Eternal Saber

Chapter 451 - 57: A New Plum Blossom Master

The Great Xia Capital City, exceedingly prosperous.

There are two pavilions in the Great Xia, renowned across the land.

And in the Great Xia Capital City, there are two towers, also famous far and wide.

The first one is the Drunken Immortal Tower.

The Drunken Immortal Tower has branches all over the Six States of Great Xia, but only the one in the Capital City is the highest and largest, most luxurious and magnificent.

The second one is the Cyan Jade Tower.

It is rumored that in the capital’s brothels, counting some lower grade haunts, there are eight to nine hundred places for seeking pleasure.

Moreover, some say the Qin and Chu Brothels are just passing guests, the Cyan Jade Tower alone stands supreme.

The Cyan Jade Tower is nestled in a corner of the bustling market street, outwardly unremarkable but inside, opulence abounds. It’s a place countless scholars and high-ranking officials flock to.

To stand firm in the Capital City, the Cyan Jade Tower naturally has a powerful backing.

Exactly who that is, opinions vary, with no consensus.

In the Cyan Jade Tower, the most talked-about person is the top courtesan—Liu Mengzhen.

Liu Mengzhen, just as her name suggests, seems like a dream or an illusion, and is the most famous woman in the capital.

Unfortunately, not many have the privilege to see her.

Once, a young master of the capital spent a fortune, just to catch a glimpse of Liu Mengzhen’s true appearance, but he failed.

And in recent days, Liu Mengzhen’s name spread again throughout the capital.

It’s said that Liu Mengzhen personally wrote an invitation for Chen Tang to visit the capital, only to be heartlessly rejected!

This matter caused an uproar in the capital!

Countless talented young men and martial world prodigies wish to be Liu Mengzhen’s distinguished guests, but to no avail.

No one expected that, despite the top courtesan’s personal invitation, there would be someone capable of refusing.

Some say Chen Tang doesn’t know what’s good for him.

Others say Chen Tang is playing hard to get.

Others even speculate that Chen Tang excels in the Buddhist Lion’s Roar, and is actually a monk who cannot break his vows.

The most absurd rumor says Chen Tang is a eunuch.

In most people’s perception, besides monks or eunuchs, they couldn’t imagine which man in the world could refuse Liu Mengzhen’s invitation.

Cyan Jade Tower.

The top floor offers an excellent view, overlooking the entire capital, named ’Qimeng Pavilion’, it’s also Liu Mengzhen’s residence.

The pavilion is extravagantly decorated, with exquisite embroidered curtains hanging around, and finely carved patterns on the window lattices.

The furnishings inside are made of the finest purple sandalwood, a carved bed inlaid with agate is placed at the center, covered with soft fox fur and brocade, opulent yet cozy.

A light incense burns inside, filling the air with an indescribable enticing scent.

Hanging on the wall are several famous paintings, including one of Liu Mengzhen herself, where her eyes seem to turn, radiating brilliance, adding more mystery and allure compared to her real person.

At present, a young and handsome man is lying on the lap of this capital’s top courtesan, eyes closed, enjoying Liu Mengzhen’s soft fingertips massaging him.

"Xia Lang, are you feeling better?"

Liu Mengzhen, with skin like congealed lard and brows like distant mountains, gazes at the young man in her arms, her voice gentle.

Xia Yuanxian opens his eyes, hums softly, and slowly sits up.

"Xia Lang, Mengzhen is really useless, unable to bring him here."

Liu Mengzhen says with some grievance and annoyance.

"It’s not your fault."

Xia Yuanxian ponders, saying, "Didn’t expect this person to be so cautious, unwilling to leave Langya Pavilion even for a step."

Liu Mengzhen says, "Xia Lang need not worry, he cannot stay at Langya Pavilion forever."

"I have already arranged for an Upper Concealment at the Meridian Passage Realm to ambush near Langya Peak, as soon as he leaves Langya Pavilion, there’s an opportunity to kill him, avenging Xia Lang."

