Chapter 40: Probing

That thought came swiftly, and vanished just as fast.

The idea of the world completing itself is too arcane.

Lacking concrete evidence, anything deduced through conjecture can only serve as a reference—not truth.

To verify it, one must proceed step by step.

At present, the only certainty Xu Yuan can grasp is that Mr. Qin, whatever his allegiance, was likely targeting him—this third son of the family.

The intended heroine of Xiao Xiang Pavilion, who should have appeared there, was inexplicably brought to Zui Xian Lou. If it were mere coincidence, it was far too coincidental.

Suppressing the thought, Xu Yuan turned his gaze once more to Yue Niang, and murmured with a gentle smile:

"Since Mr. Qin personally selected the head flower of the courtesans, then naturally, I cannot afford to miss this opportunity."

A flicker of surprise crossed Yue Niang's face.

This third son had remained silent for so long—Yue Niang had initially thought he would give up. Yet here he was, uttering such a statement.

She hurriedly said:

"Third Young Master... if Master Qin were to blame us..."

Xu Yuan raised a hand to cut her off, fixing his eyes on hers to capture every fleeting nuance of her expression, and smiled:

"Blame us? If Master Qin wishes to place blame, Yueniang, just tell him to come find me. I am immensely curious about this Master Qin who is rumored to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my eldest brother."

With that, Xu Yuan let out a hearty laugh, turned on his heel, and strode away.

Zhou Chen followed him in silence.

Yueniang opened her mouth, intending to press her protest, but ultimately swallowed her words.

A deep quiet settled over the narrow lane within the garden.

Watching the two men force their way into the bamboo courtyard where Jinxuan resided and seeing the doors shut behind them, Yueniang finally let out a soft sigh, slowly rose, and walked back to her own secluded quarters in silence.

...

Zhu Yuan lives up to its name. Pushing open the door, past the low wall, one sees a courtyard surrounded by bamboo groves.

The bamboo leaves are emerald green, swaying gently in the breeze, scattering softly; a pool of water stirs with ripples.

A faint earthy fragrance lingers in the courtyard. Xu Yuan surveys the scene and sees no trace of human presence.

Behind the courtyard stands a hall; beyond that hall lies a room.

Since he has embraced the life of a wealthy, indulgent youth, he had no intention of informing the young lady Jinxuan. Thus, Xu Yuan leads Zhou Chen directly toward the innermost room.

Walking along a stone path, Xu Yuan casually asks:

"Mr. Zhou, you said earlier that ten years ago, Mr. Qin could have stood equal to Xu Changge?"

This detail is precisely what sparked Xu Yuan's belief that Mr. Qin had been 'filled in' by the world's narrative.

Xu Changge—someone bold enough to single-handedly journey into the ancient abyss and decapitate the serpent demon princess.

If someone could stand equal to him, then Mr. Qin must have been part of the original story.

Zhou Chen glanced at Xu Yuan's back, not troubled by the third prince's direct address of his elder brother, and merely nodded slightly:

"Indeed, when the eldest prince was still young, his name spread throughout the capital, and countless people emerged claiming to stand on par with him."

"Oh?"

Xu Yuan furrowed his brow, asking:

"Mr. Zhou, do you mean that Mr. Qin is merely a hollow pretender? But if so, then why did you specifically mention him earlier?"

Zhou Chen followed behind Xu Yuan, saying:

"Third Prince, you are quite perceptive. Mr. Qin is indeed different from those who merely exploit the elder prince's fame for their own gain."

"What difference?" Xu Yuan murmured softly.

Zhou Chen carefully chose his words:

"Indeed, when the eldest prince journeyed across the land, he had some encounters with Mr. Qin, and the two traveled together for a long time."

"A companion?"

Xu Yuan murmured, recalling that though his eldest brother was usually gentle with others, pride was bred into his very bones.

For this Mister Qin to walk alongside him, it seemed he must indeed be someone of true merit.

Pausing for a moment, Xu Yuan continued to press:

"Is that all?"

Zhou Chen shook his head:

"Third Young Master, are you aware that every seven years, the Tianyuan Sword Sect widely distributes invitations, summoning the young disciples of all the world's sects to a grand tournament held within Tianyuan City?"

Xu Yuan pondered briefly, then nodded:

"....I know."

Of this matter, he was aware.

Not only does he know, but he knows the hidden truths behind the Tianyuan Gathering.

The information from his previous life.

The Tianyuan Gathering, publicly presented as a means to inspire the youth across the land, was in reality a forum convened for the heads and elders of various sects—offering them a chance to meet and discuss matters concerning all sects.

Initiated by the Tianyuan Sword Sect, the premier sect of the realm, it became a grand assembly involving a gathering of warlord leaders.

Yet despite its covert purpose, each time the Tianyuan Sword Sect presented a prize of "golden" rank, the Tianyuan Gathering became a dazzling spectacle, a grand event across the land.

