214. Sævalgan Fóstvar

As the evening breeze brushed against his skin, Li Wen strolled along the riverbank, the gentle ripples of the water reflecting the fading light of the setting sun. The cool air carried the lingering scents of spices, roasted meats, and fragrant herbs from the market, mixing with the fresh scent of the river. 

He absently fingered the few trinkets and materials he had purchased, having spent five gold stones on items that had caught his eye. Some were rare ores, others interesting artifacts and beast rune bones, but all were things he would study later. 

Just as he was about to turn back toward the castle, a faint melody reached his ears. He stopped, his gaze shifting toward the river, where a large boat floated gracefully on the glistening waters. Warm lantern light flickered from its ornate wooden structure, and the sound of laughter and music drifted from within. 

Li Wen tilted his head, considering. 

He had intended to return to the castle and begin his cultivation practice immediately. But as he watched figures moving on the boat, the thought of fine wine loosening tongues intrigued him. 

A pleasure boat. A gathering place for all races. A place where people drank, boasted, and spoke too freely. 

A slight smirk curled at his lips. 

Perhaps a few drinks would lead to useful information. 

Decision made, he stepped toward the wooden dock, his dark cloak fluttering behind him as he approached the boat's entrance.

As Li Wen stepped onto the boat, he was led into a lavishly decorated hall, filled with an intoxicating mix of music, laughter, and the scent of wine. The dim lighting from hanging lanterns cast a golden glow over the room, accentuating the alluring movements of the dancers swaying to the rhythm of the music. 

His gaze swept across the room. 

Women of different races entertained the guests, each possessing their own unique charm. From the fox race, their fluffy tails flicking playfully, to the forest race women—who looked much like humans but with vibrant green hair like trailing vines and gleaming emerald eyes, their milky-white skin giving them an ethereal beauty. Even women of the dark spirit race, their obsidian skin glistening under the lantern light, danced with a graceful sensuality, their amethyst-colored eyes drawing in fascinated stares. 

All around him, figures from various races sat at low tables, sipping wine, laughing boisterously, or engaging in more intimate activities with the establishment's companions. Some were merely enjoying the drinks, while others openly groped the pleasure boat's women, lost in indulgence. 

Unfazed, Li Wen walked toward the bar, where a fox woman with luminous golden eyes stood behind the counter. 

"I'll have a glass of blood fruit wine," he said, his tone even. 

The bartender nodded and, after a brief moment, placed a crimson-hued drink before him. Just as he reached for his money, a silky voice spoke from behind him. 

"No need, sir. It's on the house." 

Li Wen turned, his gaze meeting a woman whose presence immediately commanded the attention of every male in the room. 

She was tall and striking, her golden hair cascading down to her waist, her gleaming golden eyes holding a depth of experience and amusement. A natural aura of seduction radiated from her, causing many men nearby to stare, entranced, their conversations faltering. 

Li Wen, however, remained unmoved. 

"Who are you?" he asked, his voice indifferent. 

The woman smiled, tilting her head slightly as she introduced herself. 

"Sævalgan Fóstvar. I oversee this pleasure boat." 

Hearing the name, Li Wen's eyes sharpened slightly. 

"A Winged One." 

Her smile deepened. "Indeed. Why don't you follow me? I have a private room prepared for you." 

Without a word, Li Wen nodded and followed her up a winding staircase to a secluded chamber. Inside, three women from the fox race, forest race, and dark spirit race awaited, their gazes sultry, their bodies poised to entertain. 

Li Wen glanced at them before speaking flatly, "Leave." 

Sævalgan Fóstvar did not argue. With a simple flick of her fingers, the three women bowed gracefully and exited, closing the door behind them. 

Taking a seat in a position where he could still observe the floor below, Li Wen leaned back, his expression unreadable. 

Sævalgan Fóstvar settled beside him, her lips curling into an enticing smile. 

"Now then, sir," she purred, pouring him a drink. "Allow me to serve you."

