Chapter 20: Setting Out, Visiting Misty Rain Pavilion

As night fell, the stars shone bright in the sky, a full moon hung high, and a warm breeze stirred the air. Beneath the brilliant night sky, everything felt so gentle and inviting...

Bang—

Someone knocked on Qin Lang’s door. Hua Manlou, exasperated, called out, “Brother Qin, are you ready yet? How long are you going to take in there?”

Qin Lang had been inside his room for half an hour already—like a woman fussing endlessly, with no sense of time at all.

Even if he needed to change into fresh clothes and tidy himself up, surely it didn't warrant such a long wait?

Still receiving no reply, Hua Manlou shook his head and reached out, ready to knock again.

Creak—

Just as he was about to rap on the door, the entrance to the loft swung open. There stood Qin Lang, dressed in white robes embroidered with gold thread, the intricate patterns lending him an air of refinement and poise. He was the very image of a distinguished gentleman, impossible not to notice.

Hua Manlou froze, stunned beyond words, staring blankly at the transformation before him.

Qin Lang now wore white attire traced with golden designs, a white jade pendant at his waist, his jet-black hair tied up and fluttering lightly in the breeze. He held a folding fan in one hand, exuding an exceptional aura, a subtle nobility that set him apart.

“Damn!” Hua Manlou’s eyes sparkled as he finally snapped out of his stupor. “Brother Qin, I never realized you could look so—well, you swap out your old rags, put on this outfit, and suddenly you’re a suave, elegant gentleman.”

At these words, Qin Lang’s face darkened, a vein pulsing on his forehead. He wanted nothing more than to plant a solid kick on his companion.

If not for Hua Manlou’s formidable strength, Qin Lang would have done so already, just to teach him that words must be chosen wisely.

Shaking his head with a wry smile, Qin Lang met Hua Manlou’s envious, jealous stare. “Brother Hua, do you find my appearance tonight surprising?”

Hua Manlou gazed at him in awe. “Surprising? You’re dazzling—my violet-gold eyes can barely stand it!”

He looked Qin Lang up and down, unable to suppress a pang of envy. How could someone transform so thoroughly, so strikingly?

“I always thought you were just average—plain looks, plain bearing, nothing remarkable. But tonight—” Words failed him.

One thing was certain: Qin Lang had stunned him speechless.

With this outfit they had custom-made, Qin Lang had undergone a complete metamorphosis.

“Brother Qin, with your current looks, if you step into Misty Rain Pavilion, the ladies will be lining up for your bed,” Hua Manlou praised, already anticipating the astonishment Qin Lang would cause.

Qin Lang shook his head with a gentle smile. “Brother Hua, whatever it is, let’s talk on the way. We should hurry and meet up with Brother Liu and the rest, and head to Misty Rain Pavilion together.”

...

When everyone saw Qin Lang, they were dumbfounded, unable to believe their eyes.

Compared to his previous disheveled, nondescript self, Qin Lang now shone so brightly they were simply stunned. It was as if their understanding of him had been turned upside down.

Liu Man scrutinized him in disbelief. “Is that really you, Little Brother Qin?”

Su Momo was equally shocked, hardly daring to believe it was the same Qin Lang. Compared to before, he was so much more striking—it was like a chicken turning into a phoenix in an instant.

“Um—” Qin Lang rubbed his brow, speechless. “Brother Liu, I really am Qin Lang. I just changed my clothes—do I really look so different you don’t recognize me?”

Liu Man shook his head vigorously. “Not at all, Little Brother Qin. It’s not your fault. The change is just so drastic, we can’t believe it’s real!”

Wang Zimo nodded. “Brother Qin, Brother Liu is right. The difference is worlds apart—you’d think you had a twin!”

His appearance in women’s attire was indeed astonishing, enough to make one mistake him for a woman.

But in men’s garb, Qin Lang was breathtaking.

Once, Qin Lang had seemed like any other ordinary man. But now, he was a vision of elegance.

Qin Lang laughed heartily, satisfied. “If I can surprise all of you, then I’m sure I’ll catch the attention of that enchantress.”

He had achieved the effect he wanted—now it was time for him to act as bait, to draw out the prey.

He had originally intended to tell them about Prince Liu An of Pingnan and the plot with the demon clan. But if he revealed too much, they would only become suspicious of abilities that shouldn’t exist.

To avoid unnecessary trouble, he decided to join them in this little charade.

Under the pavilion, Liu Man glanced up at the starry sky, then looked at the four companions beside him. “It’s time. Let’s begin fishing.”

“Yes!”

...

Night had fallen over Skyward City, but the streets were alive with excitement. Cultivators bustled to and fro, the alleys packed as if it were a grand market.

Strolling beneath the night sky, folding fan in hand, Qin Lang looked about curiously, taking in the sights of the cultivators’ night market.

Noticing his wonder, Hua Manlou chuckled. “Brother Qin, you seem quite taken with the night market.”

Qin Lang gave a sheepish grin, unable to deny it. “Please don’t mind me. I really am curious. This is my first time at a cultivators’ night market.”

He’d never even visited a mortal night market, let alone one belonging to cultivators.

But in a world where cultivation was the norm, ordinary night markets barely existed—only those for cultivators remained.

“Country bumpkin,” Su Momo sniffed, lips curling in disdain.

Even if Qin Lang had never experienced a night market, his behavior made her look down on him.

Qin Lang felt inexplicably awkward. Why was this woman always at odds with him?

It was as if he’d abandoned her in a past life, and now she was out for revenge.

“Tell me, miss, did I abandon you in a previous life? Is that why you’re set on making trouble for me now?”

At his words, Su Momo’s face turned icy, killing intent flickering in her eyes. A frigid aura radiated from her, murderous intent clear as day. “Are you looking for death?”

...

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