Jiang Xuan was so stunned upon hearing Pavilion Master Mu’s words that he felt like he had been struck by lightning.
He only meant to do some part-time work as a musical performer to earn money for living expenses, not to get tangled up with such a big-shot. He could easily rely on his good looks to make a living, yet he was stubbornly persistent in his talents and never displayed his true visage.
Forget about other things— if his appearance were to be exposed, even that mysterious guest wouldn’t let him go easily, let alone Pavilion Master Mu. Jiang Xuan knew very clearly how attractive his looks were to these ladies.
Even so, without ever showing his face, he had been offered a sky-high price just to glimpse his true features. And if he agreed to ‘a single spring breeze’, they’d be willing to give him a staggering ten billion spiritual stones. Jiang Xuan’s heart was stirred by this offer; a mind-boggling amount indeed.
This was his first encounter with such a generous benefactor. However, Jiang Xuan didn’t dare accept because of his identity problems. If his appearance were revealed, it would mean the exposure of his true identity, and there’s a high chance he might be threatened by malicious women.
Things like this.
[So the renowned mysterious courtesan of the Tianxiang Pavilion turns out to be Mr. Jiang.]
[Mr. Jiang, you’re married! You surely don’t want this news to spread around, right?]
[Tsk tsk, Mr. Jiang, if you don’t agree to my conditions, I can’t guarantee what will happen to your identity…]
[Mr. Jiang, if you can’t satisfy me, then maybe I won’t be able to keep this a secret.]
Thinking about the consequences of having his identity exposed, Jiang Xuan couldn’t help but shudder.
In the past, he wasn’t particularly afraid of being threatened, but now he truly feared Lady Nangong Liu Yun finding out. He couldn’t guarantee what she might do if she lost her composure.
Sigh, he could only blame it on his overwhelming talent. In reality, Jiang Xuan only visited the Tianxiang Pavilion once a month to play two pieces.
On the day he came, the pavilion would be bustling with activity. Long-distance sect elders and disciples, princesses from the imperial family, and even the Empress herself would attend to hear his music.
For a while, all the male courtesans at the Tianxiang Pavilion paled in comparison to him. With his advanced skills in music, calligraphy, painting, and chess, he truly overshadowed everyone else.
While he was lost in thought, Mu Yun Xue interrupted from the side.
“Little Ancestor, have you considered it? This time, it’s not like I’m unwilling to help you.”
“I know you’ve always respected and admired me since you started coming to the Tianxiang Pavilion. There’s been a bunch of authorities who are interested in your identity and looks. Countless people have asked me to set up private meetings with you, paying even millions of spiritual stones.”
“But for your sake, I’ve always politely declined, including requests from royal princesses. Except, this guest is different; she offered a hundred million top-quality spiritual stones upfront.”
“And if she doesn’t see you today, she says the Tianxiang Pavilion has no reason to exist anymore. I had a strong aversion to this until she leaked a sliver of her cultivation aura. Her strength far surpasses me; at least, she’s a Martial King level.”
“In my estimation, if she uses force, no one in the Imperial City could stop her. Little Ancestor, do you understand why?”
After Mu Yun Xue finished speaking, she fanned her face self-consciously and begged earnestly.
“Little Ancestor, just meeting her will earn you fifty million top-quality spiritual stones as compensation. What do you say?”
“As for the ‘one night spring’ proposal, you can reject it. If she pressures you, I’ll use my final defense measures to protect you and ensure no harm comes to you.”
Jiang Xuan: “…..”
Internally, he grumbled, [If only these words had actually convinced me. Why not use those tricks now?]
[I’m starting to suspect this mysterious guest is connected to the Tianxiang Pavilion.]
Previously, he hadn’t encountered such a significant figure. The information was likely leaked by the Tianxiang Pavilion.
Placing his faith in his system, Jiang Xuan questioned, [System, confirm again, does your cosmetic water guarantee no one can see through my disguise?]
[Host, rest assured. My product guarantees quality; not even the Martial Emperors can see through it.]
[Alright, if you say so, I’m going for this. Christ Almighty himself won’t stop me!]
The cosmetic water was previously given as part of a large gift pack—Jiang Xuan believed it would be most useful. After accidentally revealing his appearance, he always applied the cosmetic water before appearing in public or hiding his identity.