Li Wen swirled the deep crimson liquid in his glass, the rich scent of blood fruit wine filling his senses. He took a slow sip, letting the warmth spread through him as his eyes subtly observed the lively scene below. The distant hum of laughter, clinking glasses, and soft moans painted an atmosphere of indulgence. 

Beside him, Sævalgan Fóstvar watched him with a knowing smile, her golden eyes glimmering in the dim candlelight. She leaned closer, her silken dress slipping slightly from her shoulder, revealing a hint of flawless pale skin. 

"Sir, why don't you relax?" she purred, her voice smooth as velvet. "Let me take care of you tonight." 

Li Wen didn't even spare her a glance. Instead, he traced the rim of his glass with one finger, his mind working beneath his calm exterior. His demeanor remained unreadable, his thoughts moving like shadows beneath still waters. 

His voice was even as he finally spoke. "What is a person of the Winged Race doing in a pleasure boat? Or rather, in charge of one?" 

The Winged Race was known for their conservative nature, rarely mingling in such earthly pleasures. Their kind held tradition and hierarchy above all else, making it unusual for one of them—especially a woman—to be managing an establishment like this. 

Sævalgan tilted her head, her golden eyes gleaming with amusement. "What do you think?" 

Li Wen recalled the markings he had seen on the boat upon entering. They were subtle but unmistakable—symbols belonging to an ancient trade empire, one that dealt in more than just goods. He had also sensed her Source Realm presence, though he couldn't determine which sub-realm she was in. 

Still, for a woman of the Eagle Race to reach the Source Realm was exceedingly rare, considering their strict customs that often sealed the spiritual energy of female cultivators. 

Li Wen's conclusion was simple. "For resources." 

Sævalgan's smile deepened. "Sir, are you the Demon Lord? I've heard rumors about you staying in the Fox Royal Castle." 

Li Wen's expression remained unchanged. "Where did you hear that?" 

She chuckled lightly. "The city speaks. Your arrival has not gone unnoticed." 

Li Wen lifted his glass, taking a slow sip. "What exactly are they saying?" 

Sævalgan leaned forward slightly, refilling his glass. "That you are the princess's lover." 

Li Wen paused, his fingers briefly stilling against the glass. 

"And today, your meeting with her on the main street only further confirmed those rumors." 

He did not respond immediately, his gaze drifting to the scene below. The lively crowd had begun to thin, yet conversation still flowed. His sharp ears picked up an interesting exchange—a large Elephant-Man speaking to a merchant of another race. 

"The Poison Spirit Race has emerged. After the Arachne left the Ancient Mountain Range, they started a war with the Gnomes." 

Sævalgan watched him closely. "Is it true?" 

Li Wen knew it was not, but he simply shrugged. "Maybe it is. Maybe it isn't." 

She studied him before nodding. "Can I know why you came here?" 

Li Wen turned his eyes back to her, his expression impenetrable. 

Sævalgan smirked. "I may be able to help. You must have recognized the markings outside. This boat belongs to Vielis's trade empire." 

Li Wen had noticed. And he had also recognized her markings. 

Vielis—the Demon King of Lust in this era. 

He sipped his wine. "I am simply traveling the world. But I do seek certain knowledge." 

Her golden eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What do you wish to know?" 

Li Wen leaned back. "Like the Arachne and the Poison Spirit Race, what other races have emerged from the three remaining edges of the world?" 

Sævalgan thought for a moment before answering. "The Ice Spirit Race from the north. The Snake Race from the west. And the Thunder Bird Clan from the east." 

Li Wen's gaze sharpened slightly. "Have any realms connected?" 

She shook her head. "I doubt it. The world is still recovering its spiritual energy. It is too early for such connections to form." 

Li Wen agreed. This was not the first spiritual resurgence—it had happened hundreds of times, occurring in cycles of 100,000 years, the world's energy waxing and waning. 

