In the hall below, glasses clinked and the flirtatious conversations of ladies filled the air.

But at this moment, all fell silent with the anticipation of the new courtesan who had not yet appeared.

Not only were the guests straining their eyes in anticipation, but even the attendants who had been sold into the Xiao Xiang Pavilion from a young age were eagerly awaiting her, seemingly as curious about the new courtesan as everyone else.

Before she arrived, several maids had already made their way through the crowd, clearing a path for Miss Cailing. Behind the curtain, musicians played different instruments in welcome for Miss Cailing.

Such a grand reception was hard to imagine for a mere mortal courtesan, akin to welcoming a famous noble.

"What a lovely fragrance..."

Ji Lingruo wrinkled her dainty nose. Though she outwardly disdained this courtesan, she was inwardly intrigued by this mysterious woman.

You Su, with his sharp sense of smell, naturally caught the strong fragrance that was akin to both orchid and musk.

It was a pure, rich aroma, even more potent than the floral scent of the Third Elder. Though intense, it lacked the cheapness of inferior rouge; instead, it evoked a sense of indulgence, making one crave more.

You Su furrowed his brows slightly, softly cautioning:

"Cyan Simurgh, Purple Robe, don’t inhale too much."

Mr. Xiao, with his jade-like face, noted You Su’s inadvertent tension and smiled calmly:

"Mr. Ye, there’s no need to worry. This fragrance is called Beauty Incense, crafted from forty-nine different herbs. It’s potent and can stimulate the senses and numb the mind, but it’s harmless to the body, commonly used by courtesans as a small trick to allure guests."

"Ah, I see..."

You Su’s face returned to composure, feigning sudden realization.

Yet, internally, he harbored a strong wariness toward Mr. Xiao, who easily saw through his false identity and exposed his unfamiliarity with Beauty Incense, as he had never been to a brothel. However, Mr. Xiao’s unusually friendly demeanor left his intentions unclear.

Why would a wealthy young man from Henggao City, with both strength and cunning, appear in this distant Mo Ye City? Could it really be just to catch a glimpse of this new courtesan’s beauty?

"It seems there’s much for me to learn from Mr. Xiao," You Su admitted admirably.

"Mr. Ye jests. It’s my own lack of ambition," Mr. Xiao joked, "or else why would I secretly travel so far to pose as a spendthrift? Back in Henggao City, someone like me hardly makes the list."

"Someone as distinguished as Mr. Xiao would be known anywhere."

"What Mr. Ye says is true. You’re Mr. Ye, I’m Mr. Xiao; neither of us are nameless. Come, let us two notable figures have a drink together!"

With that, Mr. Xiao raised his cup to toast with You Su, the cups touching briefly before both drank it all down.

"Refreshing! The wine is drunk, and the beauty should be appearing now!"

Mr. Xiao turned with elegance, casting his gaze toward the hall below the banister.

Ji Lingruo watched the free-spirited, immortal-like youth, sensing an inexplicable unease about Mr. Xiao, despite his demeanor of a sleeping dragon.

She carefully observed Mr. Xiao’s profile, noticing his smooth, fair skin, and suddenly recalled something, glancing at his neck, realizing the source of her odd feeling.

This graceful gentleman had such a small Adam’s apple...

She had read in books that men with small Adam’s apples often have small... other parts too... no wonder he liked to travel so far to indulge in earthly pleasures...

Before she could ponder further, the commotion from the hall captured her attention.

After much anticipation, Miss Cailing finally descended gracefully from the stairs on the other side of the second floor.

With pearly teeth and a delicate nose, vermilion lips and a jade face, eyes like phoenixes filled with tenderness, and a coiffure adorned with jeweled hairpins, draped in colorful silk and satin, her attire hugged her ample chest, yet her demeanor was gentle and elegant, truly a captivating beauty.

Even among immortals, her figure and looks were top-tier. It was hard to believe such a beautiful woman possessed no cultivation.

The men present gazed at her with eager eyes, holding their breath, forgetting even their female companions nestled in their arms.

Everyone here knew that once the courtesan appeared, it meant she was here to choose her guest for the night, and every man desired to be the lucky one tonight.

"Miss Cailing, I love you!"

An already inebriated guest proclaimed his affection, emboldened by drink.

Miss Cailing paused briefly, smiling slightly at him:

"Your affection, sir, is too easily given."

Her soft words, though reproachful, were melodious like an oriole’s song, bringing joy and a lewd smile to the man’s face.

Surrounded by her maids, Cailing stepped onto the platform, gracefully bowing, and spoke melodiously:

"The night is cold and lonely, and I, a newcomer, feel uneasy. I wish to find a gentleman to join me in brewing wine and tea, to soothe this long, chilly night."

The crowd below raised their hands eagerly, each volunteering themselves, desperate to rush forward and embrace the beauty.

"Gentlemen, please be patient. I am not from Mo Ye City. In my hometown, there is a custom; for a man to enter a woman’s chambers, he must pass a Water Gate Pass."

"Miss Cailing, what is this Water Gate Pass?" The crowd was already impatient.

Cailing flicked her sleeve, smiling charmingly, her demeanor enchanting the hearts of the men.

"In the Elegant Bamboo Pavilion, there are thirty cups of clear water, only one of which is sweet. Without using anything but their eyes, whoever can identify the cup with sweet water will have passed the Water Gate Pass."