The God of Heavens

Chapter 240 Listening to Music in a Brothel
Lin Yu was startled. The sunlight was much more powerful than the moonlight, and he felt as if he had taken a magic pill, which made him both surprised and delighted.

Lin Yu visualized the sunlight pouring into the Heavenly Fire, as if adding fuel to it.

"boom!"

Another tremendous tremor shook the heavens, and the pure flames of the celestial realm rose up, filling every corner of Lin Yu's soul with the purest divine essence.

Lin Yu had a feeling that his soul had become a creation artifact like the Creation Boat, capable of traversing the vast world and not afraid of being refined by fire. On the contrary, it became purer and purer in the fire!
Through this cultivation, Lin Yu's soul became increasingly pure and solid, and he was about to break through to the next realm in the blink of an eye.

Boom!

Suddenly, in Lin Yu's mind, the divine furnace he had transformed into shone brightly, its vast light filling the entire universe, illuminating the world.

The world changes color!

The world that Lin Yu's soul sees now is no different from the world that his naked eyes see.

This shows that his spirit is solid and has gradually become substantial, existing between the realm of illusion and reality.

When the Yin spirit is perfected, it can control objects and manifest their forms!
After a brief test, Lin Yu found that the Soul of the Object Manipulation Realm possessed half the strength of the physical body, but it could fly and move around, with a flexibility far exceeding that of the physical body.

"However, this level of manipulation has its drawbacks. When performing the technique, the body is stiff and has no ability to defend itself. Only after cultivating to the level of Ghost Immortal can one separate one's mind and thoughts, and while the soul controls the sword, the physical body can move freely. This is the true Daoist art."

Lin Yu saw from afar that his physical body was sitting stiffly in the shade, completely still.

"But I seem to be a little different."

As Lin Yu's soul stirred, it seemed to resonate with the true energy within his body. Dense and continuous streams of innate true energy circulated out, intertwining and weaving together to form a jade-colored armor.

As soon as Lin Yu's soul came into contact with this innate true energy, he felt something unusual.

He felt that the innate true energy was like his own body, warm and comforting, and he had a feeling that he could attach his soul to it.

Lin Yu sensed this and, with a thought, he truly treated the innate true energy as his own body, merging with it instantly.

The almost tangible soul and innate true energy combined, and suddenly transformed into a tangible and substantial power. This power was generated with each breath, but it truly existed.

"rise!"

Lin Yu let out a long roar, his divine soul and innate true energy perfectly merging, and he actually floated into the air. The armor formed from the jade-colored true energy was now closely connected to his divine soul as if it were a second body.

With a thought, his figure flickered and swept across a hundred feet like a roc spreading its wings, his robes fluttering and leaving a faint afterimage in the void.

"That's exhilarating!" he laughed. Although he couldn't fly for long, his ability to move swiftly and suddenly far exceeded the imagination of ordinary martial artists.

"Those who cultivate martial arts have powerful attacks. Even a martial saint would be reduced to ashes if they got close to the body.

However, its biggest weakness is that it can never break free from the constraints of its body to soar and fly, and its maneuverability and flexibility are too low.

Unless one is at the very peak of the Human Immortal realm, capable of shattering the vacuum. But how many masters can shatter the vacuum? Even the ancient War Gods couldn't do it.

Unless one forges armor to grant oneself the ability to fly. My soul, fused with innate true energy, roams freely. Even if I can only glide short distances now, with continued cultivation, one day I will be able to truly soar through the skies.

……

Jade City.

After returning here and exchanging greetings with Emperor Qian, Lin Yu and the others went straight to Zhengyang Street in Yujing City.

The Prince's residence had been prepared long before the imperial decree was issued. Before Lin Yu arrived at the residence, Xiao Dezi had been waiting outside for a long time.

"Welcome back to Your Highness." Xiao Dezi and the servants of the manor immediately bowed respectfully upon his arrival.

