The night was draped in a thick curtain of darkness, broken only by the occasional flicker of lamplight that dotted the streets like distant stars.

Bubai’s footsteps were silent against the paved sandstone, his lips quirked with a smile as he listened to the sound of the crickets serenading his path.

Like old friends greeting him in the darkness, their rhythmic chirping were a comforting backdrop to his solitary journey.

The world around him seemed to have turned back its time, alas… some people won’t come back.

After Bubai entered into the North District, the chorus of crickets gradually faded into silence, leaving him alone with his thoughts once more.

Soon, he arrived at his destination - the Book Pavilion.

His gaze drifted to the note pinned to the door, its message still legible in the shadows.

"Still closed," he muttered to himself, disappointment tinging his voice.

Glancing around expectantly, Bubai half-expected to see the mischievous fairy, but…

She didn’t pop out this time.

“Well, guess tonight will be an uneventful night.” With a resigned sigh, Bubai turned to leave, his footsteps echoing hollowly against the quiet streets.

However, Bubai only took a couple of steps when a sudden cry broke through the silence - a familiar, excited mewing that sent a jolt of recognition coursing through him.

“Meooowww~”

He looked up just in time to see a figure hurtling through the air, descending from the rooftops of the Book Pavilion!

With reflexes honed by countless similar encounters, Bubai instinctively reached out, catching the catwoman in his arms.

“Meow found yummy fish!”

Bubai let Miss Meow rub against him with a mixture of amusement and exasperation, "Xiao Mao, what are you doing here?"

“Meow?” His words awakened the blissful cat.

Quickly, Miss Meow clambered up and perched herself on his shoulder, her paws patting his head like a judge’s gavel. Pon. Pon.

"Yummy fish hasn't fed Ben Meow for days!"

Right… he hadn’t fed the cat ever since the return of the secret realm peeps. The reason is...

"Your master is back, isn't he?” Bubai unwrapped the long legs entangling his neck, holding them steady with his own hands.

Miss Meow's judge face faltered slightly, and she nodded, her expression deflating "Meow… But owner has been busy with meetings and didn’t visit meow."

Leaning over, her face hung upside-down inches from his own, her wide eyes begging with a melodious purr. "So, Xiao Meow is hungry.”

Bubai sighed, running a hand along the smooth thighs riding his shoulder in resignation, attempting to persuade. "You know I can't feed you as often when your master is back-”

"Nya!” Miss Meow was having none of it, her dissatisfaction evident as she began to rock back and forth on his shoulder, her tail flicking impatiently.

“Ben Meow wants yummy fish! Meow wants to be Xiao Meow!"

Unable to resist her pleading, Bubai relented, “Alright, alright. Xiao Mao, calm down.”

Hey, you reap what you sow. This was a trouble he can’t entangle himself from.

A helpless smile played at the corners of Bubai’s lips as he suggested, "I can't come to your place to feed you, but that doesn't mean we can't meet outside."

“Meow?” At his words, Miss Meow’s tail stood upright, her glowing eyes widening with epiphany.

Moments later, her fist pumped the air in triumph, “Itadakimeow!”

...

Deep into the night, Bubai threw one last glance at Miss Meow sleeping on the rooftop, a trickle of drool still leaking from her lips. No doubt, she was lost in dreams of indulging in a succulent fish feast.

Hopping off the roof, Bubai landed back on the deserted streets below. Stretching himself, he prepared to head home after an eventful night.

The tranquility of the night enveloped him like a comforting embrace, soothing his troubled mind.

Bubai thought the serenity would stay this way all the way back to the East District, but...

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Bubai’s keen senses suddenly pricked at a disturbance ahead, and he looked forward, “Well, tonight is rather eventful, isn’t it?”

“...Eight brothers can conquer eight thousand miles, the flowers come at the beat of a drum... from right to left, Bage, Qige- hic- from left to right- Dage- hic…”

The familiar figure of Qian Bage stumbled along the path, his movements unsteady, swaying from left to right, and right to left…

Just as he was about to topple over, a hand reached out to catch him, steadying him with a firm grip.

Qian Bage blinked, looking up at his support with bleary eyes, a lopsided grin spreading across his face.

"Ou, brother Bai- Hic..." he slurred, his words slinking together in a haze of intoxication.

As the breath heavy with the scent of alcohol wafted into his nose, Bubai shook his head, a flicker of disapproval crossing his expression. "Brother Ba, it's best to use some true qi to sober yourself up.”

But Qian Bage merely laughed, the sound echoing through the empty streets like a hollow melody. "Hahaha, ou, sometimes it's better to be drunk- hic- than sober in life! Brother Bai won't understand Bage’s sorrow...”

His words were punctuated by another swig from his flask...

Watching the man gulp wine like no tomorrow, Bubai let out a sigh, a pang of empathy tugging at his heart. "Indeed, I may not understand all your sorrows...”

Bubai paused, a heaviness settling over him like a cloak, “But I, too, have lost someone in the secret realm. Alas..."

Bubai’s gaze drifted up to the moon hanging high in the night sky, "It’s just that I am not as leisurely as you. Some feelings… have to be buried in my heart."

Qian Bage's drunk expression softened, a hint of understanding flickering in his gaze as he wrapped an arm around Bubai's shoulder. "Ou, Brother Bai is indeed a fellow brother!"

"Come, let's go! Let Bage take you to a good place to drink a good one!"

Central District.

