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Yao Da was left stunned, unsure why the amorous atmosphere had changed so quickly. Her master, noble and indifferent, why did he look like that?

She had never seen such contentment in his eyes as he inhaled the scent left on her overcoat.

"D-does master already know uncle Fei?" She stammered, trying to understand what was going on. He had called out to a 'shizun' but the word was unfamiliar to her.

"Uncle..." He echoed, the image of his noble and enigmatic master flashing before his eyes. His eyes narrowed as he turned back to her. Her flinch didn't faze him as he stared down at her. "You met Shizun!?" 

I-I don't what you mean, sire!" She cried, clinging to the wall. She was very much scared of the manic look in his eyes. "Who's Shizun are you talking about?"

Was this Shizun a person? Surely, if she had met anyone special enough to know her master, she would recall it. But she truly hadn't. Her focus had been purely on searching for her master.

"Don't lie to me." He growled, feeling frustrated. While his shizun's scent was distinct, Yao Da's own scent had been masking it. "You have his belongings. I would never mistake this scent."

Feeing wronged, Yao Da stood up not wanting to be scolded. She had done nothing wrong yet she was being treated like this? It was too unfair.

"If you mean the coat, I got it from Uncle Fei, a guy I met in town a few days ago." She explained, scowling to herself. The fact that she was getting treated like this over a coat was just too much. "He lent it to me."

"He lent it?" His tone was low and dark, leaving the demoness feeling slightly threatened. She shivered. "Are you two so close as to exchange clothing?"

The thought of his shizun being embraced by anyone, let alone his own subordinate, was unacceptable. His shizun had been dead for over a decade yet rather than come back to him, he chose to get close to others.

Why was it always others?!

Xieren felt a strange mix of frustration, joy, and anger at this. His master was too much! It was always others he chose to be close with.

The worst thing about it was that he couldn't be mad at the man himself. Shizun was like that, always being kind and caring to others. If Yao Da had truly met Shizun, it was no wonder the silly man had lent her his coat.

That person was too nice to do otherwise.

"L-lord Xieren?" Yao Da, seeing her master's expression close off, was unsure what to do. Should she leave or...

"Answer my question." He snapped, his expression less angry than before. While he was still furious, he had learned how to mask those feelings.

"What?!" Yao Da squeaked, trying to recall what had been asked. 

Truly, her master was too scary sometimes.

"N-no, me and uncle aren't like that. He's too nice to even think such a thing." She explained, thinking about that man. She wasn't sure what relationship they had but something told her she shouldn't hide anything from her master. " We bumped into each other on the street, so got to talking, that's all."

"Tell me everything."

***

After hearing Yao Da's story, Xieren felt a lightness he hadn't felt in years. So much so, he could almost feel free. For so long, he had been submerged in a sea of anguish having lost the one he cared for most.

Yet he had been so close by.

According to Yao Da's report, Shizun had been in town for a while. She had met him the day he attacked the man in the forest and helped him with a thief. He briefly wondered why his powerful master would need help but then when he thought about it, it made sense.

Shizun was a nice person. He probably spared that man.

Yet Shizun wasn't alone it would seem. When he had heard he was traveling with a woman named Xinyi, his chest clenched. If it was that Xinyi, he had many questions.

How did she meet Shizun?

How long as she known he was alive?

Was she looking for him?

While Xieren might have already cut ties with the sect after Shizun's passing, he still couldn't ignore the attachments he still had. Xinyi had been his closest companion, the closest thing to a sister to him.

Yet he had left her behind.

Knowing her, she would do fine even if left alone but he did miss her. Having someone he could trust by his side was something he didn't realize he'd missed until gaining power. So often, he found unscrupulous people trying to steal his power or curry favor with little to no sincerity.

He'd lived such a life as a child before joining the sect yet his years within, with Xinyi and Xuejie, for those few years, he'd forgotten about all that.

For those few years, he'd been happy.

Xieren stared up at the night sky, the stars just a bit dimmer above the illuminated city. His thoughts had soured his mood, making those around him instinctively keep their distance from the mysterious man.

