Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1484 - 928: Carefully Nurtured

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Previously on Journey to the End of the Night...
Shu Ci, weakened and in her seven-tailed form, summons low-level forest spirits for aid. The spirits, initially disdainful of her appearance, are captivated by the injured Baili An. Shu Ci claims Baili An is her intended meal but must wait for him to recover, leading the spirits to believe she tortured him. A cat spirit expresses pity, while a bear spirit suggests Shu Ci should still nourish herself with Baili An.

'With your dark skin, only a mountain leopardess would even glance at you,' the mountain cat lady retorted with utter disdain. 'How could a vulgar being like you even begin to compare with this young master? At best, you're just a brute. But look at this young gentleman; though he appears slender and frail,' she continued, her gaze lingering. 'Observe those broad shoulders and long legs; once he's recovered, that lean waist might just reveal a potent strength in the bedroom, a flavor that could truly stir the soul. It is bound to make one feel it in their very marrow, utterly unforgettable. Such a man is truly a rare find, each glance a precious gem.'

Shu Ci found the expression 'marrow taste' quite captivating, silently commending the little mountain cat for her discerning palate. She inquired humbly, 'So, is his most delectable part the kidney?' When he awakens and regains his kidney, should it be thinly sliced for charcoal grilling with salt and pepper, or perhaps steamed with fragrant sesame sauce? Shu Ci paused, then suddenly considered that he possessed two kidneys; it might be best to try both grilling and steaming. With this thought, a faint smile, a longing, bloomed on her usually dull and indifferent features, involuntary emerging from the corner of her lips.

The mountain cat creature, upon hearing Shu Ci's question, blushed deeply, her eyes instinctively flicking towards the young man's disheveled dark hair. His pale, slender body bore stains of blood, not appearing dirty, but rather enhancing his eerily beautiful, sickly charm. A flicker of spring warmth appeared in the corners of her eyes, and she licked her lips, embarrassed. 'The most delicious part isn't necessarily confined to the young master's waist alone.'

'Pah, you fiends truly have no sense of shame,' the black bear spirit grumbled jealously, spitting acidly. 'Seeing a handsome man and you can't even walk straight.' Shu Ci listened with keen interest, eager to discover which part might be the tastiest. However, the mountain cat lady grew exceedingly shy, lowering her head and blushing, lost in her own thoughts and unwilling to continue.

Shu Ci, feeling a pang of disappointment, shifted the subject, asking if she knew of a suitable place nearby for recuperation. The mountain cat woman, observing Baili An's exceptional demeanor and deeply concealed inner brilliance, surmised he was likely a cultivator. Feeling sympathy for the young man's plight, she discreetly offered a suggestion. 'If you're searching for a tranquil and refined place for healing, I would recommend Anle Workshop in Liangshan City. The young women there are attentive, gentle, and tender. You'll only need to pay a bit of silver, and they will surely see to your young master's care.'

She mused that if this young gentleman were indeed a cultivator, he would surely absorb some essence from these mortal women to restore his body. Thus, under the care of this seemingly fox-like demoness, who had mastered the Art of Energy Gathering, he might regain more vitality and life force. Shu Ci found her suggestion quite practical; her own skills lay in destruction and crafting undead weapons, not in nurturing others. If entrusted to meticulous and delicate hands, her precious one could undoubtedly be restored to health.

After sending away the group of minor demons, Shu Ci hoisted Baili An onto her back and set off directly towards Liangshan City. Her voluptuous and alluring figure did not impede her progress. Before dawn broke, Shu Ci arrived at the entrance of Anle Workshop, Baili An still carried on her back. Warm lights emanated, smoke swirled delicately, red phoenix tents swayed, sycamore trees rustled, golden rain fell, and soft bed curtains hung invitingly. Even under the bright moonlight, the brothel was adorned with colorful lanterns.

Singing girls displayed their charms, their jade-like arms waving silken handkerchiefs, captivating the common folk and enticing patrons. Though the night was quiet, this brothel pulsed with life, thronged with people coming and going. Anle Workshop held a notable reputation in Liangshan City, attracting patrons who were typically high-ranking officials, refined scholars, or elegant poets. Therefore, Shu Ci, with her strikingly beautiful face capable of drawing out the very marrow from bones, appearing with a half-dead, almost lifeless young man, seemed somewhat out of place.

