Starpicker Loft was located in one of the most bustling districts of the imperial capital. Night had only just fallen, but a crowd of pleasure-seekers was already gathering outside the building.
Since Starpicker Loft was one of the top ten brothels, naturally not just anyone could get in.
So who exactly could enter?
There were three ways, in summary. First, strength—if your cultivation had reached the Soul-Split stage, you could enter unconditionally.
Second, talent—anyone recognized by Starpicker Loft for their skill in music, chess, calligraphy, or painting was eligible. The stronger and wealthier the nation, the more its people pursued the arts. In the prosperous imperial capital of Great Zhou, these talents were especially prized.
Third, wealth—if you didn’t meet the first two criteria, you could pay to get in. The entrance fee was steep: a hundred mid-grade spirit crystals.
"Hey, isn’t that Young Lord Dongfang?"
Just as Ian Song and his group arrived at the entrance of Starpicker Loft, a discordant voice rang out.
Everyone looked over and saw a young man in white robes, holding a folding fan, handsome and deliberately affecting a casual air. Two late Soul-Split guards followed behind him.
At the sight of him, Dongfang Yubai’s face immediately darkened. He sneered, "Looks like I should’ve checked the almanac before going out today—running into scum like you!"
Snap!
The young man in white flicked his wrist, snapping open his folding fan with a flourish. As he swayed the fan with casual elegance, he called out mockingly, "What a stink! What a stink!"
Jasper Easton's face instantly turned stormy.
Before Jasper could retort, the white-robed youth ignored his glare, strode past him, picked up the brush at the entrance of Starpicker Loft, dipped it in ink, and began to write with a flourish.
In moments, a graceful poem appeared on the paper.
"Does this qualify me to enter?"
Warren Shentu tossed the brush aside and asked the Starpicker Loft steward at the desk.
"Of course you're qualified, Young Lord Shentu. Please, come in." The steward replied with utmost courtesy.
After taking a few steps inside, Warren suddenly turned back, smirking at Jasper Easton. "Jasper Easton, I heard you always have to pay spirit crystals to get into Starpicker Loft?"
"What business is that of yours?" Jasper Easton shot back coldly, his face growing even uglier.
Warren Shentu chuckled, "Exactly. People as uncouth as you really can only get in by paying spirit crystals!"
Jasper Easton's face darkened further, and he even began to tremble slightly with anger.
Brandon Nangong and the others traveling with them also looked displeased.
"Brother Nangong, what's the deal between Jasper and that guy?" Ian Song asked Brandon Nangong via sound transmission, curiosity written on his face.
Brandon Nangong quickly explained to Ian Song via sound transmission.
Warren Shentu's father is the Left Vice Minister of Rites and a renowned poet in the High Zhou Imperium. Influenced by his father, Warren has loved poetry since childhood.
The reason for his feud with Jasper Easton is pretty dramatic: both fell for the same woman and pursued her at the same time.
At first, they kept things civil, but gradually, their rivalry heated up. They even fought to the death, both ending up seriously injured and bedridden for half a year.
While they were recovering, a third man swooped in, won the woman's heart, and eloped with her.
When Jasper and Warren heard the news, they were furious—but instead of blaming the third man, they blamed each other for dragging things out.