The three took in the scene a minute, confirming patrons came and went without proving their identity or presenting any form of invitation. Whatever security measures were in place were placed outside the memory domain. Ogras looked at Zac for direction, and Zac nodded after some thought.
They were already drawing attention by standing outside the entrance like some country bumpkins. Since people were freely coming and going, they might as well continue their investigation inside. Zac had to admit he was very curious about the Joyful Gardens, for different reasons than Ogras.
“Is this Sirs’ first visit to the Joyful Gardens?” a smiling attendant asked upon their approach.
“I hope you won’t hold it against us,” Ogras said. “How about little sister shows us around?”
“It’d be my pleasure,” the attendant said, leading the three through the gate.
Waiting on the other side was a dreamy paradise. True to its name, the Joyful Garden was a huge garden decorated like it celebrated a festival, with streamers and lanterns burning with Divine Flames, creating a warm, hazy glow. Spiritual flowers were used as decoration, and countless pavilions were placed by shimmering ponds and small forest patches.
Some pavilions were large enough to hold hundreds of patrons. Zac noted that a dance was held in one, while another was an open-air tavern. Most buildings were designed to accommodate just a few people. Zac was surprised to see that they generally were occupied by a single person. By their appearance, they were guests using the facilities for meditation.
It wasn’t quite what Zac expected from the name and ambiguous atmosphere. The glimmer in Ogras’s eyes had also faded somewhat, but the attendant’s next words reignited the flame.
“The Joyful Gardens consists of three divisions. The main division is the Pavilion of Joyful Union. Guests can explore the mysteries of life through Dual Cultivation. Our disciples are renowned for their skills in leading guests to enlightenment.”
Zac cut in before Ogras could continue. “Disciples?”
“The Joyful Garden is an Orthodox Sect sanctioned by the Empire. Our disciples cultivate by celebrating Unbounded Life. Our main sutra is practiced through Joyful Union, but Life is freedom. There are countless ways to explore its blessings. The Four Manors explore some of them.”
“It seems your esteemed manors are focused on the arts?” Ventus asked.
“The Manor of Sound is the most popular among our guests. It’s almost as popular as our pavilion, thanks to our Grand Matron, who achieved her Dao through music. The other manors focus on dance, art, and culinary skills. Some disciples explore individual ways to cherish life’s bounty.” The attendant pointed at a distant building with a small crowd waiting outside. “For instance, a highly accomplished winemaker has reached some renown lately.
“Finally, we have the Forest of Unbounded Spirits. The Garden Spirits are a unique feature of the Joyful Gardens. All our disciples have at least one contracted spirit. The disciples of the forest explore Life by focusing on cultivating this bond. Some senior sisters and brothers have more than a dozen Garden Spirits by their side. Guests are welcome to visit the forest to test their luck. If lucky, one can receive the blessing of its unbounded spirits.
The attendant gave Zac an approving look. “I suggest Lord visits at least one. I believe the spirits will find Lord most pleasing.”
Zac wasn’t surprised she focused on him despite Ogras doing all the talking. It was clear Zac practiced the Dao of Life despite restraining his aura. The ambient energies were directly reacting to his presence, and he had both Haro and Verun, who happily drew on the bountiful energies.
He could have restrained his companions further, and [Void Mountain] would have perfectly hidden his Dao. Zac had already decided against it after a discussion before they entered. Showcasing he had a matching affinity with the memory domain was an effective way to inject himself into its scenario. One way or another, it’d lead them to the opportunities hiding in this unusual sect.
“I’ll visit the forest, time permitting,” Zac said, trying to hide his genuine interest.
Having seen this much, Zac would have to be blind not to make the connection. He already had a suspicion after seeing the extremely pure Dao of Life. The sect’s name was further proof, and its disciples being spirit contractors like Catheya was all but a confirmation. There was a direct connection between the Gardens of the Lower Planes and this establishment.
The attendant nodded in satisfaction before giving Ogras a mischievous look. “Be careful. The forest is not without certain dangers. The spirits are playful. Those with impure hearts might become a target of their teasing.”
