Probing

The thought came swiftly and vanished just as fast. The idea of the world filling in its own gaps was simply too bizarre. Without sufficient evidence, deductions built purely on speculation could only serve as a reference, never as fact. To verify anything, he had to take it one step at a time. For now, Xu Yuan could confirm only one thing: no matter which faction this Mister Qin belonged to, he was most likely targeting him, the Third Young Master. The female protagonist, who should have appeared at Xiaoxiang Pavilion, had been brought to Zuixian Tower by him for no discernible reason. If this was a coincidence, it was far too much of one. Cutting his train of thought short, Xu Yuan turned his gaze back to Madam Yue and laughed softly. "Since she is a top courtesan personally selected by Mister Qin, this young master naturally cannot afford to miss out." The smile on Madam Yue's face froze. The Third Young Master had been silent for so long that she had assumed he was going to give up, only to hear such a response. She said hastily, "Third Young Master, if Mister Qin takes offense..." Xu Yuan raised a hand to cut her off. Looking into her eyes, he observed every minute shift in her expression and smiled. "Takes offense? If Mister Qin wishes to blame anyone, Madam Yue, you can just tell him to come find me. I happen to be terribly curious about this Mister Qin, who is rumored to stand shoulder to shoulder with my eldest brother." With that, Xu Yuan gave a hearty laugh, turned, and strode off. Zhou Chen followed in silence. Madam Yue parted her lips to stop them again, but in the end, she swallowed her words. Quiet settled over the garden alleyway. Watching the two men barge straight into the Bamboo Courtyard where Jinxuan stayed, then hearing the courtyard door latch shut, Madam Yue let out a soft sigh. She slowly picked herself up and walked quietly back to her own annex. The Bamboo Courtyard was true to its name. Pushing the door open and passing behind the screen wall revealed an inner yard embraced by clusters of bamboo. Verdant green leaves scattered on the breeze, and a pool of clear water rippled with jade-green waves. The courtyard carried the faint fragrance of fresh earth. Xu Yuan swept his eyes around, but saw no one in sight. Behind the courtyard lay the main hall, and beyond that were the private chambers. Since he was playing the part of a profligate, he naturally had no intention of having anyone announce him to Miss Jinxuan. Leading Zhou Chen along, Xu Yuan walked straight toward the innermost chamber. As they strolled down the stone-paved path, Xu Yuan asked offhandedly, "Mister Zhou, you mentioned earlier that more than a decade ago, this Mister Qin could stand shoulder to shoulder with Xu Changge?" This piece of information was the direct reason Xu Yuan had suspected Mister Qin was an entity spawned by the world to patch its own logic. Xu Changge was a ruthless figure who had dared to charge into Guyuan all by himself just to sever the head of the Snake Demon Princess. If this Mister Qin truly rivaled him, there was no reason he wouldn't have appeared in the original storyline. Zhou Chen glanced up at Xu Yuan's back. Not minding that the Third Young Master had addressed his eldest brother by name, he gave a slight nod. "Indeed. When the Eldest Young Master's fame shook the Imperial Capital at the tender age of thirteen, many people across the world emerged claiming they could stand on equal footing with him." "Huh?" Xu Yuan frowned slightly. "Mister Zhou, do you mean this Mister Qin is merely a pewter spearhead—all show and no substance? No, if that were the case, why would you have bothered singling him out?" Following behind Xu Yuan, Zhou Chen replied, "The Third Young Master is perceptive. This Mister Qin is indeed somewhat different from those scoundrels who merely fished for fame off the Eldest Young Master's name." "Different in what way?" Xu Yuan asked softly. Zhou Chen weighed his words for a moment. "Back when the Eldest Young Master was traveling the realm, he had some dealings with this Mister Qin. The two traveled together as companions for a considerable time." "Traveled together?" Xu Yuan murmured. In his memories, although his eldest brother treated people with gentle courtesy on the surface, his arrogance ran deep in his bones. For Mister Qin to have journeyed alongside him, the man had to be genuinely exceptional. Pausing briefly, Xu Yuan pressed on, "That was all?" Zhou Chen shook his head. "Does the Third Young Master know that every seven years, the Tianyuan Sword Sect sends out invitations across the realm, inviting the younger generation of every sect to gather for a grand conference in Tianyuan City?" After a moment's contemplation, Xu Yuan nodded. "...I know of it." He knew about this affair. Not only did he know about it, but he also understood what lay behind the Tianyuan Conference. Information from his past life. On the surface, the Tianyuan Conference was held to encourage the younger generation across the realm. In reality, it was an opportunity for sect leaders and elders from every corner of the world to meet and confer on matters concerning the various sects. Spearheaded by the world's foremost sect, the Tianyuan Sword Sect, it was a collective conclave for a bunch of warlord chieftains. Yet despite that underlying motive, because the Tianyuan Sword Sect always offered a "Gold-tier" treasure as the reward for first place, every