Ye Qiu lifted his head toward the warm sun in the sky, but his voice carried a faint chill.
> "Help me investigate the Fourth Prince of the Empire, Xue Beng. I want to know his recent movements."
Ning Rongrong's eyes filled with curiosity.
> "Liar! Why would you suddenly want to investigate him?"
"You just need to do it."
Ye Qiu rolled his eyes. Matters like this weren't something he could explain directly to the pampered young miss of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
"Hmph! Always so secretive. Fine, I'll take care of it right now."
Ning Rongrong huffed angrily, gave Ye Qiu a hard shove, and ran off.
Ye Qiu shook his head with a smile.
Of course he didn't tell her because of Ning Fengzhi.
Once he killed the man, Ning Fengzhi would naturally know.
But at that point, Ning Fengzhi would have no concrete evidence—what could he possibly say?
Besides, from Ning Fengzhi's perspective, Xue Qinghe becoming emperor was without a doubt the best outcome for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
After Ning Rongrong left, Zhu Zhuqing quietly took her place.
"Zhuqing, let's cultivate together tonight."
"Didn't you just say you wanted Rongrong to push you on the swing?"
"I was joking. That little frame of hers—if she pushed too hard, she'd probably go flying instead."
"…"
Zhu Zhuqing blushed and secretly cursed him in her heart.
---
That night, Ye Qiu spent the first half with Zhu Zhuqing cultivating, the second half with Ning Rongrong, and rose early the next morning to train his Purple Demon Eyes.
After breakfast, he bid farewell to the two girls once again and flew toward Heaven Dou City.
---
The morning sun climbed higher.
On the streets of Heaven Dou City, a young man wearing a mask walked side by side with a tall, graceful woman of striking beauty.
"Where exactly are you taking me?" the woman suddenly asked.
"Didn't I already tell you? To kill the future sovereign of the Heaven Dou Empire."
The masked youth was none other than Ye Qiu in disguise, while the woman was Qian Renxue in her own transformed appearance.
"Who is this person? Isn't he part of the imperial family?"
Qian Renxue glanced at the busy street—merchants hawking, pedestrians bustling—and began speculating.
"You'll see when we arrive."
Ye Qiu deliberately kept her guessing, leading her straight toward their destination.
Thanks to the intelligence Ning Rongrong had delivered to him the previous night, Ye Qiu already knew Xue Beng's favorite brothels and the women he frequently summoned.
Today, he intended to bring this sheltered little angel to see one firsthand. Of course, truth be told, he himself wasn't exactly worldly in such matters either.
"An Le Pavilion."
Qian Renxue tilted her head up at the brightly painted sign, its colors as garish as rouge. From inside drifted decadent music and laughter. Her brows furrowed.
"This is the place you're bringing me? A… brothel?"
"Of course. It's my first time too. Think of it as broadening our horizons."
Ye Qiu nodded slightly, eyes glinting with interest as he glanced at the few women by the entrance, striking poses to entice customers.
"Come on."
With a casual call, he strode inside first.
Qian Renxue hesitated, biting her lip, then quickly followed.
Hidden within the crowd, Porcupinefish Douluo and Snake Spear Douluo exchanged shocked glances.
Never in their wildest dreams would they have imagined that their lady would actually accompany a man into a brothel!
---
The moment they stepped inside, a strong aroma of perfume mixed with wine enveloped them.
The interior was lavishly decorated.
Paintings and calligraphy adorned the walls, fine porcelain sat on the tables, and the sound of flutes and strings drifted through the air.
From the ceiling hung a massive crystal chandelier, casting a warm glow across the entire hall.
Beneath it stood a stage, where several women in gauzy silks performed.
With swaying waists, bent backs, lifted legs, exposed shoulders, and playful gestures, each movement drew howls of excitement from the crowd, accompanied by showers of coins and silver.
Even though Ye Qiu wore a mask, hiding his true face, business was business.
Selling themselves still required professional courtesy.
In an instant, several women crowded around, pressing their soft bodies against him, asking coyly if he needed companionship.
Even Qian Renxue found herself approached by two petite girls, though she quickly froze them with a sharp glare and cold rebuke.
