As the sun first rose, it often signified a new beginning.

Domain Master Chi Rang of Xuan State wasn't one to host just anyone, and the people from those eleven sects he had seized also left the military encampment.

On the Wangdu roads where vehicles hustled back and forth, a group of people felt somewhat disheartened and dejected. They didn't hail a ride and walked silently by the roadside, aimlessly wandering.

The people from the eleven sects, despite their different attire, seemed to share a common feeling of belonging to the same sect.

Suddenly, an elder from the Bilan Sect stopped, indirectly blocking the path of the followers from the other sects behind him. Those who were walking with lowered heads one after another looked up.

"Bilan Sect elder," Chu Jingtang called out.

"Hm?" Chu Jingtang from behind hurriedly stepped forward and said with clasped hands, "Disciple is here!"

The Bilan Sect elder sighed, "How many years have you been with the Bilan Sect?"

Chu Jingtang was taken aback, vaguely sensing something amiss, but still answered honestly, "Disciple joined at the age of eight, and now at the age of thirty-five, it has been twenty-seven years."

The Bilan Sect elder sighed again, "In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed, and there is certainly affection between us. To punish you for this matter would be hard for me to bear; you too have been deceived. Yet, to claim you are completely innocent would be self-deception. Surely, you haven't forgotten how seriously the sect entrusted you when they asked you to lead the team. How could you have been so negligent?

You better not return to the sect; let us part ways here. I will make the decision on behalf of the sect and officially expel you from the Bilan Sect!"

"Elder!" Chu Jingtang let out a piteous cry, knelt to the ground, and repeatedly kowtowed, "Please, elder, give your disciple another chance to atone."

The elder from the Bilan Sect showed no regret on his face, "The sect will soon send out a notice of expulsion to the Cultivation World. From now on, we go our separate ways without burdening each other. You should take care of yourself!"

With a sweep of his large sleeve, he strode away.

The four disciples who had accompanied Chu Jingtang to the meeting walked quietly and quickly in small steps, hurrying to keep up. Not one pleaded for Chu Jingtang; it wasn't that they were heartless. They considered themselves fortunate not to be punished alongside him. Who would dare to ask for more trouble?

Seeing this scene, the lead representatives from the remaining ten sects inwardly groaned. Why would the Bilan Sect set such an example at this time? Weren't they just digging a pit for others?

Indeed, what they feared had come to pass; some people had to bear the anger and consequences.

In a short while, there were eleven kneeling figures on the road.

The others left proudly, heading back to their sects. There was no point in attending the formal conclusion of the meeting; they simply had no face to show, and so they left as a sign of respect.

Chu Jingtang, with his head buried in the ground for a long time, raised his head again to reveal a tear-streaked face, facing the golden sunrise. With a beard like a lion's, he cried like a child.

He had joined the sect at eight years old. His knowledge, experience, and achievements had all formed step by step within the Bilan Sect; it was his place of peace in his heart, the home he thought he would never abandon, expecting to end his days and be buried in that land. But now, that home didn't want him anymore, and he cried in bewilderment and helplessness.

Unlike those expelled from their sects, the four envoys of Wu Kang Mountain were living a carefree and enjoyable life, as is often the case for the victors.

The payout from the betting pools was imminent, and there were many things to attend to, important matters that could not go wrong. Although Young Master Nan was too busy to accompany them personally, he had arranged for others to treat them lavishly, letting them experience the ultimate luxury of Wangdu. Whatever they desired, they had—both vulgar and refined pleasures. All expenses were covered by Young Master Nan; their only worry was to have fun.

Initially, Shi Chun and his companions were somewhat embarrassed, feeling that this enthusiasm was somewhat inexplicable and guarded.

After they understood Young Master Nan's identity and realized he had made a fortune because of them, they knew their frivolous spending was nothing, and they readily indulged in enjoyment.

These few days were theirs; after the formal conclusion of the meeting, they would have to return to Wu Kang Mountain.

Wu Jinliang and Shi Chun rarely mingled; Wu Jinliang was often absent. Although the three knew where he had gone,

it was Wu Jinliang's own carelessness that gave him away. Returning with a sly chuckle, his body always carried the scent of perfume, and there were lipstick marks that hadn't been wiped clean. His sneaky behavior made it obvious what he was up to.

The two women understood but said nothing, occasionally looking at him with disdain.

Shi Chun was aware but didn't interfere, seeing no reason to. In the Land of Exile, many women were treated like chattel, exchangeable as goods. Wu Jinliang had a taste for that, but although he favored women, he felt no emotional attachment to them, promptly forgetting them once his trousers were fastened.

Letting Wu Jinliang enjoy himself had its reasons. Knowing he had become a primary target, he had assigned some tasks he couldn't conveniently handle to Wu Jinliang.

Wu Jinliang had taken the opportunity to meet many of Young Master Nan's friends.

Bian Weiyin also seemed quite interested in those friends of Young Master Nan. Shi Chun could tell this woman had not yet let go of her obsession with Wu Kang Mountain, and he had learned from Xiang Laner about how Bian Weikang had turned against him.

