Brothel Manager 2 :Path of DUAL CULTIVATION

Eternal Night Mansion...

Mo Han sat cross-legged on the floor, the slow rhythm of his breathing mingling with the faint hum of spiritual energy that circled around him like an invisible mist. The world was silent — until a soft, hurried knocking broke through the calm.

Thud-thud-thud.

Mo Han's eyes opened. He rose smoothly to his feet and was about to move...

"Fatty…" he muttered.

Indeed, before Mo Han could even reach the door, it was already swinging open under Fatty Lambu's eager hand. The big fellow squinted through the dim light, his round face half lit by the lantern glow.

At the doorway stood a woman dressed in simple servant clothes. Her hair was neatly bound, her expression poised. The instant Fatty opened the door, she bowed deeply, her hands clutching a folded cloth letter bound with a delicate ribbon.

"Respected Master Mo Han," she said in a clear, humble tone, her head still lowered. "I come on behalf of the Wood family. Our young lady, Miss Rose Wood, requests your gracious presence for breakfast tomorrow morning at the Wood estate. She sends her greetings and humble respects."

Fatty blinked, mouth half-open.

"The Wood family?" Mo Han asked quietly, taking the letter from her hand. "I do not recall any acquaintance with them. Why would their young lady invite me?"

The servant straightened, hands folded before her, but her eyes never rose above his chin. "Young Master Mo Han," she said softly, "the young lady witnessed your battle in the Pleasure City yesterday. Your courage, strength, and conduct left her in awe. She wishes to extend a hand of friendship and offer her family's respect. She also believes that a man of your talent and virtue will bring honor to any bonds formed today, whether of respect or alliance."

Mo Han's brows furrowed slightly. "So, it is an invitation out of admiration?"

"Indeed, Young Master," the woman replied. "And also out of gratitude. The young lady said you defended the honor of cultivators who stand for righteousness, and she believes such men are rare. She assures that her household's hospitality will not disappoint even the most distinguished guest."

Fatty Lambu's eyes widened halfway through her speech. Suddenly he clapped his hands together, startling both the servant and Mo Han. "Brother! It's her! I remember now — that same young lady helped me the other night when I got out rashly… uh, overly affectionate ladies in the Pleasure Quarter!"

Mo Han gave him a blank look. "You mean when you went out to beat fear?"

Fatty scratched his head sheepishly. "Hehe… yes, that one. But she really did help me escape those ladies. You must accept this invitation, brother. For me, if not for her."

The servant blinked, trying to hide her surprise at Fatty's blunt admission, but kept her bow. Mo Han sighed lightly — not out of irritation, but because Fatty's sincerity was too genuine to refuse.

"Very well," he said finally, slipping the letter into his sleeve. "Tell your young lady that I shall come."

The woman bowed again, her voice grateful. "The young lady will be overjoyed. She has instructed that a carriage be sent at dawn to escort you. Please, rest well tonight, Young Master Mo Han."

As she left, her figure vanished into the still night, the soft click of the door sealing the quiet once more.

Jia Kai and Chi Kai, who had been sitting by the window in silent vigilance, exchanged glances. Chi Kai's voice was dry. "So, the young lady invites him after seeing him fight?"

Jia Kai grunted. "And she calls it breakfast. Hmph."

Mo Han didn't respond. He simply sat again, closing his eyes, but the faint curve at the corner of his lips betrayed the amusement he didn't voice.

By the time dawn crept over the rooftops, the city was already stirring. Vendors began setting up their stalls; birds called from the temple eaves.

Mo Han dressed quietly, his usual robes replaced with the soft white garments of a scholar. Jia Kai, who silently approved of it even while pretending otherwise. Fatty Lambu wore a clean blue robe, looking far more refined than usual, though his round face couldn't quite match the elegance of his clothes.

Outside the room, a carriage waited — sleek and jade-framed, drawn by two silver-maned horses. The emblem of the Wood family, a blooming rose over crossed branches, gleamed on the door.

The journey through the city was calm. Streets were washed clean after the night's dew, and the scent of wet earth mingled with the fragrance of jasmine. As they approached the northern district, the scenery shifted — marble villas replaced wooden inns, and lush gardens stretched along the road. The Wood estate appeared soon after, its gate towering, carved with elegant vines.

Two rows of servants stood outside, each bowing as the carriage came to a halt.

When Mo Han stepped out, the woman from the previous night was already waiting, her expression respectful. "Young Master Mo Han, welcome to the Wood residence. The young lady and the patriarch await you."

Mo Han nodded faintly, following as they entered the courtyard.

The estate was vast — ponds glimmered under morning light, lotus leaves spreading lazily over the water. Stone pavilions dotted the gardens, and peacocks strutted between trimmed hedges. The air smelled faintly of rose and sandalwood.

At the steps of the main hall stood Rose Wood.

She was young — perhaps twenty at most — dressed in a pale red gown that shimmered like the inside of a seashell. Her long hair was tied back with a jade pin, her features refined, her expression calm but welcoming. When she saw Mo Han, her eyes lit with quiet admiration.

"Master Mo Han," she said, stepping forward and bowing deeply, her voice like the ringing of a clear bell. "It is a great honor to receive you. I hope you will forgive my abrupt invitation."

Mo Han inclined his head slightly. "There is no offense, Lady Wood. You've shown great courtesy."

Fatty Lambu bowed as well, grinning broadly. "Ahaha, young lady! I owe you one! If not for your kindness that night, I'd have been sold to one of those wicked women!"

Rose Wood covered her smile behind her hand, her composure flawless. "It was nothing, Master Lambu. A gentleman should not suffer disgrace under my city's roof."

At that moment, a deep, steady voice came from the doorway of the hall. "And what gentleman indeed would defeat an Elder Rank cultivator in front of half the city and still remain so humble afterward?"

An older man with gray-streaked hair and eyes like polished bronze stepped forward — his robe marked with the sigil of the Wood family patriarch.

"Master Mo Han," the man greeted warmly, clasping his hands. "I am Wood Shen, patriarch of this humble household. My daughter's admiration was not misplaced. The Wood family is honored to welcome you today."

Mo Han inclined respectfully. "Patriarch Wood, your words are too generous. I merely acted in defense."

The patriarch laughed, the sound like a rumbling drum. "A man who says that after standing against an Elder Rank? Hah! The heavens favor modesty." He gestured toward the hall. "Come, both of you. Breakfast is prepared. Let us talk and share a peaceful meal."

As they stepped inside, the servants lined the walkway, bowing as Mo Han passed. The dining hall was grand but tasteful — sunlight filtered through crystal screens, casting soft patterns across the polished floor. Dishes of fragrant porridge, sweet lotus buns, and rare spiritual fruits were arranged neatly.

Fatty's eyes sparkled at the sight, while Mo Han merely nodded, quietly impressed by the refinement.

At the head of the table, Rose Wood motioned gracefully. "Please, Master Mo Han, Master Lambu — be seated. It is an honor to dine with heroes."

Mo Han sat, the faint sound of silk rustling in the morning stillness. For the first time in many days, the air felt calm.