Are You an Auspicious Sign

The Central Continent bordered the Northern Juru Continent.

Unlike other major continents where conflicts and power struggles were commonplace, the Northern Juru Continent was known for its exceptionally pure and simple folk customs. Even the cultivation atmosphere there was said to be remarkably harmonious.

One could even describe it as a land of peace—a rare and untainted paradise.

Before his journey, Chu Xingchen had utilized the Tianyan Sect's intelligence network to gather information—after all, there was no harm in making use of available resources. The reports largely aligned with the rumors.

Still, it was unwise to be overly trusting. No matter how pure the local customs, there would always be a few bad apples.

Chu Xingchen had also taken Chen Baiqing to train in the Tianyan Sect's cultivation chambers, where they absorbed a substantial amount of pure spiritual energy.

Chen Baiqing didn’t even need to rely on elixirs—her breakthrough into the Golden Core realm was seamless and effortless.

Poor cultivators relied on pills.

True geniuses absorbed the essence of heaven and earth.

The system had bestowed Chen Baiqing with a spiritual treasure—a pale green Heavenly Jade Ring. Its primary function was to amplify her abilities, though Chu Xingchen found it somewhat peculiar.

At the very least, Chen Baiqing liked it. The ring could change size and, if used as a weapon, would likely pack a solid punch.

She now wore it as a bracelet on her wrist. Regardless of its other qualities, the Heavenly Jade Ring was undeniably beautiful.

Chu Xingchen’s current location was at the southern edge of the Northern Juru Continent, bordering the Central Continent.

This area was not under the jurisdiction of the Tianyan Sect—in fact, their influence barely extended here.

According to Bai Xuanling, this region was nominally governed by one of the Eighteen Immortal Sects—the Taidao Sect.

"Governed" was a generous term. In reality, the Taidao Sect merely held the title, exerting little actual control. Their presence ensured that if any extraordinary treasures were discovered here, they would have the first claim.

Naturally, if any demonic cultivators caused trouble, the Taidao Sect would also be responsible for dealing with them.

But such matters rarely required their direct intervention—other sects usually handled them first.

Additionally, the Eighteen Immortal Sects maintained an unspoken rule: none would encroach upon another’s territory. This was their way of preserving superficial harmony.

Of course, beneath the polite smiles, hidden hands were always ready to act.

This time, however, their target was not a behemoth like the Taidao Sect. Bai Xuanling wasn’t foolish enough to assign Chu Xingchen such a troublesome mission.

In Bai Xuanling’s eyes, tasks that risked offending others were best left to the disciples of the Sect Leader’s peak.

Still, Bai Xuanling hadn’t provided detailed instructions for this operation. He had simply urged Chu Xingchen to hurry to the Northern Juru Continent and meet their contact.

"You’ll understand the situation once you get there."

Given Chu Xingchen’s nature, he naturally wanted clearer answers.

But Bai Xuanling, ever the enigma, dismissed his concerns—"Plans depend on circumstances. Go and assess the situation yourself. If it seems impossible, just return. Consider it a trip for Chen Baiqing’s sake."

With that, further questioning would have been impolite.

So Chu Xingchen set off for the Northern Juru Continent with only Chen Baiqing in tow.

Cui Hao and Lin Luoyu remained at the Tianyan Sect. Bai Xuanling claimed their cultivation was too weak—better to train than wander aimlessly.

But Chu Xingchen suspected Bai Xuanling simply didn’t want them complicating matters.

This mission was likely more troublesome than it appeared.

---

Towering City, Central Continent.

In front of the Spring Breeze Pavilion’s grand entrance.

Chu Xingchen glanced at the group of scantily clad, alluring women performing indecent gestures.

A fair number of passersby had already succumbed to such vulgar temptations, lured inside.

Chu Xingchen could only shake his head—such behavior deserved stern criticism!

He covered Chen Baiqing’s eyes with his hand. "Don’t look. Children who see this will get styes."

Chen Baiqing didn’t resist but calmly asked,

"Master… Golden Core cultivators don’t get styes, do they?"

