Chapter Eighty-Two: Drunken Dream Pavilion

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“You’re only six years old with that physique?”
The soul master at the registration desk looked up at the tall Li Yu, frowning.
“I am sixteen, here to challenge the top ranks!” Li Yu bowed respectfully to the soul master and declared.
“Pfft,” Zhu Zhuyun couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
She glanced at Zhu Zhuqing teasingly, “Oh my, your little admirer is quite amusing. Don’t worry, since he made me laugh, I won’t kill him.”
In her mind, she was already plotting how to humiliate Lu Feng after acquiring him as her male servant to irritate Zhu Zhuqing.
Hmm, make him play dog and lead him on a leash. Or maybe a horse to ride?
No, that’s too close; it would displease Davis. If riding was to happen, it must be after marrying Davis. The royal family requires the crown princess to be a virgin before marriage, with an unblemished reputation.
Zhu Zhuqing shot Zhu Zhuyun a sharp glance, then looked at Lu Feng, shaking her head with a light sigh.
She felt an inexplicable fondness for this young man who dared approach her and openly declare his pursuit.
No man had dared come near her for years, fearing trouble; he was the only one.
His boldness and courage moved her slightly.
Dai Mubai chose to avoid her, leaving her to endure suffering alone.
Compared to him, Li Yu, though seemingly foolish, seemed adorably so.
“Challenge? Are you here to cause trouble? Get down, this isn’t your place!” The soul master waved dismissively, trying to shoo Li Yu away.
Li Yu’s toes tapped once: “Qian!”
Then he swung casually toward the soul master.
As the soul master disappeared, the entire hall stood up.
“What just happened?”
“Did I see things? The patrol steward was a level forty-six soul sect member! How did he vanish?”
Present at the ceremony was also the Platinum Sect Leader, Salas, who flew forward: “Young one, how did you do that?”
“Young one?” Li Yu’s lips twitched.
He waved at Salas, taking something from his soul guidance device and subtly flashing it.
Salas’s eyes followed Li Yu’s palm—was that the Black Pope’s decree?
Instantly, many thoughts flashed, especially recent rumors that the Holy Pope had taken on a new disciple.
Could it be him?
Salas prepared to salute Li Yu, but Li Yu waved him off, signaling to keep quiet.
He bowed to the king in the stands: “I am Fang Yu, seeking the hand of the second Miss Zhu. I hope Your Majesty will grant your approval!”
Salas was stunned, looking at Li Yu—his goal was a beauty?
Looking further, sure enough, a rare beauty in the mortal realm. No wonder the holy son favored her!
Li Yu’s words shocked not only Salas but the entire audience; the most stunned was Zhu Zhuqing, who hadn’t expected him to say such a thing.
King Dai Zhantian slammed the chair beside him and stood, restraining his anger: “Do you know what you’re saying?”
Li Yu smiled faintly: “Your Majesty need not be anxious. If you abandon a useless son and gain a capable minister, isn’t that a fair trade?”
Dai Zhantian narrowed his eyes, laughing with fury, “You? An immature brat?”
Li Yu chuckled: “How about a bet? Best of three! Your Majesty may select any two to fight me, life and death aside! Deal?”
Dai Zhantian looked at Li Yu, sensing he wasn’t joking, especially considering Salas’s respectful attitude. Perhaps this youth was indeed exceptional?
“Qin Gou, you go!” Dai Zhantian commanded someone nearby.
“Yes!” A young man clad in silver armor stepped forward and jumped onto the testing platform.
“Qin Gou! Level sixty-eight soul emperor! Please teach me!” His aura shone—two yellow, three purple, one black—impressive but not perfect. Only in his early twenties, still a promising youth.
Li Yu smiled, drew a sword from his soul guidance device, and swung it lightly: “I’ll only strike once!”
“Arrogant! Scorpio’s swift sting!” Qin Gou shouted as a giant scorpion appeared behind him, rushing at Li Yu.
Li Yu didn’t even glance, casually slashing toward Qin Gou’s direction.
A silver light flashed, pulverizing the charging scorpion to dust. The residual force shot toward the stands, startling the audience who dodged.
The towering structure behind violently split in two, leaving a fine sword scar down to the ground.
Emperor Xingluo quickly understood why Salas treated Li Yu with such reverence; evidently, he already knew Li Yu’s strength.
Dai Zhantian felt a bit unfair toward Salas, who himself was startled.
Li Yu’s single move shocked the entire hall, especially Zhu Zhuyun, whose face turned pale—her thoughts unknown.
But everyone was puzzled—how was this youth’s soul power zero?
Dai Zhantian voiced their question: “What technique is this? Why can’t I sense any martial soul?”
Li Yu smiled: “Martial soul? What nonsense? Only you all fawn over it!”
“...”
So arrogant!
As the ruler of Xingluo Empire, Dai Zhantian was sharp-minded. With a laugh he said: “Very well! From today onward, Fang Yu shall be the imperial tutor, guiding the princes in their cultivation. Are you satisfied?”
Li Yu smiled: “Naturally! What about Zhu Zhuqing?”
Dai Zhantian narrowed his eyes: “If Zhu Zhuqing agrees, I shall cancel Dai Mubai’s marriage without hesitation!”
“Excellent! As expected of an emperor—straightforward and decisive!” Li Yu gave Dai Zhantian a thumbs-up, drawing curious glances from the crowd.
Li Yu jumped down and approached Zhu Zhuqing. “Adorable little kitty, will you spend your life with me?” He knelt on one knee, presenting a bouquet from his soul guidance device, earnest as he offered it to Zhu Zhuqing.
Nearby, Zhu Zhuyun’s face darkened, glaring fiercely at the kneeling Li Yu.
Zhu Zhuqing felt her heart race wildly, unlike anything before.
At just eleven years old, even if precocious, she had never experienced such a moment, especially under the public’s gaze. A spectator cheered, “Together! Together! Together!”
One voice was soon joined by several, then the entire audience cheered.
Li Yu smirked slightly, inwardly amused—money well spent.
The atmosphere lifted, and Zhu Zhuqing, blushing, took the multicolored roses delicately.
Li Yu’s nervousness turned to delight; his thoughts spilled openly as he stood, gently embracing the little kitty, inhaling the lavender-like fragrance.
“Hmph!” Zhu Zhuyun flicked her lovely face, swayed her charming waist, and turned away from the crowd. Li Yu watched her retreating figure, a mysterious smile crossing his face.
“Now I declare! The engagement between Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai is null and void! From now on, Zhu Zhuqing and Li Yu are betrothed!” Emperor Xingluo announced from the stands, clearly wooing Li Yu.
Li Yu left the soft-scented Xiangyu, holding Zhu Zhuqing’s hand, bowing to Emperor Dai Zhantian: “Thank you, Your Majesty!” Zhu Zhuqing also bowed with him.
As the crowd dispersed, Li Yu held Zhu Zhuqing’s hand throughout.
Li Yu smiled at her: “Shall we take a walk?”
“Mm,” Zhu Zhuqing nodded shyly, her blush lingering.
By the Greenwater Riverbank, willow catkins floated in the breeze—
A pair of beauties strolled beside the grassy shore.
“I’ve waited a thousand years for you, just for that fleeting glance, linking souls at the turning of cycles. The frozen heart melts from softness, cherishing an eternal watch.”
Li Yu gazed tenderly at Zhu Zhuqing, holding her hand: “Zhu Zhuqing, winning your heart is my fortune. I will cherish and protect you forever—until the end of time!”
Nearby in the woods, a wild little cat watched everything, claws digging into a tree trunk.

