From the Qin Dynasty onwards, he eked out a living among the heavens.

Chapter Four: Purple Orchid Pavilion

As the morning sun rose higher and higher, it completely dispelled the last wisp of morning mist. Warm light shone throughout the long street in the south of the city, and the everyday life of the city flowed leisurely, shedding the immaturity of the morning and adding a touch of midday warmth.

Xu Huang met Han Fei under the locust tree. The two got along well and walked side by side toward the Purple Orchid Pavilion.

Passing through the corridors shaded by layers of flowers and trees, the hustle and bustle of the street is completely shut out, with only a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves, carrying a faint and elegant fragrance of orchids that lingers at the nose. Further along, the view suddenly opens up, revealing the main hall of the Purple Orchid Pavilion quietly unfolding before you. The Purple Orchid Pavilion by day is completely different from that at night.

There were no dazzling lights, no seductive music, no boisterous laughter of guests. The vast courtyard was spacious and clean, the carved beams gleaming, the windows airy and bright, rows of tables neatly arranged, and the floor spotless. Stripped of its romantic veneer, what remained was a dignified tranquility honed over many years, elegant and refined, so still that even the wind seemed to slow and gentle. It was precisely this unique daytime peace that made it perfect for leisurely conversations and quiet observation of the undercurrents of human nature.

The two walked slowly side by side, chatting idly along the way. Han Fei's probing and scrutinizing gaze never ceased. From the moment they first met, Han Fei was filled with suspicion and apprehension towards this burly stranger.

Dressed in simple, unadorned clothes, he appeared ordinary among the common people, yet his demeanor was calm and composed, as steady as a mountain, far surpassing that of ordinary martial artists. Most wandering knights either displayed sharpness or were shrouded in menacing aura, leaving no trace. Xu Huang, however, was clean and transparent, concealing all sharpness and vitality, seemingly empty yet unfathomably profound. The more ordinary one appears, the more unpredictable they become.

Han Fei was meticulous and had a deep understanding of human nature and power struggles. When traveling with someone, he would naturally probe their background step by step. His words seemed casual and casual, but in fact, he was asking probing questions at every step and every sentence was sharp.

"Brother Xu, you travel the world alone, which is truly admirable." Han Fei smiled gently and spoke softly, probing, "However, in this chaotic world, every step is fraught with thorns. The seven kingdoms are in constant conflict, and the martial world is rife with killing. Xinzheng, in particular, is a place where power struggles and hidden dangers lurk. Ordinary travelers entering this capital are all cautious and timid, taking every step with utmost vigilance. But I see that Brother Xu is calm and composed, as if he is completely unaffected by the chaos around him."

He glanced sideways at Xu Huang, his gaze revealing a deeper meaning:

"I am truly curious, Brother Xu, what school of martial arts did you follow, and what kind of martial arts did you learn to achieve such composure and equanimity in the face of adversity?"

Xu Huang continued walking, his expression calm and composed. His response remained unassuming and subtle, leaving no room for error: "I have no teacher, no sect, no school. I have spent half my life cultivating alone, not seeking to contend for supremacy, but only to live as I please, traversing mountains and rivers, experiencing the beauty of nature. With no strife in my heart, I naturally have no fear of storms."

Han Fei's gaze darkened slightly as he pressed for a deeper question, the probing intent becoming increasingly clear:

"It is certainly rare to have a heart free from strife, but in chaotic times, one ultimately needs strength to survive. Brother Xu is a newcomer, without roots or connections, yet he remains calm and composed. Could it be... that Brother Xu is not afraid of the powerful figures of Han Capital or the intricate web of the martial world?"

These words were a direct probe into Xu Huang's true abilities, an attempt to force out even a fraction of his true strength.

