The Ultimate Passive Paradigm [LitRPG Adventure, Epic Progression]

Vincent straightened his back, using PsiLink to draw a diagram.

Nathan received the package. A video recreating the spreading process of the formed root network. The root fibers formed a dense network before Nathan's eyes, encompassing both depth and breadth. It could be said that they covered nearly the entire village. Since he had begun absorbing nora and its nutrients, the roots had started extending in several directions like a lost child frantically searching for the way home. In the end, only one direction was maintained, stretching longer and longer, winding and weaving to avoid stones blocking the underground path.

"That was when the tree died." Vincent pointed to the diagram showing the root fiber severed midway. "Even though it continued to bite and swallow my vitality. Either way, it had been dying ever since its core was lost."

After speaking, Vincent layered a geographical map over the diagram. Emberwood appeared along with the surrounding forest.

When rotating both the map and the root network diagram, everything became much clearer. The tree had searched for life in the realm of death with diligence and efficiency. From the point where the root fiber was severed, Vincent drew projection lines. Extending them out, they pointed to only two places.

The town of Cascade Gardens and Maelivar.

Nathan and Vincent departed immediately afterward. The time their police allies had allocated to them was shortened after sensing equipment detected disturbances from the tree.

When Nathan had probed his senior brother about the consequences of this, he received only the answer that everything had been anticipated. One simple reason was to lure the enemy into action. If the police force continuously failed to discover anything, they needed to leave so that whoever was behind this could seize the opportunity to infiltrate. At least now, the police captain would have additional information to report to the authorities. As for the cooperation behind the scenes between Alaric and the government, those of low standing could not know.

Wind rushed past as Nathan sat once again on the kayak that Vincent had graciously provided. Moving during the night meant there was no more unseemly shadow cast upon the ground.

He suspected something about Vincent's change in mood. Ever since they had obtained the clue, he noticed his traveling companion kept grinning without restraint. When asked about it, Vincent would wave his hand dismissively without giving any clear answer.

Taking time to think, Nathan wondered about this sand containing nora. It truly had quite effective concealment capabilities. Without digging at least several meters deep into the earth, it would be very difficult to detect. Moreover, it only reacted to anything that used nora. Otherwise, it would appear like ordinary sand and soil, whether viewed with normal sight or spirit vision.

What was even more noteworthy was this nutrient network. It was a project spanning multiple generations. From the diagram showing the network spread throughout the area, he could not help but admire the leadership and manpower required for such an undertaking.

The nora conduit had been laid throughout with multiple layers. First was the nature of this sand itself. Without using nora, it could not be detected. The second layer was its widespread distribution rather than concentration in any specific direction. Thus, even if discovered, searching would be nearly impossible. The network's radius was too large to investigate. Without Vincent's participation with his special Aspect, it would have taken ages for anyone to smell something amiss around Emberwood.

And by that time, whoever was behind it would have quickly cleaned up all traces.

After admiration came a rising dread. Such meticulous and elaborate preparation was always the prelude to something massive approaching. He felt like he was watching a giant rolling boulder continuously accelerating toward him. There was nowhere around to run, his limbs bound tight. He could only meet it head-on.

Despite Nathan's brooding, Vincent focused intently ahead, controlling their flying device. He was unusually quiet throughout the entire journey.

Both reached Cascade Gardens after about an hour at the breakneck speed Vincent used, not sparing energy to enhance the engine's efficiency.

From high above, Nathan was pulled from his train of thought by the town's nighttime beauty. From afar, it looked like terraced fields. But clearly, there was no cultivation whatsoever. On each terrace, ancient architecture rose up—towers and houses surrounding lakes created from streams flowing from the highest source above. Everywhere were lanterns and flying creatures carrying glowing silk fragments, helping ensure the space lacked no illumination while remaining dark enough for mystique. One could see steam rising from the highest terrace, also the smallest area like the peak of a pyramid. Hot water flowed from a hidden source behind the mist, streaming down full of life, supplying the areas below.

Even before approaching closely, Nathan could already hear melodious music, the prolonged resonance of singers, and cheerful laughter, the unified cheers of audiences.

Cascade Gardens. Paradise of pleasure.

He could not help but admit that the brief introductions on PsiLink were not exaggerating in the slightest. This place was the one and only gathering point in all of Caelindor. Not just for rest and relaxation, but also for "intimate" purposes.

