“Master, don’t be too angry,” 666 sensed Jian Xingzhi’s rage and hurried to console him. “Although the process wasn’t entirely satisfactory, you’ve at least entered Fengya Pavilion and begun task step two. That’s also two pieces of good news!”

“I wanted to enter Fengya Pavilion?!”

Jian Xingzhi was so angry he felt dizzy. “I don’t want these 500 points, I’m not doing this task!”

“Master…” 666 forced out a laugh. “Tasks… you can’t refuse them. You need to look on the bright side.”

666 continued trying to persuade Jian Xingzhi as he was carried into Fengya Pavilion. As soon as he was brought inside, many young men gathered around to look, seemingly very curious.

Qingzhu drove these people away, ordered someone to fetch a physician, then brought water over and wiped Jian Xingzhi’s face.

When Jian Xingzhi’s clean face was revealed, everyone gasped. Qingzhu clapped his hands and exclaimed with delight, “We have our courtesan champion!”

The other men looked at each other, unable to say a word in the end. If he were only a little handsome, they would have had something to argue about, but Jian Xingzhi’s appearance was simply like an immortal descended to earth—they couldn’t even manage to speak harsh words.

“Take good care of him,” Qingzhu was extremely excited. “Have the physician spare no expense—use whatever medicine is best. Tomorrow night is the courtesan selection, he must be ready. With this appearance,” Qingzhu happily stroked his face, “what a bargain.”

With that, Qingzhu walked out, instructing the two young men in peach-colored clothes at the door, “Huanxi, take good care of your older brother. Now that he’s entered the pavilion, don’t let him keep up that chaste martyr act.”

“Yes.”

Huanxi seemed unwilling but lowered his head in response.

Once Qingzhu left with his people, Huanxi instantly changed faces. He sat down beside Jian Xingzhi, stared at his face for a while, then snorted coldly, “Don’t think having a pretty face makes you special. Who becomes the courtesan champion in this pavilion doesn’t depend on looks alone.”

Jian Xingzhi didn’t understand what he was saying. He indifferently looked away, examining his surroundings while circulating his mental cultivation technique.

Seeing Jian Xingzhi ignore him, Huanxi took it as contempt and sneered mockingly, “You look down on me, but I look down on you too. At least I’m a pure entertainer. Tomorrow you’ll be sent to the courtesan selection—if your fate is bad, you’ll be played to death in one night. If your fate is slightly better, you’ll still be defiled and won’t fetch a good price anymore!”

“You’re so noisy.”

Jian Xingzhi finally spoke. Huanxi’s eyes widened, then he angrily exclaimed, “You little slut, do you think being good-looking means you can be lawless? This young master will show you…”

Before he could finish, the door was pushed open. Qingzhu led the physician in, and Huanxi immediately changed faces, respectfully calling out, “Father.”

Everyone in this pavilion called Qingzhu “Father.” Qingzhu nodded at Huanxi and led the physician in, quite worried. “Physician Zhang, this is my precious darling. He must be well by tomorrow night. I’ve prepared for this courtesan competition for so long, even Lord Cuilu from the City Lord’s Manor will attend. I must win face for Fengya Pavilion.”

“Master Qingzhu, rest assured,” the physician’s tone was calm. “I’ll do my best.”

With that, the physician approached Jian Xingzhi. He raised his hand to examine Jian Xingzhi’s body, then frowned. “All his bones are broken. Who could be so ruthless?”

Jian Xingzhi looked at the physician coldly, thinking this physician was too inexperienced.

“Can he be healed?” Qingzhu asked urgently.

The physician smiled. “These are all ordinary injuries with no magical damage. I’ll prepare a prescription—he should be fine by tomorrow night.”

“Thank you, physician.”

Qingzhu saw the physician off, then had someone prepare the medicine. Soon, Huanxi brought the medicine up and fed it to Jian Xingzhi.

After drinking the medicine, Jian Xingzhi closed his eyes.

He was somewhat weak at the moment, his pale face covered in cold sweat. With his eyes closed, he actually had a rather frail demeanor, appearing extremely uncomfortable.

