What Do You Mean, "Take a Good Look"? Don't Tell Me You Mean Without Clothes?

The early winter rainy night was cold and damp. A lingering wind swept by, and pedestrians on the street couldn't help but shiver and quicken their pace.

This is Moxie City, less than 800 li away from Henggao City, the center of the Central Yuan Continent. Influenced by Henggao City, Moxie City can be considered a prosperous city, only a step away from being a first-class city. Furthermore, the Qu Huai River flows through the city, adding a unique charm and beauty that is rare among other cities.

You Su sat on the second floor of the teahouse, looking towards the other side of the Qu Huai River.

On the opposite bank of the river stood a brothel several dozen feet tall, named 'Xiaoxiang Pavilion'.

Carved railings and jade steps, resplendent in gold and green, with rows of bright red lanterns hanging from the eaves.

Through the window lattice, women of varying shapes and sizes, some plump, some graceful, some dignified, and some charming, danced gracefully. Some lay in men's arms with their clothes half-revealed, while others played the zither and flute behind the curtain, their faces half-hidden behind the curtain.

Across a rushing river, one can not only hear the decadent music and erotic music from the brothels, but also seem to smell the fragrance of cosmetics wafting from the windows.

On this drizzly, cold rainy night, with pedestrians hurrying by, only this place is a gentle haven that makes people linger.

"Senior brother, can you even see it? Look! You're staring so intently, I'd think you weren't blind..."

Ji Lingruo tapped her teacup lightly, reminding the young man to watch his gaze. Her blue dress had been changed, and was now more simple in style, but it couldn't hide the girl's natural beauty.

You Su frowned slightly and whispered a reminder:

"Junior sister, I told you not to call me senior brother, you should call me young master, Young Master Ye."

Ji Lingruo rolled her eyes playfully and said helplessly, "Yes, Young Master Ye, please take your time reading. If you can't resist, remember to tell me."

Zi Yiyi listened silently, without saying a word, sitting upright to one side, and gently sipped her tea.

After nearly two days of traveling at full speed, the three finally arrived at Moxie City the following evening.

To avoid attracting attention, You Su decided to conceal his identity and pretend to be a wealthy young master from Henggao City. However, he didn't know much about the specific immortal families in Henggao City, so he simply borrowed the name of Senior Brother Ye, a disciple of the Third Elder, and pretended to be Ye Family who was traveling.

To portray himself as a wealthy young master, You Su didn't need any tokens or other proof; Ji Lingruo and Zi Yiyi beside him were the most convincing evidence. Even in Moxie City, the beauty of the two women was overwhelming.

Zi Yiyi had no objection to pretending to be You Su's personal maid. Her purpose in coming here was to assist and test You Su's ability to handle evil spirit incidents. Besides, she was a maid herself, although she certainly looked down on You Su as her 'master'.

Ji Lingruo was quite mischievous and clever, hardly befitting the role of a maid. However, the contrast between the two women was surprisingly effective; one obedient and quiet, the other charming and lively, they complemented each other perfectly, making passersby think that this was exactly what a true celestial nobleman should be like.

The two maids, one still and one lively, clearly indicate that this young master knows how to enjoy life!

"Was the one who died at the hands of that 'Ghost Mite' really the previous courtesan of the Xiaoxiang Pavilion?"

You Su withdrew his gaze and turned to Zi Yiyi with a flirtatious look, behaving exactly like a bright-eyed young man teasing his aloof little maid.

Thanks to Zi Yiyi's soundproofing Technique Method, no one else in the teahouse could hear their conversation.

"Its death was gruesome, resembling a dried corpse. The Ghost Mite is Flesh and Blood Type with parasitic abilities, making it difficult to detect. Only the City Lord of Moxie City, a cultivator at the lower level of the Feather Transformation Realm, has seen it with his own eyes; none of his companions have seen it. Therefore, it is very likely that only Feather Transformation Realm can see it when it is not manifest, but even if they see it, they may not be able to catch it. Even City Lord Xiang was unable to capture it."

Zi Yiyi mechanically recounted the information one by one.

"As far as I know, evil spirits dislike mortal flesh and blood because they lack the nourishment of Mystic Qi. But why would this Ghost Mite target a courtesan? Could this courtesan be a cultivator?"

If she were a cultivator, she shouldn't have fallen so low as to become a prostitute.