With a sigh, Xieren came to a decision. Unseen by mortal eyes, he sent a messenger beast to his subordinate. Yao Da was one of his most trusted minions, as well as the closest one, he gave her a simple mission.

Find and collect Xinyi, after which, she was to bring her to the castle.

While he was sure his friend would be wary of entering the demon king's territory, he needed to see her again. If for no other reason than to apologize for leaving her behind. While Xuejie had joined his side, Xinyi was someone loyal to the sect. She couldn't so easily leave all that behind.

Perhaps she wouldn't forgive him. Perhaps she hated him for betraying them. All of that didn't matter. Whether she hates him or not, he had to settle things. He'd been willing to never reach out to her since doing so would mean nothing after everything was said and done but now...

If Shizun was perhaps still alive and well, maybe Xinyi would still see him as her brother...

He couldn't be sure which option made him feel happier. It had been so long since he felt such a level of comfort.

Shizun was alive! Xinyi might still care for him. How could he not let out the smallest of smiles as he rushed through the city, eager to catch his master's scent?

He'd definitely see his master again.

Yet when he went looking for the two of them, he was shocked to learn he was too late. He sat down with a portly old man who had been nursing a drink for what seemed like hours. From the little info he got from patrons, this man was often found drinking all around the city.

He was also a good source of info for anyone trying to find someone.

"Eh? That lady?" The man's unkempt beard was unappealing, letting out a sour scent as he breathed. Yet Xieren stayed seated, knowing he wouldn't get a better source than him. The man snapped his pudgy fingers as the face came to mind. "Oh, the pretty girl with that stone faced stranger."

Xieren couldn't help feeling excitement well up in his heart. Stone faced? Might it truly be his shizun? Still, he knew better to let this show.

"Yes, she would have been traveling with a man with violet eyes." He stated, suppressing his happiness deep in his chest. The man nodded.

"Ah, that weird gentleman in the beggar's clothes."

"Beggar?" Xieren frowned, unsure about this.

"Yeah, him." The man replied, remembering them both. The young miss was beautiful but the man had been dressed so shabbily, he couldn't be sure about his appearance. He'd only noticed his eyes because he'd paid the first night and he'd gotten a good look. Eyes that color were rare. Still... "Honestly, I've been wanting to kick him out for days. His look is bad for business."

This man, having been running the inn for many years could read a man very well. While that stone faced man had paid him that first night, it was clear his luck had run dry. His clothes were so shabby, even the beggars in the slums looked good in comparison. Had it not been for that pretty young maiden, perhaps he would look worse.

Xieren, on the other hand, was trying to come to terms with what he was being told.

What was this about beggar's clothes? His shizun always did his best to look presentable and noble. Even when he was pretending to be a mortal, his clothes were only humble but definitely not anything like a beggar.

"So you kicked them out?" His eyes narrowed, thinking about the fact his master and sister might have been tossed out for this man's petty ego.

"What, no way." The man waved off his words, looking annoyed. "That pretty lady was paying a good amount of coin for both of them. Why would I kick them out?"

"She was?" That did sound like a thing A-Yi would do but there was no way Shizun would allow that.

Doubts started blooming in his heart.

"Yeah, though I don't know why she bothered." The continued, unable to read Xieren's expression. Truly, at this point, he was just venting his frustration. "The man was out all the time. Its a shame such a lovely lady was slumming it with some drifter. Rumor had it he'd been seen in the less... upstanding parts of the city. Yet he dared to walk into my inn like it was nothing."

"I see." Xieren looked away, his thoughts masked by a cold look. "So when was the last time you saw them?"

"Together? Can't be sure. I don't pay that much attention when times are busy." He shrugged, looking forlorn. An idle finger tapped the table and without a word, Xieren slid a few coins his way. As he casually pocketed the coins, he continued. "But... I do happen to recall that the little lady checked out in quite a hurry the other day."

"Do you know why?"

"Can't say for sure but rumors had it that those in the slums have been disappearing lately." He stated, looking bored. "The odd prostitute or errand boy, so not many notice until later."

"Kidnapping?" Xieren had been hearing that people have been going missing from his towns yet hadn't gotten around to dealing with it yet. He'd assumed it was isolated incidents but for it to have spread this far in so little time...

