[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-cursed-blade-s-walk":3,"chapter-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-695":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Cursed Blade's Walk",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2263000,4415,"Chapter 695: Night Enters Su Garden","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-695",695,"\u003Cp>The brothels and entertainment quarters of the capital were concentrated in three alleys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yanyue Alley, Gulan Alley, and Yanzhi Lane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yanyue Alley,” near Dongsi Street, fell under the jurisdiction of the Jiaofang Si, where official courtesans trained in song, dance, and instrumental music.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The government-run musical troupes prized one thing above all: elegance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girls had practiced pipa and sanxian since childhood, their voices clear, their postures supple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eunuch supervisor of the Jiaofang Si squinted, flicking his orchid finger against a sandalwood clapper: “Third section of ‘Nishang’—go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the strings sounded, the green-bi-jia courtesans swayed their heads in rhythm, golden hairpins clinking against their cheeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turn the corner into Gulan Alley, and the scene changed entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brick facades hung with Xiangfei bamboo curtains, from within came the tinkling of yueqin, mingled with men’s shouts as they played dice games.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Call a girl!” the pimp called out in a drawn-out tone. Soon, a courtesan with a peony hairstyle emerged, hugging a ruanxian, her aoqun rustling past the doorstone, leaving behind the scent of jasmine soap…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep in Yanzhi Lane, most residences were three-compound courtyards, featuring stages with curved tiled roofs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The location was discreet, frequented only by high officials and nobles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the Piaoxiang Pavilion once controlled by Huwei Tang, its status paled in comparison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the difference between official and private courtesans? They’re all just toys to amuse the gentlemen!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man leading the way chuckled softly, “Sir, I can tell at a glance you’re a man of wealth. The capital has strict rules, but it’s no different from other places—it’s all about official seals and money bags.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look at that sedan: blue-clothed ones head to Yanyue Alley, red-silk-topped ones head to Gulan Alley—but if a sedan stops at the gate of the Su family in Yanzhi Lane…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He winked. “That’s a minister of one of the Six Ministries—you’d better add more coins!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him, Li Yan, dressed in brocade robes and a small cap, had been lightly disguised as a young nobleman newly arrived in the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to go to the “Nine Gates Yin Xu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only for the clues about the Jianmu demons, but also to purge the demonic qi hidden within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, his plans had leaked; Pei Zongti dared not overstep, and Luo Mingzi didn’t want him risking his life—official support was out of the question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he was new to the capital, with no connections to speak of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only solution he could think of was to seek help from Jin Yan Men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this carried its own risks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Yan Men dealt in intelligence; no matter how polished their front, they were still Jianghufengmayanque —merchants of deception, unburdened by scruples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, they were deeply entangled in court intrigues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as at Linqing Pass, Zhao Wanfang had gone to gather intelligence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her goal wasn’t to quell disaster, but to predict outcomes and sell knives to the Open-Sea faction—so even though Zhao Wanfang had given him the token and signaled goodwill from Jin Yan Men, Li Yan had little desire to deal with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A first visit demanded caution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Posing as a wealthy young nobleman newly arrived in the capital was perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir, we’re almost there!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man leading the way patted the silver in his pocket, his smile growing more obsequious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan looked up, scanning left and right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just moments ago, they’d been in the bustling, lantern-lit Gulan Alley, where crowds thronged the streets, music and dice shouts echoed from both sides, and courtesans leaned on railings, fanning themselves with laughter, eyes soft beneath lantern light, luring passersby into the houses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this alley was noticeably quieter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The music pavilions and candlelight were all hidden behind eight-zhang-high blue-brick walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is where the refined pleasures are found.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guide raised an eyebrow. “Sir, only Yanzhi Lane suits your status—no riffraff to disturb you, and the girls are all masters of beauty and art. I know a few—I guarantee your satisfaction.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan frowned. “I’m going to the Su family compound.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man shook his head quickly. “The Su family compound? That’s for officials and nobles—spend rivers of silver just to hear a tune or hold a hand. This place is far more worthwhile; the girls treat you like a true master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan was growing impatient. “Either take me there, or get lost. Stop wasting my time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw through the man’s intentions at a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fellow clearly thought him a fat lamb, trying to lure him to a cheaper spot for a big cut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s face darkened instantly. He stuck out his neck and glared. “How dare you be so ungrateful?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he let out a sharp whistle. Three masked men with clubs sprinted from a side alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s going on?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Li Yan could speak, a brash voice rang out from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speaker was a tall, muscular young man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dressed in brocade robes, adorned with fine jade, his body radiated raw strength—he was clearly a martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two black-clad men followed him, swords at their waists, faces grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guide, sharp-eyed, immediately bowed and smiled. “Sir, this doesn’t concern you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get lost!