Chapter 24: You Are In Great Danger
The Rainbow Luna Parlor was Yanjiao City's largest courtesan parlor, a favored gathering place for the cultured and well-educated in the city.
In this world, the distinction between a courtesan parlor and a brothel was significant. A brothel was a straightforward, specialized establishment for the exchange of physical intimacy, typically smaller in scale and discreetly located. Like the brothel for spider demons that Chu Liang had raided before, it had been situated inconspicuously just outside the city.
Conversely, a courtesan parlor leaned more toward the sale of artistic talents, with a larger scale and a more pronounced social and entertainment aspect. The refined ladies within were there to accompany patrons in savoring drinks and enjoying performances.
Of course, if someone insisted on making other requests, provided the fine ladies were willing, it was not entirely impossible.
However, those highly sought-after virtuous ladies would not easily agree to such requests. Even with a substantial expenditure, one might, at most, secure opportunities for refined conversations and convivial gatherings. Deeper and more meaningful interactions were not readily attainable.
Recently, Yan Xiaohu has been courting this popular entertainer[1] in the Rainbow Luna Parlor named Rouyi.
Chu Liang had gleaned this information from the Yan Residence's guard. The uncle was an amiable man, and when Chu Liang inquired politely, he willingly shared everything he knew.
Chu Liang, out of respect, had offered two taels of silver before posing his questions.
Nightfall was fast approaching.
Upon reaching the Rainbow Luna Parlor, the first floor came alive with melodious music and elegant dancers. Several ladies, clad in delicate gauzy attire, swayed gracefully to the musicians' accompaniment.
On the ground floor, guests sat at various tables, relishing their meals while being serenaded by the music, in the delightful company of the elegant ladies. The second floor boasted tasteful seating arrangements, with beaded curtains demarcating private compartments. The third floor comprised private rooms, often patronized by the most generous or audacious individuals.
Yan Xiaohu, without a doubt, fell into both categories.
So, as soon as Chu Liang entered, he ascended the stairs.
Without delay, a mature lady holding a fan approached, her eyes glistening. "My goodness, it seems we have a newcomer here," she cooed. "Would you be interested in requesting the company of one of our ladies upstairs?"
"Hello, I'm here to find someone," Chu Liang said calmly. "Is Yan Xiaohu upstairs?"
"Oh, a friend of Young Master Yan's, I see. Please wait; I'll have someone take you there," the parlor manager replied.
Chu Liang's handsome appearance, refined demeanor, and air of sophistication likely played a part in her willingness to assist. He appeared to be a well-mannered gentleman, indicating that he was unlikely to cause trouble.
She signaled for a young servant to come forward and instructed him to escort Chu Liang to the third floor, outside a private room.
Two robust men with prominent temples stood guard outside the private room, clearly serving as Yan Xiaohu's new bodyguards. Their cultivation levels were evidently higher than the two thugs Chu Liang had encountered.
"Please wait a moment, sir. I'll go in and inform them," the servant said.
"No need. I can go in by myself," Chu Liang kindly declined and approached the room unaccompanied.
The two bodyguards emanated such a threatening aura. When they saw Chu Liang approaching, they immediately showed an imposing manner that sent a clear message to keep strangers at bay. However, Chu Liang wasn’t scared at all. He still approached and asked in a respectful manner, "Hello. I am here to see Yan Xiaohu. I am his classmate."
"Classmate?" The left bodyguard furrowed his brows. "The young master said he won't see anyone."
The right bodyguard was more straightforward, stating coldly, "Get lost."
"I see..." Chu Liang replied with a faint smile.
...
"When will Lady Rouyi show up?" Yan Xiaohu inquired inside the private room, displaying his displeasure. He was accompanied by two young ladies in vibrant dresses, both looking anxious and fearful, as though they were on edge, fearing the young tyrant might lose his temper at any moment.
"Rouyi is currently engaged in a conversation with another guest. She'll be here shortly. Young Master Yan, please have a little more patience."
"I've spent several thousand taels of silver on her. Can't they expedite my turn?" Yan Xiaohu grumbled, his facial injuries still evident. Angrily, he continued, "I'm extremely frustrated right now."
Frustrated due to the humiliation he had suffered the previous day when he was beaten at South Mountain Academy, he had initially come here for some amusement. However, upon his arrival, he was informed that Lady Rouyi wasn't available and that he would have to wait.