Ye Qiu also pushed the women away, though with a certain deliberate touch that drew gasps and laughter each time his hand slid across them.
"You call this your first time? You look far too comfortable to me."
Qian Renxue somehow ended up right beside him, brows furrowed, sharp eyes scanning the hall warily as she mocked him.
"Haha, if something falls right into your lap, why not enjoy it?"
Ye Qiu grinned, shrugging as he casually reached an arm toward her shoulder.
"Remove your filthy hand."
Qian Renxue shot him a cold glare.
Ye Qiu only chuckled, lowering his hand—just in time to see a mature, alluring woman approaching.
It was the madam of An Le Pavilion.
How could she stand by while he pushed her girls away? Letting a customer's energy and money go to waste was the greatest failure of a brothel.
Smiling just enough to remain charming without being vulgar, she purred:
"Esteemed guest, have none of the girls caught your eye? If you have any requests, An Le Pavilion will certainly meet them."
"Oh?"
Ye Qiu rubbed his chin, raising a hand toward Qian Renxue at his side.
"Then perhaps bring me a few women prettier than—ow!"
Before he could finish, a sharp pain shot from his waist. He grimaced in agony.
Qian Renxue's face was icy as she twisted the flesh at his side with two full rotations.
> "If you want to die so badly, just say so directly."
Only then did the madam notice the stunning woman standing next to him. Her eyes flickered strangely.
So there were still men who brought their own wives to a brothel? Did this woman enjoy being humiliated? Or was the man simply a shameless beast?
Still, business was business. Even if this woman's looks were top-notch, the pavilion had girls of equal beauty.
"Very well, honored guest. I'll have some of our best come greet you."
She clapped her hands and called sweetly:
"Zhenzhen, Ai'ai, Lianlian! Come out and entertain—"
"Stop! Stop right there!"
Ye Qiu straightened his back despite the pain and quickly cut her off.
Fishing out a heavy purse, he handed it to her.
"Forget the others. Just send your top courtesan, Chunxiang. Don't worry—your payment won't suffer."
"Of course, of course!"
At the sight of that bulging pouch of gold soul coins, the madam's eyes gleamed.
Money spoke loudest.
Not long after, at Ye Qiu's request, she led the two of them upstairs to a private loft.
The loft faced the entrance, with screens on either side for soundproofing and gauzy curtains on the others.
The view was completely open—one could clearly observe everyone passing below, as well as all the movements at the entrance.
Ye Qiu silently rubbed his waist as he looked at the song and dance below.
Hearing the faint gasps and coquettish cries around them, Qian Renxue felt extremely uncomfortable.
Looking at the delicacies on the table, she had no appetite at all.
Instead, she turned her head to Ye Qiu.
"You really have your ways. Using a woman's money—feels good, doesn't it?"
Ye Qiu naturally understood her mockery.
Qian Renxue was referring to that bag of gold soul coins just now. Clearly, she hadn't only investigated Tang San, but had also looked into him—knowing that he was just an ordinary commoner.
Ye Qiu shrugged helplessly.
With a light chuckle he said:
"Heh, couldn't be helped. When Rong Rong heard I was treating you to dinner, she insisted on giving me money."
"Hmph! Ning Fengzhi really had bad luck."
Qian Renxue snorted coldly.
Ye Qiu only smiled faintly, unconcerned.
In truth, Ning Fengzhi was blessed with fortune. At the very least, things like broken swords and shattered bones would never happen to him.
Beaded curtains clinked as Spring Fragrance entered the room.
Her brows arched like distant mountains, her face fresh with charm.
With a graceful figure, slender and captivating, she stepped lightly with lotus-like steps, her embroidered ribbons flowing in the air.
"Young master~"
Spring Fragrance stopped before Ye Qiu and bowed delicately.
"Tsk, tsk…"
Ye Qiu looked her up and down, a little moved.
Her pretty face, soft chest, curves, and faintly visible long legs—but what he liked most was the swaying cat tail behind her.
No wonder she was one of the top courtesans of Heaven Dou City.
Indeed, she had something special.
"Come, sit. Have a drink with me."
After a glance or two, Ye Qiu chuckled and patted the soft cushion beside him.
"Yes."