Now he understood why Vincent had become strangely quiet. That wandering rogue's face was flushed red with excitement. His mouth curved upward, refusing to return to its original position.

A pleasant fragrance struck his nose as both glided slowly down to the lowest terrace. A winding staircase led up to the areas above. Vague figures of two people appeared behind the thick water vapor.

Nathan had expected to feel hot and humid but strangely found the temperature quite comfortable. Despite the sounds of bubbling hot springs and popping bubbles echoing around them.

The master of this place truly understands people's hearts, he concluded silently. Here was guaranteed to give guests the best experience. Want hot, have hot; want cold, have cold. Even though it was an area that appeared to offer only one thing.

"You go up by yourself," Vincent said eagerly, his hands and feet trembling as if he could not wait any longer. "I'll meet you up there."

"What?" Nathan's eyes widened in reaction. "How am I supposed to find you?"

"Someone will come guide you," Vincent replied hastily.

Just as he finished speaking, before Nathan's eyes was only a wooden arched gateway, with no sign of anyone.

He shook his head and walked gradually toward the entrance. When he drew near, he could make out that the two shadows were two girls in thin clothing, revealing glimpses of skin beneath. Their faces were covered with thin silk, eyes sparkling under the misty vapor.

Nathan felt himself swallow dryly. Forcing out a smile, he approached.

"Hello?" His voice transformed uncontrollably.

And this annoyed him. Meeting beautiful women was not something he had never encountered before. Take Evelyn, for instance. Facing someone as stunning as her, he had remained composed. Yet now he was somewhat losing control. Either the atmosphere of this place made one become like this, or the way these girls dressed made him lose focus.

"Greetings, honored guest," both raised their hands to cover their mouths, eyes curving with their smiles, speaking melodiously like birdsong.

In just these few brief seconds, Nathan understood why this place was so famous.

"Um," he cleared his throat, trying to calm himself. "Do I need anything to enter? Identity verification, something like that?"

"Nathan Reed," the girl on the right said, her clothing's original blue color shifting to pink, highlighted by a nearby light source. "You are an esteemed guest that Cascade Gardens has long wished to welcome. Moreover, the person who went ahead has already vouched for you."

Hearing this, Nathan felt a slight chill for reasons he could not understand.

"So I just enter like this?" he asked.

The two girls gestured behind them, bowing with smiles, saying,

"Welcome to Cascade Gardens."

Nathan took a step forward. A strange sensation washed over him.

Protective Dome, Nathan squinted in analysis.

This place was protected far more carefully than ordinary towns. Crystalton had no barriers whatsoever. Anyone could enter. They only stationed a few basic guards at the town entrances.

"Do you need one of us to guide you?" the girl on the right stepped forward to suggest.

A fragrance like a mixture of various flowers struck directly into Nathan's sensitive nostrils. Due to Physical Cultivation, his senses and level of perception were much sharper. He had to recite the names of herbs that [Cooking] provided to reduce the opponent's allure over him.

"I won't trouble you to leave your work position," Nathan finally found his composure to speak.

"Oh," the girl laughed melodiously, exclaiming, "you care about me that much? Then why don't we extend this feeling a bit longer? Someone will come replace me. What do you say? You just need to agree."

"I don't agree." Nathan hastily raised his hand, stepping back as the girl drew increasingly closer. Her skin showed clearly under the white light, covered with a layer of water vapor that drove him mad.

Contrary to his fear, the girl stepped back, bowing.

"Then we wish the honored guest a wonderful time at Cascade Gardens," she said respectfully.

Then she returned to her colleague. Both turned to look at Nathan, their eyes like crystal continuously curving. They covered their mouths, laughing endlessly at Nathan's innocence.

Face completely red, Nathan turned and walked up the steps. He dared not go with anyone for fear he would be tempted into other services at this place. The brief warning on PsiLink always reminded him of one thing: maintain restraint.

He tried to comply. Not just to keep himself from being distracted from the mission, but for another important reason as well.

Using PsiLink to keep the town map to one side within his vision, he explored this place himself.

Nathan gradually walked to the lowest and widest area. On both sides of the staircase opened two major roads leading toward the lakes. Various stalls and shops lined both sides of the road. In the distance, one could see a bridge crossing the lake surrounded by jagged rocks. Small boats drifted leisurely above, surrounded by hanging curtains. Light flickered from within. According to descriptions, a cultivator could rent such a place for prices ranging from dozens to hundreds of Lesser Mana Stones depending on additional services. Among these, the number of attendants was the most expensive. Adding male or female attendants would quickly inflate the final price.