Xia Yuanxian nods, says, "I’ve also arranged people, once he leaves Langya Pavilion, it’s his death date!"

"Don’t let this bother you, Xia Lang."

Liu Mengzhen leans in, her arms wrapping around Xia Yuanxian’s neck, lying by his ear, her fragrant lips lightly parted, softly says, "Let Mengzhen serve you."

Xia Yuanxian takes a deep breath, pushes Liu Mengzhen’s arms away, says in a deep voice, "I am tired today, I’ll come back to find you another day."

Saying this, Xia Yuanxian gets up and leaves.

Under the cover of night, Xia Yuanxian dons a hood, covering his face, and leaves the Cyan Jade Tower under the protection of several guards.

Once Xia Yuanxian leaves, a maid enters from outside the door, says, "Miss, this Young Master Xia suffered such a blow, yet his self-control seems hardly affected."

Liu Mengzhen snorts softly, a hint of mockery flashes in her eyes, says, "That may not be true, didn’t you notice, this month he’s come to me more frequently?"

The maid says, "But, he still shows no intention of touching you, Miss."

"In the past, his Black Tortoise Dual Cultivation, his self-control was rock-solid, really hard to shake."

Liu Mengzhen’s lips curve into a playful smile, says, "When I just tested him, I could clearly feel his heart racing and body temperature rising, but there was no reaction down there."

"Previously, he had almost no response to my teasing. Now, perhaps his spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. All those talks of being tired, not feeling well today, and such are excuses commonly used by men."

"Ah?"

The maid widens her eyes, says, "Does it mean he is incapable?"

"Most likely."

Liu Mengzhen nods, says, "Chen Tang’s one kick not only destroyed his dantian but also his essential vitality. Moreover, his Dao Heart has already shown a flaw, or else he wouldn’t keep coming to me."

The maid says, "Well, this way, he gets no advantage, and you, Miss, remain pure."

"What use is purity?"

Liu Mengzhen’s eyes suddenly flash coldly, she lightly clenches her fists, says, "Tailang on Celestial Pot Continent has already taken his life, and my heart is dead!"

"Never thought, three years ago, when we parted, it would be a separation between two worlds."

The maid sighs softly, says, "Miss, please restrain your grief, I heard Young Master Tailang lost in the genius battle, the pressure was too much, which led to a mental breakdown..."

"It was that person who drove Tailang to his death!"

Liu Mengzhen suddenly said, "If I find out where this person is, I will kill them!"

The maid nodded and said, "I heard this person is called Murong Haitang."

Liu Mengzhen shook her head and said, "I’ve already investigated this name. There is indeed a person named Murong Haitang in Beiqian, but she is a woman. This person’s name must be fake. I’ve already asked my kin to continue investigating this person’s background, and there should be news soon."

-----------------

Langya Pavilion.

"Brother Atang, I heard you even threw away Liu Mengzhen’s invitation?"

In recent days, Zhiwei spent most of the time with Chen Tang.

When she heard Chen Tang refused Liu Mengzhen’s invitation, she was greatly surprised.

"Does this person have a big background?"

Chen Tang asked casually.

"I heard she’s very beautiful."

Zhiwei said, "I heard that once when the elder brothers went to the Capital City, they specially visited the Cyan Jade Tower, wanting to catch a glimpse of this number one courtesan of the Capital City’s unparalleled beauty, but in the end, they couldn’t see her."

"Such a big act."

Chen Tang chuckled softly.

Zhiwei said, "If the elder brother were still around, he would probably go to the Capital City with you, and use your influence to see Miss Mengzhen."

"Brother Shen wouldn’t."

Chen Tang shook his head.

"Why?"

Zhiwei asked in confusion.

Chen Tang said calmly, "The Capital City is where dragons and tigers lie, and also the Prime Minister’s turf. I just crippled Xia Yuanxian, and those inviting me to the Capital City at this time, most likely have ill intentions."

