Chapter 24: You Are in Danger - Young Noble Be Monster Slaying

Chapter 24: You Are in Danger Cai Yue House. The largest brothel in Yanjiao City, a favorite gathering place for the city's literati and scholars. In this world's setting, brothels and prostitution houses are distinct entities. Prostitution houses are straightforward, primarily dedicated to selling sexual services, usually small and hidden in discreet locations. Like the demon spider brothel that Chu Liang had previously taken down, located in an inconspicuous spot outside the city. Brothels, however, focus more on entertainment, and their larger size makes them popular places for social gatherings. Generally, the finest ladies there accompany guests for drinks and performances. Of course, if you insist on other services and the lady agrees, it's not impossible. However, the popular 'qingguan' girls are hard to win over. Even if you pay a hefty sum, you're only likely to get a chance for a light conversation and a polite banquet. Trying for further intimacy is not easy. Yan Xiao Hu was currently pursuing the top 'qingguan' girl at Cai Yue House, a lady named Rou Yi. These details were relayed to Chu Liang by the Yan family's doorman, who was a warm-hearted man. Chu Liang had politely asked him a few questions, and the doorman freely shared all he knew. Noteworthy, of course, was the two silver coins Chu Liang had courteously given beforehand, which need not be highlighted here. It was nightfall. When Chu Liang arrived at Cai Yue House, melodious music and graceful dance filled the air. On the stage in the first-floor hall, several ladies in soft gauze danced elegantly to the musicians’ accompaniment. Below the stage, guests sat in groups of three or five at their tables, enjoying meals and music with charming ladies. The second floor offered elegant seating with beaded curtains concealing individual compartments. The third floor had private rooms, reserved for either the exceptionally generous or the shamelessly indulgent. Undoubtedly, Yan Xiao Hu was both generous and shameless. As soon as Chu Liang entered the door, he headed directly up the stairs. Immediately, a matron with a fan approached, her eyes sparkling, "Oh my, this young master is a new face. Are you heading upstairs for a girl?" "Hello, I'm looking for someone," Chu Liang replied. "Yan Xiao Hu is upstairs, right?" "Oh, a friend of Young Master Yan? Please wait, I'll have someone take you up," said the madam, being quite accommodating. After all, Chu Liang's handsome appearance and gentle demeanor screamed 'young gentleman,' making it unlikely he'd be causing trouble. She waved over a servant, who escorted Chu Liang to the third floor, arriving at a private room. Standing outside were two robust men with bulging temples, apparently Yan Xiao Hu's new bodyguards, evidently more skilled than the previous ones. "My lord, please wait here. I’ll announce your arrival," the servant said. "No need, I’ll go in myself," Chu Liang lightly held him back, then approached the door. The imposing bodyguards struck a formidable presence. As Chu Liang neared, they adopted an intimidating stance to deter strangers. But Chu Liang, unfazed, politely said, "Hello, I'm here to see Yan Xiao Hu. I'm his classmate." "Classmate?" The left bodyguard frowned, "The young master said he’s not seeing anyone." The right bodyguard was blunter, "Leave." "Is that so..." Chu Liang smiled slightly. ... "When is Lady Rou Yi coming?" Inside the room, Yan Xiao Hu looked displeased. By his side, two young ladies in colorful dresses sat nervously, fearing the notorious bully's wrath. "Lady Rou Yi is engaged in a conversation and will join shortly. Please be patient, Young Master Yan." "I’ve spent thousands of silver on her, yet I still have to wait?" Yan Xiao Hu, still wearing injuries from a recent beating, angrily stated, "I’m in a foul mood right now." It was because of the humiliation he suffered at Nanshan Academy yesterday that he felt down and wanted some entertainment. However, upon his arrival, he was told Rou Yi was unavailable. As he was venting, suddenly, a series of crashes were heard outside, and the door burst open, with two bodyguards tumbling in. "Who’s there?" Yan Xiao Hu immediately stood up in alarm. "Young master, he forced his way in, and we couldn’t stop him," the bodyguards cried out. "On my turf in Yanjiao City, who dares mess with me, Yan Xiao Hu?" He was ready to lash out. Then Chu Liang walked in serenely. "Ah..." Yan Xiao Hu's fury dissipated instantly, first a moment of confusion, then a polite smile, "Chu... Brother Chu, it's you." He now feared Chu Liang, not only for being overpowered. But because, after his father saw the sword token Chu Liang sent, he explicitly warned him that they couldn’t afford to cross someone like him. Don’t even think of revenge. When someone not only outpowers you but also has a greater backing, it’s a helpless situation. "I came to check on you, but they told me to leave," Chu Liang said calmly. "How rude of them!" Yan Xiao Hu frowned, shouting, "You two, get out!" The bodyguards, bewildered by the scolding, could only retreat bashfully, closing the door behind them. "Please, Brother Chu, have a seat," Yan Xiao Hu forced a sycophantic smile. "Thank you." Chu Liang stepped over and glanced at the two young ladies. To them, Yan Xiao Hu was already considered the fiercest bully in Yanjiao City, yet this handsome young man made him cower like this. Thus, they became even more fearful. However, Chu Liang’s gentle smile quickly dispelled their fears. Such a charming smile; surely he couldn't be a bad person? "What’s that behind you?" The handsome young man pointed behind them, feigning puzzlement. "What?" The two young women turned to look. Thud, thud. Two muffled thuds followed, and the ladies fell weakly to the floor. Standing behind them, Chu Liang held a shimmering half-gold brick, looking disappointed. "Uh..." Yan Xiao Hu, who had witnessed it all, gaped, unable to find the words. He was a bit dazed. The Yan family was known for their indulgence in vices, so Yan Xiao Hu grew up amidst the red-light scene. But a brick? This was a first. What kind of kink is this? Chu Liang weighed the gold brick in his hand, put it away, and said, "Don't worry, they're fine, just knocked out temporarily. But you are in danger, you know?" "I'm in danger?" Yan Xiao Hu paused, then nodded. Right, with you here, isn’t that already dangerous for me? "Chen Da also died last night, leaving you as the only one who’s bullied Si Tu Yan," Chu Liang said directly. "Si Tu Yan might have turned into a paint ghost, capable of disguising as others. Anyone close to you could be it." "What?" Yan Xiao Hu exclaimed in shock. He had initially heard rumors of Si Tu Yan’s vengeful spirit but didn’t take them seriously. Because he was different from the others, practicing martial arts and having expert protection, ordinary spirits couldn’t possibly kill in the Black Tiger Gang. However... If it were the legendary paint ghost, killing a small first-realm martial artist like him would be easy. Chu Liang might beat him up, but a ghost would be fatal. He immediately realized the gravity of the situation and that Chu Liang was here for him, quickly asking, "Brother Chu, can you help me?" "I'm here to save you," Chu Liang replied. "I suspect the paint ghost is targeting you, which is why I came to watch over you. I have a way to identify it, so everyone who approaches you tonight needs to be checked." "Alright, alright," Yan Xiao Hu nodded repeatedly, then pointed at the two young women on the floor, "Brother Chu, check them." "..." Chu Liang paused, then answered, "Already checked."