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Tasting a flower-shaped pastry, Nathan nodded in admiration. The cuisine here was also a plus, adding another foundation to keep guests staying.

Most within his spirit vision range in this lowest area were ordinary people or Tier 1s. Their appearances made him assess that they all came from wealthy families or were merchants seeking to relieve stress here. One would be surprised by the number and bustle of such individuals here.

As for the business people at Cascade Gardens, Nathan guessed the expenses were quite large as well. However, prices were all quite reasonable. Far less haggling and negotiation. Even when selling materials or cultivation items, prices were nearly at market level.

Occupying the most space was a building constructed in ancient style from wood materials, yet no less magnificent thanks to the golden-painted edges of the roofs sloping like water waves. Guests streamed in and out in crowds along with continuous laughter and conversation. This place specifically bore no name sign.

At this moment, the building's tall guards threw someone out, scolding.

"Get lost. Make money and come back. Or go up to Silver Tier Ground to find a loan room and come back."

The ejected person glared hatefully at the two guards, eyes reddening. Then he waved his sleeve and resolutely left, his specific direction being upward.

Nathan smirked, wondering if Zeryn had ever come here to have fun. This gambling house looked exactly like a place his friend would sink into without return. As for women, Zeryn never lacked for those.

In front of the gambling house were also various shapes of staff. The common point was that they all dressed scantily like the two guard girls, including both men and women.

At this moment, seeing Nathan approach, a group of people swarmed toward him.

"Honored guest, are you interested in luck?" a girl said. "My breath is famous for bringing fortune. Let me blow on your dice."

"Honored guest, no need to be so complicated." A deep male voice made Nathan startle. "Just having me beside you is enough for you to strike it rich."

"Come here, come here," another person beckoned. "Let Little Ruby escort you."

Nathan skillfully weaved through, escaping the encirclement of invitations. The mixed perfume scents made his nose itch, right on the verge of creating a new allergy.

Looking back, he saw that group of staff had already moved on from him. However, they seemed less enthusiastic and gregarious than before. In just one second, he also knew he had been analyzed through PsiLink. He currently appeared no different from a wealthy man ready to be fleeced. He could confidently bet on himself as he had done in The Shifting Trials, but he was somewhat wary of gambling. Not because he feared losing, but because he feared winning too much. He was that confident.

Returning to the original path, he felt his way up to what they called Silver Tier Ground.

This area was smaller than the Bronze Tier he had just passed through. The floating pavilions were also fewer but looked more elegant from appearance to style. Unlike below, here the courtesans also performed various skilled shows. Nathan could see atop the floating huts drifting on the lake surface were girls playing instruments, dancing, or performing some sword dance.

They wore silk garments, meticulous to every thread and pattern. The exposed skin was also less but placed much emphasis on refinement and appropriateness. Viewers would know where to look, where to focus to evoke deep emotions within. If it was a sensual dance performance, the waist and thigh areas would be cut deeper. In cases of sword or spear dancing, the wrists would be clearly revealed with fingers like cast porcelain. For violin performances, the neck would be scattered with glitter along with round, gleaming shoulders that enchanted viewers. The beauty of both girls and boys came in countless varieties. One could say that regardless of preference, guests could be satisfied. The combination of abstract allure and raw sensuality pervaded everywhere.

Lighting was also carefully placed, ensuring the artists received the reverence they deserved.

Because of this, prices in this area had directly jumped to Standard Mana Stones. Yet the number of people present was much more crowded than at Bronze Tier Ground. Most gritted their teeth just to glimpse the beauties performing on the floating pavilions. They stood at the docks, on the lakeshore to gaze toward the tranquil, mystical lake surface with those sinuously swaying figures full of enchantment. Those more wealthy could lie directly in baths atop the pavilions, their faces smugly looking down at the inferior ones who had to watch from afar. This was also considered a form of entertainment, using arrogance blatantly.

Nathan was also somewhat mesmerized by the beauty here. The cubic lanterns drifting around emitted warm, gentle yellow light, making the night scene here no different from a celestial realm. The hubbub of people somehow never felt noisy. In this Silver Tier area, everyone behaved better, understanding more clearly what they wanted.

Beside the gambling house, taverns and various lounges or bars appeared more frequently here. Men draped arms around girls walking in and out, leaning and swaying against each other. Women pulled the hands of male staff, eyes exchanging passionate emotions.

