“This is your new junior brother, his name is Henry Clark—you two should already know each other.”

Skyson truly seems unaware that there’s a feeling called “jealousy” between people; his heart is so big it’s boundless. No wonder the original host dared to act so recklessly: “Although he was previously an outer disciple, he has now reached the second level of the Golden Core stage. What’s even more precious is his rare sword heart. You should spar more in the future; both of you will surely gain a lot.”

Grace Carter gave him a faint smile. “Junior brother.”

“Oh oh oh, her smile is so beautiful! Hurry and respond, Henry Clark! This girl is actually your senior sister—this must be fate!”

Cheng Ying’s sword energy twisted and turned inside him. The youth frowned, suppressed it with his spiritual power, and still replied expressionlessly, “Senior sister.”

He frowns as soon as he sees her—does he really dislike her that much?

Grace Carter said nothing more and turned her gaze to Skyson.

“The reason I called you here today is twofold.”

The young man gave a lazy smile and gestured: “First, as fellow disciples, you should at least meet and get to know each other. Second, I want to see how your skills have improved.”

Evan Parker’s face turned pale for a moment. “Master, are you going to have the three of us… draw swords and spar?”

Skyson replied righteously, “Would I let my precious disciples fight and get hurt?”

Master is actually so considerate of them!

The little white dragon inhaled in surprise, barely having time to show a grateful smile before hearing him continue, “If you get hurt, wouldn’t I have to pay for your medical expenses? Absolutely not!”

Evan Parker fell completely silent.

“So, I’ve come up with a better idea.”

Skyson chuckled, “How about you all take a trip through the Pagoda of Ascension?”

The Pagoda of Ascension is the training ground for disciples of the Xuanxu Sword Sect.

The pagoda has a hundred floors, each with its own illusion. Only by passing through the illusion can you enter the next floor. The difficulty increases with each level, trapping countless remnants of demons and asuras. The intricacy of the scenarios and the realism of the illusions are no different from real-world training outside the sect.

“I’ve already chosen the floor and can open it directly for you as a special case.”

Skyson said, “The fortieth floor: Night Visit to the Star-Picking Pavilion. It’s just right for Golden Core stage cultivators. Are you interested in giving it a try?”

At the mention of “Star-Picking Pavilion,” Grace Carter’s brow twitched.

In the original story, the protagonist was in that ghostly place…

Beaten to a pulp, thrown out of the illusion on the spot, and bedridden for half a month.

=====

Illusion, Star-Picking Pavilion.

Moonlight and starlight sparkled like flecks of gold on the river. Flower boats drifted along the water, the languid songs of courtesans floating on the breeze, making one’s bones go soft.

The riverside buildings rose layer upon layer. Between carved eaves and embroidered railings, glazed tiles reflected the bright moonlight, illuminating the high, upturned corners of the roofs. Dim lights slowly spilled from the latticed windows, casting a soft glow over the tall building, like a veil of mist—heaven on earth.

It’s said that from the top of the Star-Picking Pavilion, one can pluck stars and embrace the moon. The entrance bustled with people and carriages coming and going.

Grace Carter stood alone at the door, when a woman’s gentle laughter sounded beside her: “Miss, have you come here for someone special tonight?”

A faint fragrance of powder lingered nearby, shadows and scents clustering around the flickering lantern light, and the alluring figures of women.

The Star-Picking Pavilion was a brothel.

Skyson really knew how to pick a place.

Although the three of them entered the illusion at the same time, they were not together once inside. Grace Carter hadn’t had time to respond when a commotion broke out.

“Bitch! Acting all high and mighty just because I touched you!”

“Sorry, sir, she’s new and doesn’t know the rules—hey, you! Apologize now!”

Ah, what a cliché plot, like a renaissance of romance novels from twenty years ago.

She knew the script by heart and turned around unhurriedly, meeting a pair of tearful eyes.

A young man in a yellow robe glared and cursed, while a girl in a white dress covered her face and wept, stubbornly turning her head away. When she met Grace Carter’s gaze, her eyes flickered slightly.

Grace Carter turned away expressionlessly.

Brothel rescues and heroes saving beauties—such tired tropes, yet these demons still loved to put on a show.

—This was a trap set by the mastermind.

The bullied girl was fake, the arrogant man was fake. If anyone tried to intervene, the girl would “repay the favor” by inviting them to her room.

Then, she would peel off her human-skin mask layer by layer, revealing a twisted, hideous monster beneath.

The Star-Picking Pavilion seemed like an ordinary pleasure house, but all the women here were actually demons, controlled by the White Bone Lady behind the scenes. To them, clients were nothing but a hot meal.

The main quest of the illusion wasn’t actually difficult. Although the White Bone Lady was tricky, the three of them together could handle her. The only unexpected thing was that this illusion contained a once-in-a-century rare encounter.

Or rather, a high-difficulty easter egg.

After everyone exhausted themselves defeating the White Bone Lady, the illusion didn’t collapse. Only then did they gradually realize that an even more terrifying monster was hidden in the building.

The original host, utterly spent, was beaten half to death by that one.

Grace Carter absolutely couldn’t repeat that mistake!