Chapter 43: The Alluring Song of the Jiaoren

Before Tong Qiu could finish speaking, the lake outside the window rippled.

A massive platform rose from its depths. Water flowed into the grooves on its surface, activating the array inscribed upon it.

Under the array’s influence, the platform slowly turned crimson. The intense heat evaporated the water stains, sending plumes of steam into the air.

Even Bai Jiujiu, on the fourth floor, could feel the heat washing over her.

‘Was this the array described in books?’

Bai Jiujiu recalled reading about it in the “Essential Studies for Junior Cultivators, Third Year (Part 1)” textbook she had ‘borrowed’ from Xia Ya.

[Xia Ya, currently in class in Lianlin City: Where’s my textbook?!]

Array inscription was the only method by which ordinary cultivators could wield techniques far surpassing their own cultivation level.

Based on arrays, one could derive magical artifacts by engraving them onto mediums, or create formations with varying effects through different orientations and forms, and even craft talismans from specially prepared paper.

All of these required arrays as their foundation.

This was precisely why knowledge of arrays was an essential introductory course for all cultivators.

However, most cultivators did not make array inscription their primary method of cultivation. They only chose to study it when first embarking on their cultivation journey.

The basics of arrays were simple to grasp; cultivators who reached the Spirit Resonance Realm could even use temporary arrays to boost their cultivation or disrupt opponents.

Yet, advancing further, especially to become an Array Master, was exceedingly difficult. This path demanded far more talent and innate wisdom than typical cultivation.

Even the most profoundly cultivated practitioners, without sufficient talent, would need decades, or even a century, of dedicated research to become an Array Master.

Such an investment of time would be enough for these cultivators to elevate their own realms by a significant margin.

As one of the three unorthodox cultivation paths, the Array Master’s advantage lay in its lesser reliance on spiritual roots for cultivators of mediocre aptitude. Even ordinary commoners could potentially become Array Masters.

Once accomplished, a single Array Master could stand against a multitude, even turning the tide of battle.

However, its drawbacks were equally apparent. While not dependent on aptitude, it was extremely reliant on innate talent. The cultivation process was arduous and exhausting, often showing no results for a decade.

Without the guidance of a seasoned elder, it became even more challenging.

The textbook clearly stated that the lineage of Array Masters had been severed during the Dreamfall Event two hundred years prior, with only a small number of outer disciples fleeing to the Aolai Kingdom.

‘Arrays, then?’

‘Speaking of which…’

Bai Jiujiu extended her hand, and a small flame hovered in her palm.

Her pyrokinesis was also devoured from an array on a talisman.

‘If I were to devour that array as well, wouldn’t it grant me another layer of self-preservation?’

“Esteemed patrons of the Drunken Dream Pavilion, Little Wu extends her greetings to all of you!”

From beneath the water, a figure emerged from the lake’s surface. Bai Jiujiu focused her gaze.

She had ears like fish fins, and her azure hair was woven into a pair of bun-like styles, each containing a pearl. Her graceful figure was clad in a backless, midriff-baring white top and light gauze.

Two sheer white toe-socks adorned her bare, pristine feet, creating an alluring yet pure image.

But most crucially, this woman was not human.

She was a demon.

Hiss Hiss

Her small tongue instinctively flicked out, and Bai Jiujiu immediately entered a state of intense observation.

What specific type of demon she was, Bai Jiujiu couldn’t tell. The distance was too great, and the array on the platform seemed to have an isolating effect, preventing her tongue from sensing the exact demonic energy on the other party.

However, Bai Jiujiu could sense that this jiaoren, named Little Wu, was incredibly powerful, at least above the Demon Manor Realm.

“Thank you, esteemed patrons, for coming to support Little Wu so early in the morning. Our Drunken Dream Pavilion has a history of over four hundred years.”

“Little Wu, you’re mistaken again. This Drunken Dream Pavilion was built after the Kingdom of Chu was established, and our great Kingdom of Chu has only been founded for two hundred years. How could your Drunken Dream Pavilion be so old?”

“Exactly, Little Wu! Be careful, if His Majesty hears of this, he might have your head!”

Guests from other rooms immediately raised objections, with the loudest voice coming from the room next to Bai Jiujiu’s.

It seemed to be the Welcoming Summer Chamber.

The voice, though slightly childish, carried immense authority, even an interrogative tone.

Bai Jiujiu glanced at the adjacent room, and then at Tong Qiu beside her.

Tong Qiu was still drinking, her accompanying snack the freshly bought steamed buns.

Bai Jiujiu still couldn’t fathom why this drunken constable had brought her here.

To see a female demon?

She was indeed quite beautiful.

“Is this the reason you brought me to see this?” Bai Jiujiu turned to Tong Qiu, her eyes filled with a hint of scrutiny.

‘I never imagined you, this seemingly upright constable, would lust after the beauty of other demons? You’ve already done such outrageous things to the snake demon…’

Tong Qiu took a sip of her wine, then shook the half-empty flask with a slightly annoyed expression.

“Because of the Drunken Dream Pavilion’s unique location, the morning sunlight creates a seven-colored halo, allowing Little Wu to perform an even more magnificent singing performance.”

“I just remembered, coincidentally, that she might be able to help us with our current troubles in traveling to Qingqiu. Just watch, Little Wu’s singing is considered one of the finest in the Kingdom of Chu.”

Tong Qiu’s face was slightly flushed, tinged with a delicate peach hue, indicating she was already a little tipsy.

She leaned against the window, letting the warm breeze tousle her hair, and smiled drunkenly at Bai Jiujiu.

The scent of wine from her breath drifted into Bai Jiujiu’s nostrils as she spoke.

It wasn’t unpleasant, surprisingly.

Humph

Bai Jiujiu turned her head with a hint of pique, narrowing her eyes to scrutinize the bowing jiaoren below.

“Little Wu, huh?”

As if sensing Bai Jiujiu’s gaze, Little Wu turned towards the Welcoming Spring Chamber.

*Ah!*

Her pink pupils contracted slightly, and she froze in surprise for a second.

But she quickly recovered, her brief abnormality unnoticed by anyone else.

“My apologies, my apologies, Little Wu misremembered again.”

Little Wu smoothly turned towards the Welcoming Summer Chamber, scratching her head as she apologized sheepishly.

Then, she sat on the edge of the platform, her feet submerged in the water. At that moment, the sunlight shone directly upon her, passing through layers of water mist, seemingly adorning Little Wu in a dazzling, iridescent gown of light.

Unbeknownst to Bai Jiujiu, a pink coral pipa had appeared in Little Wu’s hands.

Her slender fingers gracefully glided across the strings.

Elegant music flowed forth, accompanied by Little Wu’s captivating voice and various special effects that shifted with the moving sunlight.

For a moment, Bai Jiujiu found herself utterly enchanted by the performance.

Whether it was Little Wu’s beautiful singing or the potent aroma of wine from Tong Qiu beside her, Bai Jiujiu’s cheeks inexplicably took on a rosy blush.

Even her mind felt a little hazy.

The ancients were right; decadent music truly could soften one’s bones.

As Bai Jiujiu listened, she slowly closed her eyes, leaning against the window, letting her white hair dance with the melody.

“Whoosh~”

The door to the Welcoming Spring Chamber suddenly swung open.

However, both the human and the demon inside the room were so engrossed in Little Wu’s song that they seemed completely oblivious to the intruder.

“Hey, hey, hey.”

The figure walked behind Bai Jiujiu, slowly raising the sharp knife in their hand.