This red-light district made Nathan stiffen completely. He reminded himself that he was here to investigate the case stemming from Emberwood. But he would only be a hypocrite if he claimed the people and things here did not affect him.

Restraint! Restraint! he told himself, patting his cheeks to calm down.

"Mr. Reed?" a gentle voice rose beside him, making him jump back in surprise.

The girl who had just spoken curved her hand to her mouth, even her smile carrying the practiced fluidity of someone well-trained.

"Lord Vincent was right. You truly are a jumpy young man, aren't you?"

Nathan took a deep breath, trying to suppress his embarrassment. His twitching facial muscles returned to stability as he coughed once, saying,

"Vincent sent you?"

"That's right," the girl nodded in reply, deliberately maintaining distance from him. "My name is Seraphina. You may call me Sera affectionately if you like."

"Miss Seraphina," Nathan acted as if he hadn't seen the other party's glance, saying, "may I ask where Vincent currently is?"

Seraphina tilted her head, and from the change on the covering veil's surface, Nathan guessed the other party had just pouted.

"You're too rigid," the young lady said. "I've never seen any guest come to Cascade Gardens who was like this."

"I didn't come here voluntarily." Nathan scratched his head.

"That's the special thing about this small town." Seraphina winked. "Whether they want to or not, they still enjoy their time here. Please follow me."

"Where are we going?"

"To meet Lord Vincent. Isn't that what you wanted?"

Seraphina deliberately kept her distance walking ahead to show off her curvaceous figure and thin green dress. Nathan saw this and kept pace with his counterpart because his eyes were uncontrollably wandering constantly. He was not unwilling but was resisting any tricks from the staff here. They seemed to have some kind of artificial attraction. Mana and spirit waves influenced the workings of the mind.

Seeing this, the leading lady persisted in walking ahead by increasing her pace. Until both were almost running through the streets, she exhaled in frustration, deciding to give up.

Nathan pretended not to see his counterpart's annoyance, keeping his eyes looking ahead, glancing at everything around.

The highest tier, The Golden Tier, welcomed him. This place, like the entrance, had different guards. They hid behind hard-to-see areas, within the shade of night. Above the treeline, Nathan could make out movements, creaking sounds when branches had to bear sufficient force. He could only detect a few Tier 2s and Tier 1s; whether there were higher ones was unclear.

The most precious area of Cascade Gardens was quite small. The architecture was concentrated entirely on one side, the opposite side was the lake spreading wide. The floating pavilions here were even more distinctive. At Silver Tier, one would only see individual performances. Here was the most spectacular display.

The performers combined with each other. Girls sang and danced to a melodious rhythm rising from a group of artists on one side. Various instruments harmonized like listening to a symphony. To add color, they sat on small chairs or leaves to fly back and forth, releasing glittering silk ribbons rippling through the night. Lower-level staff would choose the right moments to fire from hidden cannons spectacular fireworks that carried no crude explosive sounds.

The VIP guests would be in their pavilions raising wine, eating fruit with the careful service of young ladies. In a few pavilions, the owners were different women. There one would usually see more robust young men.

"Are you interested?" Seraphina asked with curved eyes.

Nathan was certain the young lady had just smirked disdainfully at him, but he decided to ignore it.

"So what? Where should I meet Vincent?"

"Not answering a proper young lady is not something a gentleman should do. Or are you not a gentleman?"

Nathan had been like a taut bowstring lately, not in the mood to joke with his counterpart. He remained silent.

"Why would someone like Vincent befriend someone like you?" the girl said irritably.

She walked toward the lake, waving at a direction.

"I never wanted to participate in this," Nathan frowned and said.

"Vincent has already reserved a pavilion for you," Seraphina said, not bothering to turn around. "I'm just doing my assigned job."

Nathan shook his head wearily. At another time, he would surely have enjoyed every second in this place. But not now. The scenario that Zeryn had mentioned seemed to be becoming increasingly real. The longer he delayed, the worse everything would become. He knew he played an insignificant role in the grand scheme of things. Simply having fun while everything was collapsing around him hardly seemed like the right thing to do.

After thinking for a moment, he also stepped onto the pavilion that had been provided for him. The team leader with the greatest responsibility had forgotten about him like this, so to hell with him. He couldn't do anything more either. Besides, he saw that the pavilions could connect with each other according to the owner's command. A mechanism to assist in exchange and conversation. He could try probing the situation around here through this method.