For the next few hours, their conversation drifted into less important matters, meaningless exchanges that stretched until midnight. 

At last, Li Wen stood to leave. 

Sævalgan watched him with an amused expression. "You're heading back to the castle to stay alone in a room?" Her lips curled into a teasing smile. "Why not spend the night here? We have many girls of different races." 

Li Wen's expression remained indifferent. "I'm not interested in them." Then, after a short pause, his lips quirked into a smirk. "But if you agree… I may reluctantly stay." 

Sævalgan chuckled, standing gracefully. She walked to the door, opening it before glancing back at him. "Then why are you still standing there? Follow me, or are you going to refuse me?" 

Li Wen acted as if he were considering it, his fingers tapping lightly against his sleeve. 

Finally, he sighed, as if reluctantly conceding. "Let's go, then." 

The next morning, Li Wen was stirred from a deep sleep by a firm knock on the door. 

His mind was momentarily sluggish, his body feeling more rested than it had in days. He hadn't realized just how exhausted he had been—a full week without proper sleep, constantly practicing and guiding his Thought Seed to analyze the turtle shell. He did not felt uncomfortable, yet last night, for the first time in a while, he had truly rested.

He thought," I should sleep more." 

As he shifted to rise, he felt warmth against his skin. 

His sharp eyes glanced downward—Sævalgan lay draped over him, her bare arms, legs, and even her wings sprawled over his body. Her golden hair cascaded over the sheets, her breathing deep and steady. 

As he moved, she stirred slightly, her wings unfurling slightly with a soft rustle. 

"Ugh…" she groaned in protest, shifting against him. 

Li Wen tapped her forehead lightly. "Sleep." 

Without waiting for a response, he carefully extricated himself from her grasp, standing up. With a mere thought, his energy surged, and a dark robe formed around him, concealing his figure. 

Another knock. 

He strode to the door and pulled it open. A guard stood outside, expression neutral. 

"What?" Li Wen asked, his voice flat. 

"Sir, the princess is calling for you," the guard informed him. 

Li Wen nodded. "Let's go." 

As he stepped out of the room, he glanced back once at the sleeping Sævalgan, then shut the door behind him. 

While following the guard down the hall, he casually asked, "What time is it?" 

"It is past eleven, sir." 

Li Wen raised a brow. He hadn't intended to sleep so long, but it seemed his body had needed it. 

Stepping off the boat, he was immediately met with the sight of Reiko standing outside with her guards, waiting for him. 

The street was bustling with activity, but as soon as people caught sight of him emerging from the pleasure boat, hushed whispers filled the air. 

With his inhuman hearing, every word reached him clearly. 

"Isn't he supposed to be the princess's lover? What was he doing in there?" 

"This is going to be interesting… how will the princess react?" 

"Maybe the Fox Princess isn't enough to satisfy him." 

"I heard last night, Sævalgan took him to her private room and served him alone." 

"Sævalgan… isn't she the one in charge of the pleasure boat?" 

"They say she's as beautiful as the queen herself. Maybe that's why the princess lost." 

"Wait… wasn't this the first time Sævalgan spent the night with someone?" 

Li Wen shook his head slightly, unimpressed by the gossip. People were always eager to talk. 

Descending from the boat, he locked eyes with Reiko, who remained expressionless. 

"Why are you here?" he asked, his tone casual. 

"Mother called for you," she responded. 

Li Wen, already suspecting the reason, nodded. "Why?" 

"She didn't tell me." 

He exhaled lightly. "Let's go then." 

Reiko remained silent as they walked toward the castle, her pace steady but her usual liveliness absent. Li Wen noted it but didn't comment. 

Inside the grand halls of the Fox Royal Castle, Reiko led him directly to the throne room. 

The moment he stepped inside, his gaze swept over the people present—Saito, Miyu, and the Fox Queen herself, seated regally on her throne. 

Unbothered, Li Wen strolled inside, stopping a few paces before them. His tone was calm but direct. 

"You called for me."