“I assure you, my only desire is to explore the meaning of life with little sister,” Ogras said with a smile.
“This one is but an attendant, unworthy of Lord’s esteem,” the young woman smoothly rejected with a playful pout. “Lord will have to wait until I officially join the pavilion before we can discuss the Dao.”
The young E-grade cultivator spent a few more minutes providing information about the general layout and rules. Most were what you’d expect in any sect or town, such as no fighting, harassment, or wantonly releasing their aura. Harming any spirits, whether free or bonded to a Garden Disciple, was strictly forbidden and grounds for severe punishment.
Two rules stood out. Normal guests could only visit the gardens once every five years, and their stay was limited to one month. Any additional visit required the explicit invitation of a Garden Disciple. The attendant insinuated that some guests were known to bestow extraordinary gifts to members in hopes of winning their favor and gaining direct access to the gardens.
The other rule stated that visitors had to “explore the joys of life” one-on-one with a disciple at least once a day. Whether that was by visiting the pavilions for amorous dual cultivation or listening to the performance of a Sound Cultivator was up to the guest. They were essentially used as cultivation resources, though it was all in the open.
While the attendant went over the rules, Zac had a separate conversation with Ogras about his suspicions. The demon had arrived at the same conclusion. Neither had any idea how a brothel could help the Hollow Court build a bridge to the Nine Gardens or what kind of threats they needed to look out for.
Their best guess was that the Joyful Gardens wasn’t built upon a Life-attuned Nexus Vein. Rather, the grounds were directly connected to one of the Nine Gardens, like the Dipper Mountain’s connection to the Lowest Plane. Hidden Earth’s biography showed how difficult it was to find locations where the prime dimensions and specific planes were perfectly harmonized. Someone could be targeting this connection to disrupt the Hollow Court’s plan.
“Finally, having a minimal grasp of our core sutra is a requirement for all our disciples. If the Lords have a great affinity with one of my senior sisters or brothers from the other divisions, there might be an opportunity to discuss the Dao in a different setting. I wish you a pleasant stay.”
The attendant curtsied and gave Ogras a final wink before returning to the entrance. He’d given her a huge tip for an E-grade cultivator, perhaps hoping it would create a buzz among the senior sisters she mentioned.
“Same as last time, gentlemen? Split up and look for clues?” Ogras said expectantly the moment they were alone.
“Remember why we’re here. This place wouldn’t have become a domain unless something big is about to happen,” Zac said.
“There are hints of misfortune, only they’re not nearly as obvious in the previous realm,” Ventus said after. “This place is very difficult to divine. Many sons of fortune have walked through these gardens. Even the stalks of grass are marked by lingering Imperial Faith. The echoes of countless bright trajectories are obscuring the future.”
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“Sounds to me like the Elf agrees with my plan,” Ogras said.
“Fine, go. I doubt you’d be of any use until you get it out of your system,” Zac scoffed.
The demon was gone the next second. Zac understood the demon was partly using the situation as a cover to investigate things away from Ventus’s prying eyes. They hadn’t shared their suspicions about the Lower Planes and Hollow Courts. The knowledge would have helped the Numerologist’s deductions, but Zac didn’t want to risk any valuable information leaking to the competition for the Primo’s Treasure.
“I guess he’s got the pavilions covered,” Ventus said with a slight smile. “I’ll follow you unless you’re planning on performing a similar investigation.”
“I’m fine,” Zac laughed.
“That’s probably for the best. The more beautiful the scenery, the greater dangers lurk beneath the surface,” Ventus said. “Should we investigate the forest? I saw it caught your attention.”
“Let’s hit the Five Manors first. We can learn a lot by mixing with the other guests,” Zac said.
The two spent the next few hours visiting dozens of pavilions, stalls, and stages. The relaxed, warm atmosphere was like balm for Zac’s drained mind. Tense muscles gradually relaxed as they tasted various delicacies, enjoyed performances, and listened in on the discussions of their fellow guests. It would be all too easy to get swept up in the joyous atmosphere and forget their purpose.
