Staying Alive Cautiously in the Celestial Realm and Becoming the Strongest

Standing at the entrance of Lichun Courtyard once again, Wang Chen felt like he had become an old drifter.

Having seen the vicissitudes of life and grown indifferent to worldly matters, the embroidered handkerchiefs beckoning for dances in the building failed to stir even the slightest ripple in his heart.

The only thing that sparked a bit of interest in Wang Chen was the Red Sleeve Fang singes competition that was to be held tonight in this Courtesan House!

"The Superior has arrived, please come inside!"

Upon seeing Wang Chen, Xiao Guizi, who was standing in front of the gatehouse, immediately flashed that signature sly smile of his, "Your private room has been prepared!"

The Crane Message that Wang Chen had received earlier was sent by him.

It was all to retain Wang Chen, the distinguished guest.

Today, Xiao Guizi’s service was much more attentive than the day before.

As for the reason, Wang Chen surmised it must have been because of the generous tip he gave to Lian.

But it didn’t matter anymore.

Following Xiao Guizi’s lead, Wang Chen was taken to a private room on the third floor.

The main building of Lichun Courtyard had five stories; the front hall had a large performance stage because it was designed with a central atrium, allowing each floor to enjoy the performances of the musicians and courtesans.

Even though there was still some time before nightfall, the stage inside the main hall had been freshly set up, and an Array Master was adjusting an Array, with light and shadow swirling around in captivating beauty.

It was clearly an Illusion Array.

And the seats around the stage were already filled with many guests, creating a very lively atmosphere.

The topic of conversation among everyone inevitably revolved around the Red Sleeve Fang singers competition that evening.

The Red Sleeve Fang competition had a long history, held once every three months; it was rotated among the top ten brothels in Red Sleeve Fang and aimed to select the current season’s Oiran.

Wang Chen found it somewhat interesting, which is why he changed his original plan and returned to Lichun Courtyard.

After taking his seat in the private room, he asked, "Are you sure Miss Lian is participating in tonight’s singers competition?"

"Xiao Guizi would not dare to deceive the Superior."

Xiao Guizi hurriedly replied, "This is the first time Lian is participating in the singers competition. She said that it’s hard to find someone who truly appreciates her music, so she doesn’t care much about winning flowers; she only hopes the Superior would come again to listen to her sing."

Wang Chen: "Winning flowers?"

Xiao Guizi took the opportunity to elaborate on the rules of the Red Sleeve Fang competition.

Wang Chen immediately understood.

The so-called "winning flowers" were actually like monthly votes cast by the audience, with the total number of votes determining the winner.

The guests attending the singers competition that night all received a complimentary default ticket, and those who wanted to cast more would have to spend Flower Spirit Stones—ten Spirit Stones could buy one flower vote.

Usually, the girl who became the season’s Oiran would have the support of an Alliance Hierarch or a wealthy patron!

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"Lian truly did not invite you just for the votes."

Xiao Guizi, afraid that Wang Chen might misunderstand, emphasized again, "She is well aware of her ugly appearance and does not dare to face the distinguished guest directly; she just wishes to fulfill her desire to have someone of discernment witness during the competition."

Wang Chen nodded, "I understand."

Xiao Guizi bowed deeply to Wang Chen, "Xiao Guizi thanks the Superior."

Wang Chen waved it off and asked, "Have you known Lian for a long time?"

He could tell that this youth in front of him was utterly devoted and selfless when it came to Lian.

Xiao Guizi gave a bitter smile, "Yes."

The two were childhood friends and shared a bond of mutual sympathy.

Xiao Guizi was born to one of the courtesans of Lichun Courtyard, his father unknown, and he became a true orphan at three years of age.

And in the year of his birth, a baby girl wrapped in swaddling clothes was abandoned at the doorstep of Lichun Courtyard.

The baby girl had fair and tender skin and was very cute, but her face was marred by a Ghost Scar Birthmark.

No one was willing to adopt her.

In the end, it was a destitute old woman who did odd jobs at the Lichun Courtyard who took her in and named her Lian.

So young and yet with no one to love her!

Both living in the Lichun Courtyard, Xiao Guizi and Lian grew up together, neither despising the other, and they had long since developed a sibling-like bond.

Lian had shown a talent for music and singing from a very young age, otherwise she could not have become a courtesan singer in Lichun Courtyard.

It was only because of the ghost scar birthmark on her face that people shunned and disdained her, leaving few willing to request her performance.

Xiao Guizi would do everything he could to bring in outside customers to help Lian gather achievements.

Lichun Courtyard also had KPI assessments. If one didn’t meet the minimum requirements, they would have to sweep the floors and leave.

After hearing everything, Wang Chen said, "It’s not easy."

All beings suffer, cultivators are no exception. It’s just that everyone has their own sorrows.

"Indeed,"

Xiao Guizi scratched his head, suddenly realizing he had said so much to Wang Chen.

He had exposed many things he kept in the depths of his heart.

No matter how clever and cunning he was, he was still but a teenager and suddenly felt an awkward embarrassment, and hastily made an excuse to escape, "I will go to the kitchen and see if the snacks prepared for you are ready."

Watching the young boy’s hasty retreat, Wang Chen couldn’t help but laugh softly.

He had just utilized a little of the "Mystical Mirage Dragon Jue" Dharma Technique to coax out the other person’s inner thoughts.

To be sure he had not fallen into someone else’s trap.

Wang Chen had been contemplating the "Mystical Mirage Dragon Jue" for a long time, but due to limitations in his environment, his progress in this profound cultivation technique had been very slow, with no significant breakthroughs to date.

At that moment, Wang Chen suddenly thought that Lotus City was located in the midst of the Great Marsh, abundant with water vapor and full of spiritual power – this was the perfect place to practice the "Mystical Mirage Dragon Jue"!

Unfortunately, he was scheduled to go to the Western Sea Sect Mountain Gate in ten days.

Forget it. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Wang Chen thought about it but decided to suppress the idea of renting a Cave Mansion to practice the cultivation technique.

After all, with such a short time, adding a few experience points wouldn’t make much of a difference.

Better to go with the flow and enjoy life!

When 17 p.m. arrived and lanterns just began to light up, the vast Lichun Courtyard was already filled to capacity, bustling and vibrant.

The atmosphere reached the clouds!

The Illusion Array set up on the performance stage was fully activated, projecting the courtesan’s image into the air, creating a holographic-like effect that left onlookers in awe.

Another half an incense stick’s time passed, and two actors, one short and stocky, the other tall and thin, stepped onto the stage, beaming with smiles as they performed an "Anecdotes" skit. Their comical language and actions had everyone in stitches.

Although it was just to warm up the crowd, Wang Chen found it quite enjoyable.

It was essentially a cross-talk act, except their material consisted of the entertaining stories and incidents happening around Lotus City, paired with humorous words and exaggerated performances, completely pulling off the comedic effects.

Although this world was one of immortal cultivation, the entertainment industry was still quite prosperous. Wang Chen had previously devoted himself to arduous training and never frequented places of pleasure and leisure, thus missing out on many splendid moments in life.

After the two actors finished their "Anecdotes," and amidst the applause of the audience, they left the stage.

Following this, this year’s first season of the Red Sleeve Fang Courtesan Performance officially began. One courtesan after another took to the stage, offering their performances to the crowd.

It was a splendid feast of talent!

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PS: Overestimated myself, feeling ashamed.