I Can Extract Divine Power

The Street of Wind and Moon was a riot of color, filled with slowly swaying waists.

But upon closer inspection, they were painted skeletons, bewildering and enchanting all the same.

An endless scent of rouge, an endless sight of beautiful waists—it was truly a man’s dreamland.

Singing and dancing were the most common sights here.

"The things you get for free," Shen Bai said, "are always the most expensive."

When Shen Bai said this, the light-gowned woman froze on the spot.

They were neither living people nor aberrations, but rather manifestations of the Mysterious City’s rules—something akin to segments of a program, acting according to specific patterns.

The light-gowned woman had anticipated two possible answers from a customer—to come in, or not to come in.

In fact, even for those who came here, entered a room, and closed the door, it was still a matter of going through with it or not.

Or perhaps, going in and out.

But the light-gowned woman never expected Shen Bai to give such a response. Her rule-bound mind simply crashed.

’Getting it for free is the most expensive?’

’What kind of logic is that?’

’There’s nothing mysterious about that at all.’

Shen Bai looked at the light-gowned woman, who seemed to have crashed, and thought what he said made perfect sense.

’Freeloading might be invigorating, but more often than not, the free stuff is the most expensive.’

’Like those free-to-play games from my past life.’

But seeing the state the light-gowned woman was in, Shen Bai figured she might get permanently stuck if he didn’t say something else.

With this in mind, Shen Bai rubbed his chin and said, "Show me inside."

’I’m already here, after all.’

’Might as well have a look around.’

’I’ll just take a look. Really, just a look.’

Hearing Shen Bai’s follow-up, the light-gowned woman finally snapped out of it and returned to normal, once again covering her mouth with her hand in a display of charming laughter.

To Shen Bai, however, the gesture seemed artificial and nauseating.

The stench of decay was like rotten wood, so strong it was practically an assault on his nostrils, making Shen Bai furrow his brow.

"This way, customer. Please, follow me inside."

The light-gowned woman raised a hand, looking eager to welcome him. She even tried to take Shen Bai’s arm, but he stopped her.

She didn’t seem annoyed, simply swaying her hips like a water snake as she led the way.

But where other water snakes merely entwine, this one devoured.

Shen Bai had heard that a true "water snake waist," when swayed, could make a man feel like prey, sinking into a trap from which he couldn’t escape.

And here, ’couldn’t escape’ meant you literally could not get away.

Not on your own, anyway.

As he thought about this, Shen Bai had already stepped into the fragrant pavilion.

Say what you will, the pavilion’s construction was certainly quaint and elegant.

Within the square pavilion, red vines crept everywhere and light silks draped to the floor, like layered curtains of secrecy.

Outside each room, women in light gowns waved round fans, like soul-snatching sirens.

The light-gowned woman looked back and led Shen Bai into one of the rooms.

Sandalwood incense was burning inside, its refreshing scent slightly masking the stench of decay.

Ahead was a round table, laden with pastries and fine wine.

But the pastries and wine also carried a rotten smell that was nauseating.

"Please wait a moment, customer. I’ll go get a few girls for you." The light-gowned woman turned, left the room, and closed the door behind her.

Unconcerned, Shen Bai simply sat down in a chair and surveyed his surroundings.

"This place is really quite similar to the outside world. Of course, it would be even better without the stench of decay."

"No wonder those two, Huang Guang and Kong Fang, were always obsessed with the Music Bureau back in Fenglin State."

"The boudoir is a hero’s tomb. It’s been true since ancient times."

As Shen Bai was musing, a brilliant light suddenly emanated from his chest.

Amid the flickering light, Amber’s head popped out once again.

Amber turned her delicate face, wrinkled her small, cute nose, and huffed, "Master, the women here aren’t clean. If you really want to... Amber can help you."

Shen Bai: "?"

’What kind of brazen talk was that?’

"Where on earth have you been learning this stuff?" Shen Bai asked.

Amber looked smug. "When Master was looking through the Observatory’s case files, there were many similar cases. I’m smart, so I learn fast."

Shen Bai: "..."

’He felt like he had been a bad influence on Amber.’

’What did she mean, "Amber can help Master"?’

’You’re a Deceitful Beast!’

’You’re a cat girl!’

’You’re not human!’

’Wait!’

’A cat girl... that might not be so bad.’

’No, what am I even thinking!’ Shen Bai was speechless with himself.

Just then, he looked down to see Amber extending a fair arm, reaching downwards.

THWACK!

"Ouch!"

Amber clutched her head, her face full of resentment.

"Go back!" Shen Bai ordered.

Amber huffed, then burrowed back into Shen Bai’s body and disappeared.

Only after Amber vanished did Shen Bai manage to quiet the thoughts in his head.

Then, a knock came at the door.

"Customer, I’m coming in, okay?"

After she spoke, the light-gowned woman pushed the door open.

A dozen or so women in all kinds of flimsy clothing walked in from outside.

They came in all shapes and sizes, their various charms on full display.

If not for the stench of decay, it would have been quite a feast for the eyes.

Shen Bai rubbed his chin. "Do I pick one?"

The light-gowned woman shook her head. "They are all for you, customer."

"All of them?" Shen Bai lowered his hand.

The light-gowned woman giggled, covering her mouth. "Of course. We are the fount of all pleasure here. Tonight, they will engage in a hundred amorous encounters with you."

Shen Bai raised an eyebrow. "A hundred?"

The light-gowned woman nodded. "Yes. It’s free. Of course, if our customer can’t... perform, he won’t be able to leave."