V1: The Young Vixen (3)

Willow could not think her way through it. As such, she decided to explore the cultivation world to seek answers and a path going forward. For now, her most pressing issue was still escaping from this den of debauchery. After analyzing the different ways she could actualize her plan, she couldn't find a path that didn't end in her destruction at the hands of the matron.

Seeing that the night grew deeper and that she couldn't come up with a solid plan, she decided to sleep on it for the moment.

'An occasion will present itself soon enough, right?' with those wishful thoughts she fell asleep. Her slumber was peaceful and dreamless. It was as if she'd just switched off her consciousness.

The next day, Willow woke up at the same time as the rising sun. She wasn't dizzy or confused, her mind was exceptionally clear and she felt lighter. She stretched even though she didn't feel the need to before drawing a scented bath for herself.

Once she was clean and freshly dressed in a flowery courtesan dress showcasing her perfect figure, she went outside of the boudoir. She couldn't stay in her room like she did yesterday.

She passed various courtyards and reached the main hall where the clients were usually entertained. In the morning, the brothel was as still as an abandoned well. She only saw a few ladies of the cleaning staff. Willow veered toward the pavilion next to it, the dining hall for the courtesans.

Once inside, she only saw a few people. After all, most courtesans were still in the sheets with patrons. Coincidentally, her gaze fell on Bloom seated in the corner next to an opening showing a beautiful garden. She was staring at the flowers fixedly. The plate of food in front of her was seemingly forgotten.

Willow took a plate of pastries accompanied by a cup of tea before joining Bloom at her table. While approaching her she made sure her steps were audible to avoid startling the distracted girl. Willow had noticed that since her 'change' each of her moves was filled with untold grace and purpose. She moved as if she was gliding and didn't make any noise.

It was only another aspect of her transformation. She had long decided to test her physical prowess because her senses told her she was currently very strong. At least stronger than a normal human.

When she reached Bloom, she faked an innocent and kind air. Like a young girl, who wasn't too aware of the ways of the world. Bloom finally snapped out of her reverie and smiled like a kind big sister.

"You seemed better today." She remarked, her expression complicated. Bloom was right. At the present, Willow seemed to be the same but she had changed in various minor ways. All the imperfections diminishing her beauty had disappeared and her features had reached a natural harmony. It could be said that her bone structure was now perfect. If a martial practitioner from the mortal world saw her, he would feel that it was a pity that she didn't embark on the martial path while she was younger.

Willow sat right in front of Bloom and acted as if Bloom's remark made her shy. A soft blush appeared on her face and she looked away. Bloom thought that her skin was still too thin, blushing so easily.

"It's good to see you in good health. I was worried about you. Come let's eat."

"Thank you, sister," Willow said gratefully before digging in.

They started eating in silence. Only Heavens knew what was going through their respective minds. Just as they were almost over with their food, a commotion came from the entrance of the brothel.

Bloom looked puzzled while Willow faked her surprise. After all, she had heard everything that happened even from her current location. Her new senses were truly wondrous.

They both stood up and went to the source of the commotion. Soon enough, they found themselves at the Entrance Hall. Bloom came to the scene and learned about the situation from one of the brothel workers.

Near the entrance of the brothel, there was a dirty man who looked like he hadn't bathed for a while. His clothes were in various states of ruin. He had come to get back his granddaughter. According to him, his granddaughter was picked up from the streets on the way home. He suspected it to be the work of someone working here.

Naturally, the Brotel's guards didn't listen to his nonsense. They beat him back out to the streets. This provoked a small commotion. Passersby as well as busybodies came to see what was happening with the old man. The old man saw that the crowd was gathering around him and told his story. His voice was loud as if he was afraid the entire street wouldn't be able to hear. He was obviously trying to use public opinion and pressure to get back his little girl.

Once she learned of the ins and outs of the matter, Bloom took a breath, a professional expression settling on her face. She walked past the guards who noticed her and bowed in respect.

One of them wanted to explain the situation but Bloom raised one hand and he fell silent. Crouching down in front of the old man on the ground, she spoke, "First I am truly apologetic about the way you were treated, Old sir." Her tone was smooth and seemingly full of apologies for this old man. One could easily mistake her for a compassionate young lady.

"Secondly, What made Old Sir suspect our establishment? I can vouch for our integrity. Although it is 'that' kind of business, we value freedom and free will. We never keep someone against their will let alone kidnap them." Her face was earnest.

The crowd started talking and from their words, one could see that they were swayed by Bloom's speech and conduct as well as the reputation of the brothel. The Old man looked around as the encouraging crowd seemed to deflate and he was left alone to pursue justice.