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man shot him a cold glance. “I hate uncouth trash!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guide and his companions tried to protest, but the two servants behind the young man lunged forward, swinging their sword scabbards, beating them into wailing, stumbling retreats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan gave a slight bow. “Thank you, sir…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he finished, the young man turned away without looking back, leaving with his men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan slowly lowered his hand, his gaze thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man was arrogant, but his pride and nobility were genuine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two bodyguards, though in civilian dress, wore official boots beneath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must be a scion of a noble family in the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a guide, Li Yan had no choice but to walk forward himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the end of the Yanzhi Lane’s blue-stone path stood a weathered screen wall, from whose cracked gray bricks a few vines of white musk climbed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To an ordinary person, it would seem a dead end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the two small sedans parked in the alley, and the direction the young man had taken, told Li Yan there was more to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, as he rounded the screen wall, the view opened suddenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vast courtyard unfolded before him like a painted scroll, clearly built using the masterful “Potter’s Universe” garden design.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The outer walls were made of polished bricks, perfectly aligned, their blue stone surfaces smooth as mirrors; the eave tiles and water spouts bore Song-style lotus patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside the moon gate stood a pair of Taihu stones, slender, wrinkled, perforated, translucent—like celestial fingers pointing the way. At their base leaned a broken stele, casually placed. Closer inspection revealed it was a fragment of the Yuanyou Party Stele; the bold calligraphy of Su and Huang had been worn smooth by time, yet framed by blooming flowers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked casual, but was meticulously arranged, steeped in ancient elegance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the black gate hung a plaque: “Su Yuan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Greetings, Lord Xiao.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man in blue robes with a goatee stood at the gate. Seeing the young man arrive, he hurried forward with a bow, whispering: “The person is inside. The matter is half-resolved. Please follow me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then led the young man into the garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan moved to follow, but two young servants blocked his path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guest, please stop.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They spoke politely. “This is a private residence. We do not receive outside visitors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan frowned. “The Su family compound is famous—surely you don’t refuse business?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Private residence. Please understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They smiled, but their stance remained coldly distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This caught Li Yan off guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d assumed Jin Yan Men was just a brothel—he hadn’t expected to be barred at the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking closer at the two blue-robed servants: they wore layered-soled cloud-tread shoes, arms held in a yin-yang embrace, their stance subtly aligned with the Four Symbols and Eight Extremes; calluses marked their palms. Though bowed low, they were clearly seasoned martial artists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I suppose it’s a pity,” Li Yan smiled faintly and turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This place was more complex than he’d imagined—he’d find another way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could turn fully, he stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir, do you have something else?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the servants had grown slightly impatient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan paused, then pulled a token from his sleeve. “I wish to see Miss Zhao Wanfang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant was startled, but upon taking the token, his expression changed instantly. He bowed deeply. “Honored guest, forgive our rudeness. Please follow me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped aside, bent low, and gestured with perfect decorum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan said nothing, his face cold as he strode in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The courtyard’s exterior was exquisite; the interior surpassed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the blue-brick archway stood a Huizhou-style “Four Waters Return to the Hall” courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eaves curved upward like swallow wings; bronze bells hung from rain chains, swaying gently in the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On all four sides, the second-floor balconies had carved railings covered with thin gauze, faintly revealing the flickering candlelight within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan had visited the Wang Fu and imperial palaces; honestly, this place lacked their opulence—but its refinement was far superior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, he had no time to admire it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now, the Gou Die had warmed faintly, as if sensing something—but the feeling was unclear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A yin offender is hiding in this garden!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan glanced left and right, his mind already on guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since leaving Luoyang, he had seen hardly any yin offenders along the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But upon arriving in the capital, he had successively discovered Wu Leji and Kong Hui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could that old demon be hiding here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following the guide, Li Yan hurried along the pond’s zigzagging corridor, never letting go of his hook warrant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, the earlier sensation had vanished and did not reappear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He noticed that bronze mirrors hung between the pillars bore engraved patterns of the Twenty-Eight Mansions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan had once said this was the method of a “Mirror Array.