Huanxi personally fed him the medicine. Perhaps because the person was too beautiful, seeing him close his eyes without speaking actually stirred some pity. He muttered sullenly, “Forget it, don’t be too sad. Now that you’re here, it’s at least a way to survive. The brothers in the pavilion will keep you company—don’t feel like life isn’t worth living. Tomorrow, whether it’s a male or female client… if it’s a male client…”

“Are you all willing?”

Jian Xingzhi couldn’t bear to listen anymore and interrupted his rambling.

Huanxi was stunned, then seemed somewhat sad. “How could we be willing? Either we were sold here or kidnapped here. Father has profound magical powers—don’t think too much about it.”

Jian Xingzhi didn’t speak, but his mind was made up.

Harming so many people—he deserved death.

He closed his eyes, letting the medicine’s power seep into his bones while circulating his cultivation technique, feeling his bones gradually solidify bit by bit.

After Huanxi fed him the medicine and covered him with a blanket, seeing he didn’t want to talk, Huanxi went to stand outside the door.

Soon night fell. Jian Xingzhi’s body gradually solidified. Just as he was reaching the critical moment, he suddenly heard a “creak” at the door.

He opened his eyes to see Qingzhu walk in, his hips swaying as he walked, looking rather seductive.

Jian Xingzhi closed his eyes and pretended not to notice, but felt Qingzhu walk up to him. After a moment, Qingzhu raised his hand and lightly placed it on Jian Xingzhi’s calf bone. Jian Xingzhi was startled by this action and instantly opened his eyes, frowning. “What are you doing?!”

Qingzhu didn’t answer. He looked at Jian Xingzhi with a smile, holding a wooden box in one hand while his other hand rested on Jian Xingzhi’s calf. His fingers slid from calf to thigh, then patted Jian Xingzhi’s buttocks with admiration. “Good legs, good buttocks, good figure.”

“I advise you not to seek death.”

Jian Xingzhi clenched his fist. He was currently at the final moment of his bones solidifying throughout his body and didn’t dare move. Although Qingzhu was a Golden Core cultivator, his cultivation was obviously accumulated through pills. Jian Xingzhi’s cultivation far exceeded his—Qingzhu couldn’t detect Jian Xingzhi’s spiritual power circulation at all and only thought Jian Xingzhi was an ordinary person.

“Don’t be angry.”

Qingzhu winked flirtatiously at Jian Xingzhi. “From now on, I’m your father. I’ll take good care of you, let you wear gold and jade at Fengya Pavilion, and become the spring dream in the hearts of Ghost City’s men and women. I know you still find it hard to accept, but it’s alright.” As he spoke, Qingzhu opened the wooden box in his hand. “Father will teach you how to be a man.”

“What is this?” Jian Xingzhi stared at Qingzhu intently. Qingzhu blew gently, and Jian Xingzhi felt an itch on his neck as something burrowed into his body.

Jian Xingzhi remained cold-eyed as he listened to Qingzhu’s gentle introduction. “This is a Seduction Bone Insect. Those infected with it will carry a strange fragrance and possess seductive bones. Once experienced, one can never forget. As long as whoever feeds you blood once…”

Before he could finish, a pair of clean, powerful hands suddenly grabbed his neck and slammed him violently to the ground. The sound of a spine shattering came from behind. Qingzhu’s eyes widened as he saw Jian Xingzhi, who had just been lying on the bed, now kneeling on one knee with one hand gripping his throat and pressing him down, saying coldly, “Feed blood once, then what?”

Qingzhu’s whole body trembled. He was in so much pain that his entire body curled up.

Death surged into his heart. He struggled desperately to survive, his voice hoarse. But as soon as he spoke, a mouthful of blood spurted out, and then he closed his eyes.

“Master!!!”

666 screamed, “You killed him!!!”

Jian Xingzhi was stunned for a moment before reacting. “He’s too weak, isn’t he? And he claimed to be a Golden Core cultivator…”

“Master, this isn’t the time to discuss that. Think of a solution quickly.”

666 reminded him, “He’s an important plot advancement character. Without him, the courtesan competition can’t proceed. You can’t be noticed by the City Lord’s butler, the female lead can’t come rescue you, you can’t enter the City Lord’s Manor…”

“Then what do we do now?” Jian Xingzhi understood its meaning. “The person is already dead.”

