Chapter 26: Born with an Alluring Grace

For a man, not visiting a brothel is like a hero failing to climb the Great Wall.

Sixiang House is located on the most prosperous street in the heart of Qingzhou Prefecture. In the past, Chen Tiansheng had only visited brothels near the Five Lakes and Four Seas Inn, and even then, only to wash clothes or perform odd jobs, gaining proficiency in the "Art of Domestic Mastery" by interacting with women. Standing before the brothel now, Chen Tiansheng was momentarily dazed.

"Master, come on in, come up and have some fun!"
"Oh, young man, don't just stand there. Come in for a cup of tea. I've been standing here so long my legs have gone numb; I can't hold myself up anymore!"

Before he could stand for long, a heavily made-up woman approached, grabbing his arm and pressing her body against his while waving a handkerchief, trying to pull him inside.

Chen Tiansheng shook her off, took out his mission voucher from his waist, and said coldly, "I am not here for pleasure. I am here to complete a mission. Please take me to your manager."

The woman was about to flare up, but upon seeing the voucher, she sized up the young man and said with surprise, "To think such a young man is a disciple of the Daoist Association. There’s no rush for the mission; why not head upstairs for a drink and a chat with the girls first?"

Chen Tiansheng replied coldly, "Do you want me to repeat myself?"

Seeing his resolve, the woman shot him a look of disdain and said, "Find the manager yourself if you're so eager. What a bore." Seeing that he was young, she had hoped to swindle him, but he gave her no face at all. She flicked her sleeves and walked away to intercept other passersby.

Chen Tiansheng shook his head and walked into the brothel alone. That woman was far too inexperienced to try those tricks on him.

Once inside, he approached a middle-aged woman who appeared to be the madam. Seeing his youthful, fresh-faced appearance, she decided to tease him. She puffed out her chest, swayed her body toward him, and greeted him, "Handsome young man, you look quite charming. Have you taken a fancy to me? I’m very expensive, you know, but if you’re truly interested, I can offer you a discount."

Her tone and expressions were so natural that they felt entirely genuine, stirring a strange sense of conviction in anyone who heard her. Chen Tiansheng knew this was the "Heart-Luring Technique" of the Yan Sect. While her demeanor was skilled, it wasn't the high-level mystical art of the professional sects; rather, it was a craft honed by years of experience in the trade, known in the industry as "being well-versed." The true brilliance lay in the impression it gave; bewitching hearts was a common specialty of the Yan Sect. He could identify it because he saw the artificiality behind her facade—the lack of sincerity meant that any feeling of genuine affection could only be the result of a technique.

Chen Tiansheng produced his mission voucher: "Madam, I am here to execute a mission."

Seeing that he remained completely unaffected, the woman couldn't help but look at him a few more times. As the madam of Sixiang House, she possessed the "Alluring Heart" technique of the Yan Sect. Any other man, especially one so young, would have likely fallen for it instantly. As for Chen Tiansheng knowing her identity, she didn't find it strange; anyone familiar with Sixiang House knew who she was.

However, Chen Tiansheng hadn't known from the start; he had deduced it from her words and actions. Seeing the voucher, the madam nodded in understanding. "So, a member of the Daoist Association. You have some skill." She picked up a green bamboo pipe, took a deep puff, blew smoke toward him, and asked, "Are you handling both of these missions alone?"

Chen Tiansheng waved away the smoke and nodded.

The madam chuckled. "You’ve accepted these missions solely for Yue Wumiao. You’re young and look quite pleasant, so I’ll give you a word of advice: these missions are not easy to complete. Either one could cost you your life. No fewer than ten members of the Daoist Association have come here for her and ended up dead. Why else do you think the reward is so high and still available for you to claim?"

Yue Wumiao was not only the top star of Sixiang House but the premier courtesan of all Qingzhou Prefecture. Every man desired her. This young man before her was no exception.

Hearing her words, Chen Tiansheng was not surprised, as he had already considered this when accepting the mission. He replied decisively, "I have already accepted the mission; I might as well give it a try." The mission was difficult—perhaps even too much for him—but he possessed the Eight Sects' Street Arts. Even in danger, he was confident in his ability to survive. Furthermore, he needed dangerous missions to prove his potential to the organization.