"Would your master lie to you? Your second senior brother once—"

"Master, why are we here?"

Chen Baiqing interrupted, sparing her second senior brother further embarrassment. If her master continued, the poor man would end up with yet another absurd rumor attached to him.

She wanted to believe her master, but given her second senior brother’s habit of scowling at the mere sight of women, could he really have gotten a stye?

Now, if it were about Cui Hao, she might have believed it.

Chu Xingchen transmitted his voice. "We’re here to meet our contact."

"Then let’s go in, Master. Didn’t Senior Bai say time was urgent?" Chen Baiqing’s small face was nearly engulfed by Chu Xingchen’s palm as she replied via voice transmission.

"Don’t worry, Master. Baiqing knows nothing."

Chu Xingchen could only silently withdraw his hand. Her words were clear—"Master, don’t worry, I already understand everything."

Well, Baiqing was growing up. It was time she faced the darker side of the world occasionally.

Thus, a handsome young man, leading an exquisitely beautiful little girl, strode boldly into the den of debauchery under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

Inside, the women wore even less.

But Chu Xingchen remained unshaken, his demeanor righteous and unyielding—a stark contrast to the vulgar men drowning in lust around him.

A mature-looking woman swayed toward them, her gaze lingering on Chen Baiqing before she spoke in a sweet, gentle tone:

"Sir… What brings you here?"

"We’re looking for someone named Jixiang."

Her eyes lit with recognition. "Ah, it’s you. Please follow me."

Chu Xingchen nodded and led Chen Baiqing after the madam.

The Central Continent, with its higher concentration of cultivators and generally stronger practitioners, differed greatly from other continents.

Here, low-level cultivators didn’t enjoy the same sense of superiority they did elsewhere.

The Spring Breeze Pavilion stood nine stories tall, symbolizing the ultimate number. Yet despite its height, it had no stairs.

Instead, two large platforms on either side were suspended by faint golden threads.

This wasn’t powered by formation mechanisms—those were far too expensive to maintain.

Instead, several Qi Refining cultivators manually hauled the platforms up and down.

Compared to the upkeep of formations, hiring low-level cultivators was far more economical.

After all, Qi Refining cultivators were replaceable. The only training required was ensuring they could lift the platforms smoothly.

The madam, however, didn’t guide them to the common "cultivator-powered elevators."

Instead, she led them to a more exclusive platform—the VIP lift.

She remained silent throughout the journey, neither asking questions nor offering unnecessary words, simply guiding them forward.

The VIP platform ascended directly to the ninth floor.

Unlike the noisy first floor, the ninth was eerily quiet—Chu Xingchen noted the presence of basic soundproofing formations.

Few rooms occupied this level, each spaced far apart.

The madam stopped before a door adorned with a plaque reading "Hundred Flowers."

With a practiced smile, she said, "He’s inside. I’ll leave you to it."

Then she departed without another word.

Chu Xingchen stared blankly at the door before him.

He never expected the price of being an informant for the Tianyan Sect to be this steep.

Chu Xingchen lightly knocked on the door and recited the passphrase: "Calculate the celestial pearl to grasp the great dao."

A moment later, a gentle female voice responded:

"Come in."

Without hesitation, Chu Xingchen pushed the door open, leading Chen Baiqing inside.

The room was simply furnished yet adorned with lavish decorations—though the most extravagant sight was the large bed at its center.

There, a woman in tattered robes leaned against a burly, bearded man.

The scene left Chu Xingchen momentarily stunned.

Seriously? Are you too dedicated to your job? You’re still entertaining clients when I’m here?!

Once again, Chu Xingchen reached out to cover Chen Baiqing’s eyes, his tone sharp as he addressed the woman on the bed:

"Are you Jixiang?"

The woman remained motionless, but the bearded man propped himself up, his gaze bleary as he looked at Chu Xingchen and said:

"I am Jixiang."

Before the burly man could react, a fist the size of a sandbag came flying straight at his face.

Chu Xingchen’s punch sent the man tumbling off the bed.

He’d assumed this was some noble sacrifice for the Tianyan Sect—turns out the bastard was just here for a good time!