Ventus focused on searching for the threads of fate hiding within the memory domain. Meanwhile, Zac explored the unusual cultivation and Dao of the graceful Garden Disciples stationed in the outer area. Zac had worried that the Dao of Life practiced by the Joyful Gardens was similar to the Spark of Creation’s manic desire. If so, the bliss came at a cost, like a candle burning twice as bright.
The more Zac saw, the less it seemed that way. There was certainly more than one shared concept because of their common root, but the two were fundamentally different. The spark took from its surroundings to fuel its hunger, leaving its victims hollow husks. The Joyful Gardens followed the path of true dual cultivation, which was founded on mutual benefaction.
Their practitioners nourished the intrinsic joy of Life by inspiring happiness and elevating the mental states of the guests. There was no exchange of energy or hidden dangers that Zac could see. If the garden practiced more sinister methods, it’d be in the obligatory private sessions. Even that seemed unlikely. The Joyful Gardens had been around for millions of years, and their reputation was stellar by all accounts.
Eventually, the two stepped into one of the larger pavilions, where three Musical Cultivators created a boisterous atmosphere. Different from the soul-stirring notes Zac briefly heard upon entering the memory domain, the trio played upbeat songs filled with hope and possibility. Even Zac, with his tempered mind, felt his pulse quicken and mood improve.
It didn’t take long for Ventus to strike up a conversation with another patron and invite him over to their table. After some pleasantries, the Elf started digging for information. “Young Master’s not from South Bassis?”
South Bassis was a town they had heard mentioned in passing earlier. The Elf used it for their background upon hearing the man called Patroso came from another region. While he answered vaguely about his background, Zac suspected he was part of the military. If not, he was part of a martial clan like the Wendimars.
“Brother, could it be that you don’t know?” the new acquaintance said with an odd look.
“We’re not locals. This one is a traveling Scribe pursuing the Dao of Governance. I’ve been traveling with my friend here for the past few years,” Ventus explained.
“Oh, young Sir is a member of the Limitless Court?” Patroso said with interest. His reaction indicated that he respected the post, but his status was high enough that it didn’t demand any further deference.
“Indeed. Could you explain the situation over a drink?” Ventus said before taking out a bottle made from glistening leaves covered with golden streaks.
“You actually bought a bottle of [Dusk Delight]! Brother Kalavan is truly a connoisseur,” Patroso exclaimed with glee, quickly holding out his glass like he was afraid Ventus would take back the offer.
Zac could understand his excitement. The Bottle was a true Middle D-Grade wine they’d bought for a small fortune in a nearby building. According to the winemaker, it was a rare tonic able to cleanse Earthly Taint. Those benefits only appeared the first time around, but people kept buying the drink because of its otherworldly taste.
“Master Dason has advanced his craft yet again. Who knows, there might be a sixth manor in a few millennia,” Patroso sighed with a blissful expression after taking a small sip. “Answering your question, the entrance you used is only one of many. There are more than one hundred garden gates spread through the Freydrift Province and a few neighboring regions.”
“No wonder there’s such an eclectic group of visitors,” Ventus said. “The Joyful Gardens must have great renown to attract so many esteemed personages. I think I saw a Void Herald earlier.”
“They occasionally visit. In fact, you can’t pass through the gates without holding a certain status in the Empire. It makes the Joyful Gardens a very suitable location to make new acquaintances,” Patroso smiled and raised his glass.
Zac raised his glass in return, finding the situation funny. Networking was an unavoidable necessity, whether in corporate life pre-integration or ancient societies full of demigods pursuing immortality.
“Meeting Lord Patroso can be considered fate,” Ventus said, well-versed in the art from his time in the Radiant Temple.
The two kept exchanging compliments until Zac couldn’t take it any longer and changed the subject. “I get the sense there’s more to this place. Only a few are making connections with other guests, but I don’t think the others came here just to play around. Someone with a Dao Heart strong enough to become an Evolved Lord won’t lose themselves to debauchery.”
