The Blade-Wielding Legend
Chapter 526 - 303 Ascender

Chapter 526: Chapter 303 Ascender

Golden Swallow Sect is an intelligence organization.

Compared to the inns of the pugilistic world, the intelligence of Golden Swallow Sect is focused more on the court and business, adept at mingling among the residences of the powerful.

Li Yan had come into contact with this organization during his time in Shan State.

One instance was at Manchuan Pass, where he, through the introduction of Cao Gang leader Han Kun and his old flame, learned of Lv San’s intelligence...

Another instance occurred in Pingkang Square. Zhao Wanfang, the Oiran of Qingyuan Building with whom he was on good terms, had joined Golden Swallow Sect and attempted to leverage its power to take revenge on Zhao Changsheng...

Of course, this organization is also relatively loose.

It is somewhat like the Pai Sect. Though they belong to the same sect, each has its own power division, and the internal harmony is lacking, with even instances of brethren fighting against each other.

Li Yan found it odd, why would Wu Qu choose to settle here?

With the reputation of the Wu Family of Cangzhou, merely announcing one’s identity would ensure warm hospitality from any Divine Fist Association branch. Why then, stay at a brothel...

Just then, Li Yan suddenly recalled something.

Ever since arriving in these three cities of Wuchang, having gone through many occurrences, he had never seen the Divine Fist Association surface, not even during the Gui Mountain tournament.

The Divine Fist Association was supposed to be the link between the court and the pugilistic world, yet in this Wuchang, the organization seemed to keep a low profile.

Could it be that something had happened?

Li Yan was puzzled, but he didn’t stop moving.

Upon arriving at the entrance of Golden Phoenix Tower, he looked up to see the imposing structure with its flying eaves and intricately carved wooden pavilion, consisting of three levels, each adorned with large red lanterns.

The entire building exuded a precise opulence.

"This sir, please come inside!"

The doorman saw him, quickly bowed deeply, and came forward, "You look unfamiliar, is this your first time here at our place..."

Before he could say more, Li Yan interrupted, "I’m looking for Master Wu Qu, is he here?"

The doorman was startled, then with added respect, gestured with his hand, "Could it be Li Yan? Master Wu had just instructed this morning that when you arrive, have you come directly."

With those words, he led Li Yan into Golden Phoenix Tower.

Once inside, a grand hall revealed itself, not large in size, featuring a small stage in the center with several square tables neatly arranged.

Staircases on both sides led to the second and third floors. Various colored lanterns and drapes hung down, making the whole hall appear lustrously splendid.

Perhaps due to it being daytime and the Dragon Boat Festival, Golden Phoenix Tower wasn’t crowded, but on the stage, two women, each dressed in male and female roles, sang:

"Spring feelings unfold like blooming hearts. The whole family hurries for my exam preparation, your talent leads you to the capital. Silver flask and red wine await your return, step by step cherishing the leisurely spring light..."

They alternated lines, their singing tender, sleeves flowing lightly, their expressions filled with passion, clearly very engaged.

It was a Huang Mei opera "Luo Pa Ji."

Their singing was already impressive, and coupled with this refined environment, it instantly relaxed one’s spirit.

Li Yan glanced around casually.

In the hall, there were drunk young masters as well as old men sipping wine, nodding and shaking their heads, all appearing to be ordinary folk.

He didn’t pay much attention and followed the doorman to the third floor.

The top floor consisted of large, private suites. Not only were the room doors tightly shut, but there were also carved partitions blocking the view, providing good privacy.

Before even approaching, Wu Qu’s voice was already audible, accompanied by two women’s voices.

"Branch flower!"

"Leopard!"

"Come come, you’ve lost, keep drinking!"

The doorman smiled and turned to explain with a twist, "Master Wu loves playing the Leaf Game most, often inviting the ladies to join him."

The "Leaf Game" is a card game that has been popular since the Tang Dynasty among literati and ordinary folk alike.

Before the doorman could knock, footsteps sounded from within, and suddenly the wooden door swung open, revealing Wu Qu.

His awakened Body Divine Power, although not comparable to the Ear Divine Power, greatly enhanced his hearing, naturally allowing him to distinguish Li Yan’s footsteps.

"Haha, Brother Li has arrived!"

At that moment, Wu Qu, wearing a red robe and exposed belly entirely different from his appearance in the arena, seemed entirely transformed.

He laughed heartily, immediately cupping his fist in greeting, "Been talking about you since this morning, worried that Brother Li would be too busy to come."

"Master Wu’s invitation, how could I not accept?"

"Haha, please come in!"

After Li Yan entered the room and looked around.

The elegance of this chamber was no less than his former residence at Qingyuan Building.

The tables, chairs, and tea table were exquisitely elegant, the walls adorned with calligraphy and paintings emanating a fragrance of ink, a corner of the room having an incense burner with curling blue smoke.

On the Eight Immortals table in the room, Leaf Cards and dishes were scattered, with three women sitting beside. Two were young—Chunlan and Qiujie—and one was older, graceful and charming.

Wu Qu, not sure how much he had drunk, was full of alcohol aroma, laughed and clapped his hands, "My honorable guest is here, how about we call it a day? It’s not that Wu is afraid of losing to you ladies!"

The two young women upon hearing this, immediately covered their mouths, giggling, their eyes unblinkingly on Li Yan, full of seductive charm, "Master Wu, why send us away now that Mr. Li is here?"

Wu Qu shook his head and waved his hand, "This man is a person of integrity, restrain yourselves, don’t scare him."

The elder lady laughed silently, lightly fanning herself with a hand fan, "Master Wu, you are really uninformed."

"This Mr. Li is no ordinary man, renowned in Pingkang Square of Chang’an. See those few rooms over there? Made possible by his efforts, he’s known as the ’Little Top Scorer’ of the brothel..."

"Stop stop stop!"

Li Yan quickly waved his hand, "Those are just rumors, do not spread them around."

"Oh?"

Wu Qu, now interested, said, "Didn’t know Brother Li was also skilled in this area, Yu Mei, tell me about it."

The elder woman named Yu Mei immediately recounted various things like spending lavishly, competing flowers striving for beauty, clever strategies suggested...