Those who are utterly vicious and devoid of humanity are called "Renxiao"—man-ghouls!

Those who are worldly-wise and deeply versed in human nature are called "Renjing"—man-spirits!

Those who are fierce as demons and kill without blinking are called "Rentu"—man-butchers!

Then, what about those whose actions are shrouded in mystery, whose intelligence is as cunning as a demon? They are called...

Chapter One: The Fang Family of Liuhu

As the lanterns were first lit, in Qingjiang County under the rule of the Daxia Dynasty, in Liuhu City, at the brothel!

"Quick, call out Miss Xiaoqingmeng..."

Amidst a sea of colorful lanterns, the largest pleasure house in Liuhu City was already bustling with excitement.

Whether it was the students from Liuhu Baixiang Academy, the scions of wealthy families, or the wandering swordsmen of the jianghu, people of all backgrounds and statuses, who would normally never mingle, were now all gathered beneath the same pavilion. And they all wore the same expression—excited, putting on airs of extravagance, waving silver notes in their hands, some even bringing entire chests of silver.

Shouting and clamoring, spirits high, unable to contain their eagerness.

They slammed their hands on the tables in front of them, shouting up at the madam above.

The reason was simple: the courtesan Little Grace from Liuyue Pavilion was coming out to meet guests tonight.

Even more importantly, Little Grace had now come of age, old enough to spend the night with a guest. Who wouldn't want to be the first?

Speaking of Little Grace, she was truly a marvel of Liuhu City. It was said she was born into a noble family, but after her family fell on hard times, she entered this world of pleasure. Yet, though she had fallen into the dust, she never lost her ambition. Skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, she excelled at all the arts. Her Daoist-style calligraphy was especially elegant and exquisite. Even the city’s dignitaries praised the scriptures she had copied...

If one were lucky enough to share her bed, not only would he be satisfied, but the whole of Liuhu City would envy him!

On the second floor, the fairy-like Little Grace had half her face veiled in white gauze. With a gentle sweep of her enchanting eyes, the hall below grew even more frenzied.

"I offer eighty taels, hoping Miss Little Grace will grant me a cup of tea."

"I offer one hundred taels, wishing to hear Miss Little Grace play a tune on the zither."

"Nobody fight me for this! I offer two hundred taels, hoping Miss Little Grace will accompany me on a boat ride..."

"......"

"......"

The more they shouted, the livelier it became.

In Liuhu City, an ordinary girl would go for just two or three taels, even the most popular ones could be had for a few dozen. But now, looking up at Little Grace on the second floor, these guests only grew more excited, each calling out higher prices, and making ever more flattering requests—some for tea, some for music, some even asking to play mahjong with Miss Little Grace!

"My young master offers three hundred taels for Miss Little Grace to spend the night!"

Amid the commotion, a sudden shout rang out, instantly plunging the entire hall into a moment of silence.

Then the uproar resumed, as countless people turned to glare angrily outside the building.

Who was this madman, so vulgar?

Everyone wanted Miss Little Grace to spend the night, but no one had said it so bluntly...

"Oh my, sir, you’re late! Besides, our Qingmeng is not someone who can be bought just by the highest bidder..."

Even the madam upstairs looked displeased.

In this house, there were always some brash fools who thought a bit of money let them do as they pleased...

You think just because you have a little money, you can do whatever you want?

Before the crowd could voice their anger, and before the madam could finish, the finely carved wooden doors of the building were pushed open. From outside the threshold, a young man in white robes entered. Outside, a fine drizzle was falling; he held a black, old umbrella, his face obscured, but his tall figure and air of nobility were clear, with several exquisite jade pendants at his waist.

His gaze swept out from under the umbrella, exuding a natural presence, and the noise in the hall quieted a little.

At this moment, a handsome young attendant emerged from behind him, smiling as he spoke: "Madam, listen carefully—our young master is offering gold!"

A gasp swept through the hall.

Three hundred taels... of gold—was that even possible?

One tael of gold could be exchanged for ten taels of silver. Three hundred taels of gold—that’s three thousand taels of silver!

"Good heavens..."

The madam upstairs stared at the young man who had entered, stunned for a moment. Then she wiped her eyes, took a closer look, and immediately panicked, waving her handkerchief as she hurried down from the second floor: "So it’s you, Second Young Master Foster..."

"Is it that notorious playboy?"

Among the guests in the hall, many, upon hearing the name Second Young Master Foster, immediately thought of someone. They looked over, eyes wide in shock, quickly straightening their clothes and craning their necks to get a better look.

"Heh, brother, you’ve gone too far..."

Some recognized him, but others did not. After the initial shock, some were flushed with anger. Like a student from Baixiang Academy, who especially despised those who flaunted their wealth, now indignantly swept aside his robe and rebuked: "Without rules, nothing can be accomplished. We’re all here to invite the fairy Qingmeng, but you arrived late. How can you try to steal the spotlight with a few taels of silver..."