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Chapter 243 Jade Treasure Pavilion

"What are your plans next?"

Wang Xichao and the other two asked.

After exchanging a glance, Hu Xiaosheng and Sang Hui both looked at Hu Bugui.

The scholar gave an awkward smile: "Young Master Wang, I am currently depleted of energy and even moving around is difficult... I can only rest for a while and then make further plans."

He thought for a moment and added, "The gangs, foreign bandits, and evil spirits here are conspiring together. I, Hu, will never let this go unpunished. Sooner or later, I will eliminate them."

After listening, Wang Xi fell silent.

This guy does have a chivalrous heart, but the problem is that he's all talk and no action; his abilities can't keep up with his ideas.

Even if he recovers, he and the two women will still be no match for the local forces.

The outcome can be imagined.

Wang Xi didn't have any ill feelings towards these three people. Since he had run into them, he figured it wouldn't hurt to lend a hand.

“Hmm.” Wang Xi pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, “This place is indeed filthy. As a cultivator, it would be inappropriate to stand idly by… I will go to the ‘Jade Treasure Pavilion’.”

Upon hearing this, the three were startled, but their faces immediately lit up with joy.

With this unfathomable young master taking action, it would be a tremendous help.

"Young master, you are of noble character."

Hu Bugui said solemnly.

With the help of his sworn sister Hu Xiaosheng, he stood up and bowed to Wang Xi.

Wang Xi smiled calmly and waved his hand.

In the mysterious card deck reserve, the idle "Spring Breeze and Rain Technique" has been activated.

This profound medical card can not only heal internal and external injuries, but also replenish vital energy, which is just right to help Hu Bugui regain his mobility.

A buzzing sound.

To the astonishment of the three, Wang Xi waved his sleeve and summoned a drop of shimmering green water, as fine as a cow's hair, which fell upon Hu Bugui.

The scholar's pale face visibly regained some color.

"Phew..." Hu Bugui let out a long breath, feeling that his body had finally regained some strength, and hurriedly bowed again. "Thank you for your help, young master."

Hu Xiaosheng and Sang Hui were very surprised.

Since meeting this mysterious young master, he has only made a move three times. The first time, he immobilized Hu Xiaosheng with just a glance; the second time, he easily sent them out of the dilapidated temple.

This third time, he demonstrated even more profound medical skills and magical abilities...

That's really not simple.

"Mr. Hu, ladies, would you dare to accompany me to the 'Jade Treasure Pavilion'?"

Wang Xi smiled, his hands behind his back.

The three exchanged a glance, and Sang Hui nodded:

"Why don't you dare?"

...

...

Although the three planned to go to Yubaolou with Wang Xi, they had to keep a low profile because they were currently wanted by the local authorities.

Fortunately, Sang Hui was a disciple of the Tai Su Jian Zhen Ge, specializing in paper-cutting, and was quite skilled in this area.

She took out a roll of pure white paper, as white as jade, and a small, exquisite pair of scissors. Her fingers flew across the paper, creating silhouettes like butterflies, and in a short while, she had cut out three lifelike paper-cut human figures.

Wang Xi observed the marvelous art of paper cutting with great interest, nodding to himself in approval.

Sang Hui picked up one of the paper cutouts and gently pasted it onto her forehead.

In an instant, a flash of light appeared, and her face was as if it had been brushed by water. Her originally delicate features quickly became blurred and reassembled, eventually settling into an ordinary face. Even her petite figure appeared to grow taller and more sturdy.

"Give."

She handed the other two paper-cuts to Hu Bugui and Hu Xiaosheng respectively.

The brother and sister followed suit, pressing the paper-cut to their foreheads. Hu Bugui's face contorted, a thick beard suddenly appearing out of nowhere, his whole face exuding a rough and reckless temperament, looking exactly like a镖师 (bodyguard/escort) who travels the world.

The liveliness in Hu Xiaosheng's body also disappeared, her features became simple and honest, and she was dressed in coarse cloth clothes, completely transforming into a country girl with a slightly timid look in her eyes.

Wang Xi exclaimed from the bottom of his heart, "Miss Sang's paper-cutting disguise technique is so skillful that it is impossible to tell the difference between the real and the fake. It is truly exquisite."

