Azure Province, Southern Region.
Drunken Spring Tower.
The Drunken Spring Tower of today was vastly different from the past, now a well-known establishment throughout the cultivation world—more famous than some holy lands…
Though the Drunken Spring Tower in Yunxiao City occupied a vast area, with palace-like structures and connected corridors forming a complex of pavilions, the number of visitors were overwhelming.
Many come from other states, and after touring the Immortal Emperor’s former residence at the Profound Azure Sect, they wanted to experience the renowned services that even the Emperor praised.
As a result, Drunken Spring Tower had to set a limit on the number of guests it could accommodate each day.
Otherwise, who could handle it?
Even though many of the girls at Drunken Spring Tower were cultivators in their own right, they couldn’t manage such a large influx!
They could only temporarily add other performance programs to satisfy the visitors’ eyes.
That evening, in front of the Drunken Spring Tower.
A group of elegantly dressed individuals with extraordinary bearing stood before the entrance, and many recognized them.
“Hiss, isn’t that Yan Shan from the Blood Spirit Sect?”
“He’s here too! That’s a major cultivator at the Integration Realm; it seems he really believes what the Emperor said!”
“Indeed! Look at those behind Yan Shan—those are all elders of the Blood Spirit Sect, along with a few attendants.”
“Let’s go, don’t stare, the Blood Spirit Sect is notoriously domineering!”
“Be careful, they might notice us, and getting beaten is the least of our worries.”
Yan Shan did not rush inside. He had visited many pleasure houses in his younger years, but as his cultivation and age increased, he gradually stopped visiting such places.
At this moment, he felt a unique kind of experience.
Looking at the bustling business of the Drunken Spring Tower, a hint of greedy fervor flashed in his eyes.
Yan Shan muttered, “Which sect does this Drunken Spring Tower belong to?”
Hearing this question, Great Elder Lei Lie immediately understood his intentions and shook his head, “I’ve looked into it; it’s quite mysterious. It seems to be connected to the Lotus Flower Palace.”
Lotus Flower Palace!
Yan Shan’s expression grew serious, and a hint of caution appeared on his face. Those are a group of crazy women—it’s better not to provoke them.
This force does not belong to Azure Province but comes from elsewhere; while not a top-tier power, they are notoriously difficult to deal with.
Anyone who offends them faces endless retaliation, and they have extensive connections, often calling in powerful rogue cultivators for assistance, which is quite alarming.
Yan Shan felt reluctant but could only suppress his thoughts of seizing Drunken Spring Tower.
After hesitating for a moment, he said, “Great Elder, this brothel business is thriving; our Blood Spirit Sect should get involved too.”
Lei Lie replied, “Don’t worry, Sect Leader; we are already in preparation.”
A moment later, he added, “As for the girls, most of them are taken from common folk. There’s hardly any cost involved.”
Yan Shan smiled and nodded repeatedly, “Good! That’s great!”
Just then, another commotion arose behind them, and the group turned to look.
They saw Yan Changkong and his entourage approaching.
As the leader of the Profound Azure Sect, Yan Changkong was a prominent figure in all of Azure Province. No matter who it is, they must show him some respect.
In fact, to some extent, Yan Changkong was now even more intimidating than Yan Shan.
After all, it was well-known that the Blood Spirit Sect, once the number one sect, was about to become a thing of the past.
However, at this moment, Yan Changkong was acting with extreme humility among his group.
Yan Shan was slightly surprised and focused his gaze to discern the reason.
He noticed that several people beside Yan Changkong were not simple characters; not only were their auras strong, but their demeanor was also extraordinary!
From their attire, it was evident that there were individuals from the Jade Pool Holy Land, the Primordial Holy Land, and ancient cultivation clans.
Additionally, Zhao Shanhe, the commander of the Xuan Bird Guards from the Liyue Immortal Dynasty, was also among them.
With this combination of forces, not to mention Azure Province, even the entire Eastern Xuan Continent would be dominated.
Yan Shan looked on with a sinister glint in his eyes, resentment boiling within him.
He had been in a silent power struggle with Yan Changkong for over a thousand years, watching the Profound Azure Sect being swallowed up bit by bit.
Yet, all of this was turning to dust because of a diary!
How could he not harbor hatred?
At that moment, Yan Changkong also noticed Yan Shan and his group. The two exchanged glances and nodded slightly at each other.
Liu Xiaoxiao, the person in charge of Drunken Spring Tower, came out quickly, wearing a sheer long dress, and greeted them with a smile: “Lord Yan, we’ve been waiting for you. Please come in!”
“The best private room is ready for you and your esteemed guests. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask Xiaoxiao.”
Although Drunken Spring Tower was now bustling with business, Liu Xiaoxiao certainly wouldn’t neglect Yan Changkong.
They were just riding on the Emperor’s coattails. However, the Profound Azure Sect was the Emperor’s genuine sect; no matter what, she couldn’t offend Yan Changkong.
