Chapter 34

  After they left the four Forging Rivers disciples, it took them almost another half a day to arrive at Towering Heights.

  The place was as they remembered it, beautiful both in the day and during the night.

  Drakkel told Rillian Adore that he wanted to visit the brothel at night so their entry would be less noticeable to any prying eyes.

  Once they arrived at the lavish building, some of the courtesans happily took their arms and dragged them inside.

  As they walked in, many of them fawned over Rillian Adore.

  Seeing how handsome Rillian Adore was, many were curious about the companion he brought along. Trying to peek under Drakkel's bamboo hat, some of the courtesans began to surround them.

  When their curiosity became almost insufferable, Drakkel broke out of their grips.

  Rillian Adore then did the same.

  “Leave,” Rillian Adore said, exuding his normal cold aura.

  This may have worked for others, but instead of being scared, most of the women actually scoffed and hurried away after hearing his words.

  Once the crowd cleared, only one remained.

  Her light brown hair and peach-colored skin were perfect compliments to her look and her face had a youthful appearance about it.

  Drakkel guessed that she was around 15 years old. Unlike the other women who crowded around them, this girl was dressed more conservatively, though her clothing items were still luxurious.

  Based on this, she probably didn't serve customers and instead performed another activity. Perhaps signing, dancing or poetry.

  “You two seem new.” She said. “Since you refused the ladies, are you looking for someone in particular? Maybe I can help?”

  Rillian Adore looked her up and down. “Do you happen to know where the madam is?”

  The girl shook her head. “The madam is usually at the front desk, but she isn't here right now. Maybe I can assist you instead?”

  Drakkel tried to find the front desk. It was located at the wall to the right of the entrance. When he looked over, he realized that the girl was right. No one currently stood there.

  He looked at Rillian Adore and nodded.

  “Then we'll wait in the main showroom for her,” he said.

  The girl shrugged, “If that's what you want.”

  She followed with a head bow. “Then I want to welcome you to our humble business. I hope you two fine sirs have fun tonight. If you would like, there should be a good show beginning in the main showroom shortly. You can go and enjoy it.”

  Rillian Adore nodded and she left.

  Although he still kept his cold and reserved demeanor, Drakkel thought he seemed rather comfortable here. Then he wondered if Rillian Adore had ever visited a brothel or if he even regularly frequented one.

  It wasn't common for sword fighters to be so frivolous. In fact, it was even frowned upon. But it’s not like some didn't still manage to go when their clans weren't watching.

  He shook his head. Rillian Adore was known to be obedient. There was no way he would do such a thing.

  As they walked towards the main lobby in the chatter of the people around them, they heard some people whispering.

  Before they could make it to the main showroom, a loud scream rang through the air. They rushed towards it just in time to witness an argument occurring.

  A crowd was gathered around a man who was holding a woman by her wrist. On the floor in front of her was a flute. Their argument could be heard all over the room, “Why don't you marry me, Sena? I’ll buy out your contract!”

  The woman screamed in between sobs, “No! You know how our brothel works. The girls only go with who they want. I don't want to marry you!”

  From behind the crowd, Rillian Adore and Drakkel heard whispers and tsks from all around.

  “The shameless man. Who keeps coming after they’ve been rejected, not once or twice, but thrice?!”

  “He should have learned his lesson by now. He’s lucky he hasn't been banned yet.”

  “I heard he collects women like expensive accessories. He already has twelve concubines all from different brothels! He really thinks he can step into one of the finest brothels in the land and claim another? His greed is insatiable!”

  “Just because he’s the richest merchant in Joyous Encounters, he thinks he can get away with it!”

  Rillian Adore pushed through the crowd and arrived in front of the man. Drakkel followed him, stopping near the front of the crowd. The man stopped speaking to the woman and stared at the newcomer.

  “Who are you? What brings you here?”

  Rillian Adore didn't answer his question. Instead he pointed to the woman on the floor. “Why don't you let the woman go?”

  The man dropped her wrist and the woman rubbed it. A fine red line could be seen where he had gripped.

  He straightened his stance and placed his hands behind his back, allowing the large golden bamboo-like symbol printed at the front of his robes to be fully displayed.

  “I am Wold, the owner of the largest merchant group in Towering Heights, Tacit Company. I’m sure you’ve seen my symbols all over the town. Even the Town Lord has to give me face! Now that you’ve interrupted my activities, I'm sure you know what that means?”

  Rillian Adore was not affected by the man’s scare tactics. He reached into his robe and pulled out his pass.“You’ve made a public disturbance and are forcing a girl against her will “

  Veins popped from Wold’s head as his expression grew angrier.

