Each of the nine dragon maidens possesses extraordinary abilities.

She appeared in various places and died in various places, and Lu Yueyuan was often unable to save her.

If he wanted to go back to the beginning of his relationship with her, the only way would be to sleep with her. Otherwise, if he tried to recall things, all he could think about were the various ways Su Zhaoran could die, not the time they spent together long ago, like catching fish—he had long forgotten how to catch fish.

Chapter 35: The Azure Phoenix Sings for a Living

The world of "Jiuyi" is called the Great Wilderness, which comes from the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" and means the beginning of heaven and earth and the unsettled primordial world.

Legend has it that long, long ago, there were no continents or living beings in the world. A god split open the Nether Sea and transformed his own body into the Great Wilderness within the endless Nether Sea, from which all living things came into being.

The Great Wilderness is divided into nine provinces, among which the Central Province is most favored by the spiritual energy of Heaven. It is precisely because of this geographical advantage that the Jiuyi Sect of the Central Province has become the number one sect in the world.

Although all the states are protected by gods, only the Jiuyi Sect, now in the Twilight Era, has four divine agents and nine guardians protecting the sect, each of whom is at the top level of the Dao-self unity realm.

Such strength allows the Jiuyi Sect to fight even if it is besieged by the entire world.

In the mortal realm of Zhongzhou, there are no mortal kingdoms; the entire region is governed by the Jiuyi Sect. Any rogue cultivator with rebellious intentions or ambitions will be ruthlessly suppressed by the Jiuyi Sect. However, in recent years, with the unfolding of the grand plan, the main bodies of the various lineage protectors are no longer in Zhongzhou, and the power struggles among the lineages have become rampant, leading to the infiltration of many forces into the mortal realm of Zhongzhou under the jurisdiction of the Jiuyi Sect.

A clear source produces a clear stream, while a muddy source produces a muddy stream. If the Jiuyi Sect is corrupt within itself, it is even more so the secular world under its jurisdiction.

Leaving aside the seven deadly sins, with pride at the top, countless other independent cultivators, demonic cults, and so on have infiltrated the area.

Lu Yueyuan chose an auspicious day and, taking advantage of Ming Huaiwei's attention being focused on Su Zhaoran, left the Jiuyi Sect with arrogance and came to the mortal world.

The largest city in the mortal realm of Zhongzhou is called Baidi City. It is located three hundred miles south of Jiuyi Mountain and is the commercial hub of Zhongzhou. Caravans from the north and south converge here, and spies from various states and factions lie in wait here.

It was already evening when Lu Yueyuan led his arrogance into the city. As they entered, they found the streets paved with bluestone slabs. During the rainy season, the bluestone slabs were always wet, reflecting the lanterns hanging along the streets, making it seem as if there was an inverted Milky Way on the ground.

The city was divided into four wards: the East Ward was a market town where cultivators gathered, the West Ward was the territory of ordinary merchants, the South Ward was the docks and warehouses, and the North Ward was a den of iniquity, with brothels, casinos, and taverns. As soon as Lu Yueyuan entered the city, he went straight to the North Ward, his destination being the Lan Yue Tower there.

The arrogant woman, disguised as a man, followed behind him, looking somewhat bewildered at the bright lights and bustling activity not far ahead.

She's quite knowledgeable, so of course she knows what that place is for.

What are you doing? What are you trying to do?

Is the Executor going to crack open your skull? If you're going to crack your skull, then crack it open. Why are you dragging me along?

Arrogantly, they stopped awkwardly, hesitant to proceed.

"Should I go in too?"

Lu Yueyuan stopped, turned to look at her, and nodded.

"...Well, let's not ask what your purpose is for now."

She said arrogantly, "If I'm dressed as a man like this and it gets discovered, it won't be good. If things get out of hand, you'll be in trouble too."

Although Lu Yueyuan is no longer the sect leader, he is still a member of the Jiuyi Sect's lineage.

She had already sneaked out, and if she caused a big fuss and got discovered, not to mention what would happen to Lu Yueyuan, her arrogance would definitely be exposed.

When you're in hiding, you should act like you're in hiding.

Lu Yueyuan remained silent for a long time before speaking: "Don't worry, although Lanyue Tower is backed by Sifu Clan and its own forces are complex, there are still things here that will protect me."

Arrogance paused, then asked, "...Something?"

Lu Yueyuan gestured for her to look up.

Lanyue Tower is the tallest building in Beifang. It has seven floors, each with upturned eaves and hundreds of lanterns hanging under the eaves. After nightfall, the entire building is brightly lit, and from a distance, it looks like a heavenly palace that has fallen to earth.

Of course, the most eye-catching thing is its signboard.

The two characters "揽月" (Lan Yue) on it are written in running-cursive script, with a sword-like quality in the strokes.

Lu Yueyuan said, "That was left behind by my master."