That evening, Young Master Nan once again found time to host a dinner, with Xiang Laner, who hailed from an Oiran background, present. Knowing this was not a suitable occasion for his raucous friends, he opted for a small and intimate banquet.

Young Master Nan arrived with Wu Jinliang, the latter still reeking of alcohol and bearing scratches on his neck left by a woman.

A refined feast, almost celestial, was held atop the lofty mountain pavilion. The spacious setting allowed the few of them to enjoy a blissful solitude as if they could pluck the moon and the stars at will.

Fine wine and sumptuous dishes, overlooking the bustling night view of the capital, I ate leisurely, walked and looked around, feeling truly above and beyond.

At the railing, Young Master Nan picked up a plate of snacks and alone with Shi Chun, nodded towards Wu Jinliang, who was chatting and laughing with Bian Weiyin not far away, "Your brother is rough yet refined, quite a character. These past few days, he's truly impressed many of my friends."

Shi Chun: "Young Master Nan is jesting. We're just uncouth country bumpkins, simple and naive. We're lucky not to be laughed at, let alone to claim the title of 'character.'"

A teasing smile emerged on the corners of Young Master Nan's mouth. He really wanted to ask Shi Chun, how could you play Xuan State up and down and still call yourself simple and naive?

He had already come to know many of the details, and he sincerely admired them.

He didn't argue further but explained, "Today as I happened to bring Wu Jinliang over, I found him arguing with someone, almost coming to blows."

Shi Chun's expression grew serious, "Are the scratches on his neck not from a woman?"

Young Master Nan chuckled, "Who scratched him, I don't know, but certainly not a man. Don't be nervous; it's not what you're thinking.

Probably just someone who didn't like his bluster about the West Pole. He slammed the table and cursed, admitting he was inferior on their turf and challenging them to come to his if they dared, refusing would make them cowards!

Everyone took it as boasting, contemptuous and unconvinced he had any territory or could turn the tables before them. But Wu Jinliang, that guy, invited them all to Life Prison. Nobody expected that. He really intimidated a whole group of men, ha-ha!"

So that was it. Shi Chun didn't take it to heart.

After Young Master Nan left to find more food, Wu Jinliang came over to whisper, "Miao Yilan has been in the capital lately. She has a home there; her father and Lan Qiaoyan are both present. I've found out exactly where they live for when you decide to visit."

Shi Chun had mentioned giving a gift before, and Wu Jinliang had remembered, taking the chance to inquire for him.

Shi Chun nodded slightly, acknowledging with a hum.

Wu Jinliang: "Also, Young Master Nan has been saying some strange things into my ear these past few days, reminders he asked me to pass on to you."

Shi Chun immediately took notice and asked, "What things?"

Wu Jinliang: "Stuff like you should learn from me more, how there are plenty of women in the world, and there's no need for a big man to compete over a woman's affections. He also said if he ever wronged you, it wasn't intentional, and that I should advise you when needed."

Shi Chun, puzzled: "What does he mean?"

Wu Jinliang shrugged, "I don't know. Maybe he sees I'm having fun, and you're not?"

With a modest and secretive snicker, he continued, "You know, these people do have some talents. There are three famous Oiran in the capital now, like Xiang Laner used to be, who perform arts without selling themselves. In their eyes, there's no such distinction—if they fancy someone, once they get involved, anything could be sold. I've already chosen two, and tonight, I'll visit the third. Do you want in? I'll let you have her if you do. She's very beautiful."

Shi Chun scoffed, "You're really thriving in the capital."

Wu Jinliang leaned on the railing, gazing into the distance, "What a place indeed. I never imagined, just a few days ago I was inexperienced, and now I've leaped to the top. What will I do later? It's a pity, it's just their hospitality; it doesn't really belong to us…"

Shi Chun hummed, about to agree that at least he was clear-headed, but Wu Jinliang's mood swiftly shifted, "It puzzles me now; how could I have stooped to those women back in the Land of Exile?"

Shi Chun decided not to bother with him and got up to walk away.

After the gathering dispersed, Young Master Nan left with Wu Jinliang, and the few remaining people stayed overnight there.

Shi Chun had just settled in his room for a while when someone softly opened the door. Without guessing, he knew who was picking the lock, and upon turning around, as expected, Bian Weiyin had slipped into his room again.

As for this woman's actions, Shi Chun didn't know whether to be exasperated; in public or private, she was quite different, always sneaking into his room.

Upon meeting, they embraced, and she indulged in what Wu Jinliang referred to as "smack-smacking" activities, such as sitting on his lap now.

Shi Chun didn't refuse, considering it an honor to receive her favor, but neither did he pursue further.

After their breathy lips parted, Bian Weiyin looked at him with misty eyes, asking in a dream-like murmur, "Do you know what Wu Jinliang is up to?"

Shi Chun: "I know."

Bian Weiyin leaned in close, whispering, "Do you want to do what Wu Jinliang is doing?"

Shi Chun could sense that this woman was always trying to push towards that step, he replied, "I don't."

Bian Weiyin: "Am I not good enough?"

Shi Chun: "I would let you down."

Bian Weiyin exhaled softly, "I know."

Shi Chun: "Just wait a bit longer. When I leave Wukang Mountain, then you can decide what you want."

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