666 fell silent. After a moment, it spoke gravely, “Master, quickly take over Fengya Pavilion.”

“Huh?”

Jian Xingzhi couldn’t process this. 666 stated calmly, “Go out now and beat them into submission. From now on, you’re the new owner of Fengya Pavilion, Jian Xingzhi. At minimum, you need to organize the courtesan competition.”

Jian Xingzhi: “…”

666 crackled with electricity. “Master! Hurry!”

Jian Xingzhi took a deep breath. He sat cross-legged on the ground, closed his eyes, and quickly suppressed the parasite insect in his body. Then he stood up, severed Qingzhu’s head, and kicked open the door carrying the head as he walked out.

Huanxi had been standing outside the door. When the door was kicked open with a “bang,” he jumped in fright. When he turned around, he saw Jian Xingzhi dressed in white robes, blood on his face, holding Qingzhu’s severed head in his hand, looking over coldly.

Huanxi stared blankly for a moment, then screamed and turned to run downstairs.

Jian Xingzhi watched him run indifferently, raising his hand to place a spell on Huanxi. Huanxi felt something enter his mind. He turned back in panic to see Jian Xingzhi standing at the heights, saying coldly, “Go notify everyone in Fengya Pavilion to meet me in the back courtyard. Those who don’t come will die.”

With that, Jian Xingzhi raised his hand and threw the severed head downstairs.

Having received the order, Huanxi stumbled away in a panic.

Most of them were ordinary people, at most Foundation Establishment cultivators. Previously, Qingzhu’s accumulated authority had been too heavy, and they had been completely obedient to him. Now seeing Qingzhu die at Jian Xingzhi’s hands, not a single one thought of escaping. At Huanxi’s summons, everyone came to the back courtyard and stood before Jian Xingzhi.

Jian Xingzhi looked at these men dressed in gaudy colors and smeared with powder, unable to help frowning.

But thinking of 666’s words, to avoid unnecessary electric shocks, he still endured his discomfort and spoke, “Qingzhu is dead. From now on, Fengya Pavilion is under my management. Whoever dares say one more word, I’ll kill them.”

Hearing this, all the male courtesans knelt down together and began crying in whimpering voices, calling out, “Father, spare our lives.”

As soon as Jian Xingzhi heard the term “Father,” he clenched his fists and roared, “Don’t call me Father!”

The male courtesans looked at him with tear-filled eyes in confusion. Jian Xingzhi hesitated for a moment, then ordered, “Call me Master.”

“Wuwuwu, Master, spare our lives…”

The group of male courtesans immediately started crying again. Jian Xingzhi slapped his hand on the table. “No crying! Whoever cries, I’ll kill them!”

The scene was immediately brought under control. Everyone suppressed their tears and knelt with lowered heads.

Jian Xingzhi spoke up, directly stating all his requirements. “Go back and change into plain-colored clothes—black would be best. No makeup or powder. Don’t sway when you walk. Stand straight, sit properly. Even when kneeling, straighten your backs. Don’t speak in falsetto voices. Speak louder. Address me as Master and refer to yourselves as subordinates. Don’t embarrass me—act like real men!”

The male courtesans didn’t dare respond. Huanxi couldn’t hold it in, and tears fell with a “plop.”

Jian Xingzhi swept them with a cold glance, and everyone immediately straightened up considerably.

After disciplining them, Jian Xingzhi looked toward the door. 666 quickly reminded him, “You’ve now stabilized your identity as the madam. Send a message to Qin Wan, have her come rescue you. Don’t go out yourself. The plot can’t go wrong!”

Although the plot had already gone completely off track, 666 was still trying desperately to muddle through.

Hearing “Qin Wan’s” name, Jian Xingzhi said expressionlessly, “Will she really come rescue me? She was the one who sold me.”

“She of course…”

“This isn’t the first time.”

First time selling him to mine, this time selling him to a male brothel.

The only progress was that last time there was a payment, this time she at least made some money.