  “And who are you to tell me what to do?” He yelled.

  “I’m Rillian Adore of the Golden Peak Swords Clan.”

  Rillian Adore lowered his voice, saying in a sly manner, “Surely you know what that means?”

  After lowering his eyes and calmly glancing at the pass, Wold suddenly quivered in fear. Sweat dropped from his forehead and he prostrated himself before Rillian Adore. “I…I… I didn't mean to Ril… I mean Sword Master Rillian Adore! It was a momentary weakness. I promise I won't do it again!”

  Rillian Adore looked down at him in disgust. “I heard you already have twelve concubines. Why don’t you focus on them instead of forcing one to be your thirteenth?”

  Wold vigorously shook his head. “No! I… I only wanted to buy out her contract… whether she becomes my wife or not is up to her!”

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  “You Liar!” The girl screamed in tears. “You’ve been harassing me for the past few weeks! Giving me attention that I didn't want. Then the other day, you asked to marry me and tried to pressure the madam to sell out my contract!!”

  Rillian Adore continued to gaze down at the Wold, his eyes narrowing. Wold raised his head to look into Rillian Adore's eyes, but after seeing he was still angry, he quickly bowed it again.

  “I'm sorry.” He began to sob, “I’m sorry!”

  “Raise your head,” Rillian Adore coldly said.

  Wold slowly looked up.

  When he did, Rillian Adore leaned in close to him and whispered in his ear. After he was done, the man bowed three times before rushing out of the building.

  A few men who had followed him left as well.

  Drakkel heard people whisper.

  “Rillian Adore is here?!”

  “I can't believe it, the Golden Blade!”

  “Serves that pathetic man right! He’s been throwing his weight around and putting on airs since he showed up two years ago! Maybe the Golden Peak Swords Clan will take care of him now!”

  “We can only hope.”

  The young girl that Drakkel and Rillian Adore had spoken to earlier stepped out from the crowd and stood next to Rillian Adore.

  “Break it up now!” She yelled.

  All eyes in the room shot to her.

  She bowed. “We apologize for the embarrassing display that you all had to witness today! As the madam of this establishment, I will give you all repayment. The drinks for the night will be on the house!”

  The people erupted in cheer all around them. It wasn't long until the splendorous merriment of the brothel returned. If one was to step in now, it would seem as if nothing had occurred.

  Under the shroud of the crowd, The young girl whispered into Rillian Adore's ear, then grabbed his hand and pulled him up the stairs, heading to a private room.

  Drakkel went after them, slightly worried about her intent.

  The girl was pouring Rillian Adore some wine just as Drakkel entered. When she saw his figure, she gestured to the spot next to him.

  “Come, sit.” She said. “Let me hear what brings the Golden Blade all the way to my brothel.”

  Once Drakkel was seated and the girl poured him a cup of wine as well, she looked at each of them expectantly.

  Drakkel cleared his throat. “When a flower blooms, hidden desires take root.”

  The girl's eyes narrowed, her expression taking on a serious undertone. “Drink those cups of wine and follow me. They’re expensive and I don't want to see them go to waste.”

  “My friend is not in good health.” Rillian Adore said. “I’ll drink the wine for him.”

  The girl shrugged as Rillian Adore drank both cups. When he got up, after finishing the two cups, he swayed a bit.

  Drakkel took his arm and helped him stand steady.

  The young girl walked out of the room and took them down a long hall. On the right side, at the end of the hall was a door.

  It sat ominously, the music and cheer of the rest of the brothel not reaching its poorly lit corners.

  The girl said, “The person you seek is behind this door. I have things to deal with so I’m afraid that I can't accompany you.”

  After bowing to them once, she quickly left the area.

  Then, a seductive feminine voice rang out from behind the door, “Visitors? I wasn't expecting any… Please come in.”

  Rillian Adore was usually quiet, but right now, he didn't even give a nod. Besides this, he was very uncoordinated. Drakkel had to practically drag him to the door.

  Upon walking in, Drakkel’s nostrils were instantly invaded by a mixture of strong perfumes and other scents. He felt dizzy just standing in the place.

  As he stepped forward, he noticed that the room itself was decorated nicely. The floor was covered with a high quality carpeting and it contained a decently-sized lounge chair on one end and table on the other.

  A woman sat at the table, gazing at them with narrowed eyes and a hint of a smile on her face. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Her black slightly curly hair fell down to her lower back and her deep black eyes made her seem mysterious yet majestic. Her cream-colored skin seemed smooth and supple. One wouldn't even need to touch it to be able to tell. With her red makeup coloring her cheeks and lips and her enchanting eyes more pronounced, her looks were akin to what Drakkel thought an immortal beauty would look like.

