Dongfang Bubai is a woman?

In martial arts novels, "taverns" in the Jianghu are the most informative places because they are a melting pot of all sorts of people, attracting individuals from all walks of life. It's a popular spot for martial arts experts to gather and exchange information.

Taverns also serve as gathering places for various factions and individuals in the Jianghu. Without taverns, Qiao Feng wouldn't have become sworn brothers with Duan Yu, Guo Jing and Huang Rong might never have met, and Hu Fei wouldn't have heard the story of the Blood Seal Stone from other patrons...

To figure out the current time period, Hao Shuai walked into a tavern and sat down near a window.

"Waiter, two jin of cooked beef, a jar of fine Daughter's Red wine, and a few side dishes," Hao Shuai ordered the famous "Great Hero Set Meal" of the Jianghu, then listened intently to the goings-on in the tavern.

As for whether beef was eaten in the Ming Dynasty, that wasn't something Hao Shuai needed to worry about.

There were quite a few people eating in the tavern. Besides a few who looked like merchants, there were also several who appeared to be great heroes.

These heroes wore sabers and carried swords, drinking heartily and eating meat in large chunks, loudly boasting and bragging.

Hao Shuai listened for a while. One person wearing a bamboo hat claimed his swift swordplay had killed countless people, that a single stroke could sever a head, and that the fallen head could still speak.

Another person boasted about his powerful saber technique, recounting how he once encountered a startled bull on the road and split it in half with one strike, without getting a drop of blood on himself.

After listening for a bit, Hao Shuai shook his head slightly. They were all just blowing smoke, and not a single useful piece of information was to be found. It seemed he would have to ask the famous Jianghu omniscient – the waiter.

When the waiter brought Hao Shuai's food and wine, Hao Shuai stopped him. "Waiter, do you know of any recent happenings in the Jianghu?" Hao Shuai asked, tossing him a gold bean.

The gold bean was something Hao Shuai had asked Jinguguji Narumi to melt down from gold bricks and recast. She had made a whole pile of them, which he kept in his spatial storage.

"Guest, nothing major has happened in the Jianghu recently; it's all been minor affairs," the waiter said obsequiously after pocketing the gold bean.

"If you want to talk about something new, it's that the most famous courtesan at the largest brothel in the city, Si Shui Nian Hua, is holding a selection for her patron tonight. Guest, you have a distinguished demeanor and an air of wealth, perhaps you have a chance."

"Si Shui Nian Hua? That sounds so familiar. Never mind, I'll go check it out tonight. If you come to ancient times and don't visit a brothel, it feels like you haven't truly returned," Hao Shuai muttered to himself after dismissing the waiter.

After three rounds of wine and five courses of food, Hao Shuai, full and satisfied, continued to listen to the heroes' glorious deeds for a while longer. He then decided against wandering around and instead booked a superior room in the tavern to rest and experience what an ancient presidential suite was like.

As evening approached, lanterns began to glow.

The streets bustled with people, and various snacks were being hawked non-stop.

Hao Shuai, dressed as a scholar, walked through the streets, heading towards Si Shui Nian Hua, experiencing the ancient night market. This was only possible in novels; in reality, the Ming Dynasty had a curfew, and the streets wouldn't be this lively.

Standing at the entrance, Hao Shuai looked up at Si Shui Nian Hua, a three-story building with luxurious decorations. He felt it must be the grandest and most opulent place in Huayin County.

"Esteemed guest, it's been a while! Come in quickly, Ru Yan misses you dearly," a girl at the entrance said, grabbing him as soon as she saw him standing there and pulling him inside.

Hao Shuai almost spat out a mouthful of blood upon hearing her words. This was his first time here, yet she claimed he hadn't been here in a long time.

And wasn't it said that prostitutes were heartless? This one seemed quite affectionate!

Upon entering the main hall, the air was filled with an aura of luxury. On the stage in front, several beauties were dancing to elegant music, making people unconsciously immerse themselves in the world of song, dance, and indulgence.

After asking a girl to arrange a table for him and bring some good wine and a few small dishes, Hao Shuai politely declined the offer of a companion from the girl and began to drink alone.

At this moment, the beauties on stage quickly retreated, and a madam, still charming despite her age, walked out fanning herself. She loudly announced, "Everyone, in the Jianghu, the most formidable figure is Dongfang Bubai. And here at Si Shui Nian Hua, we also have an Dongfang Bubai!"

