Chapter 285

Chapter 284

Seven Stars City, as an affiliate city of the Seven Soul Sect, was grand in scale, with countless cultivators entering and leaving daily. The entrance fees alone brought in a considerable income each day.

The four of them approached Seven Stars City, stowed away their flying boat, and joined the crowd to pay the entry fee.

Upon entering the city, they were greeted by a network of wide roads bustling with various beast-drawn carriages. Since flying swords were not allowed within the city, cultivators often chose to ride these carriages if their destination was far.

As soon as they entered, a low-level cultivator approached them with a smile, "May I ask where the esteemed seniors are headed? If it's too far, you can take my beast-drawn carriage; it will save you some time."

He pointed to a nearby beast-drawn carriage.

The carriage was pulled by a gentle beast and had two facing seats, capable of accommodating four people—perfect for their group.

Ning Yuzhou didn't refuse and led Wen Qiao onto the carriage.

He and Wen Qiao sat together, while Pei Qiyu and Su Molan sat opposite them. Although the seats were spacious, sitting side by side made it easy to feel each other's presence, evoking all sorts of thoughts.

Su Molan felt somewhat awkward.

Pei Qiyu, pretending not to notice, looked out the window with a sullen expression.

The low-level cultivator driving the carriage couldn't help but mutter inwardly at how they chose their seats.

It was his first time seeing men and women sit so directly together; usually, they would be more reserved, seated separately. Encountering two pairs who were less reserved made him glance sideways.

Ning Yuzhou sat calmly and instructed the driver, "Find us a comfortable and safe inn to rest."

"Sure thing, esteemed senior," the driver responded, urging the carriage forward.

The beast-drawn carriage moved through the city, swift yet orderly, without any accidents.

After about fifteen minutes, the carriage stopped.

"The inn ahead is called Peach Blossom House. Its environment is serene and elegant, with celestial-grade protective arrays, perfect for the esteemed seniors. The prices are also reasonable. Please see if you like it."

Everyone followed his gaze and saw a lane paved with bluestone slabs lined with blooming peach trees. At the end of the lane stood an inn with a sign reading "Peach Blossom House."

Just looking at the surroundings, one could sense its tranquility.

When paying the fare, Ning Yuzhou even tipped ten spirit stones, indicating his satisfaction with the place.

Two female cultivators in pink dresses and adorned with peach blossom makeup handled the check-in process at Peach Blossom House.

Their faces were charming, and they smiled warmly and politely, making guests feel welcomed. However, neither Ning Yuzhou nor Pei Qiyu spared them a second glance, focusing instead on the jade tokens behind the counter protected by restrictions.

The pink-clad female cultivators softly asked about their preferences and quickly prepared their rooms, handing over four jade tokens. Then, carrying a peach blossom lantern, she led them to their quarters.

As they walked down a long corridor, a gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers.

Looking up, they saw the corridor lined with blooming peach trees, pink petals adorning the elegant corridor, creating a dreamlike beauty.

"Achoo!"

Pei Qiyu sneezed loudly and said unhappily, "The pollen here is too strong."

The leading female cultivator was speechless.

Wen Qiao and Su Molan glanced at her, noticing her stiffened smile. They understood Pei Qiyu's blunt personality, the former head of Demon Sky Sect.

Was it necessary to be so direct? At least give the girl some face.

Perhaps due to Pei Qiyu's straightforwardness, the female cultivator remained silent throughout the journey, quickly leaving after showing them to their rooms, unlike her usual chatty self.

Back in the front hall, another female cultivator sorting the jade tokens asked in surprise, "Why did you return so quickly? Didn't you introduce our Peach Blossom House to the guests? Today's two young masters seem inexperienced; they must be virgins."

At this, the other female cultivators couldn't help but giggle, their eyes filled with natural charm.

"I wanted to introduce it, but before I could speak, someone complained about the pollen and sneezed," the cultivator grumbled.

Cultivators were not mortals; they were immune to cold and heat. A little pollen wouldn't bother them. To the female cultivator, Pei Qiyu's behavior was a warning not to have any ideas.

Most guests praised the environment of Peach Blossom House, rarely complaining so bluntly.

Ultimately, they were running a business and couldn't afford to upset their guests.

Another female cultivator sighed, "It seems these two young masters are not interested in romance. Such a pity, given how handsome they are."

"It's too early to say. Once they taste our peach wine, we'll see what they think."

Hearing this, the female cultivators of Peach Blossom House couldn't help but giggle again.

***

Peach Blossom House indeed proved to be a tranquil place, and Ning Yuzhou was temporarily satisfied.

After settling in, Pei Qiyu decided to gather information.