  The woman straightened her stance, sticking out her index finger and using it to beckon him and Rillian Adore closer.

  When Drakkel finally reached the table, he helped Rillian Adore take a seat, then took one as well. He found it difficult to keep his mind clear among the scenery. Even his body began to feel a little hot.

  “What brings you two here?” The woman calmly asked.

  For some reason, Drakkel’s mind felt foggy. It took all he had for him to answer, “We’re… here to… Pisa… Lorv…”

  It was like he ran out of breath with every word he spoke.

  Surprisingly, the woman wasn't bothered by this and instead raised an eyebrow as she asked, “So, you know my name?”

  Drakkel slowly nodded.

  Pisa Lorvent continued, “I think it's a little stuffy in here, why don't you take off your hat.”

  She reached over to grab Drakkel’s hat, but he grabbed onto it first, holding it down.

  “I only speak to people face to face.” She said.

  Drakkel truly didn't want her to take it off, but not only was what she said understandable, even if he wanted to, he didn't have the energy to resist.

  His hat slid off his head as Pisa Lorvent grabbed it.

  When she saw his face, her eyes widened. “A handsome young fellow sits before me… Interesting. You would make a great addition to our Swords Clan.”

  As Drakkel’s condition got worse, he realized something was wrong.

  “What… what did you do…to us…?” He asked.

  Pisa Lorvent smiled an innocent yet venomous smile. “Since you know my name, I'm sure you know who I work for. To prevent myself from being overpowered by stronger Sword Fighters, I have to be prepared.”

  “Poison… wine?” Drakkel asked in surprise.

  Pisa Lorvent didn't answer. Instead she continued, “And, if that doesn't work, this room is full of a tranquilizing agent that I have built an immunity to. It weakens the body and the mind.”

  Drakkel slowly looked over at Rillian Adore, then turned his attention back to Pisa Lorvent.

  Pisa Lorvent said, “Oh! You’re looking for the antidote! Well, I’ll provide it once you tell me what you’re after.”

  Drakkel couldn't believe it. He and Rillian Adore had kept their guard up, but they both still fell for a trap. But then he remembered, this was one of the strongest Swords clans and one of the three geniuses of the Sword Fighting World. Besides the members of the clan in question, who else could resist their tactics?

  He warily answered, “Just… information…”

  “Pertaining to?” Pisa Lorvent asked.

  “Taliyah… Raven… “ Drakkel answered. “Where is she?”

  Upon the mention of the name, Pisa Lorvent’s eyes widened. Then they narrowed as she gazed at Drakkel. “Why are you looking for her?”

  “Why… do… need to…” Drakkel tried to ask.

  Pisa Lorvent interjected, “If you don’t tell me, I won’t give you the information.”

  “Poison…” Drakkel answered. “I’ve been… poisoned…”

  Pisa Lorvent’s hands immediately shot to Drakkel’s wrist. After a few moments, she let go. “Hm. It seems you have.”

  She picked up the bamboo hat that dropped on the floor and put it back on his head. Leaning back into her seat, she said, “Fine. The one you seek is currently in a temple on Earthly Mountain.”

  Drakkel nodded.

  He had heard of Earthly Mountain. It was a mountain covered in greenery and surrounded by natural habitats. It would have made for a popular place to build many temples, but the only caveat was that the climate was dangerous.

  Only Sword Fighters who were well versed in the sword step technique could traverse it. The forest around the mountain was also filled with hostile sacred beasts and ordinary animals alike.

  Most Sword Fighters, being not affiliated with a specific religion, didn’t often visit temples. So for those temples that wished to see any type of traffic to their location, the Earthly Mountain was not a good choice.

  Pisa Lorvent stated, “I’ve told you her location, but it will be up to her whether she helps you or not.”

  Drakkel nodded.

  Before he could relax, he had to ask, “The… antidote…”

  Pisa Lorvent smiled. “Don’t worry. There was no poison. The wine the Golden Blade drank just contained some potent alcohol. Nothing more. He’ll be fine after some rest.”

  Drakkel was relieved. He bowed his head at her and lifted Rillian Adore up.

  Pisa Lorvent signaled to Rillian Adore, “Also, I'm sure he'll be paying for this consultation as always, so there’s no need to worry about it.”

  Drakkel was confused. As always?

  He wanted to ask her to elaborate, but before he could question her, she lifted her hand and a strong wind blew out from her direction.

  Drakkel and Rillian Adore were shoved backwards out the door before it slammed closed behind them.