Chapter 192: Serious Rabbit (II)

In the end, Wang Baiyan still agreed to meet.

Precisely because he understood how incredible this matter was, he had to see who this new Ma Wang was.

The dark corners of every city, and the forces behind them, were like cockroach nests; perhaps they weren't strong in the eyes of experts, but unless everyone was killed, they could never be completely eradicated.

Within a single day, all intelligence agencies failed to detect how, in just four hours, the new Ma Wang subdued countless forces within the entire Xi Jiu Men, deposed the old Ma Wang, took over, and remained as stable as Mount Tai, even making the former Ma Wang willingly serve as her pawn, to be driven by her.

What kind of skill was this?

Who could possibly accomplish such an unbelievable feat?

Wang Baiyan felt a chill just thinking about it; if this person were to become his enemy in the future, could he withstand her?

Today, she wanted to be Ma Wang, and it only took her four hours to achieve it.

What if tomorrow, she wanted to be his 'Boss'?

He had to understand the other party, he had to see with his own eyes who this person was.

As soon as he decided to meet, Wang Baiyan arranged everything for the meeting within fifteen minutes.

Everything was orderly, and within half an hour, their meeting was set.

Another thirty minutes passed.

Wang Baiyan arrived at the designated location.

It was in the largest pleasure house of the Xi Jiu Men, the Red-Green Tower.

Its name was derived from the saying 'red and green powder,' alluding to the business conducted within.

This place was extremely luxurious, covering a vast area; upon entering, one could see green forests casting shadows, green waters forming patterns, mountains reflecting bright light, and intertwined eaves facing each other.

There were red pavilions and green chambers, connected by floating pathways, with cultivation methods arranged inside to control the temperature, known as: 'Four seasons outside, but no cold or heat within.'

Outside the eaves, there were all sorts of mountain ponds, bamboo, pine, orchids, and irises, arrayed along the steps, wafting fragrance with the wind and dew, emitting a pervasive, luxurious glow; there were not many solemn places, but everywhere were pavilions filled with alluring scents, making one's heart flutter and soul sway.

From the outside, it was a continuous stretch of green walls and red pillars, but once inside, one could see flowing silk robes in the wind, light gauze fluttering, countless beauties walking along the corridors, and hear the sounds of cymbals, mournful flutes, zithers, and endless singing and dancing.

Vermilion screens and emerald curtains, clear ponds and small mountains, flowers and trees nestled among red railings and winding corridors.

As soon as Wang Baiyan arrived, a servant immediately bowed and led him into a secluded room, offering golden chalices and exquisite delicacies.

Inside the room, there were singing girls and dancing girls, playing zithers and blowing sheng pipes, with strings and winds playing in succession, continuing day and night without fatigue.

Wang Baiyan was the first to arrive at this place, walking into the building.

As he entered, he laughed heartily and naturally sat down: “Haha, I once heard that in this Red-Green Tower, there is a beauty named Yuehua, who is always at the top of the flower rankings, skilled at playing the konghou, and can perform the song of ‘Mingfei Exiting the Border,’ moving all who hear it. My fortune is shallow, and I have never seen her. Tonight, with Ma Wang as the host, do I have a chance to feast my eyes?”

The welcoming servant immediately replied with a smile: “It is an honor for the Boss to grace us with his presence; how could a few women not appear? Tonight, the Red-Green Tower is not open to other guests, only for the Boss. All twenty-eight famous beauties from the Scholar Fairy Flower Ranking are present!”

Wang Baiyan, looking pleased, patted his folding fan: “Excellent, excellent.”

“I’ve long heard of the reputation of this Scholar Fairy Flower Ranking, said to cost thousands of gold in a single day, with beauties displaying their utmost charm. Today, I must witness it,” Wang Baiyan said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, the servant clapped his hands and gave a secret signal to the outside.

Then, twenty-eight young women, graceful in their steps and movements, danced and sang, accompanied by zithers and lutes, following the music and rhythm, like clear ripples at the bottom of a pond, or dew not yet dried, with emerald scarves gently swaying and a fragrant aura emanating from their clothes.

Some were captivating to the eyes, occasionally taking elegant steps, serving barefoot.

Some were of supreme beauty, uniquely enchanting, with a natural, resonant charm.

Some possessed exceptional temperament, like crimson clouds in the sky or white cranes in the clouds.

Some had melodious, delicate voices, like new willows in the wind or娇莺 beneath the flowers.

Some were frail and delicate, too weak to withstand the wind, too tender to face the sun.

Some were skilled in music and song, chewing flowers and blowing leaves, embracing the moon and playing with the wind.

Some danced like swirling flowers, their golden lotuses touching the ground, their waists exquisitely slender.

Some had the most exquisite singing voices, dressed plainly, their voices like young Phoenixes.

Some excelled in poetry and composition, outstanding and intelligent.

