260 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

"Wait a minute, why is Xiao Liu also dressed in a light robe with a loosened sash, his chest exposed? His chest is bright red, and he keeps scratching it, his face flushed as he speaks nonsensically. 'It's getting late, we need to leave. Your sister sent someone to hurry us.' The young woman's laughter erupted at the ugly man's words. Getting late? It's only during the Xu (Dog) hour, which is far from late for someone visiting a brothel. Staying overnight is the norm. 'Sir, since you're already here, why not sit down and enjoy some wine? I'll call a good friend over. It's still early in the evening. Besides, isn't the point of coming here to seek pleasure?' She wasn't willing to let Xiao Liu go. The fees varied greatly depending on whether the guest stayed overnight or not. 'Young lady, my sister has a bad temper. We need to go back, or I'll surely get a beating.' Xiao Liu stood up trembling. He knew that by 'sister', Ran Fanyan meant Yun Niang. No matter how beautiful the ladies here were, he didn't dare to defy Yun Niang. Quickly standing up, Xiao Liu began to straighten his clothes, motioning for Ran Fanyan to pay. 'Oh, still need to be nursed, huh? Your sister this, your sister that. My words don't compare to your sister's?' The young woman grumbled softly, watching as the opportunity slipped away. 'Next time, I'll return to support your business.' Xiao Liu apologized, trying to save face. Truthfully, if it weren't for Ran Fanyan bringing him to this brothel, he would spend his life laboring at Fengming Yard, never tasting luxury. 'Here.' Ran Fanyan handed over half the silver she had, tossing it to the woman. The woman weighed the money in her hand, 'It's not enough. Our Shi Hua Pavillion isn't like those cheap places outside. You can't just throw some money and be done with it.' Ran Fanyan glared at Xiao Liu, questioning, 'What did you do to her?' 'Nothing!' Xiao Liu frantically shook his head and hands in denial. 'Then why is half not enough?' Ran Fanyan pressed. 'I don't know, I just had a few drinks, ate a bit, and before I could talk much, you came.' 'Did you give him Xiaoyao Powder?' Ran Fanyan was already suspecting but wanted to hear it directly. 'Oh sir, you know your stuff. Xiaoyao Powder is our specialty at Shi Hua Pavillion. It seems you’re not a first-time visitor.' The woman leaned in closer to Ran Fanyan, having identified who was in charge. She decided to tolerate the ugliness for the sake of profit. 'Sir, stay the night. Let me serve you well.' The woman forced a smile and tried to keep the hideous Ran Fanyan. 'Young lady, please have some self-respect. I'm not interested.' Ran Fanyan took a step back to maintain distance; the heavy smell of cosmetics from the woman made it hard to breathe. The woman was displeased at her first encounter with such rudeness from a customer. She mumbled about how ugly he was, thinking she wouldn’t bother if it weren’t for the money. One reason Shi Hua Pavillion's business thrives is the use of Xiaoyao Powder, making first-time patrons addicted and turning them into regulars. 'Is this enough? We're leaving.' Ran Fanyan handed over the remaining silver. The woman weighed the additional money, 'Take care, gentlemen.' The two exited the room and headed downstairs. At that moment, a man in plain white clothes, with a smile on his face but an exceptionally cold demeanor, walked in, fanning himself elegantly. As he passed by, a faint herbal scent reached his nose. Ran Fanyan shook her head, confirming her belief that people are not what they seem; the more handsome the man, the more he indulges. The man felt a chill down his spine and shivered despite it being early autumn. He wondered if his junior disciples had enough to eat and wear, feeling concerned. 'Oh handsome sir, come up and let me serve you. We have private rooms upstairs~' 'Sir, look over here.' 'Sir~ Sir~ My beauty rivals that of the most celebrated women, a perfect match for you. Let me serve you~' '…' The women flocked towards the newly arrived man, determined not to miss another opportunity like they did with Ning Songwu. Each tried to outshine the other, showcasing their skills. 'Ladies, you are all equally beautiful. I'll take all of you.' The man threw his purse and fanned himself, walking forward. 'What are you waiting for? I don’t know the way.' One of the women opened the purse and her eyes widened, mouth forming an O yet again. It was too much; the generosity combined with his looks made hearts flutter. 'Come, come, let me show you the way, sir~' The woman led the man to the grandest, most luxurious room in Shi Hua Pavillion. 'Miss, I think the gentleman doesn’t seem like the type to frequent such places. Perhaps you've misunderstood him. Give him a chance to explain.' Wen Xiang finally caught up to Ran Fanyan, pulling at her sleeve and panting, trying to defend Ning Songwu. 'You talk too much.' Ran Fanyan lightly tapped Wen Xiang’s forehead in reprimand. 'Miss, that sachet isn't—' Wen Xiang was cut off as Ran Fanyan covered her mouth. 'Shh!' Ran Fanyan put a finger to her lips, signaling for quiet as the sound of footsteps closed in. Four men masked and wielding sharp swords followed closely along the path, maintaining a distance of about ten meters. Ning Songwu trailed directly behind Ran Fanyan, forming an equilateral triangle with the other two parties. The sound of swords being drawn, breaking the nocturnal silence, heightened the tension. The four seemed restless and ready for action. Seeing the sparks from the drawn swords, Ning Songwu was alarmed. 'Not good, they're making a move.' [Wait, isn't this last one...] [...You’d have to be crazy to believe you.] [It's fine, we’re in a 1v1 matchup. They might not be as strong individually.] [In any case, my master is surely connected to me by the red thread.] [We just fight.]