"You should cover your face," Seraphina said.

"Why?" Nathan asked. "Isn't my information already all over PsiLink?"

"You're not the center of attention," Seraphina said offhandedly. "People at Gold Tier usually do this. Exposing identity is up to you. Most importantly, in a place like this, to extract information, you shouldn't expose your face. You understand, right?"

No one wants others to see them wandering around in a place like this, Nathan realized in his head.

Showing an apologetic smile to the girl, he accepted a mask to wear. It was shaped like a dragonfly with four wings extending to both sides.

Seraphina left despite Nathan standing alone bewildered atop the floating pavilion. Tables and chairs rose from the floor below. Four girls who seemed to have been waiting jumped up to join him. Before he could voice any objection, the pavilion had already drifted toward the center.

"Are you finished with everything?" a man's voice rose from behind a screen.

"All done," Seraphina said, her voice still carrying notes of dissatisfaction.

"What's wrong?"

"That brat is truly difficult to please. He actually dared refuse me."

"Innocent and upright, isn't he?" the other person chuckled.

"Stupid and fake, more like." Seraphina crossed her arms in complaint.

"Don't talk about customers like that," another woman appeared, scolding. Most of her figure was occupied by shadows.

"Iris," Seraphina said with even more disgust, "don't think that because you're the belle, you can say whatever you want. You're not yet in position to punish me. He hasn't spoken up yet, and you're already overstepping?"

Electric sparks seemed to fly between the two girls in the night. The man mentioned behind the screen laughed loudly.

"Now, you two beauties, don't fight like that. It'll make your skin wrinkle."

No one replied to him. The silence forced him to cough once, asking,

"Any specific intelligence this past week?"

"There were a few people who came here," Iris replied, her tone flat without expressing any specific emotion. "But we couldn't investigate thoroughly."

"New people aren't the problem," the man said. "Regular customers are the focus. Did they have any suspicious behavior?"

"Suspicious, no," Seraphina put her finger to her chin in reply. "Everything was quite normal."

Silence once again enveloped this dimly lit space, leaving only a few rustling sounds from the man.

"Investigate them," he said.

"But that would touch upon our relationship with them," Iris assessed.

Seraphina laughed melodiously, saying, "You're overstepping your bounds. Could it be that our master doesn't know that and you need to consider for him?"

"No need to be so blunt, Sera," the man said as if not taking this issue seriously.

"My mistake," Iris admitted. "I'll go do it immediately."

"Thank you, dear." The man's voice was so tender it made Seraphina frown. "But Sera, Iris is right about one thing. You cannot speak that way about Nathan. He's still a rough gem that needs polishing. If he comes to Cascade Gardens in the future, you must welcome him as you would welcome me."

"But—" Seraphina stretched up to open her mouth.

"Sera!" Iris said sharply.

"I will follow orders," Sera bowed her head, answering meekly.

Then the screen was pulled to one side, revealing a handsome man. He wore what appeared to be an ordinary white outfit, but contrary to diminishing his appearance, it seemed to enhance it. Every line was clear as if stepped out of a painting created by the most talented artist. In his hand was a fan painted with an enchanting landscape. His face was radiant. His hair was grown out in two locks from either side of his forehead, long and gleaming.

Vincent smiled, spreading both arms.

"How do I look?"

Seraphina's infatuated gaze said everything. Only Iris hid herself without expressing any emotion.

"Then that means I'm devastatingly handsome," Vincent said admiringly. He stood up, walking out from behind the screen. Then he paused before his room's entrance.

"Spread word about Nathan to the factions. A few surely don't have any information yet. Speed up the process."

Seraphina stood up, respectfully walking behind Vincent. Her hand smoothed his clothing straight, secretly touching his body.

"Are you planning to put others in danger for your own purposes again?" Seraphina asked slyly.

"Dear Sera." Vincent lifted the beauty's chin, her eyes seemingly lost in his gaze. "You act like you're not like Iris, but you still care about me like this. So many questions."

"Yet you never answer," Seraphina pouted.

"If I did that," Vincent smiled mischievously, "would I still be me? Would I still be the one who makes you beauties infatuated?"

Sera raised her eyebrows and shook her head, absorbed in this moment of intimacy.

Vincent turned away, withdrawing his hand, leaving the girl to frown in disappointment.

"Go carry out my orders. It's time to show them Cascade Gardens' star."