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When suppressing certain demons, such arrays were often installed in subterranean chambers, trapping invisible evil spirits within so they could not escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But here, it served both to ward off yin miasma and to reflect the shadows of intruders into the eyes of hidden sentries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combined with the garden’s fengshui array, it also blocked magical detection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The builder of this garden must have been a master of fengshui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Yan pondered, the two had passed through two moon gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before him, the view opened up: a rock garden of Taihu stone rose two zhang high, surrounded by towering bamboo groves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along winding paths leading to secluded spots, he saw small courtyards arranged in orderly disorder, each separated from the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two guards of the “Young Master Xiao” stood outside one of these small courtyards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Yan arrive, they immediately gripped their sword hilts, faces tense with suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Li Yan soon vanished from their sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the servant’s guidance, Li Yan arrived at one of the courtyards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The courtyard was elegantly arranged: though small, it featured a pond, and a two-story pavilion stood beside the water; in the open waterside hall, palace lanterns and sandalwood incense burned, and a maid knelt, brewing tea, while gauzy curtains fluttered in the night breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked like a painting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please wait a moment, esteemed guest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant bowed respectfully. “Miss Zhao is not here—I’ll go find the garden’s owner.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Wanfang isn’t here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan frowned slightly but said nothing, sitting on a mat in the main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he sat down, the maid served him the brewed tea, then silently withdrew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan pondered silently, still clutching the hook warrant in his robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hook warrant remained unresponsive, as if the earlier sensation had been an illusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This had never happened before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What method had the other party used…?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Li Yan sniffed and suddenly caught a faint, fragrant scent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It smelled of plum blossoms mingled with sandalwood, with a hint of bitter herbal medicine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking up, he saw a woman walking in from outside the courtyard, accompanied by two maids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight, her skin like congealed fat, eyebrows like distant mountains, her phoenix eyes sharp yet filled with autumn water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Yan, she smiled sweetly, waved her hand to dismiss her maids, then sat down slowly, leaning against a Xiangfei bamboo curtain, her fingers twirling a golden-painted peony fan. “Young Master Li, you’ve waited long. I thought you wouldn’t return, with your busy days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s face was expressionless. “Who are you? Where is Zhao Wanfang?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Su Yu, mistress of this Su Garden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman smiled calmly. “Wanfang is my disciple. She left for Jiaozhou on business—young people need more experience; otherwise, I wouldn’t dare entrust this Su Garden to her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan thought inwardly: no wonder she’s an elder of Jin Yan Gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This demeanor—neither subservient nor arrogant—brought them closer while clearly stating her identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Yan silent, Su Yu smiled again. “The capital has seen much turmoil lately. My Su Garden has low eaves. Young Master Li, you’re important and busy—why suddenly visit if not for more than just seeing an old friend?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan sipped his tea. “Wanfang mentioned something—does it still hold?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Yu smiled. “The Twelve Yuan Chen are now famous throughout Shenzhou. Many nobles wish to hire you, yet have no way in. If Young Master Li trusts me, Jin Yan Gate will act as your liaison—guaranteeing no risks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Wanfang had already mentioned this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Yan Gate wanted to serve as the Twelve Yuan Chen’s contact, connecting them with major jobs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only would they charge nothing, but also provide intelligence support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed disadvantageous, but the Twelve Yuan Chen’s reputation was enough for Jin Yan Gate to weave a wider network.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was their foundation for survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This matter can wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan slowly sipped his tea. “Master’s place seems… unclean.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Su Yu looked surprised. “When you say ‘unclean,’ what do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan raised his head, his gaze turning cold. “A yin offender!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was too busy to play games—he cut straight to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the other party was hiding something, cooperation was pointless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He might even summon the Commandant’s office to surround and search this place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Su Yu merely smiled faintly and replied calmly. “Young Master Li, you truly are exceptional.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, a yin offender is hidden here—a senior earth immortal from Laoshan, brought here by us, invited today to enter Yan Fu for protection and to serve as a patron.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If Young Master Li insists on upholding heavenly justice, we cannot stop you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Laoshan earth immortal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan suddenly understood: the Laoshan lineage’s evasion arts were famously powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To stroll openly into the capital, they must have their own methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that young man with the surname Xiao…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had assumed he was a noble scion—turns out he was the Prince of Yan…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2509,"2026-06-19T18:28:35.913Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","3d996795ac14d31cbb7485083fd5e91a611057bd6f5eddfabe50edee34309cd4","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-696","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-694",801,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-cursed-blade-s-walk-cover.jpg"]