Chapter 16: Drunken Dream Tower

The news of the secret realm sent the cultivators present into a frenzy, and even Ling Qingshu was no exception.

However, Ling Qingshu quickly regained her composure. Xu Yang, who had been observing dispassionately, nodded in satisfaction upon noticing her change. To recognize the unusual amidst the allure of a secret realm indicated a promising mental state for Ling Qingshu, hinting at her potential for a Nascent Soul breakthrough.

As for the secret realm mentioned by the Core Formation realm cultivator on the stage, Xu Yang didn't have much interest. Having lived for a hundred thousand years, wealth had become the most useless thing to him. Even if a thousand secret realms were unearthed, their combined wealth would not have matched the Azure Mist Sect at its pinnacle.

However, considering the current state of the Azure Mist Sect, Xu Yang felt it was necessary to visit the secret realm after all. Having made up his mind, Xu Yang paid a little more attention and listened to the Core Formation realm cultivator's words.

"In half a month, please wait at the Ten-Mile Pavilion, north of Qizhou City. At that time, I will lead you into the secret realm."

After saying this, the Core Formation realm cultivator retreated backstage. Even the serving girls and servants who had been waiting outside the private rooms withdrew. This entire floor had been vacated by the Spirit Treasure Auction House for the cultivators present to discuss matters concerning the secret realm.

Casually picking up the cloud beast toy spinning on the table, Xu Yang led Ling Qingshu out of the private room. Just as they stepped out, they happened to encounter the young master of the Fang family. He had just spent a considerable sum to purchase a rather extraordinary magical saber. As he walked down the corridor, Fang Yan, the eldest young master of the Fang family, was grinning from ear to ear. He walked with an invigorated stride, more excited than if he had taken a stimulant.

He then saw a man and a woman approaching. The woman was quite beautiful. And the man, coincidentally, was the one who had said that ordinary spirit herb was priceless.

Fang Yan stood before Xu Yang and greeted him with a familiar air. "Brother, we meet again! I'm in a good mood today. Care to join me for a couple of drinks at Drunken Dream Pavilion?"

Upon hearing Fang Yan's words, Ling Qingshu's brow furrowed. Not only was Drunken Dream Pavilion Qizhou City's largest pleasure house, but given Xu Yang's status, was he someone a dissolute young master could address so casually? Almost instinctively, Ling Qingshu released her Core Formation realm aura. She seemed ready to draw her sword and chop down the outspoken young master if he uttered another nonsensical word.

To Ling Qingshu's surprise, Xu Yang not only showed no anger at Fang Yan's behavior but even struck up a conversation with him. "Since you put it that way, brother, I'll go with you. But I don't carry money when I go out."

"Hang out with me, Fang Yan? You won't need to spend a single coin!" For some reason, Fang Yan found Xu Yang increasingly agreeable and congenial the more he looked at him.

One of the guards behind Fang Yan approached as he observed the two talking. The guard whispered in Fang Yan's ear, "Young Master, we just bid on a magic treasure. Shouldn't we send it home first?"

Hearing the guard's words, Fang Yan thought for a moment and agreed. With a decisive nod, he handed a storage bag to the guard. "I'll entrust this magic treasure to you. First, take it home to my father, then come find me, your young master, at Drunken Dream Pavilion."

With that, Fang Yan put his arm around Xu Yang's shoulder, and the two descended the stairs, leaving Ling Qingshu and the guard dumbfounded.

The madam of Drunken Dream Pavilion felt that something was amiss today. It was supposed to be a great thing that the eldest young master of the Fang family had come with a friend to grace their establishment. After all, Young Master Fang was known as Qizhou City's foremost wastrel. Whenever he visited Drunken Dream Pavilion, he would invariably spend lavishly, ensuring the pavilion made a fortune.

However, to her surprise, shortly after Young Master Fang entered, a woman also arrived. This woman was more beautiful than all the courtesans in Drunken Dream Pavilion combined. The madam was certain that if she could train this woman, she could cultivate a top courtesan. At that time, her fame wouldn't just spread throughout Qizhou; it might even reach Tianwu Commandery. Guests would then flock from all over Tianwu Commandery. She would probably be buried under a mountain of money. The madam felt a pang of regret at this thought, lamenting why such an exceptional woman wasn't one of her own.

What surprised the madam even more was that as soon as the woman entered Drunken Dream Pavilion, she told the madam that nothing but food and drink could enter Young Master Fang's private room. And definitely no courtesans. For serving food, they had to send either a female cook or a pimp. "Today, if a single courtesan enters Young Master Fang's private room, I'll kill them."

Good heavens! Was this woman out of her mind? If they didn't provide courtesans for Young Master Fang, how much could a mere table of food and wine possibly earn Drunken Dream Pavilion? This woman was practically destroying their livelihood. The madam waved her hand, and two Level 8 Qi Refinement realm guards immediately stepped forward to chase her away.

To her astonishment, the two masters who had always been effective against ruffians and scoundrels couldn't even get close to the woman. She casually kicked them away with two light blows. This was clearly someone here to cause trouble. The madam waved her hand, and a young attendant quickly ran to the back courtyard to summon the Foundation Establishment realm elder, whom Drunken Dream Pavilion had paid a hefty sum to hire. The elder had chosen two courtesans to accompany him yesterday, and was probably still asleep in bed.

While waiting for the Foundation Establishment elder to finally arrive, the madam thought she would surely make the woman pay. But then she reconsidered. A woman so beautiful and powerful must have an extraordinary background. If they offended such a woman, Drunken Dream Pavilion would likely be ruined. The madam, who had spent her entire life in Drunken Dream Pavilion, knew better than anyone how vengeful women could be.

The Foundation Establishment elder, with his protruding belly, stood opposite the woman, his eyes fixed on her face. If the attendant hadn't just informed him that this woman had effortlessly kicked away his two incompetent disciples, the Foundation Establishment elder would probably have already given in to his lustful impulses and attempted to use his cultivated techniques on her.

"Young lady, may I ask why you've come to cause trouble at my Drunken Dream Pavilion?"

"Scram!"

This woman was indeed Ling Qingshu. Seeing the greasy elder, whose gaze made her extremely uncomfortable, she simply and directly spat out a single word. The moment she spoke, a powerful aura erupted from Ling Qingshu, pressing down on the Foundation Establishment elder. Under the oppressive aura of Ling Qingshu, the Foundation Establishment elder directly collapsed onto the ground.

"Senior, please spare my life! Whatever Senior wishes to do at Drunken Dream Pavilion today, it shall be done." Core Formation realm! She must be at the Core Formation realm. This young woman is actually a Core Formation cultivator! The Foundation Establishment elder sat on the ground, sweat beads the size of soybeans covering his forehead.

Seeing this situation, the madam's face abruptly changed.