Having said that, before the arrogant one could react, Lu Yueyuan led her inside.

The girls at Lan Yue Lou are divided into nine ranks, from the ninth-rank courtesan to the first-rank courtesan, with each rank having a vastly different price. The ninth-rank courtesan sells her art but not her body, while the first-rank courtesan only accompanies the most expensive guests.

The girls are assessed monthly, including playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, and tea, plus one special talent. Promotion or demotion among the nine ranks depends entirely on their true abilities.

Because of these rules, the quality of the girls is undoubtedly excellent. Of course, not everyone comes here specifically for the girls. Besides being a brothel, Lan Yue Lou also serves as an intelligence trading market, providing cover for independent cultivators and spies. You can come here to listen to music or to buy and sell information; the girls in the brothel are merely a cover.

For example, when Arrogant followed Lu Yueyuan in, he heard people making a transaction nearby.

"Quick, there's no time, give me that!"

"Oh, that must cost a lot of money, young master."

"Here you go, tell me now."

"Do you know what the biggest advantage of the Nine Peaks Sect's guardian, Wei Daidan, is compared to other guardians?"

"What is it?"

"He's always the last to know when it rains, but the first to find the coins on the ground."

"Hehehehehehehe!!!!"

What kind of lunatics are these? Aren't they afraid of being punished by the guardians? Arrogance felt the cold sweat on his face increasing.

"Welcome, gentlemen."

Before the arrogant man could continue observing, a madam had already come to greet him.

With just a quick glance, she could tell that Lu Yueyuan and Aoman were both cultivators with spiritual energy within their bodies, not ordinary people. Naturally, Lan Yue Lou's management style towards cultivators differed from its treatment of ordinary people.

The madam smiled and said, "Gentlemen, please go to the third floor."

In a private room on the third floor, the two sat down. Just as the madam was about to introduce them, Lu Yueyuan said, "No need for introductions, let Qingyi come over."

The madam's eyes lit up, and she immediately smiled and said, "Please wait a moment," before leaving.

Soon, a girl entered.

She was a little girl, probably eleven or twelve years old. Her face hadn't fully developed yet; she had a pointed chin and two light blue birthmarks on her cheekbones. She was wearing a green dress woven with feathers.

As soon as she stepped in, the flow of spiritual energy in the room quickened slightly.

Even the Holy Emperor was alarmed. He saw this scene through Lu Yueyuan's perspective and marveled at it.

This girl actually has the bloodline of the Azure Phoenix.

The Azure Phoenix is ​​a mythical bird from ancient times. Legend has it that the Azure Phoenix's cry echoes across Mount Qi, its voice reaching heaven and earth and stirring the four seasons. When the Holy Emperor was still alive, he saw that deities were specifically raising this bird.

Unlike the rebellious dragon god He raised, the Azure Phoenix is ​​a loyal bird and an auspicious omen. While its descendants may not gain the same power as those with the dragon god's bloodline, they possess unique talents in cultivation.

Even the Holy Emperor never expected that the dignified descendant of the divine bird would not be worshipped in the sects of other states, but instead end up in a brothel in the Central State, engaging in this kind of business.

Okay, that's interesting.

Chapter 36: Loyal Bird, Choose Again

The Holy Emperor's assessment of humanity was that nothing they did would be surprising.

The brightest light and the deepest darkness both reside within them.

When they shine brightly, they are willing to sacrifice their lives for their ideals. When they are deep in thought, they become audacious and reckless, even daring to blaspheme the gods.

It's not surprising that the descendants of the Azure Phoenix are involved in brothel business.

I wonder how this child ended up here. Of course, the Holy Emperor didn't have time to care about such trivial matters; He just wanted to see what Lu Yueyuan would do.

"Good evening, gentlemen." The man in green bowed slightly. "I greet you both. Is there any song you would like to hear? I can sing it."

Lu Yueyuan asked, "Is it just singing?"

Arrogance glanced at him in shock.

"Is this your first time here, young master?"

Qingyi smiled and said, "I am very happy that you like me, but I am sorry, I only sing songs."

She gave a detailed introduction to her services.

The Qingyi dancers charge per song, approximately ten spirit stones per song. This pricing standard is specifically for cultivators.

The madam discovered that although Qingyi's singing wasn't particularly beautiful, her melody could accelerate the flow of spiritual energy, slightly increasing the cultivator's absorption rate.

Essentially, everyone who calls her does so for the purpose of cultivation.

Moreover, although the madam didn't understand Qingyi's bloodline, she had discovered Qingyi's usefulness. A child with such innate talent couldn't be sold off like others in the ordinary way for that kind of service.

She had already decided that she would wait until Qingyi was at least thirteen or fourteen years old before letting her do this kind of business, and her virginity must be sold to a distinguished customer for a good price.

