Deeply Immersed and Unable to Extricate Oneself

"This is outrageous!"

"Absolutely outrageous!"

"Chen Chang'an, can't you control your damn dog?"

"How... how could it actually run off with Fengyao?"

After leaving the Fengtian Imperial Dynasty, Chen Chang'an and his group flew straight toward the Gu family's territory. Passing through Linlang Prefecture, they decided to take a break—mainly because Da Huang refused to fly any further.

But who would have thought? Shortly after settling into an inn, Da Huang and Gu Fengyao vanished without a trace.

"Third Elder, you can't just throw accusations around like that."

"It was Gu Fengyao who followed Da Huang willingly. How can you say Da Huang abducted her?"

"Then why didn’t you stop them?"

"You know exactly where they were headed!"

"Gu Fengyao is from your Gu family. If even you didn’t stop her, what right do I have to interfere?"

"Besides, with Da Huang’s temperament, do you really think I could’ve stopped him?"

"Relax, it’ll be fine. Da Huang’s with her."

Fine?

That’s exactly why it’s terrifying!

"A perfectly innocent girl, so pure-hearted... Chen Chang'an, how can you have no conscience?" The Third Elder fumed.

"Third Elder, if you’re going to put it that way, then let’s have a proper discussion."

"What exactly did I do?"

"Did I swindle her? Did I teach her anything improper?"

"I barely even spoke to her. Why are you blaming me?"

"Instead of wasting time arguing, why don’t you just go drag her back from the brothel?"

Huh?

Chen Chang'an’s words struck the Third Elder like lightning. Right—why not just go retrieve her himself?

"You’re right. I’ll go right now."

"Better hurry. Any later, and she might not stay so ‘pure’ anymore."

Not so pure anymore?

Whoosh!

The moment those words left Chen Chang'an’s mouth, the Third Elder’s face twisted in horror. In a flash, he shot off like an arrow.

---

Fengxian Pavilion

Gu Fengyao was finally getting an eye-opening education on what a brothel truly was.

Dressed in men’s clothing, her stunning beauty still outshone every courtesan in the establishment. The moment she stepped inside, all eyes locked onto her—even the men couldn’t help but steal extra glances.

"What a dashing young master! Even the top courtesan here pales in comparison."

"Tsk tsk tsk, what a shame it’s a man. Truly a waste."

"No shame at all! What does gender matter? I wonder which noble family he belongs to."

"Oh? So you’re well-versed in such tastes?"

"Occasionally, just occasionally. Nothing worth mentioning."

"How odd—why is there a dog with him?"

"Hah! Now that’s a unique hobby. Truly one of a kind!"

The scene inside Fengxian Pavilion left Gu Fengyao utterly stunned. She never imagined the legendary brothel would be like this.

But having come this far, leaving now would feel like admitting defeat. Besides, Da Huang was right beside her, and before they arrived, it had repeatedly drilled into her: Don’t panic. Don’t be scared. Don’t run.

"Ah, young master, you seem new here. First time?"

Gu Fengyao’s nervousness was obvious, but her fine clothing marked her as a wealthy young noble.

"Get me your finest private room."

"Bring all your best ladies—the more, the better."

"Don’t worry about the cost. Money’s no object."

Summoning her courage, Gu Fengyao bellowed the lines Da Huang had taught her. The entire brothel heard her loud and clear. Damn, for someone so young, she’s got quite the voice.

"Right away, young master! This way, please."

The attendant led Gu Fengyao and Da Huang upstairs to an elegant chamber. Soon, two dozen beautiful women filed in, their eyes gleaming the moment they saw Gu Fengyao.

Gu Fengyao had never faced such a situation. Her skin crawled with unease.

"Oh, this young master is so handsome!"

"Move! I saw him first!"

"No, I did!"

"Step aside—I’ll personally attend to him!"

The frantic competition flustered Gu Fengyao, but a tiny part of her preened at the attention. Who knew I’d be this popular?

Meanwhile, Da Huang slumped in a corner, sulking.

"Ugh. Miscalculation."

"These women are so shallow. Obsessed with flashy, worthless things."

Da Huang was miserable. It missed the simpler days with Wu Mingdao—sure, the guy was dull and awkward, but at least he didn’t hog all the attention.

Ahem!

"No need to fight. All of you—go entertain him."

"Just these two will stay with me."

Gu Fengyao hadn’t forgotten her duty—or Da Huang’s instructions. She shooed the crowd toward the disgruntled dog.

Da Huang perked up. At least she’s got some conscience.

"Ah? You want us to...?"

"Hehehe, as you wish, young master."

Gu Fengyao still had no clue what to do next, so she mimicked Da Huang’s behavior. Surprisingly, once she relaxed, the place didn’t seem so bad—comfortable, even luxurious.

Except for the women’s wandering hands. That part, she really didn’t like.

BANG!

Just as the pair settled in, the door flew open. The Third Elder stormed inside, veins bulging as he took in the debauchery. His glare could’ve vaporized Da Huang on the spot.

Degeneracy!

Absolute degeneracy!

"You... this is too much!"

---

Back at the Inn

Gu Xian'er glanced at the darkening sky outside, brow furrowed.

"Young master, the Third Elder has been gone for hours. Dawn’s almost here."

To her disbelief, not only had the Third Elder failed to retrieve Gu Fengyao—he’d gotten stuck there himself.

Chen Chang'an studied the horizon. Barely half an hour until sunrise.

"Let them have their fun."

"But I am curious—how did Da Huang convince a stubborn old man like the Third Elder to stay?"

Chen Chang'an knew the Third Elder well. The man had been raised under strict discipline, living a rigid, principled life. Brothels? To him, they were dens of filth—places he’d never set foot in.

Yet here he was, still inside Fengxian Pavilion after all this time.

What on earth could’ve changed him so drastically?

"Third Elder... shouldn’t we go back?"

"It’s almost morning."

Gu Fengyao’s voice was thick with regret. She never should’ve come here.

The usually upright and stern Third Elder had actually been reduced to such a state because of me.

"It's still early, still early."

"Fengyao, if you're tired, you can go back first. We're in no hurry."

"Brother Da Huang, are you in a rush?"

"Hmm, I suppose you aren’t either."

"Come on, don’t stop now—pour the wine, pour the wine."

Though the Third Elder wasn’t exactly embracing anyone left and right, he was thoroughly enjoying himself, letting the women attend to him.

Gu Fengyao stood to the side, unsure whether to leave or stay, utterly torn.

Thinking back to how the Third Elder had been when he first arrived and comparing it to now… she felt as if Da Huang had somehow possessed him.

"Who would’ve thought that a brothel could be such a marvelous place? I was truly narrow-minded before."

"Brother Da Huang, you really know how to live, how to enjoy yourself."

"Ah, all these years I’ve lived… what a waste. A complete waste."

The Third Elder sighed with emotion, lamenting the decades he’d spent in ascetic restraint and caution.

So this was the pleasure of being waited on.

"Third Elder, should I go now?"

"Hmm? Yes, you should leave. This isn’t a place for someone like you."

"Go on."

Gu Fengyao gave the Third Elder a helpless look, wanting to say something but not daring to.

But shouldn’t this also not be a place for you?

When Gu Fengyao returned to the inn, Chen Chang'an immediately called her over.

"It’s already late, and they’re still at the brothel?"

"Tell me, how exactly did Da Huang corrupt the Third Elder?" Chen Chang'an asked with amused interest.

"Well…"

"At first, he resisted. But gradually, he started enjoying it… and in the end, he was completely lost in it, unable to extricate himself!"