The Demon Lords

The three men rode from afternoon until dusk before finally reaching a posthouse on the outskirts of Yin City.

Nanwang City was the undisputed largest city in Yinlang County, but Yin City was actually the county capital. However, much like some provincial cities of later eras, it simply didn't have much of a presence.

The posthouses of Yan State catered to officials on duty, also providing fresh horses for messengers and general hospitality. However, they weren't exclusively for officials and did conduct business with the public. On his journey from Beifeng Prefecture to Green Willow Fortress, Zheng Fan had stayed in many such posthouses. He felt that most of them were run much like the comprehensive hotels of later eras, with the added perk that officials didn't have to pay.

Since he wasn't on official business and also wanted to conceal his connection to Hui Wenzu somewhat, Zheng Fan chose to pay out of his own pocket. Considering he would likely be talking with Hui Wenzu for a considerable time after they met, he simply booked two guest rooms.

When they ordered food and drinks, Xue Three was tasked with discreetly inquiring which room the guest from Beifeng Prefecture was staying in.

Since Hui Wenzu's physique was quite distinctive, it was easy to get information. They learned that Hui Wenzu and his party had booked the entire Grade A Courtyard.

Well, as the newly appointed General of Nanwang City, he certainly had that much standing.

However, when Zheng Fan went to the Grade A Courtyard and explained his purpose to the personal guards at the entrance, their reply was that Hui Wenzu had gone out to visit a friend in the afternoon and would likely not return until nighttime.

As for who this friend was or where they lived, the personal guards on duty there weren't clear either.

With no other option, the three of them hastily ate the evening meal prepared by the posthouse and then retired to their respective rooms to rest and wait.

Xue Three slipped some silver to a clerk at the posthouse, asking him to notify them when Hui Wenzu returned.

There was no need to worry about arousing suspicion, as there were plenty of people who hoped to "fortuitously encounter" dignitaries at the posthouse every day. The clerk was evidently accustomed to such requests.

Blind Bei and Xue Three shared a room, while Zheng Fan had a room to himself next to theirs.

Fortunately, Chief Zheng was a minor "self-made emperor" back in Green Willow Fortress, and no one would bother checking his attendance, so staying out for a day wouldn't be an issue.

Lying in bed, Zheng Fan repeatedly went through the motions of drawing a bow with his hands, trying to internalize the feeling.

This past month, with A Ming helping him practice archery, Zheng Fan felt he had improved significantly. However, when it came to controlling the external projection of his vital energy, he still couldn't quite grasp the finer points.

Ninth Rank martial artists are considered experts by ordinary people, and in the army, they could even secure a position as a minor squad leader. But I know that relying on this level of cultivation base alone to ensure my survival is often very difficult.

On my trip to Qian State, I killed more than one ranked martial artist on the battlefield.

I feel that, at the very least, I need a cultivation base on par with Shatuo Queshi's to truly guarantee my safety. In fact, if Shatuo Queshi hadn't been so intent on seeking death back then, he would have been very difficult to kill.

Lost in his mental archery practice, guided by the principle that true skill resided in the mind rather than just the hand, time slipped away until it was deep into the night.

Zheng Fan began to worry. What if Hui Wenzu stays at his friend's place tonight and doesn't return to the posthouse?

Or what if that friend is actually an old flame, now a widow?

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK...

A gentle knock came from the door.

At first, Zheng Fan thought it was Xue Three or Blind Bei. He got out of bed and opened the door.

Upon opening it, he saw a short, plump woman in her forties standing in the doorway, her face caked with thick, greasy powder.

"Sir, would you like some company for the night?"

So, the kind of room service offered by hotels in later eras already existed in ancient times, huh?

Zheng Fan pointed at the woman and asked, "You're offering to keep me company?"

"Aiya, Sir, listen to yourself! Of course, it wouldn't be *me*! I have plenty of young ladies under my charge: the beauties of Jin State, the slender ladies of Xiahang, the noble Guima of Chu State, and the spirited 'mares' from our own Yan region—I have them all! Sir, just tell me which type you prefer. I'll have a girl sent up, and I guarantee your satisfaction."

The women of Jin State were renowned for their beauty and fine figures. The slender ladies of Xiahang were extremely famous; even the Qian Emperor had taken all three sisters from the Yang Family of Xiahang at once. Chu State had many noble families with lineages stretching back hundreds of years. Due to internal strife, noblewomen often found themselves displaced. Whether they were truly of noble birth, no one could say, but at least they would serve you with the airs of one. As for the 'spirited mares' of the Yan region, the name was self-explanatory.

To be honest, with the world's most outstanding 'madam,' Siniang, at home, Zheng Fan had no real interest in seeking entertainment elsewhere. Even if he did, how could the young female agents trained under Siniang possibly be inferior to those available outside?

Besides, his two subordinates were right next door, and one of them, Blind Bei, could practically give a 'live commentary' even through a wall. How could he possibly seek such services here?

"I'm tired. No need for company."

"Then I won't disturb you further, Sir."

The plump madam, taking the hint, gave Zheng Fan a curtsy, then turned and left. Soon, a knock came from the adjacent room.

Immediately after, Xue Three's excited voice could be heard shouting, "I want them! I want them all! One of each kind!"

"Right away, Sir! The young ladies will be here shortly."

With that, the plump madam headed downstairs, presumably to call for the girls.

Zheng Fan stepped out of his room and stood in the second-floor corridor. Just then, Xue Three also emerged from his room; he looked rather sheepish upon seeing Zheng Fan.