Wanwu Fortress

Yan Jue was counting money when she suddenly saw Qi Xianqing frown slightly. She flicked her wide sleeves and turned her head away. “I don’t care about this little bit of money. Wait until you’ve saved enough all at once, then pay me back.”

Yan Jue: “...”

The air fell so quiet that the only sound was the little wild boar happily crunching on spirit candle fruits.

After a long silence, Qi Xianqing suddenly said, “Yesterday I went to discuss something important with Master. Master is going to Wanwu Fortress in the central region to handle some matters; I’ll be going with her.”

Wanwu Fortress?

Qi Xianqing coughed once. “You’re one of Master’s few direct disciples. Master specifically named you to go along as well.”

Yan Jue blinked.

Where was Wanwu Fortress?

After speaking, Qi Xianqing no longer looked at her. Her gaze drifted into the distance, and she pressed her lips together slightly.

She knew Yan Jue’s personality far too well; she was waiting for Yan Jue to ask.

Yan Jue asked in confusion, “Senior Sister, may I ask where Wanwu Fortress is?”

Qi Xianqing: “Wanwu Fortress is the only city in this world that can contain all things. It lies in the central region, right next to the Central Plains.”

“In that city is the largest market under heaven. Not only humans, but also demon and devil races can live there and trade freely.”

“It’s a place not governed by the Heavenly Dao.”

When she had read novels before, Yan Jue’s attention had always been on all sorts of messy details, and she had never heard of there being a place like Wanwu Fortress in the world.

This world was harsh in many ways toward demons and evil beings; but if a place like Wanwu Fortress existed, it would be a tremendous blessing for demons.

Yan Jue was already at the fifth realm, the Inner Core Realm. Just yesterday she had been thinking about when she should go down the mountain to the Myriad Demons Pavilion to see whether there were any better materials for forming a core. To be able to go to Wanwu Fortress in the central region now naturally filled her with excitement.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her.

Zhu He ran up to Qi Xianqing and grabbed her sleeve, saying softly, “I want to go too.”

Yan Jue was startled and was just about to tell Zhu He not to get so close to Qi Xianqing when she saw Qi Xianqing smile, her lips curving with remarkable good temper. “Then you can come too.”

-

Yun Zhen’s departure this time was very hurried, almost as if she was racing against time.

Yan Jue got the news on short notice; she had to set out the very next day.

After returning to her room and packing everything up, Yan Jue took a black beast egg out of her Qiankun bag.

She had been far too busy lately, and this black beast egg had gone unattended for several days.

Whether it was just her imagination, Yan Jue felt that the cracks on it had deepened.

She placed the beast egg in the sunlight and infused it with true qi.

Before long, night fell, and Yan Jue put the beast egg away again before returning to her room.

The next day.

After tidying her things a little, Yan Jue left.

At the mountain gate, Yun Zhen stood far away in a dark cyan long dress embroidered with inked phoenix patterns.

In the sunlight, her skin was as fair as snow, a cinnabar mark rested between her brows, and the hem of her dress fluttered in the autumn wind; she looked as otherworldly and resolute as a painting.

Qi Xianqing stood properly beside her with her sword on her back, expression stern.

Perhaps she heard Yan Jue’s footsteps, because Qi Xianqing suddenly looked up. Her gaze landed on Yan Jue, and her peach blossom eyes were clear and bright.

Yan Jue approached and, copying Qi Xianqing’s manner, said properly, “Greetings, Master.”

Yun Zhen was puzzled. “This child, learning anything except the right things... why are you becoming more and more like Xianqing?”

Yan Jue: “...”

Qi Xianqing: “...”

There was no helping it; ever since Yan Jue had transmigrated into this world, she had never formally taken a master. All of her etiquette and manners had been learned from Qi Xianqing.

Yun Zhen narrowed her eyes and said bluntly, “Your master dislikes people who are too rigid. Try to be more casual in front of me; don’t learn from Xianqing and turn into a little stick-in-the-mud.”

Qi Xianqing: “...”

Yan Jue gave an awkward laugh. “Yes, Master.”

Yun Zhen came over and reached out with one jade-white hand, rubbing Yan Jue’s face. “Master doesn’t think I’ve ever traveled with little Yan before.”

Yan Jue stood stiffly beside Yun Zhen. “...”

She didn’t dare move.

After rubbing Yan Jue’s face for a while, Yun Zhen turned to Qi Xianqing and said with a faintly serious expression, “Xianqing, didn’t you say you had a spirit mount?”

Originally, Yun Zhen had wanted to bring the nine-colored deer on this trip, but after thinking about how eye-catching it would be, she let the matter drop.

Qi Xianqing then said she also had a spirit beast, and only then did Yun Zhen refrain from bringing another of her own spirit beasts.

Qi Xianqing turned her head and glanced at Yan Jue.

Yan Jue hurriedly took the snake scales out of her Qiankun bag, shook them open, and draped them properly over Zhu He beside her.