There was definitely something going on.

"Trafficking, most likely." He confirmed. "It happens from time to time but those responsible are smart enough to take those who wouldn't be missed so the authorities haven't bothered to do anything about it."

"And it doesn't concern you?" He couldn't help but ask. While the man was clearly duplicitous, surely he must care a little about such things going on so close to his business.

"Why?" He snorted, somewhat amused. Was this young master soft hearted? "Even if the entire slum gets taken, it's not like I'm losing much. There are always people willing to work in this town."

"Tch." Xieren stood up, feeling disgusted that he had bothered to talk to this man. Such selfish and naked self-interest.

Just another reason to truly disdain humans.  

"Oh, another thing." He called out, stopping Xieren from walking away.

"What?" Xieren really didn't want to talk to this man anymore.

"If its the bum you are looking for, he might be gone." He stated, yawning. Xieren felt his heart clench at the thought.

"Gone...?" 

"I heard he was looking for work." Xieren scowled, realizing what had been said and turning on his heel. 

If the people in the slum were being taken, the easiest way to get them was something they would all wish for. Something his Shizun... or perhaps an imposter, desired as well.

A job.

***

Liang Fei was quietly watching the events unfold in front of him, feeling a strange sense of frustration and impatience. He'd gone through many things in his life. The stress of working several jobs, the terrors of being friends with troublesome people and even death.

But this, this humiliation, was absolutely the worst.

"Ah, but what can we do about the scar on his face?" A pretty older woman sighed, looking at the stone faced man with frustration.

"I have some powders that should work." Another suggested, offering it to the first lady.

"Ah, I'm so jealous." A young miss pouted, combing his hair with sweetly scented oils. Much to her chagrin, this man's hair was just too soft. "Why must a man look so pretty~" 

"Uncle- no, auntie, please try on these!" A lovely lady held out a robe of pure pink silk. It was embroidered with flowers so detailed, one might assume they would bloom right then. When paired with Liang Fei's fair skin, it would look lovely. "They would look lovely on you."

Liang Fei stood before over a dozen women running around, trying to find the best look for him. Rogues and lips sticks abound, they all sought to make him look like a woman.

Why might be the question on everyone's mind but truly, even the man himself wasn't sure how things had gotten this far.

It had started a few days ago when he took on a job to escort a... Lady of the night to her client and bring her back. Apparently there had been a lot of disappearances recently and they needed someone willing and able to keep their top earners from being taken.

Liang Fei had no issue, having found the lady in question to be quite lovely and fun to talk to. She was very smart and seemed to enjoy the stories Liang Fei told her. But at some point in time during the evening, they had been ambushed and taken. 

He'd later woken up in a carriage, tied up alongside many others.having ridden a carriage before, he recalled the feeling of the wheels rolling over every other damn rock in the world. While it had been unpleasant then, it was much better than being tied up in one.

After the third time his head had banged against the wall, the desire to complain welled up within him. Yet he resisted, realizing he was in a bad situation and couldn't be careless.

Looking around, he saw he wasn't alone. There were at least a dozen other women with him, most of them were asleep. When he tried to wake them, none moved, making him concerned they might be dead.

He soon found himself falling asleep after noticing a strange smell in the air. The next time he'd awoken, he was in a room with even more ladies, yet this time none of them were tied up. Instead, they were all crying, huddled up in groups as they tried to comfort each other.

Before he could speak, an older woman burst into the room, looking around the room with disgust.

"Why are you all making so much noise?" She snapped, stomping into room. The room quieted down. "Look at you, so dirty and loud. My lord is giving you a chance and yet you dare cry like we've done you some wrong."

Liang Fei clenched his fist, wanting to strike yet he could see the woman was not alone. There were at least two men behind her and countless others unseen. That and he was too far to attack them by surprise.

He'd have to wait.

"Y-you have!" A young girl, possibly only 14 years old, cried. She was being held by an older woman who tried to stop her but fail to. She jumped to her feet. "You kidnapped us!

"Kidnapped?" The woman snorted, looking amused by the suggestion. "As if there is anyone who would miss worthless children like you."

