Clad in an old-fashioned yet clean black, brocade robe, embroidered with crimson sun patterns, a slender youth with a pallid complexion guided Bubai along the paved sandstone road, ushering him on the sect tour. Xiao Lan followed in silence, trailing behind Bubai.

The young guide, Xiao Panzi, provided insights into the sect's structure, his crisp voice cutting through the air.

"While our sect maintains an outer and inner sect, the hierarchy of lower ranks isn’t as rigid compared to other sects. Except the palace where the upper echelon lives, the rest of the sect is more open, allowing the disciples to intermingle freely rather than enforcing strict segregation like other sects.”

"Of course, the privileges are still different. Outer disciples must vacate the inner ring by night unless invited to stay. Naturally, the living conditions in the outer ring aren’t as excellent as those in the inner ring.”

He gestured towards a gleaming three-story white tower as they approached. “And these white towers are one of the abodes of inner disciples. Constructed from white jade, tough enough to even withstand assaults from Foundation Establishment cultivators."

Bubai's gazed up at the tower with interest, just to notice a toned young man, with mane-like black hair, proudly standing unclothed before the windows high up, flexing his abs as he raised a goblet in their direction.

Glancing towards Xiao Lan, he found her trailing behind, seemingly lost in contemplation and not paying heed to the man.

Oh, it’s not Xiao Lan. Uh, it couldn’t be him, right?!

Hastening his steps, Bubai caught up with Xiao Panzi.

Rounding the bend, the trio entered a bustling district with numerous stores displaying an array of items through their window display, some of questionable nature and some even boldly showing a live action presentation of the tools being used by female cultivators.

Xiao Panzi led them through the populated street, introducing the area. "This is the shopping district, where you can find stores offering cultivation tools to enhance the effectiveness of your practice.”

He then gave Bubai a sly wink, eliciting a subtle twitch of Bubai's lips.

Failing to garner any interest for purchases, Xiao Panzi quickened his pace, steering them past the shops toward the street's end.

There awaited a sizable circular plaza, bustling with cultivators who had set up stalls in an organized, circular arrangement. Some peddled their wares, while others peddled themselves...

And at the heart of this vibrant plaza stood a pair of twin towers, with numerous cultivators entering and exiting, a few even with companions in their arms.

Coming to a stop, Xiao Panzi pointed toward the towers, a sly smile playing on his lips. "The Twin Towers of Desires," he announced.

"The sandstone-colored one corresponds to Qi-refiners, and the white one for Foundation Establishment. These towers serve as venues where lower-level sect members can exchange their surplus qi for resources and, well... a good time. Well, you understand..."

Xiao Panzi winked at Bubai once more, continuing, "Of course, if luck may smile upon you, you may receive grace from a higher-level cultivator. While rare, it's not impossible to advance your cultivation if the other party is willing to cooperate."

Noting that Bubai's attention seemed more drawn to the nearby stalls than the towers, Xiao Panzi felt a twinge of exasperation before redirecting the tour.

"Well, come along now. The next place is important," he urged, casting a quick glance at the bustling crowd. He led them away from the plaza, opting for a less-traveled sandy path on the outskirts.

As they walked, Bubai couldn't help but notice the imposing wall bordering one side of the path.

Catching Bubai's curiosity, Xiao Panzi nodded knowingly. "Curiosity is good, but don't be foolish enough to climb over. On the other side lies either the herbal gardens or the fertile fields of the oasis. These walled-off areas appears across the sect and are a very important part of the sect, and we aren’t allowed entry without a permit. So, most disciples wisely steer clear of these zones to prevent any misunderstandings that could lead to punishment for engaging in suspicious activities."

Completing his explanation, the guide increased his pace, steering the group back onto the regular, well-trodden streets.

However, this particular route appeared almost deserted, a stark contrast to the bustling scenes they had just left behind. Leading Bubai forward in silence, Xiao Panzi eventually halted in front of an imposing white structure adorned with elegant pillars.

Atop a short staircase, two of these pillars framed the grand entrance. Two substantial vertical signs were nailed to these pillars, each engraved with words resonating with profound meaning.

One sign bore the inscription "The desire for knowledge is never-ending." while the other displayed “Balancing the mind will fulfill all desires.".

Xiao Panzi shook his head subtly, gazing at the grand building.

"This is the Book Pavilion,” he declared, a hint of simplicity in the name. "It houses a plethora of books and scriptures, many available for free viewing. However, as most are too engrossed in their own cultivation practices, not many frequent this place, except when in need of cultivation techniques."

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As Xiao Panzi strolled away, Bubai's eyes lingered on the Book Pavilion, a spark of interest illuminating them. A library?

However, he resisted the temptation to explore further and dutifully followed his guide.

The desolate streets persisted even past the Book Pavilion until they reached what appeared to be living quarters. Within, numerous pale-faced men engaged in exercises or cultivation.

Leading the way, Xiao Panzi brought them to a stop in front of a building nestled at the center of the living quarters. The sign hanging at the top proclaimed, "Male Servant Pavilion."

"This is the place to find and hire reliable servants like myself. We can handle daily affairs, run errands, and even serve as cultivation guides-" Xiao Panzi's explanation was interrupted by Bubai's peculiar stare.

Hastily waving his hand, Xiao Panzi swore, "No, I know what you're thinking, but we won't, even if you force us or kill us. I can vouch for it on my dao heart."

Bubai was about to inquire further when Xiao Panzi preemptively cut him off, "The next location isn't pleasant, but it's a mandatory stop on every tour as per the sect's guide criteria.”

He then urged them forward with hurried steps. “Come along, quit lingering," he insisted.

Passing the expansive servant's quarters, the trio ventured into another distinctive area fenced off by white bars. The sole entrance on their side beckoned through an archway, guiding them onto a winding path.