The next day, when Pei Qiyu was about to leave, Su Molan, worried, asked, "Your injury hasn't fully healed. Are you sure you can manage alone?"

Pei Qiyu lowered his gaze, "I'm already better. Gathering information won't be a problem; there shouldn't be much danger in the city."

Seeing his pale complexion, Su Molan still doubted his words and suggested, "How about I go with you?"

Pei Qiyu looked at her, noticing her genuine concern, and couldn't help but ask, "Do you want to come with me... because you're worried I might betray you?"

Su Molan was taken aback, frowning, "You almost made me forget—I need to keep an eye on you! Let's go together!" She immediately decided, her tone firm, leaving no room for objection.

Pei Qiyu: "…"

He had only intended to quietly gain her guilt, but he didn't expect her to respond so naturally. Pei Qiyu felt another wave of depression.

Indeed, Ning Yuzhou's brainwashing skills were terrifying! Look at what he had turned the successor of the Su Xinggu Valley into. Su Molan wasn't like this before…

When the two walked out of Peach Blossom House, a woman cultivator in pink robes who was guarding the front hall saw them and quickly called them over.

"Are the two guests going out? If you're not familiar with the area, we can guide you…"

"No need," Pei Qiyu coldly refused, pulling Su Molan by the sleeve as they left.

Su Molan was quietly dragged out of Peach Blossom House and asked curiously, "Young Master Pei, why not let them help us when someone is offering to guide us?"

Seven Stars City was indeed too large, filled with all sorts of people. Having someone guide them would help them get familiar with the city, which would be beneficial for their upcoming plans.

Pei Qiyu said darkly, "Are you stupid or naive? Can't you see that the female cultivators in Peach Blossom House are all seductresses?"

Su Molan was taken aback and said doubtfully, "No way? They seemed quite upright…"

Before she could finish, Pei Qiyu snorted, "Their eagerness to cling to male cultivators and drain their essence is obvious even without looking! In the future, keep your eyes open; don't be sold without knowing it. Remember, these seductresses can drain both men and women."

Su Molan blushed, mostly from embarrassment, and couldn't help but whisper, "You don't have to say it so… so…"

"What's wrong with that? Get used to it." Pei Qiyu deliberately said, staring at her without blinking. "But since they dare to run an inn here, it proves they won't do anything evil in broad daylight. There's no need to worry."

Su Molan suddenly understood. It seemed that Peach Blossom House operated legitimately and had a good reputation; otherwise, the cultivator driving the beast carriage wouldn't have brought them there.

***

Upon sensing the array at the door being triggered, Wen Qiao opened it and saw a female cultivator from Peach Blossom House carrying an exquisite basket, smiling warmly and saying, "Guests, this is our Peach Blossom wine. It has a unique taste; please try it."

"Do I need to pay spirit stones?" Wen Qiao asked.

The pink-robed woman's smile stiffened slightly. "No, it's free for guests, three jars daily…"

"Thank you."

Wen Qiao took the basket from her and closed the door in front of the woman.

From start to finish, the pink-robed woman never got a glimpse inside the room, nor did she see the male cultivator within.

Ning Yuzhou was sitting at the table, studying a sea map. Seeing her return with a basket, he smiled and asked, "What's this?"

"Peach Blossom wine from Peach Blossom House. It's free."

Hearing "Peach Blossom wine," Wen Guangun immediately crawled over, and Su Xing also leaned on the table, staring at the wine in the basket, ready to taste it.

Wen Qiao took out the three jars of wine from the basket, found three large bowls, and poured the Peach Blossom wine.

The faintly reddish wine floated with peach petals, its aroma filling the air, comparable to spirit fruit wine.

Wen Qiao picked up a bowl, about to drink, but then put it down and forbade Su Xing and Wen Guangun from drinking, pouring it back into the jars.

"What's wrong?" Ning Yuzhou asked.

Wen Qiao said unhappily, "This Peach Blossom wine doesn't taste good."

Ning Yuzhou knew she had a particular fondness for spirit wine and had developed a skill in tasting it over the years. She could determine the components just by smelling it. Her statement meant there was something else in the wine.

Ning Yuzhou put aside the sea map, poured a bowl of wine to examine, and tasted a bit.

"It's fine; there's just a bit of Twin-Hearted Disaster Orchid mixed in."

Wen Qiao asked curiously, "What's this used for?"

Ning Yuzhou cleared his throat. "This Twin-Hearted Disaster Orchid, if used in alchemy, can temporarily increase a cultivator's essence, making them energetic; if mixed in spirit wine, it can enhance a man's vitality…" making male cultivators perform exceptionally well in bed, staying strong and enduring.

It was akin to a benign aphrodisiac in the cultivation world.