With a half-smile, her cherry lips parted as she walked gracefully forward, carrying a faint fragrance.
Compared to the heavy perfumes of the brothel, hers was more elegant and refined.
As she sat close against Ye Qiu, her arm brushed his, her seductive skills clearly well-practiced.
Ye Qiu was not polite.
Since he had already paid, he might as well enjoy himself.
But he knew his limits. To go further wasn't necessary—he was not lacking women.
Spring Fragrance, teased and plied with drink, blushed shyly. She also raised her cup, intending to serve Ye Qiu wine.
Qian Renxue's expression grew colder, utterly disdainful of the scene beside her.
To drink wine, one naturally had to remove the mask.
Just as Ye Qiu took off his mask—
Spring Fragrance's body stiffened. The charm on her face faded noticeably.
Because the face Ye Qiu revealed… was Tang San's.
The wanted portraits of Tang San and his father had long been posted everywhere in Heaven Dou City by Salas.
Even beggars recognized them, hoping to claim the bounty.
Naturally, Spring Fragrance had seen those faces many times.
Ye Qiu pinched the mask and set it on the table. With raised brows, he squeezed her waist, making her tremble.
With a teasing smile he said:
"What? You recognize me?"
"N-no, this servant doesn't know young master."
Spring Fragrance shivered in Ye Qiu's arms.
"Haha… enough."
Seeing her body stiff and unresponsive, Ye Qiu quickly lost interest. After a squeeze and a twist, he let her go.
He pointed to the zither table opposite.
Smiling, he said:
"Don't be afraid. I'm only here to pass the time. Go sit and play some music."
"But if you dare step outside that door—you die."
"Y-yes, yes. This servant understands…"
Spring Fragrance nodded repeatedly, hurriedly bowed, and scurried to the zither table. She sat, not daring to move without his permission.
Ye Qiu took a sip of wine and instructed:
"Play your best tune."
"Yes."
Spring Fragrance lowered her head, fear in her eyes, and her fingertips plucked the strings—producing a melodious sound.
"Had enough fun yet?"
Qian Renxue raised her cold eyes.
Ye Qiu chuckled.
"Not bad… though the girl's a bit too easy to tease. Shaky legs, quick to soften. Pity she's too timid."
Qian Renxue's face flushed slightly. Grinding her teeth, she cursed:
"You bastard! You really were enjoying yourself."
Ye Qiu only smiled faintly, his gaze drifting toward the entrance below. His eyes lit slightly.
"The one we're waiting for… has arrived."
Qian Renxue frowned and immediately turned her head—only to freeze.
"Xue Beng!?"
While Ye Qiu and she were speaking, at the gates of the Pleasure Pavilion—
A young man entered.
With dazzling red-brown hair, dressed in luxurious robes, he hunched slightly but raised his chin arrogantly.
His face oozed conceit, eyes full of disdain.
At a glance, one could tell he was a spoiled wastrel.
His lackeys cleared the way, and he immediately grabbed a courtesan, slipping his hands inside her clothes.
The madam hurried to greet and flatter him.
From upstairs, Qian Renxue watched as Xue Beng flaunted himself publicly, shamelessly indulging in broad daylight.
She could hardly believe it.
This was the man Ye Qiu said would one day inherit the Heaven Dou throne?
"Surprised? Don't you think he's overacting?"
Ye Qiu tossed a grape into his mouth, looking calmly at the arrogant Xue Beng below, demanding to see Spring Fragrance by name.
"This is a venomous snake, lying low under your eyelids—waiting for a chance to bite."
Qian Renxue understood his words.
But her long-standing disdain for Xue Beng left her puzzled.
"The way he looks… doesn't seem like an act."
"Then what did you think of my act just now?"
Ye Qiu raised his hand in a mock grasp, smiling as he asked.
Qian Renxue was stunned, staring at him coldly, speechless.
"Ha… some things don't need acting."
"Who knows if he's pretending, or if he's played the role so long he's begun to believe it?"
Ye Qiu sneered softly.
"Besides… beauty is something few men can truly resist."
"So… is that why your hand is on my waist?"
Qian Renxue glared coldly at him.
Especially with him wearing Tang San's face—it made her sick.