Jian Xingzhi’s reminder made 666 a bit guilty. Its voice lowered. “She’s your disciple after all… The reason she sold you was definitely because she trusts you too much, thinks you’re too excellent, and believes you can definitely solve the problem. She can’t beat Qingzhu, so she could only try to recover some losses… “

666 spouted nonsense it didn’t even dare believe itself. “She must be very worried about you now. You just need to send her a message, and she’ll definitely come rescue you! Just tell her that tomorrow night is the courtesan selection, and she must come rescue you. As long as she comes and causes a big scene, you get noticed by Cuilu and brought into the City Lord’s Manor, then she comes to rescue you and gets captured, the task will be complete.”

Jian Xingzhi didn’t speak. 666 urged, “Hurry! What if she’s very worried about you and feeling guilty right now?”

Jian Xingzhi thought about it—just in case “Qin Wan” was really worried about him, he should still send a message.

After considering for a moment, he pointed at Huanxi. “Go into the city and find that girl who sold me today. Tell her that her master has been tortured terribly and will be sold to someone else tomorrow. Have her come to the courtesan selection tomorrow night without fail to rescue me.”

Hearing this, Huanxi was completely bewildered. He had no idea why this man who had just become the new generation’s father would need rescuing.

But he didn’t dare ask more questions and quickly nodded before withdrawing.

Qin Wanwan wasn’t hard to find. After all, today’s incident had caused quite a commotion, and even though Qin Wanwan was disheveled, she was still beautiful. As soon as he mentioned a beautiful woman, people immediately gave directions.

Following the trail from where Jian Xingzhi was sold, Huanxi asked people along the way and learned of Qin Wanwan’s whereabouts.

She had taken the spirit stones and first went to buy clothes, then went to an inn where she rented a superior guest room and was taking a bath.

While bathing, Qin Wanwan was seriously scrubbing herself with soapberry when 38 advised her, “Master, find time to go back and rescue Jian Zhiyan.”

“Me rescue him?” Qin Wanwan thought 38 had lost its mind. “What I should rescue is Fengya Pavilion, right?”

“His bones are all broken after all.”

“Broken but he still has his Iron Head Technique, doesn’t he?” Qin Wanwan gestured. “Have you forgotten how he used his head to pound me into the ground? Besides, at this hour, he should be able to move by now.”

Qin Wanwan scrubbed the dirt off herself, thought about it, and waved her hand before 38 could speak. “Forget it, forget it, I’ll go check in a bit. In the previous life, Jian Zhiyan was just an ordinary person and was fine. Jian Xingzhi will have no problems. Besides, that place is a male brothel—they’ll at least wait until his bones heal before doing anything. Once his bones heal, won’t he tear that place apart? Don’t worry, he’s definitely safe right now.”

As Qin Wanwan was speaking, she heard knocking at the door. She got dressed and stood up, opened the door, and saw a black-clothed young man standing at the entrance. Qin Wanwan was stunned and couldn’t help asking, “You are?”

The young man stared blankly at Qin Wanwan’s appearance. She had just finished bathing and looked completely different from her disheveled appearance during the day. The young man was so shocked he couldn’t speak. Qin Wanwan cleared her throat. “Young master?”

“Oh, I’m here to tip you off!” The young man finally remembered what he was supposed to say. He didn’t dare look at Qin Wanwan anymore and lowered his voice. “I’m from Fengya Pavilion. Your master has been tortured terribly and will be sold to someone else tomorrow. He asked me to tell you that tomorrow night is the courtesan selection. You must come and rescue him.”

Hearing this, Qin Wanwan was shocked and suspicious. “My master has been tortured terribly?”

“Terribly,” the young man nodded according to Jian Xingzhi’s instructions. “Too horrible to look at.”

“What happened to him?” Qin Wanwan asked in detail. The young man was stumped and began frantically thinking of appropriate words. Qin Wanwan continued pressing, “All his bones were shattered—how can you torture him further?”

“Just… ” the young man was sweating with anxiety. “Anyway, he’s in terrible condition. Tomorrow even his chastity will be gone! Please rescue him quickly.”

With that, the young man didn’t say more and turned to run away.

Qin Wanwan watched the young man flee, standing dazedly at the door.

