97 - Confession (Ying Cheng)

Chapter 97: Fortress of All Things Yan Jue was counting money when she noticed Qi Xian Qing frown slightly. With a flick of her wide sleeves, Qi Xian Qing turned her head away. "This little money doesn't interest me. Save up enough and return it to me at once," she said. Yan Jue: "..." The silence was broken only by the sound of a little wild boar gleefully munching on a spiritual fruit. After a pause, Qi Xian Qing spoke again, "Yesterday, I consulted our master on an important matter. She's heading to the Fortress of All Things in the central region for business, and I'll accompany her." Fortress of All Things? Qi Xian Qing coughed lightly. "As one of Master's few personal disciples, you've been personally requested by her to join us on this journey." Yan Jue was momentarily stunned. Where is the Fortress of All Things? After explaining, Qi Xian Qing looked away, her glance drifting into the distance, lips pressed together, clearly waiting for Yan Jue to question her further. Puzzled, Yan Jue asked, "Elder Sister, where exactly is this Fortress of All Things?" Qi Xian Qing responded, "It is the only city in the world capable of holding all things, located centrally and adjacent to the Central Plains." "The city hosts the largest market under the heavens where humans, demons, and wizards alike can coexist and freely trade." She added, "That area is beyond the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Dao." Yan Jue remembered how, in past novels, her attention had been on trivialities, and she'd never heard of such a place existing. In a world with strictures against demons, a sanctuary like the Fortress of All Things would certainly be beneficial. Currently at the fifth realm, the Demon Pill realm, Yan Jue had considered visiting the myriad demon pavilion for better pill-making materials. The prospect of visiting the fortress excited her greatly. Suddenly, footsteps approached from behind. Zhu He ran up to Qi Xian Qing, clutching her sleeve and whispering, "I want to go too." Startled, Yan Jue was about to ask Zhu He to not stand so close to Qi Xian Qing when she saw Qi Xian Qing smile and gently say, "Then you can join us." - Yun Zhen's departure this time was unbelievably hasty, as if in a race against time. Yan Jue received word that she'd have to depart the next day. Returning to her dormitory, Yan Jue packed everything and retrieved a black beast egg from her Qiankun pouch. Having been too busy before, the egg had been neglected for days. Perhaps it was her imagination, but the cracks seemed deeper. Yan Jue placed the egg in the sunlight and infused it with vital energy. Dusk fell swiftly, and she collected the egg and returned to her room. The next day, she gathered her belongings and headed out. At the mountain gate, Yun Zhen stood awaiting in her dark cyan gown adorned with ink phoenix patterns. Her skin, pale as snow under the sun, and the cinnabar between her brows danced with her skirts in the autumn breeze, creating a scene straight from a painting. Qi Xian Qing, with her sword strapped to her back, stood beside Yun Zhen in her customary serious demeanor. Perhaps hearing Yan Jue's footsteps, Qi Xian Qing suddenly looked up, her eyes as clear and bright as peach blossoms. As Yan Jue approached, she mimicked Qi Xian Qing's formality. "Greetings, Master." Puzzled, Yun Zhen remarked, "This child... learning everything from Xian Qing... Becoming more like her by the day." Yan Jue: "..." Qi Xian Qing: "..." Since her arrival in this world, Yan Jue had never officially apprenticed with anyone, so her manners and etiquette had all been learned from Qi Xian Qing. Yun Zhen squinted leisurely, declaring, "I detest rigid people the most. Just be yourselves around me, don't become a little stickler like Xian Qing." Qi Xian Qing: "..." Yan Jue awkwardly replied, "Yes." Yun Zhen approached, rubbing Yan Jue's face with her fair hand, "I don’t think I’ve traveled with you before, Yan." Yan Jue froze, standing stiffly beside Yun Zhen: "..." Afraid to move... After a moment, Yun Zhen turned to Qi Xian Qing, her expression turning slightly serious, "Xian Qing, didn't you say you had a spirit beast mount?" Originally, Yun Zhen planned to bring her nine-colored deer but reconsidered its conspicuousness. Qi Xian Qing, mentioning at the time she too had a spirit beast, dissuaded Yun Zhen from bringing any summons. Glancing