He was venting his anger when he suddenly heard a series of loud bangs at the door. The door burst open, and the bodyguards tumbled inside.
"Who's there?" Yan Xiaohu immediately rose to his feet and demanded.
"Young Master, he insisted on barging in, and we... we couldn't stop him," one of the bodyguards, who had managed to get back on his feet, explained.
"In Yanjiao City, who dares to challenge me, Yan Xiaohu?" He was on the verge of losing his temper.
At that moment, Chu Liang entered the room nonchalantly.
"Yikes..." Yan Xiaohu's anger instantly dissipated. He first appeared puzzled for a moment, then a polite smile graced his face. "Brother... Brother Chu, it's you."
He was now afraid of Chu Liang, not just because he couldn't defeat him, but also because his father, upon seeing the sword coin Chu Liang had sent, directly told him they couldn't afford to provoke someone like this. Revenge was out of the question.
When the person who could beat you up turned out to have a more powerful background than you, it would indeed feel quite frustrating.
"I came to pay you a visit, but they told me to leave," Chu Liang stated calmly.
"They are really impolite!" Yan Xiaohu frowned and shouted, "Both of you, get out!"
The two bodyguards, scolded for no apparent reason, had no choice but to leave dejectedly, closing the door behind them as well.
"Hehe, Brother Chu, please have a seat," Yan Xiaohu said with a sycophantic smile.
"Thank you," Chu Liang approached and then glanced at the two girls beside him.
Both ladies were quite young, and in their understanding, Yan Xiaohu was already the most feared young tyrant in Yanjiao City. They never expected this handsome young man to make him so fearful.
As a result, they became even more afraid.
However, Chu Liang's gentle smile quickly dispelled their fear.
A young man with such a pleasant smile couldn't possibly be a bad person, could he?
"What's that behind you two?" This handsome young man pointed behind them, appearing puzzled.
"What?" The two young ladies turned around to look.
Bang! Bang!
Two muffled bangs resonated, and the two young ladies collapsed to the ground, one after the other.
Chu Liang was behind them, holding a shiny golden half-brick and looking rather disappointed.
"Ah..." Yan Xiaohu, who had witnessed the entire process, opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.
He was somewhat stunned.
The members of the Yan Family were all experts at gambling and visiting brothels. Since Yan Xiaohu's childhood days, he had accompanied the elders on trips to the red-light districts, where he had encountered a wide range of props.
However, a brick was a first for him.
What kind of weird fetish is this?
He then observed Chu Liang examining the golden half-brick in his hand.
Afterward, Chu Liang stored the brick and said, "Don't worry. They are fine. This brick merely triggered a dizziness effect. But do you know that you're in great danger? Are you aware of that?"
"In great danger?" Yan Xiaohu paused for a moment and nodded. Yes. With you being here, I am obviously in great danger.
"Chen Da died last night. Among the people who bullied Situ Yan, you are the only one left," Chu Liang stated bluntly. "Situ Yan might have transformed into a Painted Skin Ghost and gained the ability to assume the appearance of someone else. She could disguise herself as anyone around you."
"Ah?" Yan Xiaohu was shocked.
He had heard about the stories of Situ Yan becoming a vengeful ghost, but he hadn't paid much attention. After all, he considered himself different from those people. He was a cultivator, protected by higher-level cultivators. It seemed impossible for any vengeful ghost to harm him while in the Black Tiger Gang.
But...
If Situ Yan had indeed become the legendary Painted Skin Ghost, she could easily threaten his life as a cultivator in the first realm.
No matter how threatening Chu Liang might be, all he could do was inflict physical harm. But if it was a ghost, it could take his life.
He immediately comprehended the seriousness of the situation and realized that Chu Liang had come to help him. He swiftly inquired, "Brother Chu, can you assist me?"
"I'm here to save you," Chu Liang assured him. "I suspect that the Painted Skin Ghost has targeted you, which is why I came to find you. I have a method to detect the Painted Skin Ghost. I will examine anyone who approaches you tonight."
"Very well." Yan Xiaohu nodded eagerly, then gestured towards the two girls on the ground. "Brother Chu, please quickly examine them."
Chu Liang paused and responded, "...I've already examined them."
1. They are basically like geishas ☜
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