The system urged her, “Rescue him quickly! A great female lead can’t back down at times like this! Backing down deducts character points. If you go rescue him, you can earn points!”

“Wait…” Qin Wanwan was thinking. “Let me think. If Jian Xingzhi really got into trouble, with his temperament, no one would be willing to tip me off.”

38: “…”

You really have faith in him.

“Someone came to tip me off, which most likely means he’s safe. But why wouldn’t he come find me himself?”

Qin Wanwan continued analyzing. 38 couldn’t quite keep up with Qin Wanwan’s thought process for a moment. Qin Wanwan pondered, tapping the table lightly. “There are only two scenarios. First, he really is safe, but due to certain reasons, needs to get me over there. This is most likely his system task. Looking at the pattern of his past system tasks, basically he causes trouble, then has me solve it.”

Qin Wanwan thought about their interactions since they met, slowly analyzing, “This time it’s probably the same—he caused trouble and wants me to take the blame. I can’t go!”

“Then…” 38 was curious. “What about the second scenario?”

“The second scenario is that he really is in trouble…”

Qin Wanwan murmured, showing some shock on her face. “This… this doesn’t seem very likely, does it?”

“But what if?”

38 still held hope of getting Qin Wanwan to go look. “What if he really is in trouble? What will you do?”

“If even Jian Xingzhi got into trouble…” Qin Wanwan almost didn’t dare imagine, but forced herself to think it through before reaching her conclusion—

“I can’t go rescue him,” Qin Wanwan said, immediately starting to pack. “My abilities are far inferior to his. If even he could get into trouble, me going would just be delivering myself on a platter. We need to leave Ghost City overnight—perhaps we’ll still have a chance at survival.”

“No… it can’t be, right?”

38 reacted. “Wait, there’s still the task!”

“Staying alive is more important. We’ll leave the city first. If he’s fine, once his task time limit runs out, he’ll definitely contact us. If he’s in trouble, the faster we run, the better.”

“But…” 38 hesitated before reminding her, “What if Jian Xingzhi is actually hanging on by a thread, just waiting for you to rescue him?”

Qin Wanwan’s movements froze.

“Let me think…” Qin Wanwan put down what she was holding and slowly sat down. “Let me think…”

This thinking lasted an entire day.

Jian Xingzhi closed Fengya Pavilion. He truly couldn’t stand the male courtesans’ behavior. Taking advantage of the closure, he spent an entire morning gathering these male courtesans for training. By afternoon, when Fengya Pavilion reopened, it already looked completely different.

Each male courtesan now stood straight, wearing a longsword at their waist, with their hair simply tied back with cloth strips. Their faces were free of makeup—except for reddened eyes, everything else made them look less like courtesans and more like members of a martial arts school.

The male courtesans of Fengya Pavilion had never imagined in their entire lives that after being soft and delicate for so many years, one day they would suddenly have to take up swords and become wild warriors.

With Fengya Pavilion’s atmosphere reformed, the courtesan competition also needed proper preparation.

The courtesan selection had been planned entirely by Qingzhu, with Huanxi responsible for all operational matters. Now that Qingzhu was gone, Jian Xingzhi handed everything over to Huanxi and publicly claimed Qingzhu was ill.

The selection venue had been built long ago. In the afternoon, as the setting sun began to descend, guests gradually arrived. Huanxi was responsible for reception, while Jian Xingzhi, as a competition participant, waited in his room preparing.

While waiting, he had people investigate to see where Qin Wanwan was.

But on the matter of whether to rescue him or not, Qin Wanwan thought for an entire day.

On one hand, she felt Jian Xingzhi deserved it—if he wanted to practice the Dao, he should have challenged Jishan directly. If he wanted to return to the Immortal Realm, he should have forced her to cultivate. Her current miserable state was all because of him. Although his actions were unintentional, she didn’t need to risk her life for him.

On the other hand, she kept remembering their lighthearted moments together, knowing that he was basically just brain-dead with no real malice. If he actually died or something, the punishment wouldn’t fit the crime.

Various contradictions gathered in her heart. She thought left and right. By nightfall, she still came to the area around Fengya Pavilion and began circling.

