiest-dressed guys.
A few men stumbling drunk, with attendants in tow.
Rich young masters from somewhere, no doubt. With the hour late, probably off for one last round in the arms of top beauties.
Tailing them led to a fairly lavish brothel.
Hmm. Not quite hitting the mark for a pleasure city. This all they've got?
Sure, it was flashy enough. But below my expectations.
My standards are high.
Nothing short of Jade Radiance Pavilion or Fragrant Flower Pavilion caliber would tempt me.
A bit more wandering turned up a brothel that finally caught my eye.
Imperial Jade Pavilion. Grand enough to live up to the name.
Promising. Surely not just big for show.
No innocent place like this would claim, 'We're just your average brothel selling booze and ladies' laughs.'
This was Crimson Blood Sect's turf—the top demonic sect.
Had to be connected somehow. Definitely.
And my hunch proved spot on.
As I approached Imperial Jade Pavilion, a man sidled up discreetly.
First-rate martial artist. But he didn't let on.
Just a brothel guard. In modern terms, like a club bouncer?
"If I may, are you a noble guest seeking Imperial Jade Pavilion?"
Courteous tone. But laced with clear intent.
'This isn't for just anyone. Do you qualify to enter?'
Fair enough. He was doing his job properly.
Neat martial robe—clean but far from luxurious. Hair tied simply, no jewelry to hint at wealth.
If I'd had a decent sword, saber, or sect insignia, he'd have clocked it instantly.
That was their role, after all.
But I had nothing. Even my prayer beads were hidden, leaving no way to tell drifter from legit.
Yet his politeness stemmed from solid professionalism, no doubt.
Could just be an discreet VIP, so he kept the respect. I liked that.
"I've come to stay in your finest room. Mind guiding me inside?"
I handed over some silver.
A tidy sum. Proof I could afford Imperial Jade Pavilion.
First-round certification, like a basic pass.
His demeanor grew even more deferential upon receiving it.
Shifted from possible rube to confirmed VIP. Natural response.
He led the way inside Imperial Jade Pavilion.
Muttered something quietly to a woman within, who approached, bowed gracefully, and spoke.
"It is an honor to serve such a distinguished guest. Imperial Jade Pavilion boasts the realm's finest Manyue Pavilion. Might I introduce it to you?"
"If it's worth your boast, it'll be superb enough without seeing it. I'll take a fortnight. That work?"
A bill of exchange from Xi'an Merchant House. Substantial amount.
Valid even in this southern region, so no issues.
Her eyes widened slightly at the sight, but she composed herself, summoning a servant to take it.
Of course—verify it. Plenty of eccentrics around, but just as many forgers.
And for such a large sum, patiently awaiting confirmation was expected from the presenter.
"This way, please. Allow me to escort you inside."
Seeing their handling, Imperial Jade Pavilion was indeed seasoned.
Better to lure inside than block at the gate.
If genuine, just guide along smoothly.
If fake, encircle and nab me within.
Clean, refined procedure. Far classier than stalling a VIP at the door.
Surprisingly, I was ushered straight to Manyue Pavilion.
They must've confirmed the bill's authenticity and signaled ahead without me noticing.
Impressively subtle. I approved.
No discomfort in their reception so far.
Flawless, flowing hospitality. Even picky me felt this good; most would be thrilled.
Manyue Pavilion was a loft built over Dongting Lake.
Private suite, naturally. A quick glance promised stunning views.
Nighttime Dongting Lake. Colorful lanterns bobbing everywhere. Stars overhead.
Morning would be even better, I bet. Looking forward to it.
The pavilion's amenities were top-notch too. Better than Chang'an's Jade Radiance Pavilion or Fragrant Flower Pavilion, even.
Above all, the woman assigned to me was to my taste.
Chorim. A sultry beauty with striking red eye makeup that accentuated her allure.
Despite the chill, her cheongsam-like dress boldly exposed cleavage and thighs, amplifying the effect.
So this was Imperial Jade Pavilion's style for courtesans? Bold, fitting the demonic turf vibe.
"I am Chorim, here to attend the lord."
With a graceful bow, the woman approached, exuding voluptuous charm.
Hmm. Good call coming here. Already won me over.