...

Soul Hall

Li Yu pleaded earnestly:
“Master! I’m heading to the City of Slaughter. I don’t know when I’ll return—maybe never. Why can’t you bear to part with a single kiss?”

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Bibi Dong furrowed her brows, massaging her temple: “With your remarkable talent, why persist in childish romantic notions?”
“Eternal love outlasts even heaven and earth; this grief is endless! Heaven may collapse, earth may split, but love alone endures!” Li Yu replied casually.
“Visible to all! I, Li Yu, will never betray Bibi Dong. If I break my vow—pierce my heart!”
Before he finished, a fragrant hand covered his lips.
“You’re reckless! Vows aren’t to be made lightly!” Bibi Dong scolded.
Li Yu smiled sweetly and quickly dodged her attack: “Why fear? These are my true wishes!”
“You?” Bibi Dong looked at her bold disciple with a mix of exasperation and growing affection. She saw Li Yu’s dedication—he wasn’t heartless. Sighing, she said, “When you return from the City of Slaughter, I’ll give you an answer!”
“Really?” Li Yu looked at the aloof beauty incredulously.
Bibi Dong’s rare blush appeared from his intense gaze.
“Alright! Master, wait for me. I’m off to meet that Tang Chen!” Li Yu said excitedly as he headed toward the door.
“Wait!” Bibi Dong called out.
Li Yu turned, softly asking: “Master, any instructions?”
“Be safe,” Bibi Dong whispered.
“Of course. Without Master’s heart, even heaven can’t take me!” Li Yu laughed.
“Bring me good news!”
Watching Li Yu’s back, Bibi Dong’s sealed heart slowly thawed. In her youth, she longed for love but was repeatedly betrayed.
So she sealed her heart to protect herself.
Li Yu’s presence rekindled warmth in her—warmth she both yearned for and feared.
Fearful of losing again.

...