Sang Hui smiled and said modestly, "Young Master Wang is too kind. These are just some minor tricks to hide and avoid being noticed. They are really not worthy of your attention."

Followed by.

Wang Xi then led the three, now disguised, back to the inn where they had previously stayed, where they met up with Mei Yanxi, Liu Xunyan, and Zhang Fuyun.

He succinctly explained the anomalies of "Jade Treasure Pavilion," how Hu Bugui and his group's investigation failed and they were subsequently wanted, and the reasons why they planned to investigate again.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fuyun's expression turned solemn, and he clasped his hands in a fist salute, saying:
"Senior brother, this place of filth and evil has caused countless disasters. Since we have been there, how can we sit idly by? Count me in!"

Mei Yanxi chuckled and said, "What Brother Wang is doing is what is right and righteous, and I will naturally follow suit."

Although Liu Xunyan did not speak, she silently took a step forward.

So, around 9 p.m. that evening, the group of seven set off together toward Yubaolou, the most brightly lit place in Magou Town.

This Jade Treasure Pavilion stands out starkly among the low, dilapidated mud-brick and tile houses.

It resembles a three-story Western-style building with pointed roofs and arched windows. The walls are painted with a glaring light yellow paint, and the light and shadow of chandeliers sway on the glass windows. The faint sound of noisy music and orchestral music can be heard.

As the seven people strolled to the brightly lit entrance of the Jade Treasure Pavilion, two burly men in tight-fitting mandarin jackets stood in their way like door gods.

Their hawk-like gazes swept back and forth between Wang Xi and the others, and one of the burly men asked in a deep voice:
"Hey, gentlemen, you look unfamiliar. Where are you from?"

Wang Xi chuckled and had Liu Xunyan take out two silver dollars to hand over, saying, "Brothers, you've worked hard. We are a merchant caravan from Chen Kingdom, escorting some goods to the north... We stopped here for a short rest and heard that the 'Jade Treasure Pavilion' in Magou Town is very famous and has many interesting features, so we came to broaden our horizons and find some fun to relieve the boredom of the journey."

The two burly men accepted the valuables and exchanged a knowing glance.

As key members of the Sirius Gang, they were very familiar with all the major and minor events happening in and out of the town, and indeed, an unfamiliar convoy arrived during the day.

Another man with triangular eyes gave a forced smile and snorted, "Oh? A caravan from Chen Kingdom? Fine, you know the rules, right? Having fun in the building is fine, but don't cause trouble..."

His voice suddenly turned cold, carrying a threatening warning:

"The other day some hotheads tried to cause trouble here, bah! Now they're like rats in the street. If we catch them, we'll shoot them!"

"have you understood?"

A cold glint flashed in the eyes of the three disguised Hu Bugui.

"Okay, got it."

Wang Xi said with a smile.

"We promise not to cause trouble."

Seeing that they were relatively "well-behaved," the two burly gatekeepers shouted inside, "Damn it! We have guests! Matchmaker! Greet the guests!"

Soon, a woman around forty years old, wearing a bright red cheongsam and heavy makeup, swayed her hips and walked briskly out to greet them, her face plastered with a professional, sweet smile:

"Oh my, honored guests! Please come in, everyone!"

"Looking for smoke, I'll deliver a small token of my appreciation to this lady."

Wang Xi, with an air of extravagance, casually remarked.

Liu Xunyan understood, stepped forward, and slipped two silver dollars into the old woman's hand.

The cool touch made the matchmaker smile broadly, her eyes almost squinting as she exclaimed, "Oh! Young master, you're too kind! You all look like exceptional individuals, exuding an air of nobility! Please come in, please come in! We've prepared a private room for you upstairs!"

His tone became increasingly enthusiastic and obsequious, as if he had met the God of Wealth.

Wang Xi and his group followed them inside.

He smiled slightly: "I've heard that Jade Treasure Pavilion is skilled in this art, possessing hidden treasures. We've come here today because of its reputation, so please find some fine wine and food, and then..."

As he spoke, his gaze swept across the lavish and noisy hall.

"Yes, invite your building's top courtesan here so we can all see her."

The matchmaker readily agreed, "Of course, young master, rest assured, I guarantee you will come with high spirits and leave satisfied! Heh!"

