Chapter 4: Golden Splendor upon Azure Waters

Training ground.

Lin Wei wielded a slender longsword, repeatedly practicing the fencing forms Lant had taught him.

In truth, with the help of the Intelligent Core, Lin Wei had already mastered these routines, even improving upon them. But so as not to draw Lant’s suspicion, he concealed his true skill, only gradually revealing his progress.

Even so, Lant repeatedly praised Lin Wei’s speed of learning.

“That’s enough for today,” Lant, who had been sitting to the side, suddenly stood up, brushing dust from his trousers as he addressed Lin Wei.

Lin Wei nodded, glancing toward Jon and Narkin, who had also finished their practice.

In fact, Lin Wei’s training time was always kept in line with Jon’s—once Jon was done, Lin Wei had to be ready to serve at a moment’s notice.

“Then I’ll go to Master Jon now,” Lin Wei said to Lant, offering a soft word of thanks.

He sheathed his sword at his waist and quickly strode toward Jon.

“Lin Wei, prepare a carriage. We’re going out soon,” Jon commanded without even looking at Lin Wei as he walked past.

Lin Wei was long accustomed to Jon’s manner. He nodded and replied, “Yes, young master.”

“And make it discreet. I don’t want anyone to know,” Jon added, glancing back.

Lin Wei frowned. “But, young master—”

Jon grew impatient at once. “Are you going to bring up safety again? I’ve told you, in all of Tulip Domain, no one would dare lay a hand on me. Besides, we’re going to ‘Azure Gold Pavilion’ this time. I don’t want my father finding out.”

With that, Lin Wei understood.

Azure Gold Pavilion was the noble scions’ playground.

“Belt said he’s found me a real gem. I can’t miss this one. I’ve never actually been to the Azure Gold Pavilion myself—time to see what it’s all about,” Jon’s lips curled with desire gleaming in his eyes.

Belt was the only son of the Entu family, the greatest jewel merchant in all Tulip Domain. Like Jon, he was infamous for his debauchery and was perhaps even more devoted to pleasure. Belt was one of Jon’s closest cronies.

The Entu family, relying on the Earl of Tulip’s power, were only too happy to see Belt grow close to Jon.

…

Azure Gold Pavilion.

Supported by Lin Wei, Jon stepped down from the carriage. Before he could steady himself, a greasy, leering fat man came over, surrounded by several young nobles in fine attire.

Lin Wei gave them a glance, then lowered his head, a quiet chuckle stirring in his heart: So these are Jon’s friends? Birds of a feather, indeed.

“Jon!” The fat man hurried over, his smile unfurling like a daisy.

Jon looked him over with indifference, replying perfunctorily. He scanned the assembled group. “Belt, who are these others?”

Belt’s face split into an ingratiating grin. “Pleasure is best enjoyed together. Don’t worry, Jon—the best girl is reserved for you.”

Jon nodded, understanding.

Seeing this, Belt’s eyes darted cunningly. He quickly beckoned the other young nobles forward. “Come greet young master Jon, heir to the Earl of Tulip!”

Watching Jon basking in the crowd’s adulation, Lin Wei’s heart was clear: This Belt is shrewd indeed. These young nobles must have paid dearly for the chance to curry favor through him.

Jon led the group inside, Lin Wei trailing behind.

As they crossed the threshold, Belt raised his voice and called out.

“Madam Marshal!”

A middle-aged woman, still carrying traces of her youthful allure, hurried over in response. The air around her was thick with the scent of the brothel, her face full of flattery for Belt.

The madam, Lin Wei mused silently.

In front of Madam Marshal, Belt immediately resumed a haughty manner. “Bring Duvel to my private room.”

Madam Marshal hesitated, but quickly masked her surprise with a smile. “You know Duvel is my new star. Letting her go so soon might affect her prospects. Perhaps—”

“Enough with your nonsense!” Belt snapped, pointing to Jon. “Do you know who this is? This is young master Jon—the future Earl of Tulip!”

Madam Marshal froze, her earlier reluctance vanishing. She stared at Belt, but all her attention was now fixed on Jon. “I’ll make the arrangements at once.”

“So you’re using me as an excuse to find a woman, dear Belt.” Jon glanced at the retreating madam, then looked coldly at Belt. “If this Duvel doesn’t please me, you’d better watch your fat hide.”

Belt’s heart skipped a beat, but he forced a smile. “Don’t worry, Jon. You’ll be satisfied!”

Jon snorted, and under Belt and the others’ guidance, entered a lavish private room overflowing with wine and delicacies.

“Lin Wei, stand watch at the door. When the girl arrives, let her in directly. Oh, and keep that old woman outside—she annoys me,” Jon said, his earlier displeasure gone.

“Yes, young master,” Lin Wei replied, backing out and closing the door softly behind him.

“If only I could have been reborn as Jon, life might be more interesting,” Lin Wei mocked himself as he stood at the door.

But it was just a fleeting thought. Ever since witnessing the supernatural powers of this world, Lin Wei had lost any yearning for such decadent pleasures. As a top biologist, he was far more curious about the wonders that might arise when the human body was pushed to its limits.

“There’s less than three days left before the knight squire training method is fully transmitted,” a keen light flashed in Lin Wei’s eyes. “To transcend physical limits… truly something to look forward to.”

At that moment, several young women, led by Madam Marshal, slowly ascended the stairs.

They were all youthful, none older than twenty, and each was striking. But the golden-haired girl at their center was especially captivating.

“Young master Jon’s requested guests have arrived,” Madam Marshal announced, stopping in front of Lin Wei rather than entering outright.

She knew that although Lin Wei was only Jon’s attendant, he was still a lofty figure to people like her.

“Let them in,” Lin Wei nodded. “But you needn’t go in. Young master Jon doesn’t care for old women.”

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Madam Marshal’s face, but she quickly smoothed it away and turned to address the girls. “Go on in, and seize your opportunity tonight. The men you’ll be serving are not ordinary.”

“And you, Duvel, remember—whatever young master Jon asks, you must obey. Understand?” Madam Marshal’s tone was stern as she looked at the golden-haired beauty.

Duvel nodded lightly. “Yes, madam.”

Madam Marshal inclined her head. “Go in, then.”

Watching Duvel’s retreating figure, a strange feeling stirred in Lin Wei’s heart. “Odd. Why does this Duvel give me a sense of danger…? Something’s not right.”