Tiandou City

Night was dark and windy.
A ghostly figure slipped through the palace.
“Where exactly is the little princess’s room?” Li Yu scratched his head, looking around.
Stealing treasures requires skill; Li Yu was inexperienced and hadn’t done his homework.
He pricked his ears, sensing the surroundings. Soon, faint moaning drew his attention.
At first, he ignored it, but suddenly the conversation piqued his interest.
“Mother! Are you satisfied?”
“Prince! Hurry up! Stop dawdling!”
“But I’m already out!” a disappointed voice.
“Useless! Get lost!”
Rustling sounds of clothes dressing.
Li Yu hid nearby, standing before a bed, watching a scandalous drama unfold.
Blood relations—impressive!
As Prince Beng cautiously left, the woman on the bed couldn’t help but caress her alluring body.
Heavy breaths echoed through the room, nearly causing Li Yu’s meridians to reverse and fall into chaos.
“What a captivating body! Why can no one satisfy it?”
As the seductive voice rose, the woman on the bed neared a critical moment.
Li Yu nearly exploded, tossing clothes onto the woman’s face.
He jumped onto the bed.
Startled, she gasped: “So full!”
Then uncontrollable trembling.
“Queen! The show’s just beginning!” Li Yu laughed.
Purple mist swirled, night was enticing.

...

Unlike Douluo Continent,

At the Qin family manor,
Today was bustling.
Old women bustled about outside, and Li Yu tried for the third time to enter inside.
“Husband! It’s fine! Sister Jingni is a martial artist; her constitution is much stronger! No need to worry!” Purple Girl comforted like a caring elder sister.
“You don’t understand! Sister Jingni has eaten well here; the child’s developing healthier than expected!” Li Yu tried to enter again.
“My master is inside, guaranteeing safety!” Duanmu Rong held Li Yu’s hand, reassuring.
Li Yu glanced at Purple Girl; his body already showed signs of anxiety, so he soothed: “No worries! I understand!”
“Giving birth is so painful! I don’t want to anymore!” Honglian, after listening to Jingni’s moans for an hour, shuddered.
“Madam, if you don’t want to, you don’t have to,” Li Yu comforted.
“That won’t do! What if you abandon me later? A child gives me something to hold onto!” The little fairy objected again.
“Alright, alright! Madam wants to have children, we’ll fill the house!” Li Yu said.
“Dream on!” Honglian rolled her eyes. This little demon was getting increasingly seductive; in a few years, what would happen!
A sudden cry from inside startled everyone as the midwife came out.
Li Yu approached, “Madam, are you alright?”
The question warmed the women inside.
“Mother and child are safe,” the midwife said.
“Ha ha! Great! Rewards! Rich rewards!” Li Yu laughed happily.
He entered, gently touching Jingni’s pale face: “Madam, you worked hard!”
“No,” Jingni shook her head, looking at Li Fei’er beside her with motherly love and kindness.
“Husband! I’m sorry,” Jingni weakly said.
“Silly! Next time we’ll have a healthy boy!” Li Yu stroked her pale face.
“Mm,” Jingni nodded.
Inside was quiet; outside, lively with congratulations.
Suddenly, Bai Yan retched, drawing surprised glances.
“I’ll check!” Nian Duan stepped forward, taking her pulse and hands.
Time ticked by; all eyes were on Bai Yan, who struggled to conceive. Everyone was anxious.
“Congratulations!” Nian Duan’s brief words were like music to Bai Yan’s ears.
The Bai clan’s heritage was through cultivation, not blood. Chaoyueyue and Bai Yan shared blood, Bai Yi Fei did not. Originally destined to live alone, Bai Yan glimpsed a hope never before felt.

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“Sir, truly a divine healer! Yan’er conceived so quickly thanks to your elixirs!” Li Yu praised Nian Duan outside.
“Not just the elixirs! Perhaps your vitality is resilient!” Nian Duan said, undeterred by illness.
Li Yu scratched his head, took Bai Yan’s hand: “Yan’er, we have the fruit of our love.”
Bai Yan smiled gently, nodding slightly.

At the Yin-Yang sect’s rear mountain,
Green peaks and clear lakes surrounded.
Nü Ying stood before a tombstone.
“Husband! I can’t stop thinking about Li Yu! What should I do?”
“Sister! I’m coming to find you now!”
He turned, heading down the mountain.

...

