Within Ascension City, marketplaces crisscrossed amid a haze of spiritual energy. The Fragrant Pavilion, situated in the bustling heart of the city, was one of its most renowned pleasure houses.
Inside, carved beams and painted rafters rose above lightly drawn pearl curtains. Strings and flutes played lilting melodies, while the crisp fragrance of fine spirit tea mingled with delicate incense and the soft scent of rouge in women's hair, weaving an intoxicating atmosphere of sensual beauty.
Everyone who came and went was either a richly dressed cultivator of extraordinary bearing or a merchant with wealth enough to fill their waistbands with gold. Ordinary folk did not even have the right to approach the steps.
"What would you honored guests like to drink?
"We have just received Cloudmist Spirit Tea and Hundred-Blossom Brew, as well as an assortment of exquisite spirit pastries..."
The female steward hurried forward, her face wreathed in a practiced, accommodating smile. Her voice was clear and pleasing, like an oriole singing beside a mountain stream, soothing the moment it reached the ear.
As she bowed respectfully and made her inquiries, she discreetly swept her gaze over the three unexpected guests from the corners of her eyes.
The young man at their head stood straight as a pine, his bearing magnificent. A carefree ease graced his brow, and his exquisite brocade robe lent him an elegant air, like an immortal exiled to the mortal world.
The two standing on either side of him were likewise striking in appearance and exceptional in bearing. One was cold as frost, the other quiet and restrained; neither could possibly belong to the lowly ranks of common rogue cultivators.
But what truly jolted the steward and brought her instantly to full attention was this: after entering, the young man had barely glanced