Wen Qiao listened, somewhat understanding but still confused. She asked, "Why would Peach Blossom House send such tainted spirit wine?"

"It was probably meant for me and Pei Qiyu," Ning Yuzhou said.

Wen Qiao became even more puzzled and stared at him silently.

Ning Yuzhou stroked her hair and smiled, "If I'm not mistaken, the force behind Peach Blossom House is likely a sect dominated by women. And their cultivation method focuses on yin-yang harmony…"

After his explanation, Wen Qiao finally understood and exclaimed, "Like the Lust Sect of Mozong!"

She had heard a little about the Lust Sect of Mozong. It was mainly composed of female cultivators who drained the essence of male cultivators, leaving them dead and dried up, a cruel method.

Ning Yuzhou nodded reluctantly.

Each continent had different situations. The fact that Peach Blossom House could operate in Seven Stars City proved that its situation differed from the Lust Sect. The Peach Blossom wine contained Twin-Hearted Disaster Orchid powder, which didn't harm cultivators but merely enhanced their enjoyment.

This indicated that the force behind Peach Blossom House practiced a yin-yang harmony cultivation method, primarily based on mutual consent between men and women, without coercion. This made people accept its legitimacy and even earned it a good reputation, leading the cultivators guarding the city gates to recommend it.

After hearing this, Wen Qiao didn't give it much thought.

The survival rules in the cultivation world were indeed brutal. If she hadn't met Ning Yuzhou, even if she had managed to survive, she wouldn't have lived as freely and carefree. Therefore, she never looked down on those who struggled to live, as long as they didn't provoke her, she remained easy-going.

***

In the evening, Pei Qiyu and Su Molan returned.

Pei Qiyu didn't say anything and went to rest in the adjacent room. Su Molan secretly sought out Wen Qiao to share her discoveries from the day.

To her surprise, Wen Qiao calmly replied, "I know."

"Did you know?" Su Molan was surprised but quickly understood. "Did something happen during the day?"

Wen Qiao then told her about the female cultivator from Peach Blossom House who came to deliver the peach blossom wine, as well as Ning Yuzhou's subsequent analysis.

After listening, Su Molan was full of admiration and couldn't help sighing, "Young Master Ning is incredibly smart. Based on some clues, he could deduce the situation."

Then, Su Molan told her that today she and Pei Qiyu went out together, visited many places, and also gathered some information about Primordial Continent. They learned that Peach Blossom House was actually an inn run by Bi Nu Pavilion in Seven Stars City.

This Bi Nu Pavilion is a major force on Primordial Continent dominated by female cultivators. It even has a female cultivator at the Yuan Saint realm sitting in residence, making it very few dare to provoke them.

The disciples of Bi Nu Pavilion practice a cultivation method that emphasizes the harmony of yin and yang.

It is said that when each disciple reaches a certain level, they will choose a male cultivator to enter the Cloud Rain Secret Realm with them for cultivation. Those who cultivate with Bi Nu Pavilion disciples in the Cloud Rain Secret Realm generally see a significant increase in their cultivation.

Therefore, many male cultivators consider it an honor to win the heart of a Bi Nu Pavilion disciple and enter the Cloud Rain Secret Realm with them.

Wen Qiao listened with shining eyes.

Su Molan spoke softer and softer, looking at her nervously, unsure if she understood.

Wen Qiao said, "So it's like this. It seems that although Bi Nu Pavilion's practices share similarities with demonic cultivators, they are not part of the demonic path but rather a cultivation method of the righteous path."

Su Molan breathed a sigh of relief, about to say something, but then heard her add, "The name Cloud Rain Secret Realm is quite straightforward; one can tell what it's for just by hearing it."

Su Molan: "...I don't want to know what it's for at all."

"Why are you blushing?" Wen Qiao looked at her in confusion, not knowing what she had said to make her blush.

Su Molan simply ignored her and turned to enter the adjacent room, leaving Wen Qiao puzzled.

As soon as she entered, she saw Pei Qiyu sitting by the bed, looking exhausted. His pale face added a touch of melancholy fragility to his demeanor.

Su Molan immediately forgot her previous thoughts and hurried over to check on him, asking if he was feeling unwell.

Pei Qiyu shook his head, displaying a vulnerable appearance as if saying, "Though I am weak, I can still carry on," and asked, "What were you talking about with Miss Wen outside?"

Just when she had managed to forget, he brought it up again, causing Su Molan's face to flush red. She quickly turned away, saying, "N-nothing..."

But her mind couldn't help but recall that night when they were unconscious, with the last memory being of them embracing each other.

Something she had forgotten resurfaced because of Bi Nu Pavilion.

Pei Qiyu looked at her thoughtfully but did not press further.