As she led the way, she patted her chest and assured them, but as she turned around, a hint of mockery flashed quickly in the depths of her eyes.

A caravan from the Kingdom of Chen...

What else could this be but a fat sheep?
Led by the matchmaker, the group passed through the noisy lobby and entered a relatively elegant and spacious private room.

Velvet curtains, Western chandeliers, mahogany tables and chairs, and several alluring Western nude oil paintings hanging on the walls; the air is filled with a rich scent of cosmetics and a faint smell of tobacco.

"Please wait a moment, sir. I will go and fetch the tokens right away."

The matchmaker smiled.

"By the way, would you guys like some 'Dream Porcelain Cream'? Although it's a bit more expensive here than outside, it's definitely top-quality and will make you feel like you're floating on air."

"No need," Wang Xi waved his hand. "Don't let it interfere with important business."

"Okay." The matchmaker gave her an understanding look and obediently left the room.

Not long after.

The door to the private room was then pushed open.

The matchmaker swayed in again, followed by two rows of figures—ten muscular men with ambiguous or arrogant eyes, and ten women of varying shapes and sizes dressed in silk and gauze dresses of different colors.

They automatically split into two lines, one for men and one for women, and boldly surveyed the guests in the private room, waiting to be chosen.

"The ladies and gentlemen are all here, please make yourselves at home, we guarantee you'll be well taken care of!"

The matchmaker smiled like a flower.

Zhang Fuyun had never seen anything like this before.
My mind is in turmoil.

Fortunately, he had a lot of experience, and he told himself to become a "Qilin man" (a man of great stature), taking a deep breath to calm himself down.

Her eyes, however, revealed a complex mix of reserve and disgust, giving the impression of someone inexperienced yet naively resisting temptations. Wang Xi noticed this, a mischievous smile playing on his lips, and deliberately asked Zhang Fuyun, "Fuyun, what's wrong? You don't think much of it? Don't be shy."

Zhang Fuyun coughed and said in a muffled voice, "Thank you for your kindness, Senior Brother, but I...I have no interest in this at all. I'd rather drink alone!"

His tone was resolute.

Wang Xi nodded: "Yes, Fu Yun is indeed determined. In that case, I will not force you."

He turned to look at Mei Yanxi.

"Brother Mei, what about you?"

Mei Yanxi remained calm and composed, her gaze sweeping lightly over the ten women before finally settling on one of them who possessed a slightly unique aura, with neat short hair and striking features that combined with a touch of allure.

He casually said, "This one will do."

His demeanor was calm and unhurried, as if he were selecting an antique that caught his eye.

The short-haired woman smiled just right, walked quickly to Mei Yanxi's side, and knelt gracefully on the cushion next to him, saying softly, "This humble servant is Xueqin, thank you for choosing me, young master."

He then skillfully picked up the wine pot and filled the jade cup in front of him with amber-colored wine.

Zhang Fuyun, who was sitting upright to the side, looked at Mei Yanxi's calm appearance as she enjoyed being served by a beauty. Thinking back to his righteous words just now, he felt a strange and inexplicable awkward feeling welling up in his heart.

He glanced at the beautiful women over there a few times, seemingly regretting that he had spoken too definitively.

Wang Xi noticed his subtle gesture and couldn't help but smile.

Then, his gaze shifted to Hu Bugui and the other two: "Brother Hu, please don't stand on ceremony, make yourselves at home, it's my treat tonight."

To avoid being exposed, the three had no choice but to put on a brave face. Hu Xiaosheng's eyes darted around as he deliberately imitated the timidity of the village women, pointing randomly to a woman who looked somewhat presentable: "I...I want that one!"

Sang Hui coughed and pointed to two girls: "These two girls will do!"

The woman who was chosen immediately snuggled up to him. Although the posture was intimate, both Hu Xiaosheng and Sang Hui seemed a little stiff.

Hu Xiaosheng, in particular, stood there like a wooden doll, letting him lean on her, her face full of discomfort.

As for Hu Bugui, his Adam's apple bobbed, and his peripheral vision was still glancing at those alluring women.

However, his sworn sister Hu Xiaosheng stared at him fiercely, her silent eyes filled with warning.