Xu Huang merely smiled faintly, composed and unperturbed: "I am but a passerby, uninvolved in court affairs, unaffiliated with power, uninterested in position, and untouched by strife. Being free from worldly strife, no one will contend with me. No matter how fierce the storms, they cannot disturb the heart of a mere passerby." His attempts to probe had all failed. Han Fei was increasingly astonished; this man's deep cunning, composure, and skillful concealment were unparalleled since his return. Knowing further questioning would be futile and would only appear deliberate, he withdrew his sharp edge and smiled elegantly: "Brother Xu, your understanding and magnanimity surpass mine. Today, let us cast aside the intrigues of the city and join me in this pavilion for wine and to savor the beauty of this place."

As soon as they finished speaking, they stepped into the center of the Purple Orchid Pavilion's main hall.

The pavilion was quiet and deserted during the day, with only the faint fragrance of orchids wafting in the air. Just as the two were walking slowly forward, a well-behaved and obedient maid with her hair in two buns quickly stepped forward, curtsied, and said in a soft and respectful voice, "Please forgive us, gentlemen, but Zilan Pavilion has a rule that it only officially opens for business and banquets in the evening. We do not entertain guests or set up banquets during the day. We hope you will understand."

As soon as the maid finished speaking, a series of light, steady, and measured footsteps echoed from the wooden spiral staircase on the second floor. Unhurried and graceful, each step carried a calm aura that seemed to hold back the entire room, standing out clearly in the quiet hall. The two women simultaneously looked up. At the corner of the staircase, the figure of a stunningly beautiful woman slowly appeared, gracefully descending the stairs.

She wore a deep purple long dress, the color of which was noble and elegant. The cut fit her exquisite figure perfectly, with a waist that was cleverly cinched, revealing just the right amount of her slender and fair waist. Her lines were soft and graceful, and she was charming and elegant without being frivolous.

Her figure was graceful and slender, her posture elegant and composed. Every step she took was steady yet firm, soft yet not frivolous, and every movement carried the refined charm accumulated over the years. Her eyes were clear and calm, her mind deep and unfathomable. Standing still, she alone overshadowed the elegance and refinement of the entire hall. This person was none other than Zi Nu, the mistress of Zi Lan Xuan.

In Xinzheng, everyone, from the court to the marketplace, knows the fame of Zilan Pavilion, but no one knows the true origin of Zi Nu.

The world only vaguely remembers that a few years ago, in the southern part of Xinzheng, the pleasure quarters were deserted, the buildings desolate, and the renowned Zilan Pavilion of today was nowhere to be found. It was then that this woman suddenly appeared in Handu, her origins unknown, her past a mystery, her lineage and background all unfathomable, like a wisp of smoke falling from the sky. Alone, without support or assistance, she started from scratch, building her empire in the most prosperous yet most chaotic area of ​​Xinzheng, the heart of the pleasure quarters, establishing Zilan Pavilion, a secluded pavilion spanning the powerful, the martial arts world, and the underworld.

Over the years, Zilanxuan appeared to be an elegant establishment for welcoming guests, hosting banquets, and enjoying music and dance, but in reality, it secretly amassed intelligence, recruited talented individuals, and spied on the movements of the court and the public. Its influence quietly took root throughout the entire royal city, becoming deeply entrenched and unfathomable.

Over the years, numerous powerful figures in the imperial court, clandestine forces, and influential figures in the martial arts world have coveted the hidden strength of Zilan Pavilion and sought to uncover Zi Nu's true background. Some secretly probed, some set traps to spy on her, and some used coercion and pressure, employing every means to try and discover her origins and seize control of her power. Yet, all their schemes ultimately crumbled silently and came to nothing.

Anyone who deliberately targeted, spied on, or plotted against her either mysteriously disappeared, suffered heavy losses, or became so fearful that they dared not provoke her again. Over time, no one in the entire city of Xinzheng dared to easily provoke this woman who seemed to be just a brothel owner.

Zi Nu remains the deepest, quietest, and most unfathomable mystery in Xinzheng. At this moment, she slowly walked to the bottom of the stairs, her gaze sweeping lightly over Xu Huang and Han Fei. Her expression was calm and undisturbed, as if she were meeting two strangers for the first time, revealing no familiarity or clue. Her thoughts were as deep as the sea, unfathomable to anyone.

