However, the Blood Demon Sect’s plot was not a complete failure. Over a thousand Blood Spears forged from Spirit-devouring Meteorite Iron had devoured a massive amount of Spiritual Power from the Tier Four Spirit Vein, causing the City Defense Array to become unstable.

It even allowed the Demon Beasts to storm the city walls at one point, engaging in close combat with the disciples of Luoxia City.

Fortunately, Bai Zhengchun and the others devised a way to remove these Long Spears one by one in time, which allowed the City Defense Array to restabilize and repel the Demon Beasts’ assault...

After the battle, Zhuang Yuechan stood before a stretch of ruins, lost in a daze. In front of her lay a broken plaque, on which the words "Moon Viewing" were faintly discernible.

"Senior Sister, the bodies have all been recovered. Twelve in total. None survived," a young man reported respectfully as he approached.

"Collect their remains. Take good care of them, but do not bury them for now," Zhuang Yuechan said softly.

The young man hesitated. "Senior Sister, that zombie from before hasn’t been captured yet. The Elders’ intention is to cremate all the bodies and return the ashes to their families later, to prevent the zombie from taking advantage of them.

Isn’t what you’re doing a bit inappropriate?"

Zhuang Yuechan shook her head gently. "I will speak to the Elders about this matter. For now, go and search for survivors elsewhere."

After the young man left, Zhuang Yuechan took out a porcelain jar and murmured softly, "I’m sorry, Fellow Daoist Song. I have failed to fulfill your request..."

——————

Meanwhile, far away in Xuu Province, Song Changsheng was unaware that Luoxia City had just endured a life-or-death battle. He sat cross-legged on the Tai Chi Diagram, forming a Seal Technique with his hands, his entire body shrouded in Yin and Yang Qi.

His Mental Realm cultivation had long since reached Foundation Establishment Great Perfection, so this breakthrough was merely a matter of course. After consuming the Thousand-Year Stalactite Spiritual Liquid, he successfully broke through in less than half a day, becoming a Late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Now, he was simply consolidating his cultivation.

A Late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator under the age of thirty was a rare sight, not just in Ling Province, but even in the entire Daqi Cultivation World.

After a long while, Song Changsheng slowly withdrew his power, exhaled a breath of turbid air, and opened his eyes to look out the window, murmuring softly to himself, ’It’s already this late? I almost missed my appointment with Fellow Daoist Peng.’

With a wave of his hand, he dispelled the array and restrictions in the room. After saying a quick word to Song Qingxi and the others, Song Changsheng hurried to the Black Market to meet up with Peng Siying.

When he met her, wearing his Monkey Face Mask, Peng Siying immediately gave him some bad news.

"Fellow Daoist Song, I looked into it after I went back and found that the Commerce Association does have a bracer made from one hundred and eight Flood Dragon Scales.

If it were an ordinary Magical Artifact, I could have just given it to you on my own authority. But it’s a High-Grade Treasure, which is beyond my power to dispose of," Peng Siying said, full of apology.

Although he had been prepared for this, Song Changsheng still felt a pang of disappointment upon hearing the news. ’If even a behemoth like the Wanlong Commerce Association can’t find one, where else can I possibly look?’

"Sigh... Perhaps I’m just not fated to have such an opportunity."

Letting out a soft sigh, Song Changsheng sincerely thanked Peng Siying, "Thank you for going to all this trouble for me, Fellow Daoist Peng. I am deeply grateful."

"Hah! Don’t be so down. I’ll introduce you to someone who might have a way," Peng Siying said, patting Song Changsheng’s shoulder with an air of worldly experience.

"Oh? Please, tell me." Song Changsheng, who had all but given up hope, immediately perked up and asked eagerly.

"The guy’s name is Shen Yin. His origins are a bit mysterious, and he’s also from your Daqi Cultivation World. He’s an information broker. As long as you’re willing to pay, you can buy almost any piece of information from him.

I don’t know how he does it, but I’ve verified it myself. He really has the skills. You might get a lead on the Flood Dragon Scale if you look for him."

Overjoyed, Song Changsheng quickly asked, "How can I find him?"

At his words, Peng Siying snorted. "That guy has never been one for propriety. He practically lives in brothels. Who knows where he’s messing around right now. Take this. As long as you’re within a certain range, it will guide you to him."

Song Changsheng looked down and saw a multicolored... ’Uh, chicken feather?’

"So, you’re saying you don’t know for sure where he is either?" Song Changsheng asked, taking the chicken feather, not ready to give up.