iteration of the Tianyuan Conference was celebrated as a grand gathering throughout the world. Pausing, Xu Yuan asked, "Mister Zhou, do you mean Xu Changge participated in the Tianyuan Tournament while traveling?" "Yes. At the time, the destination of the Eldest Young Master and this Mister Qin was none other than the Tianyuan Conference in Tianyuan City." "So he fought Xu Changge? Was he strong?" Zhou Chen nodded slightly. "Very strong. He was one of the few who managed to survive beneath the Eldest Young Master's sword." "..." Xu Yuan was speechless. One of the few who survived? After a brief daze, Xu Yuan let out a low chuckle. The son of the Great Yan Dynasty's Prime Minister entering a tournament meant for local warlord chieftains, and going straight for the kill against those sect disciples on stage... Xu Yuan could roughly deduce what had transpired at that Tianyuan Conference thirteen years ago, and he also had a good idea of where this Mister Qin's upper limit lay. He snorted with amusement. "I think I have a pretty good idea of what kind of man this Qin fellow is. Heh." Having obtained enough information, Xu Yuan said no more. The Bamboo Courtyard was indeed vast. Heading straight inside, they crossed the courtyard's main hall and passed through two stone archways. A bamboo grove came into view, along with a winding trail weaving through it. The two followed the trail forward. Rounding a corner, the bamboo trees suddenly gave way at the end of the path. Forming a circle, they framed an open clearing. Sunlight cascaded down like a waterfall upon a rustic bamboo pavilion that stood in lonely elegance, looking exceptionally tranquil and secluded amid the rustling bamboo around it. The clear, resonant notes of a zither drifted out from an inner chamber like mournful, immortal music, reaching Xu Yuan's ears. Xu Yuan paused in his tracks to listen quietly for a moment. Glancing sideways at Zhou Chen, he said, "Mister Zhou, there are two beauties waiting on the top floor. Aren't you... going back to check on them?" He certainly didn't want this scruffy-bearded brute squatting at his doorstep using his intent-soul to watch a live broadcast of him. Hearing this, Zhou Chen rubbed his stubble, momentarily at a loss. Clearing his throat, he cupped his hands. "Ahem, in that case, Zhou wishes the Third Young Master martial triumph." "..." Xu Yuan looked at him. The two exchanged a wordless glance, then burst out laughing together. When their laughter subsided, accompanied by the zither music drifting from the bamboo pavilion, Zhou Chen turned and walked away. Xu Yuan stepped forward alone. The bamboo grove rustled in the wind. Entering the bamboo pavilion by himself, he followed the music up to the second floor and stopped before a private chamber. Soon, the piece drew to a close, and an enchanting female voice drifted out from within: "Since the Third Young Master has already arrived, why stand outside the door?" As the words fell, the melodious notes of the zither began to play once more. Xu Yuan shook his head and lingered no longer, pushing the door straight open. Parting the beaded curtain of the inner chamber with a soft clatter, Xu Yuan stepped into the woman's boudoir. Inside, a woman sat poised behind a guqin, her lovely eyes lowered. Her slender, jade-like fingers danced ceaselessly across the strings, coaxing one graceful melody after another from the instrument. She wore a vibrant red silk gown cut low at the neckline, revealing a generous expanse of snowy, supple skin. Her face was like a lotus blossom and her brows like willow leaves. Her eyes, more captivating than peach blossoms, tugged at the heartstrings. Her skin was fair as snow, and her jet-black hair was swept up into a high, elegant coiffure held by a jade hairpin that gleamed with soft light under the sun. Taking in the woman's appearance, Xu Yuan finally understood why his original self—a seasoned rogue among flowers—had been so thoroughly infatuated with her, even allowing himself to be strung along into an utter simp. She was born with enchanting charm down to her very bones. Suppressing the sudden flare of desire in his chest, Xu Yuan gathered his wits and bent down to sit on the cushion opposite her. The moment he sat, a delicate maid immediately poured him a cup of fragrant tea, then gracefully slipped away. A light scent of sandalwood drifted through the room, while dappled sunlight filtered through the lattice window, casting shifting shadows. Sipping tea, listening to music, and admiring a beauty—truly, pure earthly delight. Amid the quiet serenity, Xu Yuan closed his eyes in rapt appreciation. Time slipped by unnoticed, and he did not know how many pieces had played out. Su Jinxuan slowly lifted eyes as clear as autumn waters, gazing upon the young man opposite her who sat listening with closed eyes, and offered a soft, pursed smile. "Third Young Master, it seems you are quite knowledgeable in the musical arts?" At the sound of her voice, Xu Yuan slowly opened his eyes, momentarily dazed. Snapping back to his senses, he smiled and shook his head, pointing directly toward the vibrant red dress on this female protagonist. "I know nothing of music. Compared to music, I much prefer the most natural of human sounds. Miss Jinxuan, you should know why I have come looking for you, shouldn't you?" As he spoke, Xu Yuan cast a sideways glance toward the soft, plush bed hidden behind the red curtain in the chamber.