Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1486 - 929: Lady_2

Bai Zhanji affirmed with a nod, noticing his elder brother entertaining guests, and without exchanging pleasantries, he bowed to the fair-complexioned young man.

Though Bai Yuanduo had no intention of chasing after him, he offered a polite nod to his companions and formally introduced his guest.

"This is fellow Daoist Su Li, an Inner Disciple hailing from the Taixuan Sect. Recently, a disciple of our Sect who was journeying abroad took up residence in this very city and unfortunately met a dire fate.

A demon fox, having stolen his Spirit Root, is responsible. Fellow Daoist Su Li has come to pursue justice and earnestly hopes to apprehend the culprit swiftly."

"A demon fox?" Bai Zhanji's expression shifted subtly.

"What transpired?" Bai Yuanduo inquired.

With a look laced with apprehension, Bai Zhanji recounted the recent events to his elder brother.

Upon hearing that a Scripture Master and a Hall Master were among the accompanying party, Bai Yuanduo arose solemnly, performing two deep bows as a gesture of profound respect.

"I never anticipated that the modest Yundu Villa harbored such peril. It necessitated the involvement of two masters to quell it. Reflecting on it now certainly instills a sense of unease."

Bai Zhanji cast a glance at the fair-skinned young man seated at the table and queried, "What a curious coincidence, could this fellow Daoist also be a disciple of the Taixuan Sect?"

Wen Hanwei's eyes flickered as she observed the fellow disciple bearing the surname Su. A hint of contemplation danced in her amber gaze, yet she remained silent.

The young man, Su Li by name, inclined his head towards Wen Hanwei, offering, "Greetings, Scripture Master Wen."

Despite his respectful salutation, he did not rise from his seat.

Wen Hanwei's eyes shimmered, her thoughtful expression artfully concealed, and she responded with a slight nod.

This subtle exchange swiftly dispelled any lingering doubts the Bai brothers held regarding Su Li's identity.

Bai Yuanduo's demeanor softened considerably: "Brother Su, rest assured. Given that demonic vagrants dare to harm the disciples of the Taixuan Sect and perpetrate such wicked acts, I, Yuanduo, shall offer my unwavering assistance to swiftly apprehend this demon fox."

Su Li paused in thought before stating, "A few days ago, the individual orchestrating the disturbance at the teahouse within Yundu Villa was revealed to be an evil cultivator collaborating with a demon fox in secret.

According to Scripture Master Wen's account, both the evil cultivator and the demon fox sustained injuries from her blade. The human evil cultivator, in particular, was struck through the chest by Sword Qi and is undoubtedly teetering on the brink of death.

The demon fox's act of slaying others for their Spirit Roots was likely an attempt to prolong this person's life and mend his grievous wounds."

Bai Yuanduo chuckled, "If both the individual and the fox are grievously injured, it is highly improbable they could have journeyed far."

Su Li lowered his gaze and remarked, "The ultimate camouflage lies within the city's embrace; knowing that cultivators are actively pursuing them, this metropolis serves as their most advantageous sanctuary."

Bai Yuanduo suddenly comprehended: "So, according to your assessment, Brother Su, where might this demon fox be concealing themselves with such a gravely injured companion?"

"Leaves conceal themselves within forests, and water hides within the vast sea; as a demon fox, naturally, a location teeming with females would offer the most effective cover."

The one who responded this time was not Su Li, but Wen Hanwei.

She stood by the window, observing the ceaseless stream of patrons drawn to the vibrant song and dance halls, where dancers twirled with captivating allure amidst melodies both soft and enchanting.

Her eyes, as clear as tranquil autumn waters, seemed to perceive all forms and states through their profound depths.

Wen Hanwei articulated slowly, "Is not this Anle Workshop, a place dedicated to song and dance, precisely the favored haunt for demons and malevolent spirits?"

Bai Yuanduo was taken aback, gradually sitting upright, his expression turning grave as he stated:

"Scripture Master Wen implies that the demon fox may be lurking within this very Anle Workshop."

Wen Hanwei replied, "It is merely a conjecture."

Su Li meditated for a moment before proposing, "If that is the case, we need only ascertain from the brothel's manager whether any new courtesans have been engaged recently to uncover our quarry."

Bai Yuanduo stroked his chin, a knowing smile playing on his lips:

"I have resided within this Anle Workshop for a considerable period, and no new courtesans or dancers have been recruited. However, just a day prior, an intriguing event transpired within Anle Workshop."

Bai Zhanji inquired with palpable curiosity, "What manner of interesting incident occurred?"

Bai Yuanduo shared with leisurely amusement, "Anle Workshop entertains countless patrons daily, and numerous peculiar occurrences are commonplace. Merely three days ago, a rather unique patron made an appearance.