Pausing briefly, Xu Yuan asked:

"Mr. Zhou, are you suggesting that Xu Changge participated in the Tianyuan Competition during his travels?"

"Yes, at that time, the Qin gentleman and the eldest son were traveling together, with their destination being the Tianyuan City's Tianyuan Gathering."

"So he fought against Xu Changge? A formidable strength?"

Zhou Chen nodded slightly:

"Very strong—he's one of the few who survived beneath the Long Prince's blade."

"..." Xu Yuan.

Survivors...?

A moment of stunned silence passed, then Xu Yuan broke into a quiet, low laugh.

The son of the Chancellor of the Great Flame Dynasty, attending a gathering of regional warlords, and directly attacking the young disciples of the sects on the field...

Xu Yuan had a rough idea of what transpired at the Tianyuan Grand Assembly thirteen years ago, and a general understanding of where Qin's limits lay. With a light chuckle, he said:

"I now know what kind of man Qin is, hah..."

Having gathered sufficient information, Xu Yuan said no more.

The Bamboo Grove was indeed vast. As they went deeper, past courtyards and halls, through two archways of stone, Xu Yuan came upon a grove of bamboo, with winding paths weaving through the midst of it.

The two followed the path forward, turning a corner, and at the end of the road, the bamboo grove suddenly opened up before them.

In a circular formation, a patch of open space remained,

sunlight cascading like a waterfall, a simple bamboo pavilion stood alone, appearing especially still and profound amid the withering bamboo grove surrounding it.

A faint, melancholy melody of ancient instruments drifted from within the pavilion, seeping into Xu Yuan's ears.

Xu Yuan stood motionless, listening quietly for a moment, then glanced sideways at Zhou Chen beside him, saying:

"Mr. Zhou, there are still two ladies awaiting upstairs—wouldn't you go and see them?"

He didn't want to find himself later, watched in real-time by Zhou Chen, a man with a thick beard, peering through his spirit senses from the doorway.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chen stroked his beard, momentarily silent, cleared his throat softly, and bowed:

"Hmm, well... Zhou will just wish the third prince good fortune in his martial endeavors."

"...?" Xu Yuan.

They looked at each other in silence, then both burst into laughter simultaneously.

Laughter fading, accompanied by the sound of zither music drifting from within the bamboo pavilion, Zhou Chen turned and departed. Xu Yuan stepped forward.

The bamboo grove rustled softly in the wind, and he entered the pavilion alone, following the melody up the stairs to the second floor, where he halted before a single chamber.

Soon, the melody concluded, and a delicate female voice drifted out from within:

"Master San, if you've come, why stand outside?"

With those words, the pleasant zither music resumed.

Xu Yuan shook his head, deciding not to linger, and pushed open the door.

Pulling aside the curtain, with a rustling sound, he stepped into the lady's private chamber.

Inside, a woman sat upon an ancient zither, her eyes lowered, delicate fingers dancing across the strings, each graceful note emerging from the strings.

She wore a deep red silk dress, the neckline low, revealing a lush expanse of snowy white.

Her face like a lotus, her brows like willow branches; her eyes, more alluring than peach blossoms, held a magnetic charm. Her skin was as pure as snow, her black hair coiled into a high, elegant chignon, a jade hairpin catching the sunlight and reflecting a soft, gentle glow.

Seeing the woman's countenance, Xu Yuan understood perfectly why his predecessor—a seasoned rogue in the ways of love—had been so utterly infatuated with her, to the point of being manipulated into a hopelessly devoted sycophant.

She was possessed of a natural, bone-deep seductiveness.

Suppressing the tendrils of desire that inexplicably flared within his chest, Xu Yuan gathered his composure and lowered himself onto the futon opposite her.

Once he was seated, a delicate maidservant immediately poured him a cup of fragrant tea before gracefully slipping out of the room.

The faint scent of sandalwood permeated the chamber, while sunlight filtered through the window lattice, casting flickering shadows.

Sipping tea, listening to music, and admiring a beauty—it was pure earthly bliss.

Amidst the tranquil silence, Xu Yuan closed his eyes, thoroughly enchanted.

Time lost its meaning as melody after melody drew to a close.

Su Jinxuan slowly raised eyes that mirrored autumn waters, looking toward the man who sat opposite with closed eyes, listening, and curled her lips into a smile:

"Third Young Master, it appears you are no stranger to the rhythms of music?"

As her voice drifted over,

Xu Yuan slowly opened his eyes, momentarily lost in a daze.

Coming back to his senses, he shook his head with a faint smile and pointed directly at the vibrant red dress the hostess wore, saying,

"I know nothing of melodies. I prefer the most natural human voice over music. Miss Jinxuan, you must know why I have come to find you, right?"

With that,

Xu Yuan