at Yan Jue, Qi Xian Qing said nothing. Hurriedly, Yan Jue retrieved scales from her pouch and shook them out, cloaking Zhu He with them. Zhu He closed her eyes, shrouding herself in black mist. More mist gathered around Zhu He, agitated by the sunlight until the transformation was complete, revealing a massive little wild boar. Yun Zhen paused, her awareness of the wild boar's origin made evident by her startled expression. Lifting her hand, she stroked Zhu He’s head, and with small bead-like eyes, Zhu He felt warm energy pouring into her forehead. Yun Zhen cheerfully questioned, "Xian Qing, where did you get this adorable little wild boar? I was going to take you to catch a spirit pet, but you were ahead of the game!" Qi Xian Qing's smile was serene. "It's not mine, it's hers." Yan Jue grinned. Yun Zhen withdrew her hand; Zhu He widened her eyes, snorting twice and stomping enthusiastically. Feeling invigorated, Yun Zhen climbed atop the boar and motioned for Qi Xian Qing and Yan Jue to join. She patted the boar, "Alright, run." Zhu He snorted, charging ahead with speed. With superior lineage, the wild boar ran like the wind, eventually taking flight. Surrounded by a golden light, clouds gathered at her feet. Zhu He soared lightly and increased her pace. Yan Jue was astounded. The boar hadn't flown before, yet after Yun Zhen's touch, she acquired flight. This was the power of an eighth-realm master. Yun Zhen stood with folded arms, the wild wind causing her robe to ripple. Perched on the little boar, she critiqued sharply, "The steel-bristle wild boar needs proper training, lest its talents go to waste. Who trained it like this?" Qi Xian Qing glanced at Yan Jue with a sly smile. Embarrassed, Yan Jue confessed, "It was me..." Yun Zhen's laughter was hearty, "Next time there's a break, visit Qiu Li’s mansion, and I'll gift you some beast training manuals." Yan Jue's eyes lit up, "Thank you, Master." She had been unsure how to coach the little pig. Qi Xian Qing: "..." Her thoughts returning to Yun Zhen's previous jest about spaying, she brushed aside the discomfort. The trio raced swiftly toward a vast city. Yun Zhen, with two disciples, disembarked at the city gate. After registration with the guards, they strolled into the entrance. Yan Jue was taken aback. The once clear sky had darkened. Here, the laws of heaven held no sway. In this place... there was no day or night. A faint mist colored the surroundings, adding a dreamlike hue to the Fortress of All Things. Perhaps due to its proximity to the south, rivers coursed throughout the fortress. Lamps illuminated stores lining both sides of the waterways; scarlet lanterns the only illumination as countless boats passed to and fro. The little wild boar shook vigorously, dropping scales as her form shrank, reverting back to a young girl. The party hired a boat at the shore. The leisurely stern cruiser drifted along clear waters. The boat, spacious with private quarters, became Yun Zhen's makeshift lounge. She lazily snacked on grapes, feeding tidbits to the greedy-eyed wild boar at her side. Yan Jue lifted the curtain, taking in the scene. Along the riverbanks were stores of all sorts, with various signboards hanging from the doors, red lanterns providing light, surrounded by the fragrance of water vapor. Sitting at the bow, Yan Jue let her legs dangle, the soft soles of her jade tassel shoes barely above the river surface. Watching Yan Jue, Qi Xian Qing paused in silent intrigue. She wore a lotus-colored pleated dress and a golden collar, her slender frame outlined by dim light, red lips and fair skin evoking southern elegance. Though Yan Jue claimed to hail from the north, her southern charm appeared undeniable. Qi Xian Qing reflected, a wry smile forming as secrets and lies of the little demoness were revealed. The boat soon stopped before a resplendent building full of lights. Yan Jue froze slightly. The building, lavishly decorated, had many young women at its entrance and a gilded sign inscribed with formidable calligraphy: Chun Man Lou. Their destination was, surprisingly—a brothel! As Yun Zhen elegantly disembarked from the boat, she approached the entrance of Chun Man Lou. Immediately, the Madam at the door beamed a welcoming smile. "Dear guest, may I ask if you're here for a meal or to stay overnight?" The attire of the women at Chun Man Lou was daring, though not as uninhibited as that of the