Shu Ci was clad in coarse garments, retrieved from a farmstead's backyard. Though loose, they couldn't conceal her proud physique, drawing persistent glances from the assembled scholars and poets. Some libertines seeking amusement boldly snapped their fingers and whistled, attempting to flirt from a distance. Inside the brothel, the old madam observed this bold

The woman then cast her gaze upon the individual being carried on her back, emitting a soft clucking sound. Despite being drenched in blood, his countenance was ashen, mirroring that of the deceased.

Yet, with such finely sculpted features, he would undoubtedly command attention as a premier gentleman, even within the most renowned entertainment establishments of the capital.

One should not be misled by the delicate courtesans present at the Anle Workshop. The madam of the establishment, having witnessed a great deal, understood that in private moments, many who appeared virtuous and upright harbored unconventional desires.

Truly, this was an exceptionally elaborate method of arriving at a location; the preparations must have been exceedingly thorough.

Observing the enchanting woman about to step into the building with the young man slung over her shoulder, the brothel madam's sharply painted eyebrows arched. She then inquired in a high-pitched, direct tone:

"Eh, eh, eh? Whose courtesan are you, making such a spectacle at our Anle Workshop?"

Shu Ci's brow furrowed, disturbed by the overwhelming fragrance of cosmetics. "I am here to facilitate his recovery. Kindly direct me to a tranquil, secluded area."

Oh? Such an ungracious demeanor. One might mistake her for the Empress herself, gracing the mortal realm.

The brothel madam's expression was laced with sarcasm. "What unfortunate circumstance brings you here tonight, you bewitching woman?

This is the Anle Workshop, a place dedicated to pleasure. You, carrying a near-lifeless man, have surely mistaken your destination."

Shu Ci took two steps back, her eyes scanning the signboard. With utmost seriousness, she stated, "I have not erred in my arrival. I have indeed entered the Anle Workshop and require arrangements for some thoughtful and attentive attendants to care for him."

A sense of suspicion suddenly dawned upon the brothel madam.

It appeared this woman was not dispatched by a rival establishment to stir up trouble.

Now, this was truly perplexing. She had encountered spirited young women visiting brothels to confront unfaithful partners or to voice their grievances.

However, she had never before witnessed a woman escorting her own husband to seek out female companionship for his enjoyment.

Indeed, the world is vast and full of marvels.

Adhering to the principle that every patron deserves attention, the madam's stern demeanor softened slightly, though a trace of disdain persisted due to the woman's unrefined attire.

"If the guest desires to engage the services of a courtesan, it is not an impossibility. However, the ladies in our establishment are highly valued.

Securing one for the entire night will incur a significant expense. Forgive my candor, but your appearance suggests limited financial means."

Shu Ci then recalled that the mortal world operated differently from the Demon Realm, where a mere stamp of her foot could resolve any issue.

Not only could she request individuals, but even ordering the dismemberment of Demon Cultivators would not be met with defiance, let alone a demand for payment.

Fortunately, Baili An's Qiankun Bag remained in her possession. Although no silver was found, she retrieved several luminous pearls that shimmered brightly.

The radiance was so intense it nearly blinded the brothel madam.

"My apologies, I truly failed to recognize your esteemed status. We are honored to have encountered such a distinguished guest this evening."

In the realm of pleasure, individuals have consistently demonstrated an acute ability to detect the scent of wealth.

Regardless of whether the patron is a captivating woman or even an eunuch, would they not still require exceptional service?

Shu Ci was quite pleased with this shift in attitude.

"Come, come, all of you lacking in attentiveness, quickly prepare some hot water, assist this young man inside, and see that he receives proper care. Oh dear, all this blood, how did he sustain such grievous injuries? My heart aches for him."

Shu Ci mused internally that he was, after all, her beloved.

Even if he were to be attended to by mortals, their service should not be subpar, should it?

Thus, throughout the night, Lord Mohe indulged in extravagant spending, summoning every radiant Oiran available at the establishment, demonstrating remarkable generosity.

This abundance of patronage left the brothel madam ecstatic, her face beaming with delight.

In her eagerness to retain such an exceptional patron, she even called upon the courtesans who were still undergoing training.