Hu Bugui shuddered, rubbing his hands awkwardly, and said to Wang Xi with a sheepish smile, "Hehe, Mr. Wang, you're too kind. I... I'm not feeling well today, but I'll just have a drink with Brother Zhang, a drink will do!"

As he spoke, he shifted his position closer to Zhang Fuyun, as if he wanted to join the ranks of those who "purify their hearts and reduce their desires."

The two men exchanged a glance, and both saw a hint of regret in each other's eyes.

Wang Xi turned his head and asked Liu Xunyan, who was standing quietly behind him, "Xunyan, where are you? Aren't you going to pick someone to keep you company?"

Liu Xunyan lowered her eyelids slightly, her voice calm and even: "Young master is joking. Xunyan only needs to serve you. Such pleasures are of no interest to Xunyan, nor do they need to be."

His tone was firm, without the slightest wavering.

“Okay.” Wang Xi smiled.

His gaze casually swept over the remaining women, finally settling on a figure in white.

The woman wore an elegant white silk dress, and her makeup was much lighter than that of others. She was not exceptionally beautiful, but her features were gentle, and she exuded a clean and scholarly air.

Especially in the depths of those eyes, there was an undisguised awkwardness, resistance, and confusion.

Wang Xi pointed at her and said, "You'll do. I'll trouble you to serve me, young lady."

When the woman in white was called, her body visibly tensed up, and a hint of panic and resigned helplessness flashed deep in her eyes, but it was quickly covered up by a forced, docile smile.

She secretly comforted herself, thinking that this man had an outstanding temperament, was exceptionally handsome, and had relatively clear and honest eyes, which was better than those fat or rude and fierce guests...

The woman took a deep breath, moved to Wang Xi's side, knelt down, and carefully picked up the wine pot to pour him wine.

However, his technique was clumsy, and the wine almost spilled over the rim of the glass.

Wang Xi took the wine cup but did not rush to drink it. He simply looked at her gently and asked, "May I ask your name, young lady?"

The woman in white lowered her eyelashes, avoiding Wang Xi's gaze, and said in a low voice, "Replying to your question, young master, once you arrive here, all the past events are like fleeting clouds. I am here... my name is Susu."

She did not give her real name.

Everyone began to "role-play".

Wang Xi and Mei Yanxi chatted back and forth, occasionally discussing topics such as "animal hides from the North," "silk from the Morning Kingdom," "customs duties at border passes," and "risks of long-distance transshipment."

Zhang Fuyun occasionally chimed in with concerns about the "unsafe road ahead," while Hu Bugui and the other two would either echo his sentiments or awkwardly try to accept his service.

Liu Xunyan stood quietly, without saying a word.

The group seemed to be drinking and chatting, and the atmosphere was gradually becoming "warm." However, these conversations, which sounded like those between serious businessmen, were actually being deliberately told to be heard by the ubiquitous ears in the Jade Treasure Pavilion.

Amidst the clinking of glasses and lively conversation, Wang Xi flicked his index finger under the table, secretly sending out a yin-yang symbol.

In an instant, his immense primordial spirit power silently spread out, like invisible tentacles, quietly covering the entire bustling Jade Treasure Pavilion.

Many images flashed before his eyes in an instant:

In an ordinary private room, a customer was gently persuaded to drink by a hostess, but in his half-drunk state, his eyes were glazed, and he was half-supported and half-carried into the inner room.

In a deeper room, the alluring woman who had been pouring drinks so attentively suddenly turned cold and seductive. A similarly shaped double then quietly entered to complete the subsequent "service."

The most central luxury suite area was filled with an eerie pinkish-purple mist that was both nauseating and alluring.

A woman with a bewitching appearance, dressed in a gossamer-thin, deep purple gauze dress, is casting a dark spell on a muscular man.

The man's essence transformed into wisps of blood-red light, which were forcibly extracted from his body and absorbed into the woman's body as he screamed in agony.

The man visibly withered and died, ceasing his struggle in silent terror.

Wang Xi saw the woman's biography through his primordial spirit.

"Cold Beauty, a disciple of the Yin Sect of the Great Joy Hall (Hostile/High-Rank Three-Star/Elite)"

In another corner, a pale-skinned, handsome young man in purple robes was embracing a woman on the verge of death, using a similar evil spell to greedily devour her life force.

