Chapter 142
The Pleasure Quarter was no ordinary brothel; it was an official establishment for entertainment!
The women here were often descendants of criminals or the surviving beauties of annihilated sects, ensuring the utmost quality. Among them were even cultivators, setting it far above the common brothels of the mortal realm.
Hearing this, Lin Qi’an’s sleepiness immediately vanished.
Even though his entourage of the most stunning women in the Canglan Dao Domain—whether it be Princess Zhao Qingmeng or Su Xueni—was already peerless, the allure of “wildflowers” was always irresistible.
Men, after all, craved a little thrill.
“How could His Highness be interested in the Pleasure Quarter? That’s an insult to him!”
“Exactly! With so many beauties surrounding him, why would the Crown Prince care for such women?”
The suggestion of Lin Qi’an visiting the Pleasure Quarter made the others scoff.
“Ahem!” Lin Qi’an cleared his throat. “Well, it wouldn’t hurt to take a look.”
He had already visited Tianjian City’s Pleasure Quarter, but as the largest city, Tai’an’s boasted unparalleled splendor. Not visiting would indeed be a missed opportunity.
“Your Highness truly wants to go?”
“Keep it down.” Lin Qi’an frowned. “Let me make this clear—if my sister finds out, you’re all finished.”
After all, if his Daoist nun sister caught him indulging in such places, she would surely detest it.
“Understood, hehe!”
Lin Qi’an changed into a blue robe he rarely wore and even disguised himself. This way, no one would recognize him.
If he entered as himself, the women of the entire Pleasure Quarter would throw themselves at him, and by the next day, the streets would buzz with rumors of the Crown Prince visiting the Pleasure Quarter—a disaster in the making.
—
The streets were bustling, adorned with festive lanterns and decorations.
“Your Highness, tomorrow marks the grand opening of the ceremony. Today, the famed courtesan Qin Jinxian will perform!”
“Oh? Tell me more.”
“The Pleasure Quarter has twelve courtesans, and Qin Jinxian is the most beautiful. Known as the ‘Music Immortal,’ she plays the zither but doesn’t sell her body. A single song from her is worth a fortune.”
“She became the talk of Tai’an in her first year here! People saved every coin they had, going without food or drink, just to hear her play.”
“She’s stunning, though it’s a pity she only performs. Even the Crown Prince tried to approach her but was turned down.”
“They say she admires scholars. If Your Highness visited, she might even fall into your arms!”
Wherever beauties gathered, the Crown Prince Zhao Ziyu was never far behind.
However, as the Crown Prince of an immortal dynasty, he couldn’t simply force himself upon her; maintaining his reputation mattered too much.
—
Led by his sword guards, Lin Qi’an entered the enchanting district of Tai’an’s Pleasure Quarter.
“Welcome, sirs! Please, come in!”
The alleys glittered with lanterns, music flowing from every corner. The yard was packed with people, all gathered to see Qin Jinxian.
Scantily clad women roamed the area, enticing guests. Amidst the crowd, a familiar figure in a dark robe caught Lin Qi’an’s eye.
The Crown Prince, Zhao Ziyu!
Of course, Lin Qi’an thought. Where else would the Crown Prince be?
Zhao Ziyu’s disguise was laughably amateurish, making him instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with him.
“Stop.” Lin Qi’an smiled faintly and called out, “Crown Prince.”
“?!” Zhao Ziyu froze, shock written all over his face. How had he been recognized?!
Ever since Su Xueni and Lu Miaoyin were “stolen” by Lin Qi’an, Zhao Ziyu felt as though misfortune clung to him. All the most beautiful women seemed to fall into Lin Qi’an’s grasp!
After much thought, he decided to heed his sister’s advice and avoid provoking Lin Qi’an.
Fine, he told himself. He wouldn’t touch the untouchable Saintesses. Tonight, he was just here to find an ordinary woman at the Pleasure Quarter.
There was no way Lin Qi’an would interfere here, right? This was his city!
He was determined to enjoy the company of the famed Qin Jinxian, whose beauty rivaled even the Saintesses of major sects.
“Who are you?” Zhao Ziyu asked, glaring at Lin Qi’an.
“I’m your brother-in-law.”
“Lin…!” Zhao Ziyu’s eyes widened in disbelief, a million curses running through his mind.
Damn it, Lin Qi’an! Are you cursed to ruin my life?
He had already yielded two Saintesses, Su Xueni and Lu Miaoyin. His sister was Lin Qi’an’s, and even his eldest sister could be pursued if Lin Qi’an so desired.
Now this?! It was too much!
—
“Coming to a place like this, you wouldn’t want anyone else to know, right? Let’s keep this between us,” Lin Qi’an whispered with a sly smile.
“What are you planning? Don’t tell me you’re interested in women from the Pleasure Quarter too?”
“Just sampling the flavors; nothing too serious.”
“…”
Lin Qi’an had intentionally revealed his identity because he noticed another Destined Child present: Xi Chao, the Divine Son of Xiling!
Drunk, Xi Chao was slouched by a pool, lazily holding two women. If Lin Qi’an wanted to deal with him tonight, he couldn’t act directly. Fortunately, Zhao Ziyu was here.
—
“Look, Qin Jinxian is here!”
The crowd turned their eyes to the towering pavilion. Under the bright moon, a graceful woman stepped out, clad in layers of exquisite red robes embroidered with golden phoenixes.
Her gown trailed behind her, and her peach blossom eyes sparkled with enchanting charm, as if butterflies fluttered within them.
Stunning!
Even Lin Qi’an had to admit she deserved seven points—add one for her allure as a “wildflower,” and another for her musical talent.
“Qin Jinxian is truly beautiful…”
“She is, but she’s still a notch below the two princesses.”
“Nonsense! Do you think you could meet a princess so casually?”
The courtyard, packed with over a thousand people, buzzed with admiration and longing. Some had already begun fantasizing about undressing this celestial beauty, though such dreams were impossible—she only sold her art, not her body.
“To celebrate the grand ceremony tomorrow, Jinxian will perform a piece for everyone,” her voice rang out. “Forgive my humble skills.”
As the maid brought over the zither, Qin Jinxian gracefully seated herself on the veranda and began to play.
Her melody was ethereal, the moonlight as gentle as flowing water, leaving the audience spellbound. It was a breathtaking experience!
When the song ended, most were still lost in the beauty of the music.
Suddenly, the drunken Divine Son of Xiling, Xi Chao, shouted, “Your name is Qin Jinxian? Tonight, come and serve me!”
Serve him?!
The crowd gasped in unison. Qin Jinxian was famously known for not selling her body, and here was someone brazen enough to demand such a thing.
A wave of jeers and scornful comments surged through the crowd, yet Xi Chao merely sneered, raising his wine jug and flinging its contents into the air.
To everyone’s astonishment, the droplets coalesced into an ice zither, emanating a chilling frost.
As expected of a Destined Child—after enduring ridicule, he now sought to shock everyone with his power. Classic behavior.
The crowd, predictably, was awed by the spectacle.
“He seems to be a formidable cultivator!”
“This technique is exquisite; I feel rather inferior by comparison.”
“Transforming wine into a zither? Incredible…”
If Lin Qi’an weren’t there, this performance might have truly stolen the show. However, Lin Qi’an subtly whispered something into Zhao Ziyu’s ear, prompting the Crown Prince to step forward with a smirk.
“Wait! Qin Jinxian is mine tonight! No one else may compete!” The crowd turned, their attention now fully drawn to Zhao Ziyu.
People chuckled—another contender openly vying for Qin Jinxian?