The twenty-eight beauties, each with her unique charm, were dazzling to behold; their eyes were like autumn waves, seemingly about to speak, their spring countenances elegant, their every movement graceful.

Those who played played, those who sang sang, those who danced danced; as soon as they performed, listeners were captivated, and observers' hearts fluttered.

The servant then continued to speak into Wang Baiyan’s ear:

“Does the Boss know that ordinarily, although these beauties are skilled in music and dance, they would not lightly sing or dance unless it was for a close friend or an intimate gathering? Even with repeated praise, they would not easily perform. There are wealthy magnates in the city who would spare no expense to add splendor to this place, yet they have never been able to catch a glimpse of their beauty.”

“But as soon as the beauties heard the Boss was coming, they canceled all their scheduled engagements and rushed to adorn themselves, just waiting for the Boss to come and appreciate the flowers. This shows how renowned the Boss is.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Baiyan laughed heartily: “Hahaha, you have a sweet tongue. Someone, reward him!”

As he said “reward,” a genial smile on his face, he merely glanced at the beauties without lingering, then swayed step by step towards the main hall.

However, as soon as he reached the main hall, he froze.

In the main hall, a beauty was waiting for him.

Wang Baiyan could tell that unlike the common, fake noble women outside, the one sitting here exuded an inherent coldness and nobility.

She had not come out with the common women outside; instead, she was waiting inside.

At a glance, it was as if he saw a clear moon and gentle breeze, willows in the evening wind, like a light cup of tea, serene and graceful in appearance, gazing at her cleansed one's worldly thoughts, like the pure brilliance of the moon sweeping by, utterly devoid of worldly taint, causing Wang Baiyan to lose himself for a moment.

Others might not discern it, perhaps only perceiving her as a beautiful girl, but he could immediately see the unforgettable quality of this woman.

Coldness in her heart, freedom in her bones, grace in her flesh, beauty on her skin.

This was what truly constituted a beauty!

Those outside were merely a pile of flesh.

Wang Baiyan was utterly astounded, even forgetting to breathe.

After several seconds, he clapped his folding fan and asked the servant beside him: “Which beauty from the Scholar Fairy Flower Ranking is this? Why have I never heard of her?”

Upon hearing this, the servant’s face turned pale, and he broke out in a cold sweat.

He immediately knelt and kowtowed, his head thudding against the floor: “Boss, please do not joke! Please be careful, this is our new Ma Wang of Xi Jiu Men!”

New Ma Wang!?

Wang Baiyan was astonished.

He observed that this woman was by no means ordinary, thinking she was one of the courtesans from outside, merely fallen into a life of pleasure, but he never expected this person to be the new Ma Wang.

This person, unified the Xi Jiu Men within four hours?

Was she the formidable figure who, in just half a day, brought all the underground forces of Guangyang City under her control?!

As Wang Baiyan was astonished, the woman spoke.

“Wang… Baiyan, right?” the woman said.

Her voice was also very pleasant.

However, Wang Baiyan quickly regained his composure and immediately replied: “Precisely. May I ask why Ma Wang invited me here? This is our first meeting, and if I have offended you in any way, please forgive me, Ma Wang.”

She was beautiful, but he still knew how to distinguish between important and unimportant matters.

Then, he saw the woman in front of him open her eyes, and a hint of spiritual luminescence slowly appeared, as if… she had just woken up.

Her previously somewhat dull and bewildered gaze quickly returned to a lively one, and she straightened her posture: “You don’t need to bother with those trivial matters. Everyone, withdraw. Who told you to arrange so many people?”

The kneeling servant quickly said: “But wasn’t this personally arranged by you, Ma Wang?”

“When did I arrange it?” The new Ma Wang frowned.

“You said everything should remain as usual, and in the past… this was the standard,” the servant replied nervously.

“Then withdraw it starting now. I want to speak with Wang Baiyan alone. All irrelevant personnel, leave,” the new Ma Wang reprimanded.

The servant hastily withdrew all the attendants and beauties, leaving only the new Ma Wang and Wang Baiyan.

Wang Baiyan didn’t feel much, only that this new Ma Wang’s actions were a bit strange.

She didn’t know what she had arranged?

Was she not as shrewd and capable as he had imagined?

Then how did she manage to overturn everything in four hours?

Wang Baiyan was puzzled but said nothing more; all the servants and beauties who had been attending them had withdrawn.

Then, he saw the new Ma Wang glance at Wang Baiyan and mutter: “Wang family of Sword South? How come your people are here too…”

Wang Baiyan’s eyes lifted, flashing with a mix of fierceness and fear.

Killing intent surged in his heart, and all thoughts of pitying the beauty vanished.

How did this person know?!

Had his background been exposed?

When? Where?

How could this be!?

But the new Ma Wang seemed not to notice these things, and instead, she began to enter the topic on her own: “My name is Shen Shuibi. From now on, I will speak first, and you are not to interrupt.”

“Li Qi sent me to find you; there are a few things I need to tell you.”