This newly bestowed Prince's Mansion was quite different from ordinary noble residences. There were no winding corridors, artificial hills, or groves of trees; instead, the layout was open and grand, and the bluestone floor was as hard as iron, so shiny it could reflect one's image.

The training ground on the east side is spacious, the main residence stands to the south, the servants' quarters are in the west wing, and a clear spring flows to the north. A vermilion, openwork wall separates the various areas, simple, bright, and dignified.

"Your Highness, all the former Lianshan Army soldiers have completed their transfer procedures and are now members of our Prince's Mansion." In the hall, Xiao Dezi and Zhao Hu were reporting to Lin Yu, who was sitting in the main seat.

Lin Yu nodded slightly: "Have the soldiers' families been settled? They came all the way from Yunzhou, so we must not mistreat them."

“Your Highness is kind and benevolent,” Xiao Dezi bowed and said. “I have already settled them all in the estates under the Prince’s name. Our Prince’s estate has a total of eighty estates, which is more than enough to accommodate these families.”

These estates were all located near Yujing City and were fully equipped. They had wineries, oil presses, pigsties, chicken coops, duck sheds, and so on. Half of the meat and poultry produced was kept for the household consumption, and the other half was sold for profit.

In addition, there are paddy fields, vegetable gardens, tea plantations, fish ponds, and mulberry groves outside, used for raising silkworms and weaving silk.

It can be said that apart from salt, they can be self-sufficient in all aspects of life, including firewood, rice, grains, oil, vegetables, tea, and meat.

An estate can generate an annual income of five thousand taels from brewing wine, raising silkworms, producing tea, and so on.

"Very good. Although we've amassed quite a few spoils this time, we can't just sit around and do nothing." Lin Yu nodded in agreement.
"What I lack most right now is people, but apart from the two of you, none of the others can stand on their own. In the future, the Prince's Palace will need more talented people, and the two of you are far from enough."

“You should select a village and set up a military academy. You should invite some teachers from Yujing City. The people we brought back from Yunzhou must attend a class for an hour every day to learn about military affairs and internal affairs.”

The earlier talent cultivation begins, the better, so that we won't be stretched thin when things get bigger. "Yes, Your Highness."

"Alright, you may all leave." He waved his hand.

After Xiao Dezi and Zhao Hu left, Lin Yu returned to his study and began to read.

Although he doesn't need to pursue scholarship or take the imperial examinations, it's not bad to learn some knowledge from books. Moreover, the cultivation path of ghost immortals is also related to reading. In ancient times, there were even stories of scholars who studied and became creators.

He plans to travel the world in the future, seeking opportunities. He needs to learn about the local customs, myths, legends, and historical context of each place; he can't just wander around aimlessly.

Reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles—that is true self-cultivation.

The Prince's study was about 300 paces square, with bookshelves as tall as two people standing around it, filled with his collection of books. In the center was a large sandalwood table, with a jade paperweight, a purple-gold pen holder, and a square purple stone inkstone with landscape design, a display of extreme luxury.

A large bow hangs on the wall in front of you. It is shiny all over and is obviously made of black iron. What is even more impressive is that the bow is deep and dark. Upon closer inspection, you can feel a chill emanating from it.

This is a precious bow bestowed upon me by Emperor Qian. It made great contributions in suppressing bandits in Yunzhou, but now it can no longer keep up with his pace, so it is hung here.

After finishing a book, Lin Yu closed it and placed it on the table beside him. Then he ate some of the dried fruit on the table, enjoying its fragrant aroma.

……

As autumn deepened, the cold winds of Yujing City grew stronger day by day. Lin Yu had been studying and practicing martial arts in the Prince's mansion for more than half a month.

Early that morning, a maidservant rushed in to report: "Your Highness, the young master of the Duke of Cheng's mansion has come to visit."

A young man in brocade robes stood before the courtyard, his figure as graceful as a crane and his eyes as bright as stars. He was none other than Sun Cheng, the eldest son of the Duke of Cheng. He smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Highness has been back in the capital for many days. We have prepared a banquet at Sanhua Tower and have come to invite you."

