Liu Ruyan, the Courtesan of Jiangnan

In a secluded courtyard in Wuxi Town:

"Lord Zhuque, these days, while searching for Lv Jing and Jia Yan, we've been keeping an eye on the members of the Huge Whale Gang, but so far, we've found nothing."

"These two individuals seem to have vanished into thin air, leaving no trace." A member of the Imperial Guard, dressed in a flying fish robe, bowed to a woman in red, Zhuque.

Sitting in a chair, Zhuque's eyes flickered as she spoke coldly, "People cannot disappear for no reason. Since we've received information that they arrived in Wuxi Town, they must be here."

"We can't find them, and even Huge Whale Gang, as the local power, can't find them either. There are only two possibilities."

"One, they have used alternative means to reach Japan."

"Two, someone within the Huge Whale Gang is deliberately concealing their whereabouts. This person must be a high-ranking member, as an ordinary person wouldn't have the courage to hide them."

At these words, the Imperial Guard's expression changed drastically, and he bowed, saying, "Should we send people to monitor the high-ranking members of the Huge Whale Gang to investigate their recent activities, Lord Zhuque?"

"No need." Zhuque did not adopt this suggestion. Instead, she continued, "Since this person dares to hide these two individuals, they are not afraid of your investigation. Besides, this is Huge Whale Gang's territory; we are in disadvantage."

"If Huge Whale Gang is willing to investigate this person, it means at least their leader, Li Tianhao, is willing to assist the court."

"As long as the person hiding Lv Jing and Jia Yan is not Li Tianhao, we can still make use of Huge Whale Gang's influence."

"I've been in Wuxi Town for so many days; it's time to meet this Huge Whale Gang leader, Li Tianhao."

Zhuque stood up and walked out of the gate, "Continue to keep an eye on the individuals in room number one. Since they managed to convince Huge Whale Gang to assist in capturing Lv Jing and Jia Yan, it's evident that they are also agents of the court. However, I haven't received any collaborative messages from them."

"Their identities are special. Unless necessary, do not engage with them."

"Especially the old man; his martial arts are formidable, and he may not be inferior to me."

After a brief explanation, Zhuque headed towards the main hall of the Huge Whale Gang.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Zhu Youji and his group had arrived at a secluded courtyard.

"Go ahead and knock on the door," Zhu Youji instructed.

"Yes!"

A eunuch nodded and quickly walked up to knock on the door, saying, "Excuse me, is anyone inside?"

"Bang, bang, bang..."

After a few knocks, a sweet and soft female voice responded, "Who is it?"

In the next moment, the door was pushed open, revealing a charming and graceful figure.

The woman was enchanting and alluring, exuding the mature charm of a woman. With every gesture, she radiated a variety of styles, like a ripe apple, tempting and mouth-watering.

"How many of you? Whom are you looking for?" She asked softly, and her fox-like eyes passed over everyone and finally rested on Zhu Youji.

Clearly, among the group, Zhu Youji was the leader.

The only thing that displeased the woman was the indifferent gazes the others cast upon her. It seemed as if her beauty failed to stir any emotion in them.

Feeling a bit disheartened, she wondered if her beauty had faded.

"Liu Ruyan, one of the top courtesans in Jiangnan, renowned in the martial world. However, several years ago, she suddenly retired, hiding in this remote village..." Zhu Youji looked at the woman and casually remarked.

"You've got the wrong person," Liu Ruyan's expression changed slightly. She directly grabbed the door, intending to close it.

The young eunuch immediately activated his internal energy, blocking the door to prevent her from closing it.

Zhu Youji walked in directly, and Liu He and the others followed.

"What do you want?" Liu Ruyan looked at Zhu Youji and the others who had suddenly entered, her expression becoming serious as she asked.

Zhu Youji remained calm, "Aren't you seeking revenge for your father's death? I can help you."

"What do you know?" Liu Ruyan's expression changed slightly as she stared at Zhu Youji and asked again.

"I know many things. I have friends in the martial world, and I happened to hear some interesting things. You are one of them."

"Liu Ruyan, your birth mother is unknown, suspected to be a young lady from a scholarly family in Jiangnan. Moreover, your father's identity is even more mysterious. What's puzzling is that the backer behind you seems to hold a significant position in the martial world."