After explaining the situation, Qingyi smiled and said, "So, young master, Qingyi doesn't offer any other services at the moment. If you need anything, you can ask another sister to come."

Brothels catering to cultivators naturally offer dual cultivation services, ensuring both enjoyment and cultivation without interfering with each other.

"Of course, you can also keep me here and let me sing while you enjoy the dual cultivation service. Don't be shy about me, it's fine, I've seen plenty of that. If you don't want me to see, I can go to the back, it's all fine."

Qingyi spoke calmly, introducing the services without any hesitation or embarrassment, displaying a maturity beyond her years.

She simply smiled faintly and said, "So what would you two gentlemen like? Oh, by the way, we have many good spiritual foods here, which can also help to clear the meridians. Would you like some?"

Lu Yueyuan didn't react, but Aoman felt uncomfortable all over.

Ultimately, the current her is not the same person Lu Yueyuan saw in the simulated future. At that time, she had already witnessed the darkness and become a warrior who, despite despair, still dared to charge forward and remained loyal.

But judging from her current arrogance, she's nothing more than a girl who's run away from home.

From the moment she entered and saw Qingyi, she had so much to say, fidgeting restlessly as if she had an itch to pee. She glanced at Lu Yueyuan several times, but when she realized he didn't react, she could only suppress her emotions.

Let's not cause trouble, and besides, she doesn't think the agent chosen by the Holy Emperor is a beast.

The woman in green said, "Since this is your first time here, young master, and you don't know us sisters well, I can make recommendations. For example, in terms of dual cultivation, you could choose..."

Lu Yueyuan said, "I'm not interested in any of them."

Qingyi: "Huh?"

Lu Yueyuan said, "I'm only interested in you."

With a professional smile, Qingyi said, "Thank you for your interest, young master. But as I've already said, I can only sing for my guests. If you really like me, you can give me a generous reward and come back when I'm fourteen. At that time, you can bid for my virginity."

Arrogance ranges from playing with one's hair to scratching one's scalp.

She now had a real urge to summon the Seven Deadly Sins and burn this place to the ground, but Lu Yueyuan didn't express his opinion or reveal his purpose, leaving her only anxious and frustrated.

Lu Yueyuan remained silent, his thoughts drifting to the image of Qingyi from the simulated future.

In the end, Qingyi's virginity was not sold. The flames of the White Emperor City burned for seven days and seven nights, and the aftershocks of the battle continued to expand. The guardians of the meridians perished, the four agents of the gods moved to the Nine Provinces, and Lu Yueyuan barely won the victory.

When he was consolidating the remaining forces of Baidi City, a girl secretly came to his side.

She raised her knife to stab him, but by then Lu Yueyuan already had followers. They pinned her to the ground and dragged her to him.

Lu Yueyuan touched the bloodstain on his neck: "What a powerful magical artifact, did you make it yourself?"

The woman in green remained silent.

Lu Yueyuan asked again, "Why did you try to assassinate me?"

“Nothing, I just wanted to,” she said. “You killed my mother, so I just wanted to kill you.”

"Mom? Who the hell are you?" After searching around, Lu Yueyuan finally learned through the system that the "mom" she was referring to was a madam. The aftermath of his fight with the guardian had affected Lan Yue Tower. The madam tried to run away but was killed by falling rocks. On the contrary, Qingyi, who did not run away, survived in the ruins.

Lu Yueyuan laughed in anger: "What kind of bullshit mother is she? She's just a brothel madam who wants to sell you to men for money, and you're still loyal to her?"

"I'll kill you," said the man in green.

"I'll fucking kill you." At that moment, Lu Yueyuan was extremely irritable due to the constant failures of the simulation.

Later, every time the simulation reached this point, as long as the brothel madam died, Qingyi would come to assassinate him. Lu Yueyuan couldn't care less about the madam's life or death, and since Qingyi's assassination method was always the same, he eventually stopped trying to correct it and just had his men take her down.

This girl has a very stubborn personality. Several times later, Lu Yueyuan tried to persuade her to surrender, but she wouldn't listen. And whenever she failed, she would find an opportunity to commit suicide.

Fine, that's fine. Lu Yueyuan was too lazy to care about her. There were plenty of people who died in the simulation, so what was she?

But now, for the first time, he looked directly at the girl in front of him. He rubbed his hands against the wine glass on the table for a long time, until he felt calluses forming.

The woman in green asked softly, "Young master, would you like to hear more music? Or would you like to have another lady perform?"

Lu Yueyuan snapped out of his daze: "No, I said I want you. How much money would it cost to redeem you?"

"...Does the guest want to redeem me? This..." the woman in green said hesitantly, "I...I don't quite know."

This was the first time someone had made this request to her, and she hadn't memorized the relevant service regulations, so she was a bit stumped.

“Go ask your mother,” Lu Yueyuan said.

"Yes, young master, please wait a moment." The man in green left.