Chapter Twenty-Nine: Drunken Flower Pavilion

From the outside, Yi An noticed nothing out of the ordinary. Drunken Flower Pavilion appeared utterly commonplace, and he caught not the faintest trace of demonic aura.

Yet, judging by Chen Qingwen’s condition, there was no way he had been mistaken.

Under Chen Qingwen’s familiar guidance, they had barely set foot into Drunken Flower Pavilion before a group of garishly adorned courtesans gathered around, faces blooming with flirtatious smiles as they gazed at the two of them.

“Well, if it isn’t Young Master Chen! You just left, and already you can’t bear to be parted from our Wan’er.”

“That’s right, that’s right. Wan’er truly is fortunate, to have found such a devoted soul. It makes one envious.”

Yet to Yi An, their words felt especially grating.

This so-called Wan’er clearly regarded Chen Qingwen as nothing more than an easy mark. In the end, the enchantress would enjoy her freedom, while Chen Qingwen would lose both heart and fortune—and perhaps his very life.

“Young Master Chen, who is this handsome gentleman? Won’t you introduce us?” One of the girls, speaking thus, was about to throw herself at Yi An.

Yi An sidestepped, easily evading her sudden assault.

There was nothing remarkable about this—except that, in the instant the girl lunged at him, Yi An caught a faint, elusive whiff of demon aura.

“Demons!”

“These courtesans are very likely all of demonic blood!”

Had he unwittingly stepped into a den of demons?

Yi An did not betray his realization. Instead, he discreetly studied the group again: their cultivation was not profound, judging by appearances—they merely knew some minor illusions, and had found a way to mask their demonic aura.

Yet there was no trace of bloodlust about them, indicating that these were not malevolent demons, given to wanton slaughter. Demonic aura could be hidden by secret methods, but the taint of blood could not be so easily dispelled.

Just then, before Chen Qingwen could say a word, a woman descended the stairs. At the sight of her, Chen Qingwen could not help but cry out, “Wan’er!”

Yi An followed the sound. This “Wan’er” was no different from the others: he sensed nothing of the demonic about her.

If that demon had not inadvertently revealed herself just now, Yi An’s cultivation would never have pierced their disguises.

Wan’er approached, saluted Yi An with a graceful smile, and said, “You mustn’t be rude. This gentleman is an honored guest invited by Madam herself. If you neglect him, you know what punishment awaits.”

The other girls immediately straightened, their playfulness vanishing as they saluted Yi An in turn.

“Honored guest, please forgive our earlier rudeness.”

Yi An waved them off and regarded Wan’er. “Lead the way, if you please.”

“After you, sir.”

With Wan’er leading, Yi An soon found himself on the second floor. Chen Qingwen tried to follow, but Wan’er blocked his path, lowering her voice.

“Wait for me here. I’ll find you once I’m done.”

Chen Qingwen, utterly obedient to Wan’er, made no objection and quickly slipped into a room on the eastern side.

Yi An suddenly remarked, “There will be no good outcome for the two of you.”

Wan’er was momentarily taken aback, failing to catch the deeper meaning in his words and thinking only that he referred to her own identity. She forced a smile. “Is the outcome really so important? I find the journey more precious.”

“If you continue down this path, he will end up drained to the point of death,” Yi An replied coldly.

He realized now that matters were not as he had first supposed. This Wan’er, like the others, bore no taint of blood upon her.

Moreover, with her earlier display of genuine feeling, he doubted she meant Chen Qingwen any harm.

At his words, Wan’er’s face changed dramatically; unprecedented wariness flickered in her eyes. Now she understood: Yi An had seen through her disguise and spoke with full knowledge of the truth.

“Did Qingwen tell you?” she asked.

“Anyone with eyes can see his life force is nearly spent,” Yi An retorted.

Wan’er’s expression grew stiff; she managed a bitter smile. “We have already shown great restraint.”

“Humans and demons walk different paths. If you truly care for him, it would be better to sever ties swiftly. Otherwise, in the end, you will reap the bitter fruit and bear the guilt alone.” Yi An’s tone was earnest; whether she heeded his warning was not his concern. For the sake of Master Chen, he had already done his utmost.

Wan’er fell silent, caught in an impossible dilemma. Yi An’s words were a truth she knew all too well—her grandmother had warned her long ago. But she could not bring herself to abandon that bond, and so matters had dragged on to this day.

Wan’er led Yi An all the way to the westernmost room before stopping.

“Please, sir.”

Upon entering, a faint scent of sandalwood pervaded the room, soothing heart and mind. Hanging on the western wall was a painting titled “Mist and Rain”—flanked by a pair of couplets, all clearly works of a master. The entire space exuded a scholarly and elegant air.

Had he not known better, Yi An might have thought himself in a scholar’s study rather than a brothel.

On the far side of the room hung a rose-colored curtain, concealing the inner chamber.

“Grandmother, Master Yi has arrived,” Wan’er announced, her mood subdued and carefree gaiety gone. She spoke quietly to the “grandmother” behind the curtain, then took her leave.

A moment later, a graceful woman stepped out, her eyes captivating and full of allure.

She was Shen Baiyu, mistress of Drunken Flower Pavilion.

“Please, take a seat, Master Yi,” Shen Baiyu said, her tone laced with a beguiling charm, her voice both sweet and enchanting—like an oriole singing in the valley.

Though Yi An was surprised, upon recalling her true identity, he was at ease. The demon race was adept at illusion; it was nothing remarkable for her to appear young and beautiful.

Before Yi An could speak, Shen Baiyu began, “You must be wondering why I summoned you here.”

“Indeed. We are strangers, and our paths are not the same. You may as well speak plainly,” Yi An replied.

“I presume you have already seen through my identity.” Shen Baiyu did not state her purpose directly.

“If I am not mistaken, you are all of the demon race,” Yi An answered.

“Are you not afraid?” Shen Baiyu gave him an odd look. Ordinary folk either shuddered at the mention of demons, or wished only to exterminate them. Few would dare sit with her as he did now.