Chapter 313: Good Place

After entering Zhonghu Road, the number of people on the road finally began to increase. Most importantly, Ji Yuan could at last see many villages.

Ke Yundong's three siblings and Zhou Xing were noticeably more relaxed after realizing no ghosts or demons were following them. Additionally, because a little spiritual energy had unknowingly entered them, the four of them had also regained their spirits. As a result, there was constant laughter and cheerful conversation throughout the journey, especially from Old Niu, who particularly enjoyed talking to the Ke family's two sisters and was very humorous.

Unfortunately, although Niu Batian could often make the Ke sisters laugh, his simple, rustic face held him back. In contrast, Yan Fei, who always appeared aloof or deep in thought, drew more attention from the two Ke sisters.

After Old Niu's eighth failed attempt to flirt, he couldn't help but lament alone in a corner about his sincere feelings going unrequited, which utterly astonished Ji Yuan.

Although Old Niu had a simple and honest face, his eyes were constantly darting around. Furthermore, he had long ago asked Zhou Xing and Ke Yundong about brothels, so naturally, their brother and friend would have already warned the two sisters to be wary of him.

About twelve days after leaving Wuya Ghost City, the silhouette of Luping City appeared in their sight.

Since leaving the Dazhen Pass, Ji Yuan had rarely seen a truly prosperous large city. Luping City, however, was definitely a major city, both in Dazhen and in Zuyue.

Perhaps due to the better public order here, the flow of pedestrians seemed endless. By the time they reached the city, the sky had already turned a dusky yellow.

The Ke siblings and Zhou Xing naturally urged Ji Yuan and Yan Fei to stay as guests at their home. However, Ji Yuan declined, citing a need for quiet. Upon entering the city, he immediately parted ways with the four and chose to find a suitable inn for himself.

Tianlang Inn was located in the west of the city and was considered a decent inn in Luping City. After bidding farewell to the three Ke siblings and Zhou Xing, Ji Yuan and his companions stayed there.

As soon as Ji Yuan finished tidying his room, he heard a 'thump, thump, thump' at the door. He opened it to find Yan Fei standing outside.

“Mr. Ji, it's getting late today. How about we visit the Wei family tomorrow instead? I'll go to the Wei family's shop in the city shortly to inform them of our visit tomorrow, which will show proper courtesy.”

Ji Yuan naturally had no objections.

“All right, you go. If anything comes up, just let me know.”

Dinner had already been eaten, so Ji Yuan was preparing to rest in his room for a while. Yan Fei, after nodding, left with his sword.

The Wei family's Dangzi Shop in the city was a general store belonging to the Wei family. Anyone with a slight knowledge of the martial arts world could easily find this out, and Yan Fei, of course, knew it well.

Dangzi Shop closed much later than other shops. Even though it was already dark, its doors were still open, with a large lantern bearing a prominent 'Wei' character hanging brightly in front of the entrance.

By this time, there were far fewer pedestrians on the street. As Yan Fei reached the shop entrance, he saw a middle-aged man sitting behind the counter, huddled against the wall, appearing either asleep or dispirited.

However, as Yan Fei approached and entered the shop, the man immediately became alert. Seeing that the newcomer carried a sword and had a steady gait, he did not address him as an ordinary customer.

“Sir knight, are you here to purchase goods or do you have business with my Wei family?”

Yan Fei cupped his hands around his sword in a salute.

“I am Yan Fei. Tomorrow, I will bring my master to visit the Wei family in Luping City and request to view the 'Wordless Heavenly Book'.”

“Yan Fei?”

The middle-aged man frowned in thought for a moment, scrutinizing Yan Fei's attire and his sword. A sudden realization dawned on him, and he rose from his seat.

“Could it be Yan Fei, the Flying Swordsman, Yan Daxia?”

“It is indeed I, Yan, but I dare not accept the title of 'Daxia'. Please, shopkeeper, let's not mention it again.”

Yan Fei's humble refusal was truly from his heart.

Whether it was true or false, the shopkeeper dared not be neglectful and quickly cupped his hands in return.

“I understand, sir. I will certainly inform the Wei manor of this news. If Daxia Yan has no place to stay, I can also lead you directly to the manor outside the city to rest!”

“No need. My master and I already have a place to stay.”

The shopkeeper came around the counter and asked earnestly.

“May I ask who the master Daxia Yan mentioned is? Is it a renowned knight from the martial arts world?”

Rumor had it that Yan Fei's origins were very mysterious, so the shopkeeper couldn't help but wonder if it was a famous swordsman.

“He is not a figure from the martial arts world, merely a respected elder of mine. Please just convey the message, shopkeeper. I shall not trouble you further!”

“Very well, Daxia Yan, farewell!”

After they bid each other farewell, one strode away, while the other, after a moment of thought, quickly went to the backyard to inform a clerk, instructing him to immediately ride a fast horse out of the city to notify the Wei family.

Yan Fei was hurrying back to the inn when, as he passed a street corner, a dark figure suddenly rushed towards him, almost upon him by the time he saw it. He instinctively leaped back with his Qinggong, but then his vision blurred, and he bumped into someone behind him.

“Zheng…”

In a flash, Yan Fei drew his sword and swung it.

“Dang…”

The moment his sword edge was blocked, Yan Fei did not retreat or lose power. Instead, he used the force to spin, gliding to one side along the path of his sword. After rotating his long sword to an angle, he channeled his inner energy and struck the hilt forcefully with his left palm.