Zhiwei seemed half-understanding as she nodded.

Regarding this matter, Chen Tang was extremely clear-headed.

The bustling Capital City, a place of luxury and pleasure, is indeed a good place.

But to him, it’s a den of dragons and tigers!

At this moment, there are countless eyes staring at him.

Once he enters the Capital City, who knows how many schemes await him.

He doesn’t need to be reckless and risk his life.

Moreover, he asked Ah Li to note down all those who sent invitations during this time.

Lin Mubai, Liu Mengzhen, and some miscellaneous people.

All of these were specially marked by Chen Tang.

In fact, Chen Tang’s injury had already healed, and staying here was nothing more than avoiding trouble.

During this time, at Langya Pavilion he wasn’t idle, he practiced every day.

Before this, Chen Tang had already opened the nasal aperture, and dual ear apertures.

According to the sequence of the Five Organs and Five Elements of mutual generation, the kidneys belong to water, which produces wood, and next is to cultivate the liver and gall, opening the eyes.

Originally, Chen Tang had encountered some bottlenecks, but a few days ago he watched numerous martial arts from Plum Blossom Sword Sect and even Peach Blossom Village’s swordsmanship and gained some insights.

The greatest help to him was still the martial arts from Book and Sword Hall.

Besides the half-written piece by Shen Zhiyuan, under Madam Su’s directive, Chen Tang had the chance to see the true copy of Young Master Shen Yi’s "Riverside Preface"!

These true copies were an improvement to Chen Tang’s swordsmanship on one hand.

More importantly, they greatly enhanced his eye power!

With his talent, it took Chen Tang three whole days to finish reading all the 342 characters in the "Riverside Preface"!

Later on, with each word he read, he had to close his eyes and rest for a moment.

On the day he came out of his retreat, his eye apertures naturally connected!

By now, Chen Tang had opened six apertures, achieving Great Success in the Opening Acupoints Realm!

The opening of dual eyes and dual ears’ apertures made the most evident improvement to combat power, allowing a Martial Artist to attain the state of ’Heavenly Vision and Earthly Hearing,’ with enhanced perception.

In the blink of an eye, after the day of the duel, Chen Tang stayed at Langya Pavilion for another month.

Occasionally during this period, some Jianghu news would reach this place.

What caught Chen Tang’s attention the most was the sighting of the Profound Celestial Army in Wu State.

The Profound Celestial Army raided a village, killed hundreds, kidnapped many women and children, and then disappeared without a trace.

This kind of indiscriminate slaughter targeting ordinary people caused an uproar in the court and Jianghu Martial World!

The Northern Expedition Army searched everywhere for the whereabouts of the Profound Celestial Bandits but found no clues.

In Jianghu, various sects discussed the matter of holding a Martial Arts Assembly at the end of the year.

It’s said that this Martial Arts Assembly aims to unite various forces in Jianghu, forming a ’Profound Slaying Alliance’ to counter the Profound Celestial Sect.

One day, another piece of news came to Langya Pavilion.

The Plum Blossom Sword Sect had appointed a new sect leader.

Disciples of the sect brought a letter of invitation, inviting those from Langya Pavilion to attend the ceremony at Plum Blossom Peak ten days later.

By the time Chen Tang received the news, the disciple from Plum Blossom Sword Sect had already left.

It was only through Ye Taoyuan that he learned of this.

"Why did the Plum Blossom Sword Sect suddenly change its sect leader, and who is the new sect leader?"

Chen Tang sensed something unusual.

He had a fondness for the Plum Blossom Sword Sect.

Not only because he met Mei Zhenyu and Zhu Lingxue when he first arrived in Nanxia.

But also because the Plum Blossom Sword Sect always reminded him of the Plum Blossom Martial Arts Hall, Mei Yingxue, of those days in Changze County, and of some old friends.