The girl's robe was tugged, the older woman trying to silently warn her. Of what, it became clear soon as the women in charge struck the young girl. Faster than the eye could see, her hand went out and hit the girl.

Liang Fei jumped to catch her before she hit the wall but the force sent him sliding across the floor. The breath was knocked from him and he felt something snap in his chest. As he was struggling to regain his breath, the woman continued on as if nothing had happened.

"Now, if you girls are done making trouble, get yourselves ready for tomorrow." She walked around the room, her hands behind her back. Liang Fei had seen enough cultivators to know that despite her relaxed posture, she could attack within seconds.

Liang Fei bit his cheek, frustrated deep in his heart. This woman was a cultivator yet acted so cruelly.

She explained that there was supposed to be a party that they were to attend as entertainment. The girls were to make themselves presentable and not embarrass her or else they would be punished harshly. It didn't need to be said that escape was not an option. 

After seeing the room was suitable quiet and demotivated, a cold smile spread across her face and she left. The room remained silent until her footsteps could no longer be heard. The young girls began crying again, though much softer now.

Liang Fei picked himself up, grimacing as his bones creaked in protest. He wasn't a cultivator, so his body couldn't take hits like that anymore. The girl he'd caught, finally regaining her senses after being tossed, turned to him with tears in her eyes.

"M-miss, are you alright?" She cried, sounding small and weak. Seeing her like this, the elder man couldn't help but want to comfort her.

"I'm alright." He assured her, stroking her head softly

"Eh?" She blinked, frowning as she heard his deep voice. "Are you... you're male!" She barely kept her surprise quiet. Those nearby did, however, hear her cry and found themselves watching them.

"Was that in doubt?" He retorted, tapping his very noticeably flat chest. Her eyes drifted down and her face flushed before looking back up.

"M-my apologies!" She stammered, pushing herself away from him. He grimaced at the contact and her face paled. "Are you okay?"

His chest was hurting. If he wasn't wrong, his ribs had been cracked by the impact into the wall, so it hurt to breathe. He'd been a lot of fights when he was young so he knew the feeling well.

Yet seeing this young girl looking up at him like this, how could he tell her that.

"I'm fine." He assured, patting her hand. "Are you hurt?"

"A... little sore but you must hurt much more?" She seemed a bit doubtful but since she was young, she could only assume. Seeing her try and spot his wounds was quite adorable.

"I'm stronger than I look."

"You must be." They both turned to the source of the voice. The woman was tall, beautiful and alluring but her eyes were dull. "That old hag is rarely gentle with new girls."

"New girls?" He echoed, curious.

"I don't know how you got passed their check but you should do well not to draw too much attention to yourself." She said, sounding bored as she looked around the room. "If they find out you are a man, they will kill you."

"I see." He sighed. So he had gotten lucky. That made sense. He and his charge had been wearing a lot of layers since the weather was cold so they must have assumed they were both females from his face. "Then I should try and escape."

He couldn't stay in such a place. He had other things to do. His mission to find Xieren and his quest to regain his former strength. 

Yet the woman with lifeless eyes seemed amused by his determination.

"Tch, as if such a thing is possible." She scoffed, sitting beside Liang Fei and the young girl.

"I can't stay here." He stated, turning to her. "You can come with me. I refuse to stand around and let you girls suffer." Again, the woman let out an empty laugh.

"It's not too bad." She explained, smiling to herself. "We get a lot of money for our services and-"

"I understand what you are saying but I must ask that you not make excuses for those who kidnap and prostitute children." He snapped, his eyes narrowing. He understood why she spoke that way. From how relaxed she was, she had clearly been here a while but he refused to listen to her justifications.

The woman stared at the man, a bit surprised by his words. She had expected him to talk about how they should have more self-respect or even berate over her words. Yet he hadn't. There was no scorn in his words, just mild annoyance.

It was rare to have someone who didn't act like she was an enemy.

"...Hm, what a gentleman. " She sighed, looking away. "Well, if you really think you can get anything done, you'll have to be careful."

"I just need a chance." He replied, just as the room got more lively. Apparently their talk of escape had spread around the room and cause a bit a discussion. Other girls wanted to escape but those who had been there for a while that the punishment for escaping was heavier than just being beaten.