After the woman died, he licked his lips, his eyes looking at her as if she were a piece of rotting flesh.

"Hanxiang, a disciple of the Yang Sect of the Great Joy Hall (Hostile/High-Rank Three-Star/Elite)"

When these guests, who were already physically weak or elderly, were forcibly drained and died on the spot, the man and woman showed no emotion whatsoever.

With just a soft shout, the thugs of the Sky Wolf Gang, who were already waiting outside, came in and dragged the cold corpse away like a dead dog, sending it into the secret passage.

Upon seeing this, Wang Xi sneered inwardly and quietly withdrew his probing spirit.

He picked up his wine glass and took a seemingly casual sip, but a thoughtful look flashed in the depths of his eyes.

'The Yin and Yang sects of the Great Joy Palace... their actions are so vicious, treating human life like dirt and livestock. They are indeed evil heretics, most likely of the same ilk as the Heavenly Alliance.'

That night, in order to uncover more clues, Wang Xi chose to spend the night at Yubaolou.

Su Su led Wang Xi upstairs to a room that was decorated in a rather elegant manner.

When she served Wang Xi in the bathtub, her movements were gentle, but there was always a hint of awkwardness and distance between them.

After Wang Xi finished changing, Su Su also washed up and changed into a clean, plain white nightgown.

Under the dim light, she silently made the bed, sat on the edge of the bed with her back to Wang Xi, and mentally prepared herself for everything to happen, nervous and silent.

However, what was expected did not happen.

Su Su heard a rustling sound behind her. Wang Xi was sitting on the low couch by the window, gazing absently at the dim moonlight outside, seemingly having no intention of having her "serve him in bed".

This unusual silence only made her more uneasy.

She couldn't help but steal a glance back, and saw that the handsome young man's profile was clearly defined in the moonlight, his eyes deep and calm, showing no trace of lewdness.

After a long while, seeing that Wang Xi really had no such thoughts, Su Su's tense nerves relaxed slightly, but she was immediately enveloped by an even more complicated emotion.

This young master...

He was handsome and wealthy, unlike any other guest she had ever met.

This peace was something she hadn't seen in a long time since she fell into the clutches of the Jade Treasure Pavilion. Then, an indescribable sense of guilt welled up within her—he had innocently fallen into this den of thieves.

After much hesitation, she finally made up her mind.

As if afraid of being overheard, Su Su cautiously glanced up at the tightly closed doors and windows. Then, she quietly moved to Wang Xi's side, stood on tiptoe, and tried to get as close to his ear as possible.

The voice, almost breathy and trembling, said quickly, "Young master, please don't come tomorrow... and please don't come again... leave Magou Town as soon as possible."

Wang Xi raised an eyebrow slightly.

He was just pondering how to deal with the heretical cultivators and the Heavenly Wolf Gang when he didn't expect this seemingly timid and inexperienced woman to take such a great risk to warn him.

This kindness is all the more precious.

He turned his head, his gaze falling on Su Su's face, which was filled with panic and determination. He deliberately lowered his voice, just enough for the two of them to hear: "Oh? Why do you say that?"

His voice was calm, with just the right amount of curiosity, like a wealthy businessman who had just arrived in the area hearing a puzzled reminder.

Su Su trembled violently, as if her forced courage had been shattered by the rhetorical question.

She quickly took a small step back, her forehead damp with fine beads of cold sweat.

Su Su dared not say anything more, she just shook her head, biting her lower lip so hard it almost bled.

She subconsciously pulled her overly revealing clothes closer, her eyes, which appeared unusually large due to fear, filled with pleading and terror.

"Young master, please don't ask anymore..."

Her voice was as thin as a mosquito.

"You are a good person, I won't hurt you, go quickly."

Her last few words almost disappeared between her lips; she gave a hurried bow and fled to bed as if escaping.

His thin shoulders trembled slightly as he turned his back to Wang Xi, not daring to look back even once more. His posture suggested that if he lingered for even a second longer, he would be seized by an invisible claw.

Wang Xi narrowed his eyes as he watched her retreating figure.

The waters of this Jade Treasure Pavilion seem to be deeper than he imagined.

(End of this chapter)