As soon as Zhu He closed her eyes, wisps of black mist began rising from her body.

The sunlight was bright; the black mist gathering around Zhu He grew thicker and thicker...

By the time the mist dispersed, the fifteen- or sixteen-year-old girl was gone, and in front of everyone stood a small wild boar with a stout body.

Yun Zhen was slightly startled. With her broad knowledge, she naturally recognized the boar’s background at a glance.

She lifted a hand and patted Zhu He’s head. Zhu He blinked her tiny bead-like eyes, feeling as though a streak of scorching spiritual energy had slowly been infused into her forehead.

Yun Zhen smiled. “Xianqing, when did you pick up this little wild boar? So cute. I was planning to take you to Clear Autumn Path to catch a spirit beast, but who knew you’d move so quickly and already have one?”

Qi Xianqing smiled lightly. “This isn’t my spirit beast. It’s hers.”

Yan Jue smiled too.

Yun Zhen withdrew her hand. Zhu He immediately widened her eyes, snorted twice, and stomped hard twice with her hooves.

She instantly felt full of energy.

Yun Zhen swung herself onto the boar and motioned for Qi Xianqing and Yan Jue to climb on as well.

She patted the little wild boar’s back. “Be good. Run.”

Zhu He immediately snorted twice and dashed forward.

Its bloodline was excellent to begin with; it ran like the wind and, before they knew it, seemed to fly.

Golden light began to gather around its body, and multicolored clouds coalesced beneath its feet.

Zhu He rode on clouds and mist, her body becoming lighter and lighter, her pace faster and faster.

Yan Jue stared.

The little wild boar had not known how to fly at all before; yet after merely being touched on the head by Yun Zhen, it had learned the skill of flight.

This was the divine power of an eighth-realm expert.

Yun Zhen held her arms across her chest, her hem snapping in the fierce wind.

Even while sitting on the little wild boar, she was still lecturing them. “A steel-bristled demon boar has to be trained properly; you can’t waste all that talent. Who trained her? Trained her into this kind of shape?”

Qi Xianqing smiled, the corner of her eye glancing toward Yan Jue.

Yan Jue felt awkward. “It was me...”

Yun Zhen laughed heartily. “Little Yan, come to Qiuli Pavilion next time you have time; I’ll give you a few beast-taming manuals.”

Yan Jue’s eyes lit up. “Thank you, Master.”

She had still not figured out how to train the little pig.

Qi Xianqing: “...”

For some reason, Qi Xianqing suddenly thought of what Yun Zhen had said last time.

If Yan Jue knew that Master had personally said she wanted to have her sterilized, she probably wouldn’t be quite so excited.

The three of them sped along the road and soon reached a vast city outside the walls.

Yun Zhen brought the two youngsters with her and dismounted the boar at the city gate. After registration by the guards, the group slowly entered the city.

Yan Jue was slightly stunned.

The sky, which had been bright a moment ago, had somehow turned dim.

The entire sky was a deep dark purple.

This was a place not governed by the Heavenly Dao.

Here... there was no distinction between day and night.

A faint mist of water hung everywhere, lending the whole Wanwu Fortress a hazy quality.

Perhaps because it was close to Jiangnan, rivers were everywhere throughout Wanwu Fortress.

On both sides of the waterways were shops lit with lanterns; the only light came from one red lantern after another, and countless boats threaded through them.

The little wild boar shook itself furiously. The snake scales fell from its body, and it gradually shrank, returning to its girl form.

The group hired a boat by the riverbank.

The tailboat moved slowly along the clear river.

The boat was large and had a private compartment. Yun Zhen lounged lazily inside, eating a bunch of grapes while feeding the little wild boar standing beside her with eager eyes.

Yan Jue lifted the compartment curtain and admired the scenery outside.

On both sides of the river were all sorts of shops; all manner of signboards hung above the doors, red lanterns were suspended outside, and the air was fragrant with the soft mist of water.

Yan Jue sat at the bow, her legs hanging down slowly; the soft soles of her white-jade tassel satin shoes were just a little way above the water.

Qi Xianqing looked at Yan Jue and was slightly taken aback.

Yan Jue was wearing a lotus-pink pleated skirt, a gold collar around her neck. Sitting on the merchant boat in the dim light, her figure looked slender; with her red lips and white teeth, she really did have a bit of Jiangnan elegance.

Qi Xianqing remembered that Yan Jue had said she was from the north; how could she possibly have the bearing of a southern woman?

Then Qi Xianqing reacted and couldn’t help grinding her teeth as she cursed inwardly with a smile.

This little monster; who knew how many things she had lied about.

The tailboat soon stopped before a brightly lit building.

Yan Jue was slightly stunned.

This building was extravagantly decorated. Many young women stood at the entrance, and on the gold-gilded signboard by the door, several large characters were written in forceful calligraphy: Springfull Pavilion.

Their destination was actually a brothel!