At some point, Ye Qiu's hand had slid to her lower back, nearly wrapping around her waist.
"Haha… sorry. In this setting, I got carried away."
Ye Qiu raised his hands, smiling sheepishly.
"Don't go too far!"
Qian Renxue's voice was icy. The ticklish feeling at her waist made her frown.
"And don't you dare compare me to those women!"
She looked at the gaudily dressed courtesans below, baring their chests, with disgust and disdain.
"Mm, I never thought that."
Ye Qiu replied lightly.
Below, Xue Beng brushed past the madam without a glance, shoving her aside as he stormed upstairs.
He wanted to show arrogance, entitlement, and domineering will—
Displaying his spoiled nature to the fullest.
Ye Qiu raised his cup with a smile, sipped lightly, and glanced at Spring Fragrance, whose playing faltered from the noise.
Calmly, he said:
"Continue the music."
"Yes."
Spring Fragrance trembled but forced herself to play on.
Ye Qiu set down his cup, propping his chin as he watched the beaded curtain at the door.
Quietly, he waited for Xue Beng's arrival.
Beside him, Qian Renxue suddenly whispered his name.
"Ye Qiu.""Hmm?"
Hearing Qian Renxue's call, Ye Qiu's eyes shifted slightly, glancing at her.
Qian Renxue stared directly at him, her face stern and serious.
"If you dare deceive me, both you and your women… will die!"
"Save your threats."
Ye Qiu rolled his eyes, not even wanting to look at her. He muttered faintly, then turned his head back, smiling coldly as he said:
"Tang San can kill the Fourth Prince, Xue Beng. He can also kill the Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe."
"Heh."
Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes, a faint laugh escaping her lips.
Ye Qiu's arrogance before her was intolerable. No one had ever dared to claim they would kill her!
"You're insane."
Ye Qiu shrugged, sneering lightly.
"You!"
Qian Renxue's eyes widened, glaring at him.
Before she could explode—
The bead curtain swayed, and Xue Beng barged in.
His upturned eyes immediately locked onto the only man inside the pavilion. With arrogance, he pointed at Ye Qiu and barked:
"Boy, who are you? How dare you compete with this prince for a woman?! Get lost while you still can!"
Ye Qiu smiled, wearing Tang San's face, and looked calmly at him.
"Your Highness Xue Beng, do you really not recognize me?"
"Huh?"
Xue Beng froze, staring more closely.
He frowned, confused:
"How could this prince possibly know a commoner like you?"
"No, no… look again, carefully."
Ye Qiu stood up, his smile fading.
Before Xue Beng could react, one of his attendants recognized him, whispering urgently in his ear.
Seeing the Blue Silver Grass coiled around Ye Qiu, Xue Beng's face suddenly froze.
"You—you're Tang San?!"
"Correct!"
The words had barely left his mouth—
When Ye Qiu's Blue Silver Grass shot out, wrapping tightly around them.
"Tang San! What are you doing—"
Xue Beng cried out in panic.
His answer came in the form of Ye Qiu's chilling killing intent.
Swish!
Hidden sleeve arrows fired—Xue Beng's attendant collapsed instantly, a shaft lodged between his brows.
"Ahhh!"
The courtesan Chunxiang, who had been playing the zither, screamed in terror.
Xue Beng's face was filled with shock. Tang San had launched into slaughter without a word.
At this moment, Qian Renxue also realized why Ye Qiu had insulted her earlier.
He was already making his move on Xue Beng.
This way, he didn't need to act against her personally—he had already shown his sincerity.
Still, even after understanding, Qian Renxue was furious.
They had only known each other a few days, and she had already been insulted by him countless times. No one had ever dared speak to her like this, or belittle her strength.
Outrageous!
"Tang San, don't kill me! I swear I won't reveal your identity!"
Xue Beng shouted desperately.
Ye Qiu rolled his eyes. Idiot.
That cry was loud enough for those downstairs to hear.
But—
That was exactly what Ye Qiu wanted.
Tang San had come to the brothel, was recognized by Xue Beng, and to avoid exposure, killed him…
The story was perfect.
Although Xue Beng had managed to shout a few times, that only made the tale more convincing.
With the Crown Prince as their inside contact at court, this excuse was airtight.