The cosmetic water allowed him to change his appearance at will and was effective for three hours. Doused in cosmetic water, he blended effortlessly into the crowd.
With this, he boldly leveraged his full skill sets to earn extra cash. No one could connect him to the Jiang family.
With his plan in motion, Jiang Xuan said slowly, “Pavilion Master Mu, considering our friendship over these six months, I’ll agree to it.”
“However, 50 million top-quality spiritual stones need to be ready first. Only after playing my songs at the end of the night will I meet the esteemed guest.”
“Good, good, everything is settled, Little Ancestor. This storage ring contains 55 million top-quality spiritual stones, including your performance fee.”
After receiving the stones, Jiang Xuan had an idea. “Ah, by the way, my true appearance is quite ugly. Pavilion Master Mu suggested verifying it, so I’ll take off my mask for you.”
“No…no… it doesn’t matter, Little Ancestor. I got ahead of myself earlier. Your appearance should only be shown to the esteemed guest who paid spiritual stones.”
“Pleasantly, inform her first and if she insists on seeing you, take off the mask. I think she understands.”
“Oh well, I wanted to show Pavilion Master Mu my looks. Just 50 million stones, a fair request, no? Not unreasonable at all.”
Mu Yun Xue: “…..”
“Little Ancestor, where does the Tianxiang Pavilion still have so many spiritual stones? You’re emptying our vaults, beg me to hold back your power!”
Seeing her despondently pained expression, Jiang Xuan thought, [This girl’s acting gets better each day. She almost convinced me that she’s genuinely pleading.]
[When I first joined the part-time gig here, the entrance fees doubled more than tenfold. That’s just from the entrance fee alone, making hundreds of millions in spiritual stones.]
[Aren’t they pretending to be broke? Great, I’ll find a chance to let them down.]
The guest was likely affiliated with the massive force backing the Tianxiang Pavilion. Who knows how she compares to my own Xuantian Pavilion.
Outwardly, Jiang Xuan replied compliantly, “Pavilion Master Mu, it’s late; I’ll start my performance shortly.”
Mu Yun Xue immediately nodded. “Understood, Little Ancestor. The ancient zither has been prepared for you.”
Amidst eager spectators, Jiang Xuan played two new melodies.
Listeners were thrilled. “Wonderful! The master has composed new tunes, each destined to be timeless classics!”
“The ten thousand top-quality spiritual stones entry fee is worth every bit!”
“To think of the kind of man who can play songs like these…”
As the performance ended, the atmosphere intensified. Jiang Xuan quietly left the stage.
In Mu Yun Xue’s lead, they entered a lavish, antique-looking room.
“Please wait here for a moment, Little Ancestor. The distinguished lady will arrive shortly.”
“Fine, but let me clarify. I’m only here to see her briefly before leaving.”
“Of course, just a glance is all. Take comfort in Pavilion Master Mu’s assurances.”
“Alright, with Pavilion Master Mu’s security, I feel reassured.”
Publicly flattering, internally Jiang Xuan raised a finger.
[You’re assuring me, yet you’re saying I’ll be in trouble and also promising safety. Clearly, you’re all in cahoots, here to exploit me, this model student.]
[No matter, as long as I’m hideous, no one can touch me.]
A short while later, the door opened to reveal a tall woman in violet robes gracefully entering.
Silver-haired, blue-eyed, her eyes like a clear ocean.
For a moment, Jiang Xuan was mesmerized.
But it wasn’t solely her stunning appearance. His scanner system provided vital info.
Name: Leng Wu Shuang
Cultivation Rank: First Realm Martial Emperor
Spiritual Root: Unflawed Celestial Spirit Root
Current Host Goodwill: 6666
Jiang Xuan was flabbergasted.
Two Martial Emperors in just two days. Could he, a mere shrimp, handle such figures?
Before he could react, Leng Wu Shuang approached and took his hand excitedly.
“Master, your tunes are deeply moving!”
“Long have I admired you. Today, I finally met you.”
Witnessing the Martial Emperor’s fervent fan reaction, Jiang Xuan was dumbstruck.
Clearing his throat, he discreetly withdrew his hand and spoke calmly.
“Thank you for your appreciation. So you wish to see my true appearance?”
“I care for your talent, not appearance. I truly wish to know you.”
Upon her candid words, Jiang Xuan was taken aback. Then, placing a silver mask on his face, he slowly removed it.
