Chapter 69: Infiltrating the Ranks

Hour of the Rooster.

The pale blue sky was rimmed with golden yellow. In front of the Spring Rain Pavilion, slanting rays of golden evening light spilled across the shoulders of the endless stream of guests.

Jin Yiqiu, the famed courtesan, opened the door just a crack and peered outside at the passing patrons. Behind her, Qu Yiqiu, clad in a dark green Daoist robe, sat leisurely on a chair, savoring the house’s delicate wine.

Jin Yiqiu watched as the plump madam attracted guests, then sent a message to a woman in blue beside her.

"Bai Shulan, come here!"

The woman in blue looked up and walked over lightly at the call.

Jin Yiqiu closed the door, elegantly seated herself opposite Qu Yiqiu, and reached for a pastry. Before she could taste it, she saw Qu Yiqiu lift the wine pot and pour it directly down her throat.

Startled, Jin Yiqiu dropped the pastry from her hand.

"Little girl, do you even know what kind of wine this is? How dare you drink so carelessly!" Jin Yiqiu raised her slender, fair finger at Qu Yiqiu, her red lips parted in surprise.

Qu Yiqiu, somewhat tipsy, replied lazily, "Isn’t this just wine for the guests? Why shouldn’t I drink it?"

Jin Yiqiu withdrew her hand, her willow brows furrowed in annoyance. "Spring Rain Pavilion mainly entertains men. This wine is laced with enticing spices. With your cultivation, how will you maintain your serene composure for the guests after drinking it?"

Where had this girl come from, so ignorant of rules and bold beyond measure?

Jin Yiqiu stared at her peculiarly.

Qu Yiqiu put down the wine pot, eyes wide. "This is for pleasure?"

Seeing her frightened, Jin Yiqiu smiled half-mockingly. "What else did you think? In Spring Rain Pavilion, you’d best avoid touching anything tonight. Lest you entertain guests early and lose all your cultivation—don’t blame me then."

Qu Yiqiu was about to speak when the door creaked open.

Both women turned to look at the newcomer.

Bai Shulan closed the door softly and asked in a delicate voice, "Sister Jin, did you call me over for something?"

Jin Yiqiu lifted her fair jade finger and tilted Bai Shulan’s chin, revealing a face as delicate as a peeled egg. She smiled, "Shulan, haven’t I always told you that you possess an ethereal quality untouched by dust?"

Bai Shulan, gentle as boneless, raised her head, her watery eyes clear and bright as she looked at them.

"You have, Sister. I always remember your words."

Jin Yiqiu nodded in satisfaction, releasing her touch and gently wiping Bai Shulan’s face. "Tonight is the grand night of my first auction. To raise my value, Madam and the Pavilion’s master have worked hard. Yesterday, Madam asked me to choose a suitable maid. Seeing your obedience and righteous air, I especially asked Madam to let you serve as my maid for the day. Will you accept?"

Though Jin Yiqiu appeared to seek her opinion, both knew Bai Shulan had no right to refuse.

"Yes, I will. From now, I’ll be called Bai Yiqiu," Bai Shulan replied swiftly, forcing a radiant smile.

Jin Yiqiu laughed with pride. "Bai, you are as charming as ever. When you first greet guests, I’ll find several cultivated men to entertain you."

Bai Shulan blushed, her smile stiff. "Thank you, Sister."

Qu Yiqiu frowned in displeasure. "How many of you in Spring Rain Pavilion are named Yiqiu?"

Bai Shulan glanced at her in surprise. Qu Yiqiu lay bonelessly across the table, cheeks flushed with rosy hues, adding a touch of allure.

Jin Yiqiu swept her gaze over Qu Yiqiu with a hint of disdain, then suddenly stood and tossed a Daoist robe at her, saying coyly, "Change into this. She’s another maid I chose. Once you’re on stage, watch her closely. If she dares disobey..."

Jin Yiqiu arched a brow contemptuously. "Give her a taste of the good stuff."

"Yes," Bai Shulan answered fearfully.

Jin Yiqiu left with an air of arrogance.

Qu Yiqiu looked at Bai Shulan’s nervous profile and laughed, "You really remind me of that little boy who tricked me!"

Bai Shulan froze, then suddenly leapt up in agitation. "You’ve seen my brother? How is he now? Has his cultivation improved?"

Qu Yiqiu quietly dispelled her drunkenness and pouted. "He seemed quite well, running around Spring Rain Pavilion, tricking people and earning plenty of spirit stones."

Bai Shulan’s eyes instantly dimmed, her voice choked. "I’m sorry. I failed to look after my brother. I’m not a good sister; I’ve burdened him! Xiaoyang wasn’t always like this..."

"Is that so? Then you truly aren’t a good sister, letting him become like this," Qu Yiqiu said, raising her brows.

Her words seemed to wound Bai Shulan deeply. Bai Shulan clutched her chest and sank to the floor, sobbing, "I’m sorry, I’m sorry... I ruined Xiaoyang... Everything he’s done is to save me..."

Qu Yiqiu responded indifferently, stepping over Bai Shulan to the door and opening it just a crack.

Bai Shulan’s tears stopped abruptly. She stared in bewilderment at Qu Yiqiu’s back, wanting to speak but hesitating.

Qu Yiqiu quickly scanned the endless stream of guests outside Spring Rain Pavilion, closed the door, and turned to smile slyly. "Do you know who I am?"

Bai Shulan shook her head in confusion.

Qu Yiqiu arched her brow. "I’ve heard much about you from your brother. He specifically asked me to rescue you. My true identity is You Ruoying, elite disciple of the No Regret Peak under the Mysterious Intent Sect!"

"No Regret Peak? You’re an elite disciple from No Regret Peak of the Mysterious Intent Sect?" Bai Shulan looked up at her in astonishment, as if hearing something incredible.

Qu Yiqiu, mimicking You Ruoying’s proud demeanor, lowered her voice. "I was deliberately captured by Jin Yiqiu. Tonight, there will be chaos in Spring Rain Pavilion. You and your brother can seize the chance to escape and flee far away!"

Bai Shulan’s eyes shone with disbelief, her lips trembling. "Really? Can I truly escape this place?"

"Of course! We disciples of No Regret Peak have no reason to deceive those suffering under demonic cultivators!" Qu Yiqiu said confidently, patting her chest.

She then looked intently into Bai Shulan’s eyes. "I’m telling you all this because I need your cooperation. Earlier, Jin Yiqiu said if I disobey, you’re to feed me some 'good stuff.' What did she mean?"

Still dazed, Bai Shulan answered instinctively, "That’s a poison called Wooden Stiff Powder, taken from the Poison Manor by the Pleasure Sect. If newcomers to Spring Rain Pavilion disobey or try to escape, they’re forced to ingest it and become fodder for others."

Realizing she’d revealed a secret, Bai Shulan’s eyes widened in fear and she covered her mouth.

Qu Yiqiu laughed gently. "Don’t worry, I’m not an outsider. This time, the disciples of No Regret Peak will make sure you all escape!"

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