As soon as she finished speaking, red ribbons suddenly descended from the second floor, connecting the four sides.

A woman in a blue palace gown, wearing a golden phoenix crown, grasped a red ribbon and danced gracefully on the silk!

"So beautiful, so stunning," the madam shrieked.

"Good, very good..."

The surrounding crowd erupted in cheers, their applause incessant.

"I wonder which lucky guest today will have the honor of becoming her patron?" the madam exclaimed excitedly.

Then, the blue-clad beauty swiftly flew down from the second floor, pulled a man with her, and flew back up to the second floor, disappearing afterward. Seeing the beauty gone, the crowd dispersed in small groups, and soon the hall returned to its noisy state.

From the moment Hao Shuai saw the courtesan's face, he was in a state of utter shock.

How could it be her? If she is Dongfang Bubai, then Linghu Chong would be...? Thinking this, Hao Shuai quickly looked around. In the corridor, he spotted two men carrying swords. One of them wore a beige top and brown pants, with a face that looked like an older, distinguished actor.

Damn it!

I clearly linked to the novel "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer," so why has it turned into Yu Zheng's version? Have I been too influenced by Yu Zheng that my brain unconsciously linked to his version?

If this is Yu Zheng's version of "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer," should I run?

After all, the power levels in Yu Zheng's version are a bit hard to estimate!

I recall the sword energy that crisscrossed the Five Great Sword Sects in the plot, and how Yue Lingshan and Linghu Chong dared to fly off the cliff of Mount Hua with just an umbrella. Even more absurdly, Linghu Chong actually rode a crane and flew!

Damn it!

Even immortal cranes are appearing! Xianxia dramas wouldn't dare to stage such a thing! This is supposed to be a Wuxia drama!

The effects shown in the plot are almost on par with "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils."

Hao Shuai felt the profound malice of this world and desperately wanted to find a secluded spot to return, but he was unwilling to give up.

This is Great Cult Master Chen! Back then, I was captivated by Great Cult Master Dongfang for a long time.

Dongfang Bai belongs to the category of ultimate older sisters, with a queenly attribute, fully mature.

If such a woman could be conquered, she would undoubtedly bring unparalleled a sense of accomplishment to a man.

Originally, Hao Shuai planned to join the Mount Hua Sect and learn some martial arts knowledge. Now, Hao Shuai has changed his mind. He has decided to join the Sun Moon Holy Cult and find an opportunity to become the greatest man in the world.

As for safety!

If there's danger, we run!

Just as Hao Shuai was contemplating how to become the greatest man in the world, he heard a voice with a distinct Sichuan accent.

"Brothel madam!"

"Yes, yes, yes, coming!" the madam hurried over.

"You tell me, we've been here for ages, and there isn't a single pretty girl. You took the money I gave you and didn't spend it wisely. Believe it or not, I'll tear down your shop!"

Hao Shuai looked over, thinking these two must be Yu Renhao and Luo Renjie, two of the famed Four Talents of Qingcheng.

As Luo Renjie was digging his own grave, Dongfang Bai descended from upstairs.

She was clad in a shimmering golden robe, adorned with a golden hairpin. Beneath her jade-like face were willow-leaf eyebrows, a delicate nose, and a lovely mouth. Her enchanting eyes, a touch of gold adorning her forehead, and her vibrant red lips made her a peerless enchantress.

The surrounding crowd watched in silence as she descended the stairs, afraid to disturb her, their eyes glazed over, lost in her unparalleled elegance.

At this moment, Luo Renjie shoved the madam aside and lunged towards the goddess. Hao Shuai felt Luo Renjie had already sealed his own coffin, daring to provoke even Dongfang Bubai.

Dongfang Bai sidestepped Luo Renjie with a flick of her wrist and said coldly, "Forget it, I'm tired today. We'll meet again next time!" With that, she turned and left.

Luo Renjie flew into a rage and immediately chased after her with Yu Renhao.

Seeing this, Hao Shuai tossed a gold coin onto the table and followed, but as he passed Linghu Chong, he used his Psychic Power to move a nearby chair and smash Lu Hou'er's leg.

Lu Hou'er suddenly cried out, "Ah!" and crouched down, clutching his leg. Linghu Chong rushed over to check on Lu Hou'er, forgetting all about chasing the Cult Master Dongfang.

To prevent Linghu Chong from interfering with his own heroic rescue, Hao Shuai could only apologize to Lu Hou'er in his heart.