With utmost respect, Liu Xiaoxiao led Yan Changkong and his entourage inside, chatting and laughing.
In contrast, Yan Shan and the others were left ignored.
Under normal circumstances, regardless of anything, the Blood Spirit Sect’s status in Azure Province wouldn’t warrant such treatment.
It seemed Liu Xiaoxiao was deliberately snubbing Yan Shan’s group.
Having spent several hundred years in Azure Province, she was aware of the feud between the Blood Spirit Sect and the Profound Azure Sect.
Since she needed to curry favor with the Profound Azure Sect, she naturally had to make some choices.
Moreover, Liu Xiaoxiao wasn’t afraid of the Blood Spirit Sect at all.
As Yan Shan watched Yan Changkong and his group disappear from view, he could no longer conceal his anger.
“Let’s see how long you can gloat!”
Beside him, Lei Lie angrily said, “Rest assured, Sect Leader; I’ve already made contact with people in the Shadow Kill Hall. It won’t be long before we get results.”
Yan Shan nodded but lost interest in lingering at Drunken Spring Tower. He turned and said, “Let’s go somewhere else!”
However, his expression remained terrifyingly grim.
Recently, Yan Shan had heard some rumors suggesting that several major superpowers intended to ally with the Profound Azure Sect.
This was no small matter; once the Profound Azure Sect formed an alliance with these forces, it would create a powerful deterrent to other sects.
In the future, who would dare to deny the Profound Azure Sect’s transcendent status in Azure Province?
Even if they eliminated Yan Changkong, the Blood Spirit Sect would likely only be able to remain a second-rate sect forever, never able to compete with the Profound Azure Sect!
This was the root of Yan Shan’s furious anger!
He even snapped, “The Immortal Emperor still hasn’t shown up!”
“Who knows, maybe he’s dead somewhere… Hmph, if he’s dead, that would be for the best!”
The elders beside him nodded in agreement.
The Immortal Emperor was excellent in every regard; the only downside was that he didn’t belong to the Blood Spirit Sect.
Given that, his death would only serve their interests.
———
Onboard a massive ship.
Jiang Youlong was pacing on the deck. After a moment, he stopped and said in a deep voice, “A Holy Land from the Central Region!”
“Six thousand years ago, it was the Saintess; now she’s a cultivator at the Mahayana stage. So who is this person? The answer is becoming obvious!”
Jiang Youlong’s expression grew serious as he spoke, “The current Holy Lord of the Jade Pool Holy Land, Yuan Ruoyu!”
On the other side, Hua Hongyi and Zuo Qingtian had already guessed it.
However, upon hearing the name Yuan Ruoyu, they couldn’t help but feel a chill run down their spines.
Their expressions changed as well.
Who is Yuan Ruoyu?
She is the current Holy Lord of the Jade Pool Holy Land, one of the top powers in today’s cultivation world.
A peak cultivator at the Mahayana Realm!
She is also widely recognized as one of the most likely candidates to ascend when the gates to the heavenly realm open next.
Hua Hongyi furrowed her brows and smiled wryly, “Are all the women of the Emperor this formidable?”
The Immortal Emperor was already a headache for them.
They had finally found some clues through his woman, only to discover that both her identity and power exceeded their expectations.
Even the families backing the three of them wouldn’t dare to offend the Jade Pool Holy Land recklessly.
Moreover, they were dealing with the current Holy Lord!
Hua Hongyi remained silent for a moment before suddenly saying, “Ruoyu, Ruoyu; we should have guessed it long ago!”
“Now it makes sense why the Jade Pool Holy Land would secretly protect the Profound Azure Sect.”
Zuo Qingtian stood by without speaking.
He never had much opinion on matters requiring thought and involuntarily turned his gaze toward Jiang Youlong.
Hua Hongyi asked, “What should we do next?”
Jiang Youlong’s expression was troubled as he pondered for a moment before shaking his head, “This has already exceeded our capabilities. We’re powerless!”
“Let’s wait!”
“They should have received the news by now. All we need to do is wait quietly, and someone will take action.”
Hua Hongyi nodded, “That’s all we can do!”
Suddenly, she broke into a smile and said alluringly, “Hey, shouldn’t we also balance work and relaxation? Let’s go experience the charm of the brothel!”
Zuo Qingtian laughed heartily, “Can you handle it?”
Jiang Youlong chuckled and was about to speak when suddenly, a feeling stirred in his heart. He flipped his hand, and a scroll appeared out of nowhere.
Seeing this item, Hua Hongyi and Zuo Qingtian instantly fell silent, their faces tense as they looked over.
Jiang Youlong took a deep breath and slowly opened the scroll, revealing a line of text that appeared out of thin air. “Granted by the Heavenly Court, Yuan Ruoyu is to ascend immediately!”
The three of them collectively took a deep breath, but then another line of text materialized.
“Any defiance will result in immediate capture and return for trial, no exceptions!”