In stark contrast to Li Yu’s manor was
The Zhao King’s palace.
Zhao Wangyan, barely alive, looked at his bed-ridden wife—dressed in blue, radiant and alluring.
Compared to Zhao Wangyan’s frailty, Lan Lier seemed rejuvenated, even more beautiful and seductive in every gesture.
“Your Majesty! The crown prince governs now! You should rest and recover!” The courtesan’s seductive voice flowed; once gentle mountains now surged wildly.
Zhao Wangyan gazed at his beloved, passion and ambition gone, replaced by resignation and sorrow.
As his body weakened, he lay a shadow of his former self. Past trials seemed but smoke and clouds.
“Your Majesty! I have come to see you!”
With the voice came a flash of white light—Li Yu appeared.
“Queen? How is the king?” Li Yu smiled at the courtesan by the bed.
“Soon,” she replied shortly.
“A day as husband and wife holds lasting grace! Let the queen help the king become a wise spirit!” Li Yu said, pulling the courtesan into his arms.
“Don’t!” She struggled to leave his embrace.
Li Yu smiled wickedly, glanced at the bed.
Zhao Wangyan’s weak, shocked expression fixed on the adulterous pair.
Li Yu pressed the back of her head, kissing her deeply. Gradually, she relaxed into his arms.
“As monarch and subject, I send the king on his final journey!”
He swiftly tore open her robe—inside was empty.
On the bed, Zhao Wangyan passed away unrestfully amid the betrayal.
Meanwhile, Zhao Qian, his son, ravaged his father’s harem with wild abandon.
The convulsing courtesan glanced at her husband, feeling a thrill she’d never known.

...

The Chu people favor slender waists.
Li Yu deeply understood this.
Few on the streets were overweight.
Li Yu held Ehuang’s hand in one, Tang Wan’er’s in the other, leisurely strolling through Shouchun’s streets.
Currently, the Chu king was Xiong Wan, reigning for twenty-two years.
“Madam! Upon arriving in Shouchun, let’s find a place to settle first. No need to rush!”
“All at your command, husband!”
Drunken Dream Tower, a farmer’s stronghold.
Li Yu looked at the dazzling nightlife, intrigued.
People in this era played espionage with the same tricks.
The brothel madam eyed Li Yu’s attire—obviously wealthy or noble! Simple yet exquisite, expertly tailored.
“New here? Need a tour?” she asked.
Li Yu smiled: “I’ve heard Miss Huaying is beautiful and skilled in song and dance. I’ve come for her.”
“Huaying? Sorry, she’s booked today!” The madam’s heavy makeup masked her aged face.
Li Yu smiled: “Does Miss Huaying have time tomorrow?”
“Yes, sir. What’s your plan?”
Li Yu flashed a golden ornament before the madam.
In an age dominated by bronze coins, gold was rare and used only for fine jewelry, not currency.
“You know its worth! This is a deposit. I’m booking Miss Huaying for a year.”
“A year? You must be joking!” The madam was incredulous. In this place, novelty was prized; no one maintained a courtesan for a whole year—not even top beauties.
Li Yu smiled: “Let’s sign a contract.”
The madam eagerly summoned someone to fetch silk and pen, preparing two copies.
Seeing the golden ornament, the madam beamed.
Money solves many problems—like this three-compound courtyard, whose paperwork was done this afternoon and ready for move-in tonight.
Unlike Li Yu’s vast manor, this small courtyard had a dozen rooms—enough for a temporary residence.
“What are your plans, husband?” Ehuang asked, standing tall, her full figure on display.
“First, become a guest at Lord Chunshen’s mansion for a few days and get acquainted.” Li Yu smiled.
“The younger brother of the great Qin king serving as a guest? Only you think so unconventionally!” Tang Wan’er leaned on her hand, her charm effortless.
“Water benefits all without striving. Don’t take yourself too seriously, or you’ll suffer eventually.” Li Yu mused.
“Your words are profound; no wonder you’re exceptional!” Ehuang smiled softly.
“Of course! The real treasure is that divine artifact—addictive!” Tang Wan’er hinted.
“Shameless vixen!” Ehuang blushed, shooting Tang Wan’er a glance. The once innocent girl was getting naughtier—just the way her husband liked.
Thinking of Li Yu’s hobbies, Ehuang shyly swayed her alluring hips.
Previously, Shun disliked her seductive hips—said it was unrefined. But Li Yu loved them; how did he come up with that?
Lord Chunshen Huang Xie, father of Chu You King, one of the Four Lords of the Warring States, famed for hosting thousands of guests.
Li Yu, a commoner, arrived at Huang Xie’s mansion and told the guard: “I am Zhao Yu, seeking employment here.”
“Oh? Any special skills?” The guard was used to many freeloaders.
“Skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting,” Li Yu humbly answered.
“Hmph! Very confident!” The guard eyed him skeptically.
“No matter! You’ll see! I have a work—‘Ten Beauties’—to present to Lord Chunshen.” Li Yu offered a painting scroll.
The guard glanced at the large scroll, impressed at the effort. Opening it, the delicate, lifelike art was evident—even without artistic knowledge, it was a masterpiece.