"Being able to secure your position as one of the top courtesans in Jiangnan without being bullied. Zhu Youji said nonchalantly.

Upon hearing this, Liu Ruyan laughed, her laughter charming and her eyes full of allure. She said, "Hehe, young sir, these matters are well-known in the martial world. Are these all you know about me?"

Zhu Youji also smiled and said softly, "I know how your father died."

The smile gradually disappeared from Liu Ruyan's face, and her tone became cold. She said, "Young sir, this is not a matter to joke about."

"I never joke during the day." Zhu Youji's eyes were extremely calm as he replied.

"Alright, young sir, please follow me, and let's discuss this inside!" Liu Ruyan extended her hand and invited Zhu Youji into one of the rooms.

"You wait outside for me." After instructing the others, Zhu Youji strode into the room.

Liu Ruyan glanced at the three people and silently closed the door.

After closing the door, Liu Ruyan lit some sandalwood on the table. Then, she brought tea and placed it on the table, saying softly, "Young sir, please have some tea."

"No rush!" Zhu Youji didn't drink the tea. Instead, he spoke, "Everyone knows Miss Liu's proficiency in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. However, Miss Liu's skills in drugging are truly unparalleled in the world."

At these words, Liu Ruyan's eyes flickered, and she casually said with a smile, "Young sir, you're joking. What are you referring to?"

"A special herb is applied to the sandalwood, causing a softening effect on the limbs. Moreover, the tea you served is laced with tendon-softening powder."

"With both of these combined, even a ninth-grade master would probably suffer defeat on the spot."

"Miss Liu, your scheming is truly extraordinary!"

Zhu Youji laughed lightly, raised his hand, and, with a gentle movement of his internal energy, snapped the sandalwood in the air and dropped it onto the table.

Seeing her scheme exposed, Liu Ruyan didn't conceal herself any longer. She acted resolutely and reached out towards Zhu Youji's shoulder.

As the internal energy surged, her attack felt like successive waves, endlessly and continuously crashing like mighty waves.

Zhu Youji slid his steps. Turning into a phantom, he suddenly disappeared from the original position and evaded Liu Ruyan's attack.

Taking out a folding fan from his bosom, Zhu Youji used it as a brush to manipulate his internal energy and executed the attacking moves of the Brushstroke Technique.

"Brushstroke as a Blade!"

With a few swings, the head of the folding fan accurately hit Liu Ruyan's wrist, breaking her continuous attacks one by one.

This sensation made Liu Ruyan extremely uncomfortable!

It was as if every move she made was seen through, and there were no secrets!

After exchanging a few moves, although they used internal energy, the confrontation was not intense. Liu Ruyan was worried about Liu He outside, and Zhu Youji was more interested in testing Liu Ruyan's skills.

After all, if Zhu Youji wanted to take her down, whether it was the Absorption Technique, Infernal Three Blades, or Vajra Body Defending Divine Skill, any of these techniques would easily suffice.

"Huge Whale Gang's wave-folding skill is indeed outstanding among Earthly Level martial arts. The waves overlap endlessly, continuously and perpetually."

"Unfortunately, your internal energy cultivation is not high enough, so the power you unleash seems somewhat lacking."

"Alright, this uninteresting sparring is getting tiresome. Let's end it here!"

Zhu Youji directly stimulated the internal energy of the Vajra Body Defending Divine Skill. The original moves of the Brushstroke Technique transformed into extremely sharp and dominant attacks, with a robust, masculine, and profound internal force surging out. It instantly disrupted Liu Ruyan's rhythm.

The head of the folding fan was also directed towards Liu Ruyan's throat...

Inferior in skill, captured due to a misjudgment!

Liu Ruyan accepted her fate and closed her eyes, seemingly ready for whatever punishment awaited her.

Zhu Youji looked at Liu Ruyan and a smile appeared on his lips. He asked softly, "Miss Liu, are you seducing me?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Liu Ruyan quickly opened her eyes. Her hands guarded in front of her, a look of shyness and blame in her gaze as she stared at Zhu Youji. She remained silence.

"Enough, aren't you curious about who killed your father?"

As Zhu Youji spoke, Liu Ruyan's face instantly changed.