"I'm not worried!" One woman that Liang Fei recognized from his time in the slums cried out, jumping to her feet. "Lord Han will surely realize what has happened and save us. He wouldn't allow us to suffer such injustice!"

"Obviously." The woman beside him scoffed derisively at the girl's words.

"Lord Han?" Liang muttered, a bit surprised the man was being brought up again. "The merchant?"

"En. He supposedly runs a few brothels himself." Another woman nearby explained as the first girl assured those around her that their boss would come for them. "Some of the girls here must be his."

Again, this Caifeng person was mentioned. Liang Fei only knew that the man was rich and powerful yet it never took more than a few minutes before his name was mentioned. 

In other words, he was an important character in this world it would seem.

For the first time in years, Liang Fei started to wonder what the plot of this novel was supposed to be. From what he could recall, the protagonist was supposed to be cruel and indifferent with the power to sway the lives of thousands with a single word.

That's what his sister had told him at least.

Yet he hasn't met anyone like that. The fact that the protagonist is supposed to be one of his students made it even harder to imagine. All his sweet adorable students were precious and could never grow up to be like that.

Then again, he'd been told the world was out of order so perhaps something had changed.

Either way, he'd need to find the protagonist soon enough and maybe this whole ordeal would lead Liang Fei to meet him. Something about the situation felt familiar, as if he'd heard about it before.

Yet his concern was mostly over the fact that the protagonist was still someone dangerous. If this person had remained the same as his sister's tellings, he might very well be that scary guy from the forest who tried to kill him.

While he might have survived, he rather not deal with people like that! It was way too scary.

***

The next evening, his chance to escape or at least get a better understanding of his surroundings came in the form of a party set up to entertain noblemen. He and a dozen other women were escorted into another room to get prepared.

Seeing the silks and makeup in front of him, Liang Fei felt a deep sense of unease. While he had somehow fooled his captors, that had been in the dark. He couldn't go out looking as he did now. 

But he also really didn't want to wear makeup.

One girl was passing by and noticed him staring at the table of makeup. She knew he was male but initially had no idea why no one had noticed. Yet upon closer inspection, she could see the man's beauty and couldn't help but cry.

"Ah, Uncle is very pretty for a man." She said after helping him to apply some lipstick. She suddenly felt so envious! Ah, how could make up look so good on a man? It was unfair. 

To be told such things was not what he wanted to hear. He was fine with being called expressionless and unfeeling but at least let him remain a man!

"I see." He sighed, feeling wronged but allowing the others to speak for him. He'd already given himself up to the fate these girls had put out. How could he argue? It had been his idea to begin with.

Seeing how scared the young girls were, he volunteered to accompany them. Every time there was a party, an older woman would supervise and ensure that the girls didn't mess up. Very often the girls would burst into tears or break down, which would lead to beatings.

Liang Fei chose to take on the role, not only because he wanted to keep the girls safe but also learn more about their prison. He'd been asleep when they were brought in and the more experienced girls refused to speak about matters such as theses.

They wouldn't hinder such ideas but they also wouldn't help.

Liang Fei didn't berate them for this, seeing their dim eyes and shallow smiles. They had lost hope long before. He could only be happy they chose not to tell the guards about him and the girl's plan.

All of this resulted in Liang Fei, a modern man and someone who valued his masculinity, being dressed in women's clothes and adorned with makeup.

He suddenly wondered if perhaps this was his punishment for sticking his nose into so many people's lives.

As he contemplated his life choices, the girls who had been scared of being alone cried out and cooed at him. They hadn't expected their makeup to have done much to this uncle. Sure, he was pretty already but with just a bit of touching up, he went from a cool young master to a cool beauty.

The girls felt a bit jealous of his looks.

Liang Fei just thought that everything was kind of heavy. He had to wear a bit more to cover up his more obvious parts but for the most part, he just looked like a fairly tall woman.

Thus he was placed in front of the group when they were to be escorted to the party. The girls who had been distracted by their delight in making Liang Fei a woman had finally remembered why they were there and felt uneasy. Yet seeing the man in front of them stand up tall and walk with pride made them feel less so.