sea-dwelling merfolk. As the boat arrived, the coolly-dressed ladies at the entrance eagerly surrounded Yun Zhen, offering warm welcomes. "Dear guest, how about letting me serve you tonight?" "This young lady's beauty is truly unmatched... You must favor us sisters tonight..." Qi Xian Qing pursed her lips, visibly uncomfortable. Yan Jue suppressed a laugh. As one of the girls teased her about the cold night, she responded with playful banter, "No, I'm not cold, thank you for your concern, sister." "Sister, you should tend to other guests. It's not needed here." "No need, no need. I'm just standing here for a bit before leaving." Qi Xian Qing: "..." It became obvious that Yun Zhen's friend was a significant figure within Chun Man Lou. After a few words with the Madam, whose demeanor switched from coy smiles to solemn respect, Yun Zhen was promptly escorted to a private room on the second floor. Qi Xian Qing stood dutifully outside the room, while Yan Jue remained by her side. The Madam approached them, smiling, "You two young ladies must be tired standing here. How about a cup of tea?" Nodding slightly, Qi Xian Qing followed the Madam, who presented several boxes of tea, eagerly asking Qi Xian Qing which she preferred. After sniffing each, Qi Xian Qing chose the most pleasant scent and personally brewed the tea, returning with a cup. Yan Jue accepted the teacup from Qi Xian Qing and couldn't help but think it seemed like Qi Xian Qing was fetching bubble tea for a girlfriend. Why did she have that impression? Suddenly, a commotion arose nearby. A finely dressed young man, crowned with delicate gold threads and wearing a wide-sleeved, bamboo-patterned robe, entered gracefully. Under the bright candlelight, his handsome face was lively, and at his waist hung a green pouch embroidered with white locust leaves. Everywhere he ventured, girls giggled and flocked to him, their voices coy with pleas. "Master Li, will you keep me company tonight?" "Choose me, pick me!" Another forward girl boldly patted her chest, "Sister, don't be greedy. You were with Master Li last time; it's my turn now." The young man, referred to as Master Li, smiled and suddenly pushed one of the girls beside him. She cried out, and before she could react, found herself pushed over. Evidently skilled in martial arts, the young man swiftly snatched the girl's embroidered shoe. Sitting on the floor, embarrassed and angry, she shouted, "What are you doing, Master Li? I'm not here for your amusement." Holding the shoe to his nose, he inhaled teasingly, "What a lovely scent." The girl's laughter rang bright and unrestrained. "Tonight, I've brought enough silver for all of you," he declared, pointing around. "Each of you can serve me tonight!" Instantly, the brothel filled with the joyous laughter and cheers of the women. Witnessing the scene, Yan Jue couldn't help but twitch her lips: "..." Perhaps sensing her gaze, the young man named Li suddenly looked up, locking eyes with her directly. Mischief sparked in his eyes as he began to saunter over, his tone gentle, "A new face? I haven't seen you here before." As he approached, a refined scent, reminiscent of moon scales, wafted into Yan Jue's nostrils. Yan Jue: "..." Suddenly, with a villainous smirk, he reached out with hooked fingers, a flirtatious gesture directed at Yan Jue, akin to his playful antics with the previous girl. She felt a wave of disgust and was about to step back. A gust of wind suddenly surged up before her. Qi Xian Qing stepped forward, positioning herself firmly in front of Yan Jue, still holding the teacup she had just brewed. Startled, the young man stared at her. Qi Xian Qing's gaze was icy cold as she stared him down, her eyes like frost and snow, the hem of her robe rustling fiercely, the byproduct of her sword aura erupting wildly. An overwhelming pressure exuded from her. The young man froze, dazed by her presence. "Are you also..." With her peach-blossom eyes slightly drooping and a sense of irritation brewing, Qi Xian Qing contemplated her next move. Trained from childhood to battle demons and dark forces, she knew striking indiscriminately was forbidden. Moreover, with her master upstairs, she couldn't act without cause. She needed to devise a method to deter him without escalation. "Crack—" Under the young man's incredulous gaze, the teacup in Qi Xian Qing's hand suddenly shattered into pieces, reduced to powder.