Unaware that he had nearly been discovered, Beitang Xing employed his lightness skill and the concealment method of a secret treasure, silently slipping into the central courtyard of Lu Family Manor—into Lu Hou'er's bedroom.
Around Lu Hou'er's bedroom stood guards rotating shifts around the clock. Though they were merely Houtian Realm martial artists, they kept the entire area under watchful eyes. Their purpose was not defense, but vigilance.
Lu Hou'er normally rested in this bedroom. If he wanted women, he could simply go to the quarters of his wives and concubines.
In truth, Lu Hou'er was not particularly indulgent in beauty.
Though he loved beautiful women, he loved power and martial arts even more.
Without his permission, not even his wives and concubines could enter this bedroom at will.
As an imperial prince of the current dynasty, Beitang Xing had always conducted himself openly and honorably. This was the first time he had sneaked into someone else's residence like a thief, and he felt quite uneasy. Yet there was also an indescribable thrill and anticipation, as though some peculiar craving of his had been satisfied.
Especially when he overheard some of the guards talking along the way—for instance, a pair of brothers discussing a shapely maidservant, their filthy words unbearable to hear.
Then there was a fellow who seemed prone to petty theft. It was not an outsider infiltrating the manor, but a maidservant taking advantage of the night to secretly move valuables she had stolen during the day.
The strange delight of such peeping gave Beitang Xing an experience unlike any he had known before, and made him realize the many faces people wore.
Beitang Xing remembered both the guard brothers and the maidservant who had stolen from her master. They were trusted people within the manor, which was