"It's not just mortals who enjoy visiting brothels; many immortal disciples also indulge in matters of the heart. The previous courtesan, renowned for her beauty, was named Qiao Xiuying. It's said that the only son of City Lord Xiang was deeply in love with Qiao Xiuying and treated her as his own. He went to great lengths to help Qiao Xiuying open her meridians. However, due to his Lineage's reputation, he couldn't redeem her, nor could he become her dao companion, so he kept her in the Xiaoxiang Pavilion. Qiao Xiuying was content with this, silently waiting for him in the Xiaoxiang Pavilion until she died seven days ago from being parasitized by Ghost Mite."

Zi Yiyi calmly recounted the story, while Ji Lingruo hearing it:

"I never imagined that he would lead her onto the path of immortality, thinking he was doing it for her own good, only to cause her such a calamity. Do you think this was a blessing or a curse for her?"

Ji Lingruo a young girl, and she always had some subjective thoughts about the complicated love stories between men and women.

Upon hearing this You Su remained silent for a moment before saying, "Whether it's fortunate or unfortunate, it's not up to us to decide; only she can judge for herself."

Ji Lingruo slightly sad, and said nothing more.

"With such a major event as the death of the courtesan, how can the Xiaoxiang Pavilion still operate as usual?" You Su continued to ask.

"When evil spirits appear in Chuyun City, the first thing to do is to suppress them, right?" Zi Yiyi asked rhetorically.

For a city lord, the appearance of evil spirits in the city under his jurisdiction is an extremely serious mistake. Of course, it would be best to resolve it himself. Only if he cannot resolve it will he choose to report to the sacred mountain and ask the professional exorcists of the Evil Warding Department for help.

Therefore, it is clear that the news of evil spirits appearing in Moxie City has not spread. The city appears peaceful on the surface, but in reality, it is rife with sinister and treacherous activities.

Logically speaking, after such an incident, without the support of someone of the city lord's level, the owner of the Xiaoxiang Pavilion wouldn't have the audacity to continue operating.

You Su, holding her teacup, asked, "How did the City Lord's Mansion close the case?"

"Outwardly, it was claimed that Qiao Xiuying had been secretly redeemed and left. Inwardly, those who had seen Qiao Xiuying's desiccated corpse were coerced and bribed into keeping silent. Moreover, within a single day, Xiaoxiang Pavilion introduced a new courtesan, whose beauty Qiao Xiuying's and who was even more mysterious. With the attraction of the new courtesan, everyone quickly forgot about Qiao Xiuying."

You Su thought to himself that this tactic of diverting attention was indeed ingenious, and then asked:

"And what about Qiao Xiuying's body? May I take a look?"

"I can't see it, because it's missing."

"Missing?!"

You Su abruptly put down her teacup. Someone would steal even a dried corpse?

"Was it done by the city lord's son?"

"Nobody knows. If you want to investigate, you can go to City Lord Xiang's son Xiang Wenting, and ask him for it yourself."

Zi Yiyi's reply remained indifferent, making it clear that she would not offer You Su any substantial help in this assessment other than providing information.

"Is this matter of exorcising evil solely my responsibility?"

You Su was somewhat annoyed. It was one thing for the Evil Warding Department to stand by and watch coldly, but why did even the city lord of Moxie City seem to disregard this matter?

This is a matter of life and death!

"Don't feel wronged. Because of Wangshu Fairy's example, City Lord Xiang and the others harbor considerable Resentment Qi towards the Evil Warding Department. In their view, the failure to eradicate evil spirits is the Evil Warding Department's responsibility. Therefore, during this secret investigation by the Evil Warding Department, they simply washed their hands of the matter and pushed all the task onto the Evil Warding Department. But what they don't know is that the task is on your shoulders."

You Su frowned, gazing out the window at the continuous drizzle, the moonlight and lamplight blurred by the rain and mist.

Having endured numerous hardships, and possessed various evil forces, he was confident that he would definitely be able to see the Ghost Mite.

But in the face of this magnificent city, finding an evil spirit that parasitizes people like a mite is like finding a needle in a haystack.

Where should he even begin his search?

"If you have no clue, you can just give up."

Zi Yiyi tucked a strand of silver hair behind her ear, taking in the boy's entire performance. Even now, she didn't think this blind man was some kind of savior destined to vanquish evil.

"What did you say?" Ji Lingruo slammed her hand on the table angrily. "What kind of examiner would advise someone to give up the exam?"

Zi Yiyi glanced at the girl, then fixed her gaze on You Su, making no attempt to hide the arrogance in her eyes:

"Now that he's given up, I can focus all my efforts on finding the Ghost Mite. While he's at his wit's end here, the Ghost Mite may have already attached itself to a second person. Rather than letting him struggle in vain, it's better to save a life."