Following the mellifluous notes of the guqin, the scrawny, drunk Qian Bage dragged Bubai deeper into the bamboo forest, eventually arriving at the heart of the place, where they were welcomed by the grand entrance of the Phoenix’s Nest.

“Ou~ Bai Hua Lou, your young master Qian is here!”

Stepping through the entrance of the brothel, the duo was greeted by a classy, mature lady with sleek black hair piled elegantly in a high bun, adorned with a cluster of golden hairpins. “Noble guests, welcome to the Phoenix’s...”

When her eyes landed on the drunken Qian Bage, her warm, pleasant expression soured slightly.

Picking up that there was potential drama, Bubai’s muscles tensed subtly, and took the chance to ask, “Is something the matter, miss?”

At Bubai’s words, Qian Bage jovially patted his shoulder again and again with a drunken grin. "Ou! Nothing to worry about, Brother Bai! Young master, I, am a frequent customer here! They can’t be happier to see me! Here!”

Catching the two spirit stones being tossed over, the lady’s lips twitched subtly, forcing a smile back onto her own face and nodding in agreement, “Indeed, it’s our... honor to welcome a noble son like Qian Gongzi.”

“Hahaha, see? See? What did I say! Ou, Xue’er, take us to my usual spot! I want to see the moon!”

“That… very well. Noble sons, right this way...”

After saying this, Xue’er led them forward with a strained smile, her hand motioning towards a petite brown-haired lady lingering nearby, who promptly scurried off.

Xue’er guided them deeper into the brothel and up the stairs.

Ascending the stairs, Bubai glanced downwards, noticing the unusually sparse patrons below.

Noticing Bubai’s curiosity, Xue’er took the opportunity to insert, "Bai Gongzi is lucky to visit us during this lull. Usually, our private rooms are available only by booking, but right now, many of our esteemed noble guests are preoccupied with mourning rituals, which is why we even have the privilege of offering lofts with splendid views.”

Bubai nodded noncommittally.

Soon, Xue’er brought them into a spacious room with a table conveniently right beside the indoor loft.

“The Moonlit Suite. Bai Gongzi, please… escort Qian Gongzi over and have a seat.”

“Ou! I can walk fine myself! Go, Brother Bai! Sit!” Swaying with drunken steps, Qian Bage stumbled over to his seat, and Bubai followed along with a helpless face.

Just barely after they settled into their seats, an older madame made her entrance with the petite brown-haired lady trailing behind.

With an affable smile, the madame enthusiastically greeted them, “Ah! If it isn’t Qian Gongzi! Welcome! Welcome! It’s been a while since your… last visit!”

But before she could continue, Qian Bage waved her off impatiently, “Stop! Don’t mention the past! This young master isn’t interested in wasting time chit chatting…”

Rapping the table, Qian Bage rudely pointed at the door, “Right now, this young master is only interested in wine! Bring me wine, lots of it!”

Despite the half-drunk Qian Bage's rudeness, the madame maintained her pleasant smile, exchanging a glance with Xue’er, who offered them a smile and a curtsy before departing.

Redirecting her attention back to the duo, the madame focused on Bubai, "Ah, this is our first meeting. Forgive my ignorance, but Gongzi's surname is..." she trailed off, prompting Bubai to simply reply, "Mo."

Nodding in acknowledgment, the madame graciously extended her hospitality. "Welcome, Mo Gongzi, I’m sure we can satisfy any of your demands, but… As it is Mo Gongzi’s first time here, allow me to take this time to acquaint you with our establishment's rules."

Bubai raised an eyebrow, "Rules?"

With a patient smile, the madame broached the topic, “Though our nest is famously renowned as the Bai Hua Lou, we are unlike other brothels. The ladies here may be selling their talent, but we strictly adhere to a no-touch policy. I hope Mo Gongzi understands and won’t blame us.”

Oh, the cliché sell-skill but not flesh, in a demonic dual cultivation sect to boot. Uh huh, how strict can this policy be?

As if guessing Bubai’s thoughts, the madame elaborated further, “Ah, but if Mo Gongzi really can’t help it, know that for small offenses, there will be additional charges, and for-”

Clack! Before she could finish, Qian Bage casually tossed a pouch onto the table, interjecting impatiently, "Young master, I, has the money. Now quit yapping and bring me my wine!"

Glancing at the pouch of spirit stones, the madame's eyes twinkled, her pleasant smile widening as she assured. "Yes, yes, the wine will be here shortly!"

Right on cue, Xue’er returned bearing a tray with two wine jugs and cups. The madame's eyes squinted at the sight, quipping, "Speaking of the devil."

The madame’s gaze flitted back to the two men, issuing another gentle reminder, "Qian Gonzi, Mo Gonzi, please, remember the rules. We wouldn't want to resort to unpleasant measures and make things ugly if you overstep certain boundaries."

Qian Bage brushed off her caution with a few hearty pats on the table, "Ou, we got it! We got it! Shoo, don't bother us brothers from having a good time!"

Facing his cavalier attitude, the madame’s expression didn’t change, simply acquiescing, “Of course. Since this is the case, I won’t disturb noble guests any further.”

The madame nodded towards Xue’er, who then made her way over to the table with the tray.

Turning to leave, the madame cast a glance towards the petite lady lingering timidly nearby, leaving her final instructions, "Xiao Wu, you can shadow your older sister and attend to our new guest here. Make sure Mo Gongzi has a... pleasant, pleasant time."