Chapter 232: Chapter 174: Feng Daiku’s Secret Technique (Two Chapters Combined, Asking for Monthly Tickets)
"The south wind kisses the face gently, carrying a strong fragrance of flowers; the south wind kisses the face gently, while stars are sparse and the moon appears hazy. We cling to each other closely, unable to exhaust the profound feelings; we cling to each other closely, every word spoken with sincerity..."
The Singing Empress Jiang Mengting was performing in the grand dance hall of the Hundred Joy Gate. She wore a purple sleeveless cheongsam, cinched tightly at the waist, with a trailing hem that closely resembled a Western evening gown. This was the unique style of Puluo State, perfectly blending Eastern elegance with Western luxury.
Just like the song "Cherish Tonight," it was popular in the Outside Provinces as well, but there the tune was mostly lyrical and poignant. In Puluo State, however, the unique jazz style made it sound more cheerful and playful. This not only suited the dancers’ steps but also fit the atmosphere of the Hundred Joy Gate perfectly. People came to the Hundred Joy Gate to seek pleasure.
The pianist gently swayed his body to the rhythm, while the violinist and flutist exchanged playful winks and teased each other. The backup dancers playfully twisted their slim waists and tight peaches, so much so that even He Haiqin, sitting at the edge of the dance floor, felt the urge to go up and give them a smack.
"How did such a great place end up with the Lu Family?" He Haiqin mused with a cigarette in his mouth, his expression tinged with regret.
Yang Yanzheng knocked on Chu Er’s door and entered. "Miss," he announced, "Patriarch He has arrived. Would you like to go out and offer him a drink?"
There is nobility in elegance and in vulgarity; the Hundred Joy Gate was the hallmark of Greenwater City, but it couldn’t escape the mundane rituals of Puluo State. With the arrival of He Haiqin, Chu Er ought to go out and receive the guest. But today, Chu Er didn’t want to go outside.
The grand dance hall, the ballroom, and the Famous Performer’s Chamber were all packed, yet Chu Er felt no happiness at all.
Seeing that Chu Er didn’t reply, Yang Yanzheng asked again, "The reporters are here. They want to do an exclusive interview."
Chu Er nodded. "Let them in."
Yang Yanzheng brought the reporters into the room. The photographer adjusted the lights, and the shutter clicked away. The reporter inquired, "Under your management, the Hundred Joy Gate has regained its former prosperity. What would you like to say about this?"
"What would I like to say?" Chu Er kept her head bowed, her eyes looking up at the reporter as she mumbled.
The photographer stopped taking pictures. Chu Er’s expression was quite intimidating.
"What does it matter what I want to say? No matter what, aren’t you going to write whatever you want?"
The photographer looked awkwardly at the reporter, who in turn looked awkwardly at Chu Er. "Our report will, of course, be based on facts..." the reporter stated.
"Based on facts?" Chu Er chuckled. "What facts? Does the prosperity of the Hundred Joy Gate have anything to do with me?"
The reporter was at a loss for words. Even Yang Yanzheng didn’t understand what Chu Er meant. The Hundred Joy Gate was making money every day; how could this have nothing to do with her?
「...」
"This matter has absolutely nothing to do with me!" Ma Wu declared upon returning to Blue Poplar Village. He took a large gulp from his cup and said to Li Banfeng, "I didn’t come up with any ideas; I just organized a concert.
Back when I was in Xiaoyao Lodge, I used to hold concerts all the time. Each one required a lot of money to invite celebrities to lend their prestige.
This time, however, it was different. The event didn’t need propping up, and celebrities didn’t need inviting; they were clamoring to come on their own.
What does this have to do with me? What does it have to do with Chu Er? This is all due to Monkey Qiu’s reputation!
Monkey Qiu has been with Lu Dongliang for half his life. Those who don’t know the inside story think he’s just a lackey. However, only the truly discerning can see how influential Monkey Qiu really is!"
Li Banfeng said, "So you aren’t planning on serving Chu Er anymore?"
Ma Wu shook his head. "I never intended to serve her. The matter of the Hundred Joy Gate is in the past, and it has nothing to do with me anymore. I plan to use this time to cultivate earnestly. Without genuine ability, relying only on cunning, I’ll never achieve anything significant.
Just like the Hundred Joy Gate. If Monkey Qiu decides to take it back one day, could I stop him? Could Chu Er?"
Li Banfeng agreed with this. "But if you want to cultivate, you should go to the Hundred Joy Gate. There are plenty of girls there."
"Girls alone are useless!" Ma Wu insisted, holding his cup and shaking his head.
Li Banfeng took a step back and asked, "Then what do you plan to rely on?"
Ma Wu drained his cup, placed it down, and declared, "I want to go to the New Land."
New Land?
Li Banfeng indeed planned to go to the New Land to cultivate, but what could Ma Wu do there?
Ma Wu explained, "Miss Feng taught me some cultivation techniques that I can only fully utilize in the New Land."
Fully utilize skills?
Do you need to fully utilize skills?
Li Banfeng didn’t ask any more. Surely Feng Daiku’s secret techniques were not to be disclosed. "Going to the New Land is good," he said. "My pioneering there has been successful, so we have a place to settle. You should also clear a piece of land. If you encounter danger, you’ll have the Local Deity for protection."
This was exactly what Ma Wu wanted. He immediately prepared for the journey, this time bringing an aide. He initially planned to take Xiao Chuanzi, who was proficient in Craftsman Cultivation. Once the pioneering was successful, Xiao Chuanzi could immediately plan the next engineering project. However, since Xiao Chuanzi had to manage business in Blue Poplar Village, after weighing his options, Ma Wu decided to take Xiao Genzi instead.
At first, Xiao Genzi refused.
"Master Wu, I shouldn’t argue with your orders, but if I follow you, what will become of my cultivation?"
Everything else was negotiable, but Golden Juice was hard to find in the New Land due to the scarcity of people.
Ma Wu reprimanded him, "Foolish! Do you have to get Golden Juice from people? The New Land is filled with so many different creatures; excellent materials are everywhere. How could you possibly run out?"
Xiao Genzi pondered it and realized Ma Wu had a point. Cultivation materials shouldn’t be too monotonous. Maybe the Golden Juice from other creatures would be even more effective.
The three of them set out that very day, more familiar with the road this time. Ma Wu had gotten a better pair of shoes from Chu Er and gave his original pair to Xiao Genzi.
The road ahead was easy, but the most difficult part was still the Iron Thread River. Ma Wu still didn’t possess a Magical Treasure that could allow him to fly. At night, when they camped, Ma Wu specifically reminded Xiao Genzi, "Follow the Seventh Master’s orders tomorrow. If you fall into that river, not even your bones will be left."