Yi Hong Courtyard, the finest brothel in Iron Cliff County.
When Ian Song and Susie, disguised as a man, entered, a clean-cut young attendant greeted them quietly: "Young Master Steele, please come with me."
Led by the attendant, Ian and Susie were brought to a private room on the second floor.
The room was simple, even a bit shabby. In the center was a table with a few small dishes and a pot of rose wine. Sitting at the table was another person, also disguised as a man.
So that's who invited us—Saintess herself!
The disguised young woman stood up, a trace of bitterness at her lips. "Chief Steele, please don't tease me. I'm no longer Clearheart Holy Land's Saintess."
"Why is that?" Ian asked in surprise, then motioned for Susie to sit down at the table.
Faye Xi poured wine for Ian and Susie. "I was framed by my junior sister Tina Fu and expelled from Clearheart Holy Land. Now I'm hunted by my own sect. Mr. Steele, Mrs. Steele, let me toast you both."
The three raised their glasses...
After setting down his glass, Ian asked, "Your master Violet Lotus Fairy is the Holy Lord. Couldn't she protect her own disciple?"
"My master has been put under soft confinement by our Grand-Master!" Faye Xi's expression grew even more miserable.
Ian was suddenly startled—why would Violet Lotus Fairy be confined by Fan Shijun? Did he discover that she was enslaved by me?
He joked, "Could it be your master broke sect rules by falling in love?"
Faye Xi shook her head. "Mr. Steele, you really know how to joke. My master would never break sect rules! As for why she's confined, I truly don't know."
"So why did you invite me here?" Ian asked again.
"I want to ask Mr. Steele for help." Faye Xi stared at Ian, her eyes full of hope.
"Why should I help you?" Ian said playfully.
Faye Xi glanced at Susie, also disguised as a man, hesitating. "Right now, only you can help me. Please, I beg you?"
Even when Ian detained Faye Xi on Sunrise Peak before, she never begged him. Now, hearing her plea, Ian felt a sense of accomplishment.
Ian smiled. "I don't do things without benefit. If you want my help, let's see if you can pay the price."