42 The Fire in the Heart Has Long Scorched the Prairie (1/2)

The Cirrus House was a long renowned establishment in Tiantang City.

The place was a pit where fortunes were burnt in a roaring furnace, yet it was also a man’s paradise.

It was, of course, a brothel.

However, what made it different from other brothels was that all the women here were virgins as clear as ice and as pure as jade; they made their living as performers and not with their bodies.

Once a girl was found to have given herself to her client, there would be only two outcomes for her; be redeemed by that client and go home with him, or be expelled from the Cirrus House.

The present madam of Cirrus House, Yun Zuiyue, was an extraordinary woman. Legend has it that eight years ago, Unrivaled Expert Ling Xiaozui had passed by and lingered at this establishment, meeting Yun Zuiyue in the process. They both discovered themselves to be kindred spirits and had an enlightening conversation. Ling Xiaozui had even promised, “inebriated to the clouds, heart-to-heart under the moon; whoever offends shall take this blow of my sword!”.

Whosoever dared to offend Yun Zuiyue would have to face Ling Xiaozui!

Nobody in his right mind would be willing to endure a blow from Ling Xiaozui’s sword, and it was said that even His Majesty the Emperor would probably not dare to as well. It was now a known fact that there was an immensely terrifying force behind Yun Zuiyue. Every time an incident occurred in the Cirrus House, the house was not hesitant to employ that force in a brutally shocking manner.

No one dared to stir up trouble here, making the Cirrus House the safest place in Tiantang City!

…

Even as events were unfolding, Yun Zuiyue was sending a dozen military undercover guards out, all dressed in red and armed with a pretty smile.

“Take care, militant sirs. We don’t harbor criminals here, so please don’t come again; we can’t afford to anger the military now, can we?”

The undercover guards looked sheepishly helpless.

What other choice did they have?

Who would dare to search the Cirrus House by force? Perhaps the Old Marshal could if he came personally; as for the others, they would probably be sent out courteously one after one.

However, the Old Marshal was already enraged with their failure to capture the assassin. Now that they could not find the criminal after searching the entire Tiantang City, they wondered what sort of storm awaited them when they got back home.

Yun Zuiyue looked like a vision dressed in red as she leaned leisurely against the pillar of a door in front of the Cirrus House, naturally exuding a sultry charm.

Her face, one of unparalleled beauty, seemed to always be wearing a light smile, just a flitting look which conveyed layers of sensuality almost effortlessly..

Those who passed by could not help but stare, goggle-eyed at her seductive elegance.

Deep in Yun Zuiyue’s eyes though, lay an indescribable grudge; she sighed softly, that faux foe of hers had not been here for more than a year already.

Where has he gone to?

Could it be that he has really forgotten?

…

Yun Yang stood at the opposite the corner of the street. He was decked in purple as he stood with arms behind his back. He had been standing here for a while now, a witness to two teams of undercover guards being quietly sent out by Yun Zuiyue to avoid undue attention.

Yun Yang’s gaze was complicated, a little guilty even.

He did not wish to go over, nor did he want to face Yun Zuiyue. However, the undercover guards had all returned, the efforts of their search an exercise in futility.

Lao Mei was standing right beside him, not knowing why his young master waited here.

Seeing that Yun Zuiyue was about to turn and head back in, Yun Yang heaved a long sigh and walked over in large strides.

That was how Yun Yang was; he would ponder for ages before deciding on a course of action; he would also be able to withdraw himself from facing something that he would rather avoid.

However, once his mind was set, it was a point of no return! There was nothing else on his mind except the vision of success.

Yun Zuiyue sighed softly. Just as she was about to turn and head in, she suddenly saw the youth in the purple robe on the opposite side of the street striding towards her.

Even Yun Zuiyue, who had seen the most exquisite faces in her industry, was impressed with what she saw here, an extremely handsome young man.

Just as she was thinking about it, Yun Yang was already standing in front of her and spoke with a smile, “Do I have the pleasure of addressing Lady Zuiyue?”

Yun Zuiyue flashed a lovely smile guaranteed to send men’s hearts racing and said, “And who might you be, young stranger? You don’t look familiar.”

Yun Yang smiled. “Unfamiliar is guaranteed but I know you’re Yun Zuiyue and I would let you know now too that my family name is also Yun. We are but family. So we’re not strangers now anymore, are we?” Yun Yang asked contritely.

Yun Zuiyue lightly laughed with her mouth covered, a picture of innocence. “Young master is really witty. You are absolutely right, we are no longer strangers.”

“Seeing as how we are no longer strangers, may I then buy Lady Zuiyue a meal?” Yun Yang continued, “Right here at the Cirrus House?”

Yun Zuiyue’s tone was gentle even as her gaze was sharp as she said, “Young master, the courses at the Cirrus House aren’t cheap.”

Yun Yang smiled lightly, “No matter how expensive they are, they would be worth it, if it grants me the pleasure of Lady Zuiyue’s company.”

“Young master has a way with words indeed.” Yun Zuiyue’s laugh was soft and artfully charming. “Yet somehow, I don’t believe that young master is here at Cirrus House just to buy Zuiyue a meal.”

She looked at Yun Yang pointedly, her gaze conveying volumes. “Perhaps the young master has a lady that he fancies in this Cirrus House of mine?”

Yun Yang replied, “Ladies in the Cirrus House are too dear, and I find myself rather penniless. Therefore, this time I really do intend to buy Lady Zuiyue a meal and also… I have a few questions that I would wish to discuss with Lady Zuiyue, if you would do me this honor.”

Yun Zuiyue chuckled and said, “I knew young master must have a purpose. Since young master is so handsome, I find myself conveniently free as well.”

“Young master, after you.”