Actually, rationally speaking, given the current two scenarios—whether Jian Xingzhi had taken control of Fengya Pavilion or been killed by Fengya Pavilion—she shouldn’t come back.

Although the probability of Jian Xingzhi controlling Fengya Pavilion was high, deep in her heart, there was still a vague unease. She feared that Jian Xingzhi was just short of that one breath of rescue from her, so she didn’t dare leave.

But gambling her own safety for that “one breath”—Qin Wanwan always felt it was somewhat irrational and inappropriate.

So Qin Wanwan circled around and around at Fengya Pavilion’s entrance, completely unable to reach a conclusion.

Her true appearance attracted too much attention, so she used Thousand Faces to make slight adjustments, uglifying her appearance to only 110% of normal before it improved somewhat.

But even so, she was still too beautiful. Everyone’s gazes couldn’t help stealing glances at her. After not long, a black-clothed male courtesan came up and said coldly, “Miss, stop circling. Come inside.”

“I… I’m not circling,” Qin Wanwan was instantly nervous, like a thief being questioned by police, hurrying to explain. “I’m just looking. It’s not for any other reason. I just don’t know your prices—I’m afraid it’s too expensive.”

Speaking, Qin Wanwan found a reasonable explanation for her circling behavior. “I want to go in, but I’m afraid it’s too expensive. How much is your entrance fee?”

“Ten… five spirit stones.”

The speaker started to quote one price, then remembered something and lowered the original “ten spirit stones” price by half. “Very cheap. Come in.”

“Five spirit stones,” Qin Wanwan pretended to be calm. “That’s a bit expensive. Let me think about it more. Don’t mind me—let me think about it.”

Qin Wanwan waved her hand and walked away, continuing to panic internally.

Should she go look or not? What if looking got her stuck there? Was it worth risking her life for Jian Xingzhi?

As Qin Wanwan hesitated at the entrance, Jian Xingzhi sat in his room, having male courtesans apply makeup and dress him. He listened coldly to a male courtesan’s report. “Master, we sent someone to ask. That girl said the entrance fee is too expensive and she’s thinking about it.”

The entrance fee was too expensive.

Jian Xingzhi took a deep breath and endured it. “Find an excuse and make it free for her!”

At Jian Xingzhi’s command, the male courtesan immediately complied.

Qin Wanwan was still circling when suddenly someone stuffed papers into her hand.

“Miss,” the male courtesan who gave her the papers spoke rigidly. “Tonight our Fengya Pavilion is having a promotion. You’ve won coupons for free services tonight.”

“Huh?”

Qin Wanwan held the coupons in confusion. “Isn’t this freeloading?”

“Correct,” the male courtesan nodded. “This opportunity won’t come again. Hurry inside.”

Hearing this, Qin Wanwan raised her head, looking straight at Fengya Pavilion.

After a moment, she immediately refused and turned to leave. “No need, farewell.”

The male courtesan was stunned as he watched Qin Wanwan start off pretending to be calm, then suddenly run into an alley and flee like the wind!

Qin Wanwan ran extremely fast, as if someone were chasing to kill her. 38 didn’t understand. “Host, it’s a free opportunity! Why are you running?!”

“Pies don’t fall from the sky. Suddenly free means there’s definitely a trap.”

Qin Wanwan ran through the alley. “I’ve figured it out. There are only two scenarios now. First, that male courtesan was sent by Jian Xingzhi. He’s definitely safe and still trying to scam me. Second is that Jian Xingzhi is already finished. They’ve discovered me, so they definitely want to lure me over and ambush me. I can’t fall for this trap. I’m leaving the city now to avoid trouble. Later I’ll prepare a memorial tablet for Jian Xingzhi and properly offer him incense!”

As Qin Wanwan fled, the male courtesan was completely bewildered. But he immediately ran back to Fengya Pavilion’s back courtyard and anxiously told Jian Xingzhi, “Master, this is bad—she ran away!”

Hearing this, Jian Xingzhi’s breathing became unstable.

“You told me that since she’s my disciple, abandoning me would make her feel very guilty.”

Jian Xingzhi ground his teeth, extremely dissatisfied with this traitorous disciple’s behavior.

