Water Pavilion Stage

Before Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion, carriages streamed like water and horses like dragons, lanterns stretched into the distance, voices clamored, and the crowd buzzed with excitement.

Two rows of youthful, beautiful women with extraordinary looks stood gracefully before the entrance. Their voices were sweet and coquettish, their fragrance intoxicating, their clothing revealing. Their pale legs were like jade, making quite a few passersby flush red and feel their hearts itch.

On the day a Top Courtesan was being sold out of the pavilion, regular patrons who had received word would scarcely miss such a grand event. Anyone able to enter tonight's Water Pavilion flower selection was bound to possess considerable wealth.

Potbellied wealthy men stepped down from carriages, green pigeon-blood jade thumb rings on all ten fingers, with their servants following every step.

Young and handsome sons of wealthy families held folding fans, tossing back their flowing hair as they walked with groups of three or five friends. Those unaware might have thought they were heading out to enjoy the spring countryside, compose poems, and match couplets.

There were also many people from the martial world, though most traveled alone, their auras deep and steady. Before entering, all of them had to surrender their blades and swords. That was the rule, and no one dared break it.

Among all those who had arrived, You Man had the greatest presence and inspired the most fear. More than thirty guards marched in with him in mighty procession, their footsteps clacking loudly, their bearing like golden spears and iron horses, every inch imposing.

Long before he arrived, dedicated attendants from Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion had come to guide and serve him. Two wealthy merchants had originally been ahead of You Man, but upon seeing this display, they could only force smiles and wait