Sun Cheng was quite popular among the noble sons of the capital, and recently he had become increasingly familiar with Lin Yu.

"Sanhualou?"

A strange light flashed in Lin Yu's eyes. He naturally knew this place.

This place is a must-pass for the Holy Maiden of the Supreme Dao to enter the mortal world for training. Meng Bingyun, who was famous in the capital back then, once stopped here, but now she has become a concubine in Hong Xuanji's mansion.

"I wonder if there are still any Holy Maidens training here in the Supreme Dao Sect?" Lin Yu thought to himself, then smiled at Sun Cheng and said, "Since the Duke of the State has extended such a warm invitation, how could I refuse?"

He straightened his clothes, a hint of inquiry in his eyes. This Scattered Flower Pavilion was indeed worth a visit.

Sanhua Tower is located in the eastern part of Yujing City, covering an area of ​​several dozen acres. Its carved railings and jade-paved pavilions are arranged in a well-organized manner. It is very grand and is the largest brothel in Yujing.

Although it's a brothel, it only sells art, not sex. The courtesans here are all exceptionally talented, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and can compose poems and songs with ease.

When the princes, nobles, and literati of Yujing City held their private gatherings, they would spare no expense to invite them to perform, making it an elegant place, quite different from ordinary brothels.

Upon arriving in the Prince's carriage, Sun Cheng explained, "We hold a gathering where we drink wine, compose poems, or appreciate calligraphy and paintings. Such occasions naturally require the company of talented women to enhance the elegance."

Upon arriving at the door, two servants greeted him obsequiously. After receiving the reward money, the two men grinned from ear to ear and bowed as they led the distinguished guest into the building.

After passing through the winding corridor, a breathtaking view suddenly opened up before you. There, pavilions and towers were arranged in a harmonious and orderly manner, and gardens and ponds complemented each other beautifully. The luxurious furnishings in each room were so extravagant that even the mansions of princes and nobles paled in comparison.

After passing through several moon gates, a spacious flower hall suddenly appeared before us. Its layout resembled the main courtyard of a prince's mansion, with a high and wide hall and deep courtyards, which were already filled with young nobles in brocade robes and jade belts.

"Your Highness has arrived." With this announcement, the young masters surrounded Lin Yu like stars around the moon.

The young master Li, from the family of the Minister of Works, was the first to stand up, his brocade robe and jade belt jingling: "Your Highness has finally arrived!"

The young master of the Ministry of War, Wang, gently waved his folding fan and smiled as he cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Highness looks very well today."

Sun Cheng joked from the side, "It's a rare honor for His Highness to grace us with his presence, so everyone should seize this opportunity."

The eldest son of the Marquis of Anping, dressed in a lake-blue robe, smiled gently and said, "With Your Highness's presence, today's gathering can be considered complete." Upon hearing this, everyone echoed his words, and for a moment, the sound of pearls and jade filled the air.

The aroma of tea wafted through the air, and the group chatted idly about refined matters.

More than ten dancers in colorful costumes gracefully arrived, their slender waists swaying as they danced, displaying their elegant figures.

In this elegant atmosphere, the group sometimes discussed profound philosophical topics, and sometimes drank heartily, having a great time.

After the dance, the crowd's enthusiasm grew even stronger, and they began to exchange martial arts skills and compete in archery, creating a lively and extraordinary scene.

Suddenly, the tinkling of jade pendants was heard, and a woman dressed in a flowing gauze dress gracefully approached. Pearls and jade adorned her dark hair, making her appear as ethereal and otherworldly as a lotus flower emerging from clear water.

"Miss Yunqing has arrived!"

She held a zither in her arms and bowed gracefully to the crowd. With a gentle stroke of her fair hands, the clear and melodious sound of the zither poured out like a mountain stream, sometimes like the sound of pine trees rustling in the wind, sometimes like pearls falling onto a jade plate.

Everyone present held their breath, completely absorbed in the heavenly music.

(End of this chapter)