"No, although this old man is indeed advanced in age, I am not senile yet. My granddaughter told me in the past that a lad was courting her. He was from this place. As a proper young lady, she always refused him. According to her, he was becoming increasingly forceful. A fact that made her afraid. Two days later she disappeared while returning from buying groceries."

Listening to the tale of this old man, Bloom frowned imperceptibly. Willow noticed that.

'She knows who could have done that.' Willow thought inwardly. As an ex-con artist, reading people's facial expressions was instinctual. From the minor frown and her unfocused eyes, Willow could infer her thought process.

"Who is this man, Old Mister?" Bloom asked finally.

"That-" The old man didn't know how to answer considering he had never seen the guy in person. His granddaughter never mentioned his name as far as he could remember. A sharp light flashed through Bloom's pupils.

Seeing as the old man could not answer, she said, "Old sir, there may have been a mistake. I will personally investigate. You can go back reassured." Bloom had her hands on her chest and was the picture definition of trustworthy.

He hesitated, before saying, "This old man will leave for now. I hope your establishment gives me a satisfying resolution. If not, although I am penniless, I still know people at the City Lord Mansion." Then he left swaying unsteadily on his feet. The guard hadn't been soft with his fists.

The old man finally went back and the crowd dispersed, the situation was defused. When the workers of the brothel as well as Willow and Bloom went back inside, Bloom's face turned cold. She turned and slapped the guard who beat the old man viciously.

"Are you stupid? Is something missing in your head? Why did you have to beat him and make such a fuss? You could have just taken care of him discreetly or asked someone to transfer the matter to the mistress." Bloom spoke vehemently. She was very pissed right now.

The guard was stunned before begging for forgiveness. He couldn't afford to lose this job. Although it wasn't a job to brag about, it put food on the table and allowed him to feed his family.

Because of this dimwitted fool, they almost had a serious matter on their hands. Willow came and tried to calm her down. She softly held her shoulders and spoke, "Don't be angry, sister. I am sure that he understands now."

Bloom looked at her and settled down. She had let go of her generous sister's facade because she was too mad. Only when Willow spoke did she remember that she wasn't acting like usual. She then patted Willow's hand in reassurance before saying to the kneeling guard, "The matron will decide your fate. In the meantime don't stir any waves."

After that, she left followed by Willow. Once they reached the maze of courtyards, Bloom said, "I have something to do, sister. I'll take my leave."

Willow nodded and they separated, she then returned to her room while Bloom went toward the most luxurious courtyard of the Brothel. At the gate of her courtyard, Willow looked toward the direction Bloom had taken.

"I wonder, is he the one responsible for the abduction?" She also had a suspect in mind. Likely the same one as Bloom. Only that scoundrel would do things such as abducting women in broad daylight.

"Well, it's not my problem," Willow concluded and went inside.

She entered her room and switched her clothes for a simple ample robe to allow for a larger motion range. It was time to test her abilities. She headed to the backyard. Besides a small pond and a well, it was barren and spacious enough to move around.

Once she stood in the middle of the backyard, she stretched out of habit. With the current structure of her body, it was wholly unnecessary. After that, she started executing a set of motions. She followed a particular rhythm. Sometimes she was fast, other times she moved slowly.

This was a martial art taught to her in her previous life by her foster father. He was a martial practitioner / crook / monk / fortune teller. He had a lot of hats, most of them fake but his martial expertise was real. He came from a long line of martial artists and inherited the most orthodox skills.

After having executed her martial arts, Willow let out a sigh of relief. Her martial attainments didn't decline and her body was surprisingly suitable for practice, there was no strain.

She went before the only tree in the backyard. It was old but was particularly tough. Without transition, she blasted out a palm at the trunk. The impact produced a loud sound and shock waves.

Cracks appeared on the bark before the zone impacted exploded into splinters. The tree was stripped naked as its leaves fell on the floor. Surprisingly, a single palm could be so destructive. Willow looked at her unblemished palm feeling puzzled. She hadn't exerted her strongest might, far from it.

Looking at the state of the tree and the strength she used, she estimated that it wouldn't be impossible for her to crush a small boulder if she exerted her greatest strength. The transformation gifted her with supernatural balance, senses, and strength from what she gathered so far.

'How do I compare against cultivators?' This question came to mind in light of her newfound strength. It was crucial for Willow to find the answer. It correlated directly to whether she could safely escape from this place or not.

Next she tested her endurance, she continued to practice until sunset. There was no sweat and she didn't feel particularly exhausted. In fact, Willow didn't even feel the soreness associated with an intense workout session. She was no different than when she started in the morning.

'What freakish body! it is as if exhaustion isn't a condition it can suffer from.'

Willow breathed out as she finished her tests. A new confidence settled in her heart. She wasn't frail or weak anymore, she could defend herself and preserve her life. Now, Willow just needed an occasion and she would flee far away from this place.