Hearing Jian Xingzhi’s words, 666 lowered its head in shame. “I’m sorry. This female lead’s thinking is a bit… beyond my imagination.”

“Then in extraordinary times, I can only use extraordinary measures.”

Jian Xingzhi clenched his fist and slapped a stack of talismans on the table, turning to order the nearby Huanxi, “Take my talismans and send out everyone from Fengya Pavilion to capture Gu Beicheng. Tonight, she must come to Fengya Pavilion.”

He couldn’t use magic on Qin Wanwan directly, but others could use his talismans.

Receiving the order, the male courtesan immediately knelt on one knee and shouted his acknowledgment, “Yes!”

Moments later, everyone from Fengya Pavilion mobilized. Carrying Jian Xingzhi’s talismans, they began pursuing Qin Wanwan.

A group of male courtesans plus guards rushed out riding spirit beasts, looking like an entire assassin organization deploying in full force.

Qin Wanwan returned to grab her bag and ran out of the inn, only to be caught up. She skillfully fled through the alleys, explaining to 38 as she escaped.

“I told you they weren’t simple! See? Where’s the male brothel? This is clearly an assassin organization!”

Speaking, she turned her head. A volley of talismans came straight at her. Qin Wanwan did a backflip, but in that moment, talisman runes rained down on her like water. Qin Wanwan froze in place on the spot.

Huanxi led four male courtesans out from the shadows, smiling and bowing to Qin Wanwan. “Miss Qin, tonight you must grace Fengya Pavilion with your presence.”

Do you people force customers like this?!

Qin Wanwan cried out in grief, but her voice only came out as “Wuwuwu.”

Huanxi waved his hand, and four male courtesans lifted Qin Wanwan up and walked out of the alley.

Qin Wanwan was frozen by the talismans and couldn’t move at all. As she was carried out, everyone looked at her curiously.

Huanxi didn’t think anything of it and even cupped his hands to others. “Fengya Pavilion receiving guests—this is our honored guest.”

Enough—she didn’t want to broadcast her visit to a brothel everywhere!

Qin Wanwan was carried all the way to Fengya Pavilion and delivered to the back courtyard. She was pressed to kneel on the ground. Looking left and right, she saw men all around her, dressed in black robes with swords at their waists, looking extremely serious.

“I’m finished.”

Qin Wanwan lowered her head, thinking sorrowfully.

“This must be a murderous organization. Even Jian Xingzhi died here—what hope do I have?”

The more she thought, the more afraid she became. Then she heard footsteps behind her. Qin Wanwan grew nervous. Soon, she saw a pair of shoes embroidered with butterflies stop before her.

Seeing these shoes, Qin Wanwan blankly raised her head. Following her line of sight upward, she saw a young man wearing light purple robes embroidered with white orchids, with long loose hair, looking down at her coldly.

Qin Wanwan was stunned, then heard Jian Xingzhi sneer.

“Sold me for fifty spirit stones, didn’t want to rescue me and even tried to run. I thought that after knowing each other this long, surviving life and death together, we could be considered to have deep master-disciple affection. I never imagined you could be so heartless. Gu Beicheng,” Jian Xingzhi ground his teeth, “you’re so cruel!”

Qin Wanwan: “…”

She knew it—this person was perfectly fine. Not only didn’t he need her rescue, he probably wanted her to take the blame.

—

**Author’s Note:**

**[Mini Theater · 1]**

Two days ago: Male lead, to teach female lead cultivation techniques, broke female lead’s ribs by striking her chest.

Yesterday: Male and female leads begged on the street; male lead was sold to a brothel by female lead.

Today: Male lead becomes brothel madam; female lead is forced into solicitation.

Summary: Life is getting rather exciting.

Explanation:

The phrase “Gu Beicheng, you’re so cruel” is a reference to a piece of online melodramatic literature about organ harvesting, where the male protagonist Gu Beicheng was extremely cruel to the female lead, who said “Gu Beicheng, you’re so cruel.”

The female lead lied about her name as “Gu Beicheng” because she’s determined to be as ruthless to Jian Xingzhi as that male protagonist was!