This patron was a stunningly alluring and voluptuous beauty, possessing an charm that was utterly irresistible."

Bai Zhanji, known for his lascivious inclinations, brightened considerably at this mention and exclaimed, "This is the first I've heard of a woman patronizing a brothel. Did she perhaps select two or perhaps even three girls simultaneously?"

Bai Yuanduo let out a hearty laugh, exclaiming, "More than two or three! That beauty selected over a dozen Oiran figures from Anle Workshop in a single night. And she did it behind her little husband's back; a couple visiting a brothel together is quite unheard of. However, I heard her little husband is a sickly fellow; it's unclear where she even picked him up from. When they first arrived, their bodies were covered in blood. They've been sleeping here at Anle Workshop for three days without waking."

The crowd also clicked their tongues, their eyes brimming with contempt and disdain. Yet, upon closer inspection, if something unusual happens, there must be a cause. A captivating and charming woman, barely breathing, and a heavily injured young man? Isn't this exactly like the one person and one fox injured under Wen Hanwei's sword a few days ago? Thinking carefully about it is truly terrifying. Ordering so many girls in one night, could it be they were summoned to aid in the evil cultivator's healing through replenishment?

Upon hearing this, Su Li's face also sank, declaring, "Such lewd and shameless indulgence, recklessly using innocent women, deserves death!"

Bai Yuanduo coughed lightly and advised, "All of you have encountered the fox demon at Yundu Villa. If you act recklessly, you might alert the enemy."

Su Li's eyelids dropped coldly, stating, "That demon fox has not seen me yet. I might as well be the one to go and investigate."

Bai Yuanduo nodded and replied, "That would be good."

With the Thousand Fragrance in hand, Li Jiujiu couldn't wait to take it back to Ying Ji for a try. Meanwhile, Wen Hanwei seemed to have more to discuss with her fellow sect disciple, so Li Jiujiu led the group to leave first.

In another elegant hall that had been set up, Su Li sat in the upper seat, extinguishing the scent exclusively used in brothel settings. He frowned coldly, appearing extremely disdainful of the atmosphere of the place. He took out a small silver beast incense burner from his sleeve, lit the ash, and burned the incense. Before long, a faint sandalwood aroma spread, dispersing the cloying fragrance of cosmetics in the room.

Wen Hanwei arrived before Su Li, sheathed her sword, and bowed ceremoniously, respectfully saying, "Disciple Wen Hanwei greets madam."

The only one deserving such a respectful salutation and addressed as 'madam' within the Taixuan Nine Classics would be Taixuan Sect's second-thousand-year tribulation-transcending Immortal, Su Guanhai's lawful wife, Li Bansheng. Li Bansheng sat upright and dignified, wearing a jade crown, refined and handsome. Even dressed as a man, her elegance seemed natural, possessing a temperament as gentle as water jade.

"Hanwei actually follows a group of foreign cultivators to the city to search for someone; it's indeed quite unexpected." In Li Bansheng’s memory, Wen Hanwei was solitary and reserved, preferring to act alone and avoiding interactions with outsiders. Having lived alone in the mountains for many years, she rarely ventured far and never had any friends. Today is truly rare.

Seeing the hidden care and concern in Li Bansheng’s gentle eyes, Wen Hanwei's heart warmed, yet she didn't inform her about Baili An. She only mentioned that those cultivators were poisoned by demons and that she promised to take them back to the mountains to heal her father. Though Taixuan Sect is one of the Three Sects of Heavenly Dao, it doesn't adhere to the principle of loneliness at the top, always treating the Hundred Immortal Sects generously. Li Bansheng nodded, without much comment.

"I heard that the fox demon was injured by your hand, and there is a Golden Immortal backing it. What does Hanwei think about this matter?"

Wen Hanwei’s eyes sharpened, responding seriously, "Bai Yuanduo has issues."

Li Bansheng smiled faintly and said, "If he had no issues, why would I specifically come to find him? But today’s conversation, he showed no flaws, which makes me wonder if my suspicions are wrong."

Wen Hanwei stated, "During the conversation just now, Bai Yuanduo asked where that fox demon could hide with a severely injured and disabled person..." She lifted her eyes, her gaze deep, "But since when did I say I had severed the evil cultivator's arms?" Before everyone, she only said she pierced his chest with Sword Qi, injuring the Spirit Root. How could Bai Yuanduo know that the evil cultivator was disabled?

Li Bansheng frowned, her expression slightly cold, "Are you suspecting Bai Yuanduo of deliberately concealing the evil cultivator?"

"His face is quite pale, and his breathing is unstable."

Li Bansheng replied, "He claimed it was due to rushing for perfume recently, and his hands are intact. When I watched him drink tea and fan himself, his arms didn't seem injured." Bai Yuanduo's talent is extremely exceptional, yet he hasn't transcended tribulation.