Volume One, Chapter 11: A Fine Show

The next morning, Si Nanxi arrived early at the Immortal Spirit Pavilion nestled within Mount Xuyu.

The morning dew made the air fresh and moist, and the pavilion was enveloped in a profound silence, as if it were a pure sanctuary untouched by the world.

To practitioners, the Immortal Spirit Pavilion was a unique place. It offered not only exquisite food and fine wine but also served as a trading hub for rare elixirs and celestial herbs from distant wilds. During major festivals, there were even performances of song and dance.

Unfortunately, it was not open every day. The one in Lin’an City was located in a remote area, and the materials and goods for trade required lengthy preparation. Thus, it operated only four days each month, remaining closed the rest of the time.

Last night, Si Nanxi had deliberately sent three messengers to Mo Daoke, Shi Yong, and Yan Jin, informing them that the gathering would be held at noon today.

She wasn’t worried about Mo Daoke and Shi Yong; the allure of the pavilion was enough to make them put aside most of their trivial affairs.

As for Yan Jin, Si Nanxi could never be certain. Girls of her age could be unpredictable—one day smiling warmly, the next cold and aloof was perfectly normal.

Thankfully, a messenger returned this morning with news that Master Yan had agreed.

Si Nanxi’s greatest fear was putting on a great show with no audience. Now that she had attendees, everything was easier to manage.

Shi Yong was the first to arrive. Standing cautiously at the entrance, he sneaked a glance inside. Only after confirming Si Nanxi was upstairs did he dismiss his doubts and stride forward confidently.

After all, as a mere ordinary disciple of the Overbearing Body Academy, he could hardly afford to indulge in such a place. The very thought of being invited to the Immortal Spirit Pavilion was beyond his wildest dreams.

“Hey, Senior Shi Yong, long time no see. How have you been?”

Shi Yong was about to respond with a bashful smile but then remembered that Si Nanxi was a newcomer to the Spirit Appraisal Academy, and acting overly deferential might damage his own image. So, he straightened up and said, “All is well.”

“Yesterday, I thought I saw you on Liuhua Street, but I was in a rush and didn’t get a good look. Was that really you?”

“Don’t mention it. Yesterday, Instructor Fan called me to collect the security fees from Liuhua Street. Didn’t earn a penny, and the money for the brothel was still paid by the brothers themselves. Instructor Fan is really stingy...”

Realizing he’d said too much, Shi Yong quickly put an arm around Si Nanxi, grinning slyly. “Junior brother, just keep this between us, alright?”

Si Nanxi gently brushed away Shi Yong’s hand and smiled. “Naturally.”

Shi Yong, visiting the Immortal Spirit Pavilion for the first time, was like a country bumpkin seeing the world for the first time. He gazed in awe at the exquisite murals on the walls, the expensive furnishings, and the graceful maids whose skin was as tender as if moist with water. In that moment, Shi Yong truly understood the joy of wealth.

Seeing him so entranced, Si Nanxi didn’t interrupt but led him upstairs.

“Look as much as you want; you probably won’t get another chance later,” she whispered.

“What?”

“Nothing. Since it’s your first time, enjoy the sights. There’s quite a show waiting for you later.”

...

Shi Yong followed closely behind Si Nanxi, afraid of getting lost, yet his eyes never left the beautiful women. He had never seen such stunning ladies before; compared to them, the ones at the Drunken Immortal Tavern were insignificant.

Shi Yong was led to the dining table, which was laden with a variety of delicacies and fine wines. He widened his eyes, taking in the dazzling array of dishes, then weighed the silver coins in his pocket and muttered admiringly, “It’s good to have money.”

Less than a short incense stick’s time later, Mo Daoke arrived at the pavilion’s entrance with Yan Jin. Si Nanxi gave a subtle nod outside, and Little Liuli, disguised as a maid, immediately understood and went down to greet them.

Meeting today, Si Nanxi noticed that Yan Jin, having shed her loose academy robe for casual wear, was an enchanting beauty.

Her eyes were like autumn waters—bright and deep. Her jet-black hair, freed from its pins, fell naturally over her shoulders without any elaborate ornamentation, making her appear simple and pure.

“You brat, don’t stare at me like that,” Mo Daoke snapped.

Compared to Shi Yong, Mo Daoke was on a different level in both experience and cultivation. Naturally, he didn’t show any courtesy just because Si Nanxi had chosen the Immortal Spirit Pavilion for their gathering.

Noticing Si Nanxi watching Yan Jin, he immediately warned her sternly.

Yan Jin paid no mind, but Si Nanxi was startled out of her reverie by Mo Daoke’s sharp rebuke.

She looked at him blankly and then teased, “Senior Mo, that’s funny. Master Yan is my teacher. She always reminds me in class not to be distracted and to keep up with her lessons. What, outside the classroom, does Master Yan belong to you alone?”

Mo Daoke’s face stiffened. Since Yan Jin was present, he restrained himself, shot Si Nanxi a glare, and then strode upstairs first.

“Si Nanxi, itching to be mischievous again? If Senior Mo beats you later, don’t expect me to help.”

As Mo Daoke’s figure disappeared at the stairs, a smug smile crept onto Si Nanxi’s lips. She turned to Yan Jin with a look full of mischief and challenge. Stepping closer, she deliberately whispered,

“Alright, it’s a deal. If a fight breaks out later, you must promise not to side with him.”

Yan Jin looked at Si Nanxi and couldn’t help but chuckle softly. She replied in a low voice, “Senior Mo is a famous expert in the Spirit Cultivation Academy. You? You want to beat him back?”

Si Nanxi chuckled lightly, unfazed. “That doesn’t matter. But you must promise me that no matter what happens, you won’t support him.”

Yan Jin tilted her head, giving Si Nanxi a look as if he were simple-minded, then raised a finger and promised, “Fine, fine, I promise.”

The Immortal Spirit Pavilion differed greatly from ordinary taverns. Besides the dining environment and rare delicacies, there was a unique feature: all the maids were girls between ten and eighteen years old, each wearing a half-face veil or mask, adding an air of mystery.

The four seated themselves, and Si Nanxi waved his hand, calling to Little Liuli, who was disguised as a maid in the private room.

“Order the dishes!”

Hearing Si Nanxi’s call, Little Liuli eagerly scurried off as planned the previous day.

“Four premium lobsters.”

“Sir, sorry, premium lobsters are not available today.”

Si Nanxi’s order of extravagant dishes prompted Yan Jin to interject, “Don’t order the expensive stuff.”

“Alright then, four bottles of fifty-year-old top-grade osmanthus wine.”

“Sorry, the fifty-year-old osmanthus wine is sold out.”

“How many years do you have left?”

“We have... twenty-year-old.” Little Liuli rarely lied, and now that she had to perform in front of several people, she got nervous and forgot the lines she had rehearsed with Si Nanxi.

Seeing Little Liuli break character, Si Nanxi scratched his head and signaled, “Twenty years... do you have it?”

“Do you... have it or not?”

Just as the truth was about to slip out, Si Nanxi slammed his hand on the table and shouted, “A tavern of the Immortal Spirit Pavilion’s caliber should have everything. Don’t you know that? I’m not short of money; these are all honored guests.”

“Oh, then no.”

“Wait a minute, your pavilion has been closed for half a month. Why is today still so poorly stocked? Bring your manager over.”

“No.”

“The manager? Your boss who runs this pavilion?”

“Oh, the manager went out to settle accounts and is temporarily unavailable.”

Si Nanxi’s exchange with Little Liuli left the other three at the table dumbfounded.