Demon Sword Sect’s Undercover
Chapter 425 - 425 424 Treat Them in Their Own Way Seeking Guaranteed Monthly Tickets

425: Chapter 424: Treat Them in Their Own Way [Seeking Guaranteed Monthly Tickets] 425: Chapter 424: Treat Them in Their Own Way [Seeking Guaranteed Monthly Tickets] Lady Ehuang’s expression fluctuated, as she had long known that Young Master Duan’s interest was not in the three musicians, but in the Hongxi Troupe.

As the largest, most famous, and longest-standing theater troupe in Yujing City, the Hongxi Troupe had already become an indispensable part of Yujing people’s leisure life, encompassing all aspects of Yujing’s cultural life, from high officials to commonfolk.

Every evening, the plays starring the Hongxi Troupe were often performed simultaneously on several stages within the city, marking them as the leading figures in this industry.

It wasn’t solely her effort, but a reputation built upon generations of operation and long-term accumulation in various aspects.

Now, what Young Master Duan valued was the influence of the Hongxi Troupe in this respect, not some particular women; although she did not know what Young Master Duan ultimately wanted to do, Lady Ehuang intuited the potential danger that could destroy the industry her family had operated for generations.

Therefore, she resolutely refused.

Young Master Duan had already conveyed his intentions to her through other channels, offering a very sincere price.

Then, as she played dumb, he gradually became impatient, leading to the predicament of the three musicians.

It was just the most common kind of usurious loan; a little maneuvering could make these borrowers unable to repay.

She could afford the money, but it was not about the money.

How could paying off the debts for the three women solve anything?

It would merely temporarily resolve their current situation, and then other troubles would emerge endlessly, unless she bowed her head and accepted Young Master Duan’s terms.

Driven to desperation by Young Master Duan this time, she really had no other option.

The few mortal strongmen who guarded the place also could not deal with two cultivators serving the Duan Family, so in desperation, she pointed the three women to this path.

She had thought that this Cultivator with the surname Huo would come forward and mediate, giving her some time, but unexpectedly, there was no sign of him.

She didn’t know if he really wasn’t there, or if he was unwilling to provoke the power behind the Duan Family.

“This matter is of great importance; I must ask you, young master, to grant me some more time,” Lady Ehuang said helplessly, as a stalling strategy.

Armed as he was, how could Young Master Duan comply with her wish?

“I have already granted you time; I sent word to the lady half a year ago.

What, do you wish to delay for another half year?

To make it clear to the lady, I have come today with two choices: either we reach an agreement and weather this together, or I take my men and leave.

Moreover, I shall inform you that this is just the beginning.

As long as you do not agree, I will never stop until the Hongxi Troupe is out of resources.

Is this what you wish to see?”

Noting that Lady Ehuang’s gaze was still wandering around the garden, he couldn’t help but chuckle, “Looking for backup?

Is it that new tenant of yours?

A cultivator from the Outer State?

If I were him, I would definitely not show up!”

Lady Ehuang’s heart sank.

Having been in Yujing for so many years, she was not ignorant of the affairs within the Cultivation World; she knew that just like the mortal bureaucracy, rashly offending powerful forces had consequences that even a cultivator could not withstand.

In fact, she was also desperately seeking a solution, fully aware that her relationship with this tenant was not strong enough for him to help her selflessly; but when one is out of options, one always tries to grasp at…

even a straw.

Left speechless, the three musicians finally came to their senses.

One bold and forthright musician, though not understanding their conversation, had her own ideas.

“Young Master Duan…

I can’t gather that sum immediately.

Perhaps, we few could come to your residence this evening to dance and sing for your entertainment?”

This was an offer of personal service.

In their industry, though not exactly like those women who sold laughter on balconies, they were quite open-minded about such matters.

Often after a performance, those who caught the fancy of wealthy gentlemen were taken out for late-night suppers, and then…

This was a mode of survival, for even if you don’t engage in it, to the common eye, are there any truly chaste figures in the theater?

This was their last desperate measure, which was generally effective; but Young Master Duan was no ordinary man, born into a prominent Cultivation family, how could he fancy such vulgar makeup?

Without any warning, he raised his hand and delivered a slap that left the woman stunned for a moment.

“Perform a dance at Duan Mansion?

You think you are worthy?

Fine, since you three wish for it, I’ll indulge you.

The large tent area in the west of the city is full of all sorts of people and countless private venues.

You can entertain and dance there until you have paid off your debts.”

This was a threat, possibly real but perhaps merely to intimidate; but the musician couldn’t grasp the difference, the slap had dazed her, and in her anger, she was somewhat reckless with her words,

“The Duan Family bullies common mortals; I’ll go to Sikong Mansion to accuse you!”

She didn’t know where she had heard that Sikong Mansion within the Quanzhen Sect was responsible for monitoring the behavior of Cultivators, possibly an offhand remark after receiving some grace, but her reaction in such a desperate moment was understandable, merely picking the most intimidating words she could think of.

What she didn’t know was that this was the least favorite thing the young master of the Duan Family wanted to hear.

It had been better not to mention Sikong Mansion, but once she did, he intensified his actions.

His face briefly twisted in fierceness, he stepped forward, grabbed the indiscreet woman by the arm, and with a twist of both hands…

With a ‘crack’, the woman cried out in pain, her former brazenness gone, and in the face of her opponent’s unreasonableness, her threat became her own downfall.

Lady Ehuang’s face paled as she hurried to support the woman, “Young Master Duan, you’ve gone too far!”

Young Master Duan still smiled, “My lady, you are right, I indeed have gone too far; Wang Zuo, in the Yujing government, what should the punishment be for such an act?”

The official named Wang Zuo, with a serious expression, eagerly replied, “Apologize and cover the medical expenses, plus some compensation, hmm, probably about ten Silver should do.”

Young Master Duan’s expression remained unchanged, “Miss, I’ve been reckless, and here I offer my apologies.”

With a signal, one of the two servants stepped forward to set the woman’s bones right while simultaneously taking out ten Silver and placing them in front of the woman.

Young Master Duan held his folding fan and remained gracefully composed as he looked towards Lady Ehuang, “My lady, please see, isn’t the issue resolved now?”

Lady Ehuang felt a chill run through her; it was her first time witnessing Young Master Duan’s methods.

He appeared not as a frivolous young nobleman but rather a person kind in appearance yet ruthless at heart, meticulously organized, and flawless in execution.

With that, she truly had no idea what to do.

All her support paled in comparison to the presence of the Duan Family, hardly worth mentioning; when they meticulously targeted the Red Joy Troupe, she truly understood how laughable the phrase ‘equal rights between Mortal Cultivation and others’ was.

In Yujing, she had occasionally heard of such occurrences, always feeling they were far from her, how could a cultivator take any interest in her humble troupe?

But now, she felt it deeply, a profound sense of powerlessness.

While several people watched her, mocking as if looking at a lamb ready for the slaughter, a voice came from a nearby artificial mountain,

“Good, the law is as immovable as a mountain, and should set an example for our generation!”