"Trying might cost you your life," she said. The madam smiled, and seeing he had no intention of retreating, added, "Since you won't back down, follow me."

Chen Tiansheng followed the madam to the top floor. Before them was an ornately decorated door guarded by two maids. They bowed upon seeing the madam, who asked softly, "Is Miss Yue awake?"

One maid replied, "Miss Yue has just finished breakfast and is awake. What are your instructions?"

The madam continued in a low voice, "Go inside and tell Miss Yue that the person from the Daoist Association has arrived to take the mission."

The maid looked curiously at Chen Tiansheng. Seeing his young, slight frame, a look of contempt crossed her face, but she said nothing in front of the madam. She knocked on the door and entered. Moments later, she returned and said to Chen Tiansheng, "Miss Yue says you may enter."

Chen Tiansheng glanced at the madam, who nodded, and he stepped into the room alone. The door closed behind him.

The interior was lavishly decorated, yet lacked the heavy scent of face powder found elsewhere in the brothel; instead, a faint fragrance of Chinese roses lingered, making one momentarily forget where they were. As expected of the top star of Sixiang House, her quarters were different.

He quickly averted his gaze and looked toward a massive beaded curtain on the left, behind which the scene was obscured. Composing himself, Chen Tiansheng cupped his hands toward the curtain and introduced himself: "Greetings, Miss Yue. I am the one from the Daoist Association here to take on your mission. My name is Chen Tiansheng."

"It has been a long time since anyone from the Daoist Association accepted my missions. What gives you the courage to come? Is it to catch a glimpse of my beauty?" From behind the curtain came a voice as light as drifting clouds. The mocking words felt unexpectedly warm.

*The Yan Sect's Street Arts.*

It was a graded technique, and a high one at that! Chen Tiansheng felt his heart tighten. The Yan Sect's arts of bewitchment often required the coordination of speech, behavior, and appearance to reach their full effect, much like the madam downstairs.

The woman behind the curtain was different. Even without showing her face, her mocking words could stir one’s heart; her mastery was evident. If she were to bewitch him face-to-face, even he might not be able to resist. A terrifying woman! No wonder she was the star of Sixiang House!

Suppressing the restlessness in his heart, Chen Tiansheng spoke calmly: "Since ancient times, heroes have found it hard to resist the charms of a beauty. As a man, wanting to approach the most beautiful woman in Qingzhou is nothing to be ashamed of. Serving you is an honor, though besides your company, I am also here for the handsome reward."

Upon hearing this, the lazy expression on the woman behind the curtain shifted into one of surprise. A moment later, the curtain was drawn aside, and a woman dressed in plain sky-blue robes emerged.

She was about sixteen or seventeen, with a peerless beauty and a slender figure. Her furrowed, delicate brows invited sympathy, and her entire being exuded a charming aura. Every movement captivated the soul, drawing one's gaze and pulling them into a trance. At a single glance, Chen Tiansheng felt a surge of alarm. Beauty was something everyone enjoyed, and he was no exception. But this woman’s appearance and temperament were simply too extravagant.

The Yan Sect's art of bewitchment relied on "allure," while this woman cultivated "charm." Those born with natural charm were destined for the Yan Sect. Whether it was "allure" or "charm," both were innate; no matter how well practiced, acquired skills could never compare to the natural gift. It was like a piece of rotten wood—no matter how beautifully carved, it would reveal its flaws at the slightest touch.

At the same time, Yue Wumiao was astonished by Chen Tiansheng. Other men looked at her with infatuation, but this young man, who appeared to have little experience of the world, showed no obsession—only admiration. Furthermore, his words and attitude revealed a convincing sincerity. He hadn't lost his composure despite her use of charm, making him far superior to the others from the Daoist Association.

Yue Wumiao hesitated for a moment, then sat down at the tea table. She ceased using her charms and said in a level tone, "I am very satisfied with your attitude. Which mission are you here for?"

Chen Tiansheng collected himself, took two mission vouchers from his robe, held up two fingers, and said, "Both."