Bubai cast a glance at the sign on the archway- "Public Commons."

Recollecting Xiao Lan's explanation on the ship, Bubai turned his gaze towards her and noticed her clenched fists as she stared at the sign. He gently offered a comforting pat on her cool hand, prompting her to look over before she eased her grip.

As Xiao Panzi led them through the archway and along the winding path, small sandstone rooms lined both sides. Their size seemed barely sufficient for two or three people.

Bubai's sensitive ears caught faint sounds emanating from some of these enclosures- sobs and excited grunts blended in an unsettling symphony.

Xiao Panzi pursed his lips as he began to explain, "This is the Public Commons district, a punishment ground for those who committed heinous crimes and a place where those, who have offended someone they couldn't afford to offend, end up."

His words abruptly ceased when a door to one of the stalls beside them swung open, and a middle-aged man, donning a coarse brown robe that almost blended with his slightly darker skin tone, was still fastening his robe’s belt as he stepped out.

As if having a woman sensor, the middle-aged man's gaze rudely scanned Xiao Lan up and down, his blue eyes showing clear aggression when it swept over Bubai, but upon noticing the pale-faced guide, he snorted and walked away with his arched nose in the air.

"Ignore him. He's no big deal. Only those who can't afford better would come to cultivate in the Public Commons," Xiao Panzi remarked, contempt evident on his face as he stared at the retreating figure of the middle-aged man.

As Xiao Panzi led them down the winding path in silence, Bubai observed men emerging from stalls.

Fortunately, not every stall was occupied, sparing Bubai the need to question the sect managers' waste of labor.

However, after a while, he couldn't contain his curiosity and asked, "Why is it all women? How are men punished?"

Xiao Panzi abruptly halted, and an awkward laugh escaped him before he hurried forward, saying, "Men naturally have a different treatment. Let's not dwell on these matters. Come, I'll show you the most interesting landmark in the Public Commons."

Bubai stared at the retreating Xiao Panzi, perplexed, and glanced at Xiao Lan, who seemed lost in thought.

"Xiao Lan?" He got her attention, and she shook her head slightly before chasing after the guide with hurried footsteps. Confused, Bubai followed suit.

Rushing down the path winding back and forth, they reached the central intersection area, where three other paths converged. However, what caught Bubai's attention was a large tent at the center with a long line of men waiting outside. He turned to Xiao Panzi, asking, "What's this?"

"This is the central attraction of this district, the Saintess Tent!" Xiao Panzi declared with a grin, his anticipation evident.

“This is where the most beautiful women receive their punishment. For a low-grade spirit stone, you can enjoy a heavenly beauty for a quarter of an hour! Don’t think the time is short. It’s definitely worth the value. Each of these women are on a class of their own. Usually no one is willing to let them end up here...”

“But, there are always special circumstances. For example… the abandoned Saintess of enemy sects. And right now, it houses an important guest from the Cloud Sword Sect.”

Xiao Lan gazed at the tent, a subtle flash in her eyes catching Bubai's attention. He raised an eyebrow and inquired for more info, "You mean?"

“Yes, inside, you will find the captured Saintess from the previous generation of Cloud Sword Sect. She is said to have a relationship with the current suzerain of the Cloud Sword Sect. Though she is a bit older, her cultivation still preserved her beauty at her pristine moment.” Explained Xiao Panzi, divulging the intriguing details of the Saintess.

“Originally, she belonged to the upper echelons, but after they got tired of her stubbornness and uncooperative attitude, she ended up here. Still, due to her heaven-defying beauty, as long as she is willing, she can be pardoned and return to the palace.”

Xiao Panzi shook his head, a tinge of sympathy evident on his face. “Alas, after decades, her will is still firm, unwilling to relent, and it was all for a single empty promise from that man. Even now, she is still waiting for the day that the Cloud Sword Sect suzerain comes to save her from this hell.”

Bubai tilted his head slightly and asked, "Huh? Is the suzerain still not strong enough to come save her?"

Xiao Panzi responded, "Of course not! It was our previous suzerain who brought her back, but he had long retired. Now, our current suzerain knows he is still a bit behind the Cloud Sword Sect suzerain, but he still declared that he was willing to accept a public challenge. Our suzerain said, 'So what if he loses, at most we will return her.' But, even after a decade, we received no agreement to a challenge."

“No balls?” Bubai mumbled, pondering the complex situation unfolding before him.

“Hah! If those hypocrites didn’t have balls, they wouldn’t secretly raise a third and fourth outside. Those hypocrites, when our suzerain called them out, they even went as far to say that their so-called challenge letter had been lost during delivery. Lost once or twice is acceptable, but lost repeatedly over a decade? Pei!” Xiao Panzi spat on the ground, his face contorted with utter disdain.

“I bet the real reason that man didn’t come was because he was unwilling to bring back a dirty stain to his career. What an absolute trash! I even heard this Saintess was willingly captured to let him escape when he was still a rising star.”

Xiao Panzi turned to leave, leaving behind a frowning Bubai who couldn't help but question the truth of the narrative. After all, it was a one-sided story. But… if it was true, then this was truly a tragic heroine.

In that moment, Bubai became aware of Xiao Lan, her hands balled into fists. He extended a comforting hand, giving her a gentle pat to alleviate the tension. However, she seemed oblivious this time, her gaze fixed intensely on the tent.

"Xiao Lan, what's wrong?" Bubai clasped her cold hand, finally drawing her attention. Xiao Lan closed her eyes, her fists gradually unclenching.

When she opened them again, her face was once more devoid of emotions. “Nothing. Just... coming from the Cloud Sword Sect, I can’t accept some things.”