Myriad Phenomena City. Inside a long-established hotel, several Myriad Beasts Sect disciples were eating and drinking. Chao Shenghuai was among them.
A waiter came over and bent close to whisper in Chao Shenghuai's ear. Chao Shenghuai raised his brows, delight flashing through his eyes. He set down his wine cup, rose to his feet, and said cheerfully to the others, "I'm going to relieve myself." With that, he turned and left.
Following the waiter into the hotel's rear courtyard, Chao Shenghuai looked around and asked, "Where's the owner?"
The waiter replied with an ingratiating smile, "Surely you can't expect my owner to witness such a thing himself? She's waiting for you in the room!" He pointed at a room.
Chao Shenghuai looked over, his eyes lighting up with delight. He raised a hand and patted the waiter's shoulder. "Tell your owner he won't miss out on the benefits." With that, he strode away.
At the door, Chao Shenghuai straightened his clothing before pushing it open and entering. Inside, he saw a woman sitting upright before a dressing table. He called out, "Chunxiang!" At the same time, he reached back and shut the door.
The graceful woman sat there with her back to him, utterly motionless. Chao Shenghuai walked behind her and looked at the blank, dazed face reflected in the mirror. He raised both hands and slowly placed them on her shoulders. "Chunxiang..."
Before he could finish, he abruptly sensed something wrong—but it was already too late. Something struck him from behind, numbing his body. Just as he opened his mouth, someone who had suddenly appeared behind him covered it. The attacker who had emerged from behind the hanging drapes struck again in swift succession, poking several fingers into Chao Shenghuai's body and completely restraining him.
After being jostled like