Yun Zhen stepped gracefully off the boat and walked up. The madam standing at the entrance of Springfull Pavilion immediately came forward with a face full of smiles. “Esteemed guest, are you dining here tonight, or staying the night?”

The women of Springfull Pavilion were not as boldly dressed as the merfolk of the sea, but they were still extremely daring.

When the bright and lively girls at the door saw a boat docking, they immediately surrounded it and asked after their well-being with great enthusiasm.

“Esteemed guest, will you let this servant keep you company tonight?”

“This lady’s looks... truly a peerless beauty among mortals... Tonight, will you grant us sisters your favor?”

Qi Xianqing pressed her lips together, looking a little uncomfortable.

Yan Jue wanted to laugh again. Just then, one of the brothel girls asked her with a smile whether she felt cold at night, so she struck up a conversation along the way. “Not cold, thank you for your concern, sister.”

“Sister should go look after the other guests instead; I don’t need anything here.”

“No need, no need. I’m only standing here for a moment.”

Qi Xianqing: “...”

The friend Yun Zhen had come to see was obviously an important figure in Springfull Pavilion.

After Yun Zhen said something to the madam, the woman, who had been smiling flirtatiously a moment before, immediately turned solemn and respectfully invited Yun Zhen up to a private room on the second floor.

Qi Xianqing stood properly guard outside the room, and Yan Jue stood beside her.

The madam came over and smiled. “Standing here must be tiring for the two ladies. How about a cup of tea?”

Qi Xianqing gave a slight nod and followed the madam over. The madam took out several boxes of tea leaves and eagerly asked Qi Xianqing which kind she wanted.

Qi Xianqing lowered her head and smelled them carefully, chose the one that smelled most comfortable, brewed the tea herself, and brought it over.

Yan Jue took the teacup from Qi Xianqing’s hand. “...”

Why did it feel like Qi Xianqing was out buying milk tea for her girlfriend...

Why was she having this kind of illusion?

Suddenly, a burst of noise sounded from that side.

A handsome young man wearing a silver crown threaded with silk, and a long robe with bamboo patterns and wide sleeves, slowly walked in.

Under the bright candlelight, his handsome face was full of high spirits, and a green pouch embroidered with white locust leaves hung at his waist.

Wherever he went, countless girls greeted him with coquettish laughter.

“Young Master Li, will you keep this servant company tonight?”

“Choose me, choose me!” one bold girl said, patting her chest. “Sister, don’t be greedy. Young Master Li was with you last time; this time it should be my turn.”

The young man called Young Master Li smiled, then suddenly turned and shoved the girl beside him hard.

The girl cried out in surprise. Before she could react, she was pushed down. The young master was clearly skilled in martial arts; before the fallen girl could recover, her embroidered shoe had already been snatched from her foot and was now in the young man’s hand.

The girl sat on the floor barefoot, cheeks red with shame and anger. “What does Young Master Li want? This servant is not an object for your amusement at will.”

The young master brought the embroidered shoe to his nose and lightly inhaled. “How fragrant.”

That made the girl laugh shyly and endlessly.

“Tonight, your lord here has brought enough silver. You, you, and you!” The young man curled his thin lips and began pointing around grandly. “All of you can serve me tonight!”

In an instant, the brothel was filled with the girls’ laughter.

Yan Jue looked at the eye-watering scene before her and couldn’t help twitching the corner of her lips. “...”

Perhaps sensing her gaze, the young man surnamed Li suddenly raised his head, and his eyes locked straight onto hers.

Bad.

The young man raised a brow and walked slowly over, his voice gentle. “Is this young lady new here? Why have I never seen you before?”

As he approached, Yan Jue smelled the elegant fragrance of moon-scale incense rising to her nose.

Yan Jue: “...”

The young man suddenly smiled wickedly and reached out a hand, his five fingers hooking like claws as he moved straight for Yan Jue’s face. It was clearly the same teasing routine he had just used on that brothel girl. Yan Jue felt a wave of revulsion; her body tensed and she was just about to step back.

A gust of fierce wind suddenly surged in front of her.

Qi Xianqing walked over and stood squarely in front of Yan Jue, still holding the teacup from before.

The young man stared at her in a daze.

Qi Xianqing looked coldly at him, her gaze as frosty as snow. Her hem swayed without any wind, making a fierce rustling sound; it was the result of sword qi bursting out of her body and surging wildly.

A tremendous pressure came crashing down.

The young man froze, staring blankly at her. “You’re also...”

Qi Xianqing’s peach blossom eyes drooped slightly. She was already deeply irritated in her heart. Ever since she was young, she had killed demons and devils; the only thing she knew was not to hit people casually. More importantly, Master was still upstairs, and she knew she couldn’t attack this person for no reason.

She had to think of some way to make him retreat in the face of difficulty.

Crack—

Under the young man’s astonished gaze, the teacup in Qi Xianqing’s hand suddenly shattered into pieces, crumbling into powder.