This lightning-fast reaction caused his long sword to pierce the air with a swish. The dark figure in front of him leaned back, its body twisting as it retreated to the side. But Yan Fei changed his move halfway through the thrust, and the blade swept down almost precisely along the dark figure's line of retreat.

“Ding…”

With another crisp clang, the sword tip was surprisingly pinched by the other party, and an anxious voice rang out.

“Hey, hey, hey, hey… Yan brother, look closely, it's me, Old Niu!”

Only then did Yan Fei truly see who the dark figure was: it was indeed Niu Batian, dressed in luxurious clothes. He wasn't wearing his usual short jacket and undershirt, which was why Yan Fei hadn't recognized him at first.

“Brother Niu? Where did you get these clothes? Why were you sneaking around?”

Old Niu then patted his chest and released his grip.

“No wonder Brother Yan's martial arts name is the Flying Swordsman; your swordsmanship is indeed incredibly fast. You scared me, Old Niu! I've treasured these clothes for a long time; if you had cut them, I wouldn't have a second set!”

‘He's just worried about his clothes being torn…’

Yan Fei's expression dimmed slightly as his gaze fell upon his long sword; the tip had just been pinched by Old Niu, and he couldn't push it in or pull it out.

“Brother Niu, what are you doing out here? Are you just looking for me or do you have other important business? Where's Mr. Ji?”

Old Niu grinned, walked closer to Yan Fei, and naturally placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Brother Yan, Mr. Ji is cultivating at the inn, so let's not disturb him. I, Old Niu, came out to take you to a good place. Come on, let's go now!”

“What kind of place?”

“Oh, so many questions! You'll know when you get there. By the way, Brother Yan, how much silver do you have on you?”

Yan Fei found this a bit baffling and reached to weigh the money pouch in his embrace.

“Many areas in Zuyue are chaotic, and banking is restricted. Banknotes from one city are only usable within that city. Most of the banknotes I carry are not from Luping City. I only have one pouch of actual silver, about thirty taels.”

“Hehehehe, thirty taels is enough, definitely enough! Silver is still valuable here!”

Old Niu grinned, slung an arm around Yan Fei, and led him off in another direction, appearing even more affectionate.

Although Yan Fei didn't know where Old Niu was taking him, he had grown to trust Niu Batian over the past few days. Besides, he was a bull demon after all, and might have some important place to visit, so Yan Fei didn't say much.

One possessed impressive martial arts, and the other was a demon; naturally, their pace was not slow. About a quarter of an hour later, they arrived at a place in the city that was exceedingly lively even at night.

“Come, come, esteemed guest, come in and have some fun!”

“Oh, my, esteemed guest, you look so distinguished…” “Oh, guest, hurry inside, it's cold out here!”

Beautifully dressed young women greeted guests along the street. Some even reached out and pulled people in, and those "passersby" who feigned reluctance would squirm a bit before being led into the buildings on both sides.

Seeing Yan Fei and Niu Batian made many young women's eyes light up. Although Yan Fei was approaching forty, he had been a famously handsome young man in his youth, and now possessed an added touch of world-weariness, which was utterly captivating to these women.

“Wow, that guest with the sword is truly handsome!”

“Don't be afraid, esteemed guest!” “Oh, guest, hurry inside! There's wine, food, and we'll be here to keep you company!”

Seeing several lightly-dressed women suddenly come to pull at him, Yan Fei immediately felt immense pressure. He looked at the grinning Old Niu.

“Bro- Brother Niu, the good place you mentioned…”

“That's right, this is it! Come on, come on, Brother Yan, don't waste time! Look how enthusiastic these young women are!”

Old Niu watched Yan Fei almost being 'eaten' by these women, laughing gleefully. However, he suddenly realized that all the women were pulling at Yan Fei, and no one was paying attention to him, which immediately brought a sense of desolation.

Half a quarter of an hour later, Yan Fei, clutching his sword and slightly breathless, leaned against a wall in a small alley to regain his composure. He had escaped, feeling more exhausted than after a fight with a demon. His money pouch had been left with Niu Batian; otherwise, Old Niu wouldn't have let him leave.

Another quarter of an hour passed before he returned to the inn. Yan Fei, having returned to his usual state, passed Ji Yuan's room. He wanted to inform him of the result of his visit to the Wei family, but feared Mr. Ji was cultivating, so he hesitated for a moment before preparing to leave.

“Creak…”

The door suddenly opened. Ji Yuan had already heard Yan Fei's footsteps from inside.

“Daxia Yan, is something the matter?”

Yan Fei quickly cupped his hands in salute.

“Nothing important, sir. I just wanted to inform you that I have already notified the Wei family.”

“Mm, thank you for your trouble.”

However, as Ji Yuan spoke, he detected the strong scent of various types of rouge and powder on Yan Fei, all mixed together. Yet, Yan Fei didn't appear as if he had just indulged in physical intimacy. So, in a rare moment of jest, Ji Yuan asked with a smile.

“Were you dragged to a brothel by that brute of a bull?”

Yan Fei's face immediately turned crimson with urgency.

“Mr. Ji, I didn't…”

Ji Yuan raised a hand to stop Yan Fei's explanation, merely smiling.

“I, Ji, naturally know that you didn't enter and stay for pleasure. Daxia Yan, get some rest.”

Despite Mr. Ji's words, Yan Fei still felt extremely awkward. Even after returning to his room, he remained deeply uncomfortable. If he hadn't been unable to defeat Old Niu, he would have truly wanted to give him a beating.