Dream Red Pavilion

Dream Red Pavilion, like the Hundred Flowers Sect, had branch halls in cities all across the country.

Unlike other sects, every disciple of Dream Red Pavilion was a woman, without exception. They made their living by performing, appearing in all kinds of places, from the imperial court to the bustling streets. Thanks to their unique position, Dream Red Pavilion had many efficient ways of gathering intelligence and gradually built an intelligence network that covered the entire Jianghu.

Dream Red Pavilion always presented itself as harmless and vulnerable to outsiders, but no one in the Jianghu dared to offend or profane it. The vast intelligence network in its hands could save people from peril, but could also become a deadly weapon. Once, when a Martial Arts Sect in Jiangbei hired a Dream Red Pavilion disciple to perform and tried to take advantage of her, Dream Red Pavilion flew into a rage upon learning of it. Without even sending its own people, it simply exposed the sect's past vile deeds. By the next morning, the sect had been wiped out by its enemies.

Thus, no one dared underestimate this colossal force hidden in plain sight.

Martial World Person would usually visit Dream Red Pavilion seeking answers; it was exceedingly rare for Dream Red Pavilion to ask anyone for help. Now that Liu Ruyan had come in person to ask, Feng En naturally wasn't about to let this opportunity pass. He had already settled on an answer, and said he needed time to consider mainly so he could think through the method and choose the right person.

A favor from Dream Red Pavilion was something everyone in the Jianghu dreamed of receiving.

Hearing Feng En's question, Li Zicheng froze for a moment, then immediately dropped to his knees and volunteered, "Though I only caught a few words just now, I can tell this matter is fraught with danger and crisis. For a perilous task like this, I won't stand aside."

Feng En shot a sidelong glance at Li Zicheng's righteous expression. "You're hoping to get close to the beauties and make your move, aren't you?"

His intentions laid bare, Li Zicheng awkwardly rubbed his nose and gave a dry laugh.

Feng En turned to Jiang Shuo. "You'll go. An older disciple acting in Dream Red Pavilion would inevitably raise suspicion. You're young, and you're level-headed."

Jiang Shuo paused, then clasped his hands and accepted. Li Zicheng was thoroughly annoyed. Feng En's words might sound like praise for Jiang Shuo, but weren't they also saying that he was old and unreliable?

"Oh, and you'll have a companion. I just sent someone to call him," Feng En added.

Jiang Shuo wondered who it might be. Suddenly, a voice sounded beside him. "Senior Brother Feng, what do you need Daoming for?" Following the voice, he saw Sun Man approaching with Sun Daoming. Jiang Shuo's brow furrowed. Could it be...

"Sun Daoming, you and Jiang Shuo will infiltrate Dream Red Pavilion together. Once you get there, the person meeting you will explain the details. Remember, whatever happens, stay safe. Jiang Shuo especially—your wrist hasn't healed yet, and you can't move freely, so be extra careful." Feng En's next words confirmed Jiang Shuo's suspicion.

"Why him?" Jiang Shuo and Sun Daoming asked in unison.

Anyone could see there was serious friction between them, yet Feng En acted as if he hadn't noticed. "If you don't want to go, just tell me. I won't force you."

Jiang Shuo opened his mouth, but in the end swallowed the words that had risen to his lips.

Sun Daoming also seemed to have something to say, but though he disliked Jiang Shuo, he reconsidered: if the two of them were alone together, wouldn't it be the perfect chance to get his revenge?

The trip to Dream Red Pavilion promised a feast for the eyes, but more importantly, it was a rare opportunity to gain experience. Within Yulin City, the power of Dream Red Pavilion and the Hundred Flowers Sect ranked among the very strongest. With the protection of both sects, their safety wouldn't be a concern. It was like a great merit had fallen from the sky into their laps—how could they give up such an opportunity so easily?

"Since no one has any objections, then it's settled," Feng En announced, putting an end to the matter.

After that, everything proceeded as planned.

Once he had finished giving them instructions, Feng En wrote a letter in his own hand and gave it to Jiang Shuo and Sun Daoming. To avoid drawing suspicion, the two of them would go to Dream Red Pavilion on their own, without an escort from the Hundred Flowers Sect.

After asking for directions along the way, the two arrived in front of Dream Red Pavilion.

Dream Red Pavilion stood beside the busiest market in Yulin. Its interlocking brackets and green tiles gleamed, and countless colorful canopies draped its pavilions, casting brilliant hues across the ground beneath the sunlight. Customers streamed in and out, while the lilting voices of women and the faint strains of beautiful music drifted from within.

The moment they stepped through the entrance, they were met with laughter and lively chatter. The air was rich with the aroma of food and wine. Onstage, ten young women danced gracefully to the music; beside the tables, one beauty after another raised a wine pot to pour for the guests, creating a feverish atmosphere.

Seeing it all, Jiang Shuo felt as if he had wandered into a dream. He even lost himself for a moment.

It was hard to imagine, amid this picture of peace and prosperity, that so many refugees outside were starving. The thought filled him with a wistful melancholy.

"You really are a country bumpkin who's never seen the world. Coming to Dream Red Pavilion, all you'll do is make our Hundred Flowers Sect look bad." Seeing Jiang Shuo's expression, Sun Daoming assumed he was entranced by the sights and couldn't help sneering at him.