"Didn't you say that only those at the Feather Transformation Realm can see it? Where does your confidence come from, you're just at the Water Condensation Realm?" Ji Lingruo asked indignantly.

"I am the Hua Jing, First Seat. Following the head, I have seen evil spirits far more terrifying than Ghost Mites."

Zi Yiyi clearly considered it a source of pride to be the Hua Jing, First Seat.

Upon Ji Lingruo grumbled inwardly, "Tch, what's so great about it..."

You Su didn't pay much attention to the two women's argument, and remained immersed in her own thoughts.

A series of loud footsteps on the stairs woke You Su. A young man rushed up excitedly and shouted to a group of people drinking tea:

"Hurry up! The young master from Henggao City is hosting a dinner at the Xiaoxiang Pavilion! He's brought out the new courtesan!"

The new courtesan? The eldest son of Henggao City?

That's interesting...

"I think I have an idea."

You Su suddenly raised his teacup, downed the tea in one gulp, and slammed it down on the table with a thud.

"See? My senior brother is amazing, okay? He won't be scared by you!" Ji Lingruo's lips curled up, looking triumphant at Zi Yiyi. "Senior brother! Quick! Tell her your brilliant idea, and make her regret what she said!"

You Su smiled helplessly and said, "The only time the Ghost Mite appeared was at the Xiaoxiang Pavilion, so we should start our investigation there. There's even a possibility that it never left Xiaoxiang Pavilion. Since this is to test whether I can see it, I'll start with the courtesan and carefully examine everyone in the Xiaoxiang Pavilion. Even if we can't find it, we can eliminate the most likely possibility."

"Senior brother..." Ji Lingruo's smile froze, then she narrowed her eyes and asked in a dangerous tone, "You mean 'look closely'... not the kind where they're not wearing clothes, is it?"

"No one knows where the Ghost Mites might parasitize on the body, so Junior Sister, don't worry about them contaminating my eyes. Senior Brother is blind; he can't see anything except evil spirits. I promise I'll only use my eyes, never my hands."

You Su blinked her clear eyes twice, looking completely harmless.

"You're dreaming!" Ji Lingruo instantly flew into a rage.

Zi Yiyi shook her head secretly, wondering if You Su had truly run out of options and chose this clumsy method, or if he was simply driven by lust and using this as an excuse to vent his frustrations.

In short, in her mind, You Su's assessment results had already been marked as 'failure'.

Although Xiaoxiang Pavilion was a brothel, it also had a reputation for elegance among literati. Beside its magnificent gate stood two thick, red-lacquered pillars, each bearing a long plaque gilded with gold lettering and inscribed with the following words in a flowing, flamboyant style:

'The fragrant curtains veil the shadows as the wind enters the tower; the high-pitched zither music soothes a thousand sorrows.'

This shows how much the poet loved the harmonious sounds of the zither and lute in the Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

"Oh my, where did this handsome young man come from! Come in, come in!"

The heavily made-up madam had a sharp eye and spotted You Su, dressed in fine clothes and with a handsome face, through the gate at a glance. She quickly bypassed the courtesans who were greeting guests and personally greeted him with a smile.

"Thank you for your trouble, sister."

You Su smiled gently and led the two women into this warm and fragrant haven.

The madam glanced furtively at the two women behind You Su, each with a different expression, and was astonished. This young master of wealth and power brought two women with him when he went out to play; he really knew how to have fun!

The madam, judging solely from the appearance and demeanor of You Su and his companions, already considered You Su a distinguished guest. Therefore, she was extremely hospitable throughout the journey, engaging in constant conversation while leading You Su to a private room on the second floor.

"Young Master Ye, you've come at just the right time! Did you see him? The Young Master Xiao sitting at the table opposite you is also from Henggao City! He just spent a fortune just to get our new courtesan, Miss Cailing, to make an appearance!"

"Oh? Well, that's truly thanks to Young Master Xiao. I never expected to have the chance to catch a glimpse of Miss Cailing's beauty while passing through this place. It's something to look forward to."

You Su's demeanor was indeed that of a well-mannered young master from a prominent family, not the kind of spoiled brat from a poor, remote village. He coughed lightly, and Ji Lingruo reluctantly took out a gleaming silver ingot from her bosom.

The madam smiled obsequiously and accepted the small tip without batting an eye, though she had some difficulty pulling the money from the girl's hand.