Thud!
Three arrows pierced into Xue Beng's forehead, cutting his screams short.
Ye Qiu wasn't satisfied. He stepped forward, pressed his palm down, and drove the arrows fully into his skull.
Xue Beng collapsed, dead.
At that very moment, Xue Beng's guards, who had rushed upstairs, caught sight of the scene.
"Your Highness!!"
Their faces went pale.
"Murder! Murder!!"
Instantly, Anle Pavilion fell into chaos.
"What are you waiting for? Move!"
Ye Qiu rushed to Qian Renxue's side, put on his mask, grabbed her, and darted through the curtain.
The Blue Silver Grass cleared a path.
In moments, he reached a second-floor window, scooping Qian Renxue into his arms.
"What are you doing—put me down!"
"Shut up!"
Ye Qiu barked. Qian Renxue was stunned into silence.
Holding her, he leapt from the window, landing on the bustling street, and sprinted away into an empty alley.
Porcupinefish Douluo and Snake Lance Douluo quickly followed in secret.
The chaos of Anle Pavilion spread into the streets, and before long, iron cavalry encircled the area.
In a deserted alley, Ye Qiu finally stopped, catching his breath.
He was still holding Qian Renxue.
Their eyes met—the warmth of his breath brushed across her face. Her cheeks flushed red, and she hastily released her grip around his neck.
"Let me down, quickly."
"Fine."
Ye Qiu nodded lightly and smiled, setting her down.
Porcupinefish Douluo and Snake Lance Douluo appeared.
"Miss, are you unharmed?"
"I'm fine."
Qian Renxue waved them off. Though her face was flushed, she turned her back to Ye Qiu to hide it.
She looked at him again.
"That killing was far too forced, full of loopholes."
"With your identity, whether in the Spirit Hall or in court, there are countless easier methods you could've used."
Ye Qiu shrugged indifferently.
Tang San had revealed his face and martial soul.
If Qian Renxue still couldn't nail this crime to Tang San, Ye Qiu would doubt her competence.
"Hmph! No wonder you brought me along—you wanted me to clean up the mess."
Qian Renxue snorted coldly.
"Fine. Go play your part before Xue Ye—it's the perfect chance to show brotherly affection. Heh."
Ye Qiu waved her off casually. He had to hurry and leave.
Just as he turned, he added:
"Oh, right. Anle Pavilion is finished after this. You might as well buy it cheap."
"What would I want that place for?"
Qian Renxue frowned, mocking:
"Don't tell me you grew feelings for those women?"
Ye Qiu rolled his eyes.
"Intelligence, obviously. That brothel attracts visitors from all walks of life—even court officials. You know what that means."
"Besides, it spares those women from pointless suffering."
Qian Renxue arched a brow and sneered.
"Your compassion is absolutely useless."
Ye Qiu raised his hand defensively.
"Don't misunderstand. I was just making a suggestion. It's not like I'm the one who'll do it."
"Hmph. Boring."
Qian Renxue snorted again.
But as she looked at Ye Qiu, her feelings grew complicated.
Maybe he was right—people were complicated. He wasn't just lustful.
He also had this pointless, almost ridiculous compassion.
"Enough. Do as you please."
Ye Qiu waved her off and walked away.
Before leaving, he reminded:
"The man is dead. Now hand me the Immortal Herb Compendium—and the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud."
Qian Renxue stood silently, watching Ye Qiu vanish into the sky.
Her eyes lowered slightly.
She thought back to him holding her tightly as they fled, her face pressed against his chest…
After a long while, she bit her lip and cursed softly:
"That bastard."
"He insulted me—and even dared to yell at me! How dare he!"
Her flushed cheeks—uncertain if from anger or embarrassment—betrayed her feelings.
"Stupid, insolent, insane…"
Ye Qiu's repeated insults echoed in her mind.
Until she could crush him beneath her, Qian Renxue felt she couldn't even breathe properly.
Hearing her words, Porcupinefish Douluo and Snake Lance Douluo exchanged glances, nodding secretly.
That Ye Qiu boy… truly the boldest youth they had ever seen.
He actually dared to take their young lady to a brothel.
Terrifying!