The room was quiet, but Snow could not sleep.
He lay on the bed, eyes closed, body still—but inside, his mind churned.
The Chaotic Essence Cultivation Technique was more dangerous than he had thought. It was subtle at first, like a whisper in the back of his thoughts, a dull ache in his bones. But the more he killed, the more he absorbed, the stronger the influence became.
Tonight, it was unbearable.
His pulse was steady, yet his body felt restless, tingling with the lingering remnants of battle, of slaughter. Dark thoughts crept into his mind—visions of bloodied hands, of flesh torn asunder, of power surging through his veins as he crushed another foe beneath his feet.
It wasn't just a desire. It was a need.
Like a hunger.
Snow's fingers clenched into fists. His breathing slowed, controlled. He could not let this consume him.
But he needed release.
Not through violence. Not through killing.
Through something else.
Through indulgence.
Through pleasure.
His eyes snapped open, gleaming with cold resolve. He had to see if it was possible—if he could drown out the thirst for blood with something else. If he could take control of this madness before it consumed him entirely.
Without hesitation, he rose from the bed, grabbed his coat, and slipped out of the inn.
The city had changed under the cover of darkness.
The bustling energy of the day had not faded—it had only transformed. The streets were still lively, but now the merchants had given way to a different crowd. Street lanterns cast a warm, flickering glow over the stone-paved roads, illuminating groups of cultivators drinking at roadside stalls, drunken laughter echoing in the night air. The scent of roasting meat mixed with the faint trace of incense, drifting from the brothels and gambling dens that had begun to dominate the district.
Snow walked with purpose, his movements smooth, deliberate. His sharp eyes flickered over the surroundings, taking in the lively atmosphere.
Women in elegant yet revealing silk dresses leaned from balconies, calling out to passing men with sultry voices. Music drifted from open doorways—soft, seductive melodies played on zithers and flutes, blending with the distant moans of pleasure and drunken cheers. The further he walked, the more overwhelming the indulgence became.
He stopped in front of one of the larger brothels.
A towering red lantern hung above the entrance, its golden tassels swaying gently in the night breeze. The building itself was exquisite—deep mahogany wood, carved with floral designs, its windows veiled with silk curtains that obscured the figures within. The name was inscribed on an elegant plaque above the door:
"Red Blossom Pavilion"
Snow exhaled softly, steadying himself.
He stepped inside.
Red Blossom Pavilion – Reception Hall
The moment he entered, a wave of fragrance enveloped him.
The air was thick with the scent of lotus and sandalwood, mingling with the subtle perfume of the women who moved gracefully through the hall. Soft candlelight flickered across the polished wooden floors, casting warm golden hues across the walls, which were adorned with intricate paintings of celestial beauties.
At the center of the hall stood a large circular desk, where a stunning woman sat.
She was breathtaking.
Dressed in a deep red qipao that clung to her curves, the slit of her dress revealing a smooth, shapely leg as she shifted. Her black hair was styled in a loose cascade, adorned with golden hairpins shaped like delicate phoenixes. Her eyes—narrow and seductive—immediately locked onto him as he approached, a knowing smile curving her lips.
"Welcome, honored guest," she purred, her voice like silk. "You must be new here—I would have remembered a face like yours."
Snow remained silent, his cold gaze scanning the room before settling on her.He noticed she was a cultivator as strong as him or maybe stronger..but with his irritable mood he didn't have the luxury to care
She chuckled, seemingly unfazed by his lack of response. "Tell me, young master, what kind of experience are you seeking tonight? A simple companionship? A night of passion? Or… something more exotic?"
Her fingers trailed lightly along the counter as she spoke, her tone teasing, enticing.
Snow's voice was low, controlled. "I want a woman."
Her smile widened. "Of course. But we have many kinds of women here—each one skilled in different arts of pleasure. Do you have a preference?"
She leaned in slightly, the scent of jasmine drifting from her skin. "Do you desire someone gentle? Someone fiery? Or perhaps someone… experienced enough to make you forget everything else?"
Snow's fingers tightened slightly at his side.
He needed release. He needed something to ground him.
But even now, with temptation before him, the hunger still burned beneath his skin.
"I don't care," he said finally. "Just send me someone."
The receptionist tilted her head, studying him. For a brief moment, something flickered in her gaze—curiosity, perhaps—but it was gone in an instant, replaced with her professional charm.
"As you wish, young master," she murmured. "Shall I arrange a private room? Or would you prefer one of our luxury chambers?"
"Private," Snow said flatly.
She nodded. "That will be thirty silver for the night. If you desire more… services, additional fees may apply."
Snow wordlessly placed the silver on the counter.
The receptionist smiled, tapping a bell beside her. Almost immediately, a young woman in a silk robe stepped forward, bowing respectfully.
"Please escort our honored guest to the Plum Blossom Room," the receptionist instructed.
Then, as Snow turned to follow, she called out softly—
"Enjoy yourself, young master."
The hallway was quiet as Snow was led deeper into the pavilion.
The walls were lined with glowing lanterns, their soft red light casting faint shadows along the floor. Faint sounds drifted from behind closed doors—moans, whispers, laughter—but Snow ignored them.
The attendant stopped before an ornate wooden door, sliding it open. "Please, enter," she said, bowing slightly. "Your companion will be with you shortly."
Snow stepped inside.
The room was lavish yet restrained—designed for pleasure, but without excess. A large, soft bed sat against the far wall, draped in crimson silk. A small table nearby held a tray of wine and delicate pastries. The scent of incense lingered in the air, faint but alluring.
Snow sat on the edge of the bed, his hands resting on his thighs. His body was tense, his thoughts dark and heavy.
Would this even work?
Would pleasure be enough to drown out the hunger for blood?
He closed his eyes, exhaling slowly.
Then, he heard the door slide open again.
"Young master," a soft voice murmured. "May I come in?"
Snow opened his eyes.
The woman standing in the doorway was very beautiful .
And for the first time that night, something inside him shifted.