Peng Siying nodded. "That’s right. But that guy cherishes his life. The northern Daqi Cultivation World is in complete chaos right now, and the Southwest isn’t peaceful either. You could try searching the brothels in the major cities of the south."

Hearing this, the corner of Song Changsheng’s mouth twitched. ’The south is a huge area, and there are so many brothels... Am I supposed to check them one by one?’

’If anyone finds out about this, my lifelong reputation will be ruined!’

Sighing internally, Song Changsheng could only console himself. ’Well, at least it’s a glimmer of hope.’

"Thank you for the guidance, Fellow Daoist Peng. I’ll take my leave."

After leaving the Black Market through a special passage, Song Changsheng strolled along a wide street, pondering how he was going to find this "brothel-haunting Evil Ghost."

Suddenly, a faint, fragrant breeze drifted over from a distance, catching at the tip of Song Changsheng’s nose and lingering there. It unexpectedly gave him a feeling of his blood pumping.

Song Changsheng’s heart tightened. He quickly recited the Purifying Heart Spell, and soon managed to calm the surging qi and blood within his body.

’To think it can bewitch the mind... Who would be so bold as to use something like this within Ten Thousand Swords City?’

Song Changsheng frowned slightly. Driven by curiosity, he followed the scent to its source.

Soon, he discovered the culprit behind the fragrance.

Looking at the group of scantily clad, charming, and seductive women at the entrance, and hearing their provocative words, dark lines instantly appeared on Song Changsheng’s face. ’It seems I’ve arrived at... a brothel?’

He looked up at the plaque, wreathed in peony flowers, and saw the words "Red Sleeves" written on it. It was indeed one of the four must-visit places in Ten Thousand Swords City that the guide had mentioned.

’Fellow Daoist Peng said Shen Yin was likely in the south. Ten Thousand Swords City is one of the top three cities in the south, and Red Sleeves is the foremost den of pleasure here. Maybe he’s in this very place?

Yes, I should go in and take a look.’

Clutching the chicken feather, Song Changsheng stepped inside without a second thought.

But less than a quarter of an hour later, Song Changsheng fled in a sorry state. The reason was simple: the women in the brothel were just too enthusiastic.

He was already blessed with handsome features, and combined with his unique aura, he was immediately swarmed by a flock of chattering women the moment he entered.

Although he had lived two lives and "seen" countless "films," Song Changsheng, who had zero real-world experience, was no match for them. When he realized the chicken feather wasn’t reacting but his "little brother" was, he immediately fled.

It wasn’t that he was being a prude; he just didn’t want to lose his Primordial Yang at this moment.

Preserving one’s Primordial Yang is greatly beneficial to one’s cultivation. Therefore, most young Cultivators abstain from women. Only those who feel their path to the Dao is hopeless will take many wives and concubines in hopes of continuing their family line.

Furthermore, a Cultivator’s Primordial Yang and Primordial Yin are also highly beneficial to cultivators of the opposite sex. Song Changsheng had no intention of letting them have it so easily. With his level of cultivation, it wouldn’t be surprising if a Qi Refining Female Cultivator who coupled with him broke through on the spot.

Seeing that it was getting late, Song Changsheng strolled back to the inn where he was staying. After all, the next day was the seventh, and he still had to take Song Qingxing and the others to the Celestial Sword Sect.

When he returned to the inn, Song Qingxi and the others were gathered together, eating dinner. After all, Qi Cultivators could not yet practice prolonged Fasting and needed to eat Spiritual Food every three to five days.

Song Changsheng took the main seat and watched the two of them eating in a slow, methodical manner. "Rest early tonight and build up your energy. Tomorrow, we go to the Celestial Sword Sect to view the stele."

Song Qingxing remained silent, continuing to eat the Spirit Rice in his bowl.

Song Qingxi wrinkled her nose slightly, her eyes full of suspicion as she looked at Song Changsheng. Then, she actually leaned over and sniffed him.

"Have you no sense of decorum?" Song Changsheng scolded with a frown. ’This girl is getting more and more unruly.’

But Song Qingxi wasn’t scared at all. Instead, she asked curiously, "Uncle, why do you smell so fragrant?"

As soon as she said this, Chi Huo Old Ghost let out a knowing chuckle.

For some reason, Song Changsheng felt a pang of guilt. He quickly put on the stern air of an elder and said with a stony face, "Do not speak while eating. Finish your food and get some rest."

With that, he practically fled.

’It can’t be helped. It’s just too difficult to explain. Am I supposed to say I went to a brothel but didn’t do anything?’

’Who would believe that?!’

...

Thank you to book friend 20190718130945976 for providing a character ~