“You’re right. We’re not here because we’ve lost our convictions. You could say it’s the opposite. Some have reached an impasse in their path; others have realized their mental states have deteriorated. Visiting the Joyful Gardens is a chance to turn negative trends and avoid deviation. Well, some come here to enjoy themselves because they’ve given up on further progress,” Patroso said, glancing in the direction of a certain table.
The group of five looked like young heroes, but their weak flame of Life couldn’t escape Zac’s gaze. They were all well past their prime, using techniques or pills to maintain a youthful façade. As Patroso said, their vigorous exterior hid a stale aura.
“The Freydrift Province is blessed to have such a wondrous resource,” Ventus praised. “I heard someone mention a Grand Matron. She must be a great character to safeguard such a valuable establishment.”
“She doesn’t have to,” Patroso laughed. “Anyone setting their sights on the Joyful Gardens would have to fight their way through half the province’s elites first.”
Ventus shook his head. “A divine beauty is truly deadlier than the sharpest sword.”
“Heh, brother’s right,” Patroso said with a knowing smile. “However, that’s not the only reason. The Grand Matron’s skills are extremely profound. Her performances are said to vanquish Heart Demons and elevate mental states to perfection. Rumors have it she’s even assisted a Divine Herald in defending their Dao.”
“So targeting her is no different than offending the Freydrift Province’s whole cultivation scene,” Zac surmised.
“Exactly. We all dream of one day confirming and defending our Dao, becoming Celestials in service of the Empire. The Grand Matron and her disciples could be the difference between success and failure, so we won’t let this place come to harm.”
The conversations around them paused just as Zac was about to follow up with a question about the Unbounded Forest. The patrons were all looking at a beautiful woman in red robes entering the pavilion. The musicians paused to bow in greeting before resuming their performance.
“An Inner Envoy of Joyful Union!” Patroso exclaimed, quickly straightening his back.
Seeing the confused looks of Zac and Ventus, he quickly explained. “Only Outer Court Disciples are required to perform in the public venues, and normal guests are only able to request individual performances from such disciples. Their skills are the lowest, and the benefits on one’s mental state are limited. Inner- and Core Disciples are on another level, but their performances can only be enjoyed by way of invitation.”
Ventus nodded in understanding. “And an Envoy is someone tasked with extending such invitations.”
Patroso slowly nodded, now barely listening. “Is she looking at our table? Wait, she’s coming over!”
Zac sighed, seeing that Patroso wasn’t deluding himself. The envoy was looking directly at him. Zac guessed the news of his Life-attuned constitution had spread. The envoy soon stopped before the table, bringing a gust of fresh fragrance with her.
“Mistress Alteya sincerely invites Lord to discuss the Dao of Life,” she said with a soft voice while presenting Zac with a red lacquer token.
“I’m sorry, I have no plans to pursue the Dao that way,” Zac calmly said, ignoring the surprised and envious looks.
The envoy looked slightly surprised, but she quickly adapted. “Will Lord at least accept the token representing Mistress’s regard? This girl will not be able to return otherwise.”
“Fine, but my decision stands,” Zac sighed and took the token.
“Thank you, Lord. Mistress Alteya is willing to accommodate Lord any time during his stay, should you change your mind,” she said before leaving.
“Buddy, you’re missing out.”
Zac turned around, finding a ruddy-faced Ogras walking over. “I thought I’d have to come drag you back.”
“You don’t have to worry about me. After all, I’m only worthy of discussing the Dao with Outer Court Disciples,” Ogras said with an annoyed expression as he sat down and grabbed the [Dusk Delight] out of Ventus’s hands.
“It’s rare to receive an invitation on their first day,” Patroso laughed, curiously looking at the newcomer. “If brother can display his strong points for a few more days, the envoy might come for you next.”
While Zac made the introductions, he sent a message telepathically. ‘Did you find anything?’
‘You could say that,’ Ogras answered. ‘It turns out this whole place is an outpost of the Nameless Blades.’