She then looked at the maid in front of her, her tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable composure: "There is no need for service here. You may leave now, and I will personally receive the two young masters."

The young maid bowed in agreement and quietly retreated from the hall.

Zi Nu slowly approached, a slight smile on her face. Her manners were impeccable, neither servile nor arrogant: "Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. You two gentlemen possess exceptional bearing, and since you have come in person, you are honored guests of my Zi Lan Pavilion. There is no need to adhere to the usual daytime customs. The upstairs rooms are quiet and elegant, perfect for leisurely conversation and relaxation. Please, gentlemen."

Han Fei smiled and nodded, suppressing all his probing thoughts, displaying an elegant demeanor. The two then followed Zi Nu up the stairs and into a quiet, secluded room by the window.

The room was furnished with understated elegance, bright windows and spotless tables. Orchids sat on the table, and a gentle breeze carried their fragrance through the window, completely isolating the room from the hustle and bustle of the city and the undercurrents of the court. The three took their seats as host and guest, and the room fell silent.

Before the two could speak, Zi Nu raised her eyes slightly, looked directly at Han Fei, and calmly revealed the truth in one sentence, clear and concise, without any beating around the bush: "Young Master Jiu returned to his country and Han, lying low and observing the turmoil in the court, proceeding cautiously step by step, avoiding trouble every day. It is truly rare that you have the leisure to set foot in my Zi Lan Pavilion today." She revealed his identity in one sentence, knowing him well.

Han Fei remained unperturbed, smiling leisurely as he deftly defused the hidden probing: "Zilan Pavilion has observed the political landscape of Xinzheng and the various aspects of court life; its reputation is indeed well-deserved. Today, I will not discuss power struggles or inquire about court disputes. I have brought this distinguished guest from afar here specifically to savor the pavilion's renowned orchid wine, and simply to sit and enjoy a leisurely drink to while away the day."

Upon hearing this, Xu Huang, who had been sitting quietly to the side, slowly raised his eyes, his expression calm, and said each word clearly, settling the atmosphere in the room: "In this place, we only talk about romance."

With those six words, all schemes and calculations vanished, leaving only refined leisure. Having finished speaking, Xu Huang looked at Zi Nu, his tone leisurely and elegant, tinged with a hint of leisurely interest: "I have long heard that Zi Lan Xuan not only boasts the finest wines in Xinzheng, but also houses a peerless zither player whose music is pure and refined, surpassing all others in the city's romantic atmosphere. Today, with nothing to do and the scenery just right, I wonder if I might have the honor of listening to a piece?"

Upon hearing this, a glint of golden light flashed in Zi Nu's eyes. Her surprise vanished in an instant, replaced by a gentle smile, her expression tender and perfectly measured.

She gazed at the two men and spoke slowly, each word clear: "Ninth Young Master is hospitable, and your guests are refined. However, my Purple Orchid Pavilion treasures orchid wine and the finest zither music played by a top-notch musician, both of which are the finest offerings in the pavilion, rarely enjoyed even by ordinary nobles. Fine wine paired with zither music comes at a high price."

Xu Huang remained silent upon hearing this, merely turning his head slightly, his gaze calmly falling upon Han Fei beside him. Han Fei met Xu Huang's gaze, his body suddenly stiffening, the composed and elegant smile on his face instantly froze, and a deep bitterness and helplessness welled up in his eyes. Having just returned to court, he was short of money and knew all too well the weight of the exorbitant prices at Zi Lan Xuan.

But today, he had taken the initiative to host and invite guests to the room. The words had already been spoken, and considerations of face, etiquette, and friendship were paramount; there was no way to refuse. Han Fei, utterly helpless, could only suppress his inner lament and reluctantly nod, silently accepting this expensive and elegant gathering. Sunlight streamed quietly outside the window, and the fragrance of orchids wafted gently through the room.

Three individuals, each with their own hidden agendas and complexities, met in a quiet room at midday. Under the guise of romance and the underlying undercurrents, their encounter was destined to influence the future of Xinzheng.