He was taller than them, making them feel like there was a wall between them and the evil woman who had kidnapped them. They stuck close to him, taking comfort in his presence and studying their trepidations.

Liang Fei, unaware of this, was more concerned about how he was supposed to move in a dress like this. It was a lot thicker and heavier than anything he'd have to wear and worried he might trip on it.

When they arrived, all of them were greeted to a room full of men who sat by small tables filled with lavish foods and drink. There was music being played and laughter abound. There were other women there, serving drinkings and speaking to the men with easy smiles. Seeing the levity, some of the girls relaxed, thinking this might not be so bad.

Liang Fei was less assured, seeing how some of the men leered at the girls as they walked in. Their gazes were heavy. While Liang Fei was usually quite dense, he knew lustful looks when they were directed at others.

That is why he failed to notice how many more looks he was getting than the girls.

While the others were pure and sweet to look at, like a fruit waiting to be plucked, Liang Fei was a cool beauty. Many admired him but few were brave enough to get close. Even looking at the man made them feel a cold chill.

The reason for this chill was that despite his expression being calm and refined on the outside, he was inwardly fuming.

He hated this. He hated that he had to pretend and present theses girls like they were show dogs. The fact that he couldn't just use his strength to escape and free the girls was frustrating. Still there was nothing he could do.

Nothing he could do... What an annoying phrase.

Never in his life was he ever faced with such a situation, where he truly had no choice but to go along with another person's whims. Even his death wasn't something he resented. Sure, he was sent into this world blind but he had met so many good people and had actually enjoyed himself for a little bit.

But the situation here was nothing like that.

Thus the cool beauty with pale skin like the moon and eyes that were deep as an abyss was admired while watching over his charges. Many men wanted to get close to the quiet beauty but could sense that it was going to be a hassle.

That and there seemed to be someone else who had an interest in that beauty.

In a far corner, a man sat alone, watching Liang Fei. For the moment he had entered, the man had yet to look away, even as he was given a lovely miss to entertain him. This miss had heard this man was very powerful and had wanted to get close. She had pressed her curvaceous body against the man, seeking his favor.

(AN: Here we have the wild THOT, in its natural habitat.)

Yet despite actions, the man hadn't even given her a glance. His attention was solely on the cool beauty. He watched as he flitted about the room, a small smile appearing on his lips.

Liang Fei didn't notice the attention he was getting, watching the girls as they entertained their guests. Every time one of them tried to touch the girl, Liang Fei would appear, offering a refill or a snack to distract the man.

It had been working, as the men were becoming drunker as the night went on and failed to notice much about his action. Yet all good plans eventually go awry.

"Ah, goddess you are so energetic." One man said, mustering up the courage to get close to Liang Fei. He too had been watching Liang Fei flit about like a butterfly and wanted to touch this lovely person.

"God-" He started before silencing himself. While he might look like a woman tonight, his voice was clearly that of a man.

"What? Won't you speak to me, darling?" He pressed, holding Liang Fei's hand in his own. This man, the young master of a noble house, was very handsome and was used to women fawning over him.

Yet this one remained indifferent to him. Whether it was it was a ploy or not, this young master was intending to get closer to this beauty.

Liang Fei, dense as he was, wasn't sure why this man was calling him a goddess. Sure he was in a dress but there were much prettier girls in the room to bother. Plus having his hand held by a man was a bit... gross.

Liang Fei was still trying to figure out how to get his hand free when his whole body was lifted into the air. To say it was a shock was an understatement. He gasped as he was brought close to a warm wall of flesh.

It took a moment to realize he was being held by a man. Their height wasn't that different from one another, being only slightly shorter than this stranger. If not for their position, they might be able to stand shoulder to should with nary a difference.

Yet all that was not on the mind of anyone but Liang Fei. He was the only one trying to figure out if he was shorter than this stranger or not. Because obviously that was the important part of all this.

The stranger, however, was glaring at the man who had dared get so close to this person. This person that he had been searching for days now.

"Do not touch him." Xieren growled, pulling Liang Fei close.

72