Wang Baiyan’s entire body trembled, and he immediately took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in his heart.

Li Qi? She was Li Qi’s person?

Well, as expected of a direct Disciple of Shaman God Mountain, to have uncovered his background and origins so thoroughly. Was this to give him a warning? Did Li Qi already know his plans?

Truly formidable; he had underestimated the capabilities of Shaman God Mountain Disciples.

Wang Baiyan secretly elevated Li Qi to the highest level of alert in his heart, but Shen Shuibi didn’t care at all; she continued speaking on her own:

“Chan Zhi’s matter has been exposed. Now, to protect the hundred thousand commoners from being sacrificed, Li Qi has taken the initiative to deal with Chan Zhi. He sent me to find you, saying you have a solution.”

“Then, now I need to find a way to reach Li Qi. Give me all the information you have on Chan Zhi.”

“Someone has also gone to Orthodox Sword Palace. I also have some information regarding the appearance of Rat Soil Mound in the Swallowing Heaven Demon Nest.”

“You are to provide all your resources for me to allocate; I need to save Li Qi.”

“Finally, if you cooperate honestly, I can give you the Luofu Moon-Running Visualization Method.”

Shen Shuibi was concise, quickly stating her demands and the compensation she could offer.

Wang Baiyan, though surprised by the preceding words, remained composed.

Only at the last sentence, upon hearing the words “Luofu Moon-Running Visualization Method,” did he directly stand up, and the surroundings were suddenly filled with pressure, with frameworks appearing in this place. Immediately, this heaven and earth acquired ‘rules.’

Rules unique to Wang Baiyan.

The rules bound the area, and within this area, Wang Baiyan was the rule; the external Yin and Yang paused, the four seasons nearly ceased, and Shen Shuibi was also instantly enveloped within the framework.

Wang Baiyan shouted sternly: “Who exactly are you!? Why do you know the Luofu Moon-Running Visualization Method?!”

His voice was filled with fear.

Shen Shuibi frowned: “How do I know? Why wouldn’t I know something I wrote myself?”

Upon hearing this, Wang Baiyan, instead of being angry, laughed mockingly, sneering: “What a joke! Do you know who wrote this? In Luofu Grotto Heaven, there is Fairy Yuehua, known as the Mother of the Yellow God of Lunar Qi in the Moon. The Luofu Moon-Running Visualization Method was created by her; it is one of the top visualization methods among the fifth-Rank cultivation methods in the world. You wrote it yourself? Did you perhaps write some random cultivation method and it just coincidentally has this name?”

He absolutely did not believe that the person in front of him could produce the “Luofu Moon-Running Visualization Method.”

One must know that Fairy Yuehua, who composed the “Luofu Moon-Running Visualization Method,” was the most mysterious figure of Mount Luofu.

This esteemed figure was rarely seen, often disappearing for hundreds or even thousands of years, to the extent that even Mount Luofu itself could not find her trace, and her name was not even widely known. Only Empress Luofu and another figure with the body of a Golden Crow, the True Monarch of Red Qi, could find her.

However, although this person was rarely seen, her reputation was immense; the cultivation methods she created and the Medicinal Pills she refined were renowned throughout Sword South. A single Medicinal Pill was incredibly precious, almost impossible to exchange for a seventh-Rank world, and its efficacy was excellent, almost unrivaled within the fifth-Rank.

Even within Mount Luofu, only those with diligent hearts, true sincerity, and the recorded bones of a Heavenly Immortal could hear of it.

Even if one had the qualifications, one still had to pass three trials; initially, one person was granted the Legacy every three hundred years, and later, only one person every seven hundred years, which shows its preciousness.

Now that Mount Luofu was destroyed, this item was even closer to being lost.

The Wang family, as a prominent aristocratic clan of Tang Nation in Sword South, had a long Legacy, which was why they knew such secret information.

Even people from Shaman God Mountain, these things were not accessible to ninth or eighth-Rank individuals.

Shen Shuibi frowned upon hearing Wang Baiyan’s words.

So, she replied very directly: “If you don’t want it, then let’s change it. How about the ‘Profound Gate Treasure Sea Scripture’? This is a seventh-Rank cultivation method, that should be fine, right?”

“Why do you have this?” Wang Baiyan immediately asked.

“You’re so annoying. Do you want it or not?” Shen Shuibi became agitated and waved her hand casually.

Then, the surrounding ‘rules’ were directly shattered.

The solidified world instantly broke apart, without even the slightest restriction being imposed.

The Rabbit, who was already very angry, said directly: “It’s a fair trade. If you don’t want to trade, then I’ll just take it. After you die, I’ll place the compensation on your corpse, and the Wang family of Sword South will find it very worthwhile.”

Her patience was running out.

Ever since Li Qi left, an indescribable irritation had been festering in her heart, and now the Rabbit’s eyes were red.

If any more time was wasted, she would resort to brute force.