Inside the Ethereal Violet Pavilion, a young-looking attendant rushed in in a fluster.

Aged around twenty, his figure was well-proportioned, his steps steady, the dark blue jacket he wore having been washed so many times it was slightly faded. Judging by his hasty movements in the brothel, he seemed to be a new attendant.

The guests continued to hold the ladies and indulge themselves, completely unconcerned about others' gazes. Compared to a few years ago, the business of the Ethereal Violet Pavilion had declined significantly. It was entirely different back in the day when Lu Luo and Su Yi managed the brothel here.

The extensive and wide estate was once packed with guests, with almost a hundred people seeking pleasure and joy in the front building by nightfall. Distinguished guests enjoyed exclusive rooms with exquisite little pavilions, making the experience exceedingly delightful.

But now, in broad daylight, the entire front building only had around twenty people. While business couldn't be described as bad, it certainly paled in comparison to its former glory. The other brothels in Firework Alley faced a similar situation.

A few older patrons were still sipping wine and bragging under its influence.

"Hey brother, first time here from the Southern Border to have some fun, huh? Haha, just by looking, I could tell you're new to this scene."

"This Ethereal Violet Pavilion used to be a place where a seat was hard to come by. Back in the day, it was the most prestigious of the more than ten brothels in Firework Alley! Just one night could cost several dozen taels of silver."

"Tsk tsk, especially when the Oiran performed, lighting the lanterns on boats, matching with men at the docks. Even though that Oiran was here for just a few short years, many still remember her longingly."

He shook his head in self-satisfaction.

The man, whose attire clearly indicated he was an outsider, had a somewhat surprised expression, his interest thoroughly piqued, listening intently.

Another man straightened his back with a sigh, saying, "Yes, indeed, I was fortunate to see the Oiran dance once. She was skilled in qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but most importantly, her bedroom skills were exceptional. Such a remarkable woman could rise rapidly no matter which noble she married, capable of bewitching countless men."

"Indeed, if she were in the Capital City, she'd surely be a beauty that causes calamity. Perhaps even a repeat of the old tale of 'Beacon Fire for Fiefs' wouldn't be unlikely."

"Really? Come, brothers, have another cup; this one's on me today!"

The merchant, evidently from the Southern Border, thumped his chest.

He was originally a merchant from the frontier of the Southern Border, and for years had been wanting to expand towards Long Country. Although the region was mountainous, Long Country was a necessary route between the Central Plains and Dongyue, and the local development wasn't poor.

Qingshui County was just a small town, but its development speed and financial strength probably weren't inferior to other big cities, especially as the local big merchant families greatly spurred local economic growth.

Unfortunately…

"Alright, that's generous!"

"Since you're so bold, little brother, let me tell you about our Qingshui County's past."

"Ah, young brother, you're really lucky, far better off than I was back then. Nowadays, your business can reach Qingshui County and even within Long Country's borders, all because several major families here in the county have either declined or been wiped out."

"It's truly lamentable."

"This story begins with the Yan Family…"

His spit flew as he spoke.

Just three years after Jiang Feng's duel with Wu Daoxu in the city center, witnessed by no fewer than a thousand people, the commotion was so great that Lord County Magistrate was pressured to confess to higher-ups.

If it hadn't been found out later that the two cultivators were beyond the control of Qingshui County, that County Magistrate might have been dismissed by now.

Luckily, there was the Foundation Establishment mid-tier Wu Daoxu to take the blame; otherwise, his position would have indeed been at risk.

After that duel, Jiang Feng famously tore up the marriage contract and severed ties with the Yan Family, a story that spread like wildfire, known throughout the county and to nearby cities within hundreds of miles.

The incident involved not just the Yan Family, but also another prominent family that was exterminated.

The Xue Family.

Whether it was the Yan Family or the Xue Family, they were elite families within a hundred miles, wielding immense wealth. Before the incidents, outsiders wanting to do business here had to consider their stance.

But now, with the Yan Family's only daughter missing and whereabouts unknown, the current head of the Yan Family became disheartened due to the falling out with his daughter and son-in-law, selling off everything outside and consolidating it all under his control, after which he largely withdrew from external affairs.

The Xue Family met an even more tragic end, with their lone son murdered in a rainy night, causing an uproar. Later, the family head was also assassinated in the wilderness, rumored to have died in front of his lost wife's grave.

Previously, there was speculation about who the murderer might be, but after Jiang Feng's grand duel in the city, everyone had a clear understanding of who the real culprit was. It was well-known that the Xue Family's only son had engaged in dishonorable tactics to win the Yan family's eldest daughter's affection.

The resulting situation was seen as deserved retribution. The County Magistrate was wise enough to report the incident without naming the culprit, merely stating the conflict between both parties, and it was with connections, given the presence of the Purple Cloud Palace in the state capital, that the matter was quietly suppressed.

Otherwise, Jiang Feng would now surely be among the top wanted criminals. Back when he was only in Qi Refinement, he had already caused enough deaths by his hand.

With one family annihilated and another in retreat, outsiders flocked into the city to seek opportunities, causing significant changes to the dynamics in Qingshui County and the entire Eastern State within just three years. The once-glorious Ethereal Violet Pavilion was one of those affected.

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