Everyone knows what the appearance of the courtesan signifies: it means that Miss Cailing, whom everyone has been eagerly awaiting, is finally going to come out and choose her lovers!

Young Master Xiao spent a fortune to invite her out, and now with Young Master Ye as a competitor, her Xiaoxiang Pavilion is going to make a killing today!

"Cai Ling is still getting ready, please wait a moment, Young Master Ye. Would you like me to call a couple of girls to keep you company?" the madam said solicitously.

"No need!" Ji Lingruo's eyebrows furrowed, and she couldn't help but shout.

The madam quickly bowed and said, "Then I'll go get some wine and food for Young Master Ye and the two young ladies. Please wait a moment."

She hurriedly retreated, turning back to glare disdainfully at Ji Lingruo's retreating figure, thinking to herself:

What are you pretending for? Do you think you can monopolize your master's attention? You act like a busybody when your master goes out to play, without any sense of propriety. You'll never gain your master's favor in the future!

"Senior brother! Are you really going to check them one by one?"

Ji Lingruo she looked down at the shameless couples flirting and behaving intimately. She didn't want You Su to have too much contact with these filthy women.

"Junior sister still doesn't believe me?"

You Su opened her arms and asked with a smile.

His hands were covered in white powder, all of it the pearl powder Ji Lingruo used for her makeup. This was to prevent You Su from touching him inappropriately, because if You Su were to grope him, the white powder would definitely change.

"But there are so many... how are you going to order them all!"

Ji Lingruo then realized that You Su's plan was utterly delusional. The Xiaoxiang Pavilion were practically all occupied. For You Su to check them one by one, he'd have to stand up and shout:

"Take off your clothes! Crackdown on prostitution!"

But how could that be possible!

"Junior sister, don't rush. Of course, it's impossible to really look at every single one. But today, I absolutely must... investigate this courtesan." You Su didn't forget to joke with his junior sister, "Anyway, junior sister, lend me your money too, and I'll definitely reimburse you when we get back."

"I think you're just lusting after her! You want to become this new courtesan's lover!"

Zi Yiyi observed the two flirting, her expression growing even colder, as if she didn't recognize them at all.

"Young lady, you jest. With two Fairies like you by my side, how could Brother Ye possibly be captivated by a mere courtesan?"

A clear, melodious voice rang out, Ji Lingruo looked up to see a handsome man dressed in a bamboo-green robe and with a long sword at his waist.

Her clear, bright eyes were captivating; her beauty was otherworldly, as if a pine tree from a painting by a celestial being had come to life.

This was the first time Ji Lingruo had seen a man whose appearance was comparable to You Su's, and she found it hard to believe.

"Young Master Xiao is absolutely right, Qingluan, please stop slandering me," You Su said with a bitter smile.

Qingluan and Purple Robe were the nicknames You Su gave to the two 'maids'.

"Knew..."

With outsiders present, Ji Lingruo had no choice but to put on a show.

"Young Master Xiao not only spoke up for me, but also allowed me to benefit from your kindness. Please, have a seat, and let me offer you a toast!"

You Su extended a warm invitation, Zi Yiyi, true to her background as a maid, immediately poured fine wine for the two of them.

"Then I, Xiao, will humbly accept your offer."

Young Master Xiao sat down with an air of nonchalance.

His purpose in coming here was certainly not just to defend You Su.

"I heard that Young Master Ye is also from Henggao City?" Young Master Xiao asked eagerly, as if he had met a fellow townsman in a foreign land.

"Exactly." You Su raised his glass.

A glint of light flashed in Young Master Xiao's eyes:

"The three major families of Henggao City are the Xiao family, the Ye Family, and the He family. Among them, the Xiao family and the Ye Family a rather good relationship. I, Xiao, have been playing with the Ye brothers since I was a child. How come I have never seen Brother Ye? Logically speaking, Brother Ye has sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, and a face as red as cinnabar. He should be unforgettable at first glance... Could it be that Brother Ye does not have the surname Ye?"

Young Master Xiao smiled warmly and asked the most direct question in the kindest tone.

As soon as he finished speaking, the private room fell into a deathly silence. Ji Lingruo looked at You Su nervously, while Zi Yiyi remained indifferent as she watched.

"Why play dumb with me, Young Master Xiao?" You Su smiled calmly. "We are all people of standing. How could we use our real names when we frequent places of pleasure? Perhaps Young Master Xiao isn't even surnamed Xiao?"

Upon hearing this, Young Master Xiao burst into hearty laughter.

Before he could answer, a commotion broke out downstairs:

"She's out! Miss Cailing is out!"