Su Heng's strength had greatly increased after breaking through another level, leaving him in good spirits.
He had gathered information about the Luo Family over the past few days, but he was not in a hurry to act.
The main reason was that today was the River Lantern Festival. Although it was a local festival, it was exceptionally grand, and many people participated.
If he acted now, it would be easy to overlook something.
He needed to wait a bit longer.
Moreover, he had already spent over two days at Jiangyue Pavilion.
The elder from the Demon Suppression Bureau that Su Li had mentioned still had not arrived. Su Heng wondered whether there was some problem or if it was simply due to low efficiency.
He cast these doubts aside for the moment.
Lowering his head as he stepped over the threshold, he came outside, where a figure approached on the quiet path.
Just then, another firework exploded in the sky.
The flashing orange light illuminated the figure on the path.
Her figure was slender, dressed in a fiery red waist-length skirt and simple black leggings with deer-skin ankle boots, outlining her shapely and long legs. Coupled with her neat, short hair, she exuded an aura of spirited vigor, a martial disposition rarely seen in ordinary women.
"Master Su."
This person stopped in front of Su Heng's separate residence and greeted him with a smile.
Her name was Chen Murong.
She was the daughter of a wealthy merchant in Baihua County and was staying temporarily at Jiangyue Pavilion. Due to her hearty nature, they had chatted a few times previously and got along quite well.
"Mhm." Su Heng nodded and returned the greeting.
"Are you going out to join the River Lantern Festival's exhibition?" Chen Murong asked. Seeing Su Heng nod, she continued with a smile, "It happens that I am alone outside. I wonder if Master Su would do me the honor of accompanying me."
"I also have a few invitations to the Red Mansion here. If they are not used tonight, they would go to waste," she said to Su Heng, her voice filled with anticipation.
"The Red Mansion..."
Su Heng indeed had heard Su Li specifically mention this matter.
"That sounds good," he nodded, smiling. "Then I'll be troubling Miss Chen."
"It's no trouble at all." Chen Murong laughed heartily. "I am the one extending the invitation, so there's no trouble at all."
Thus, the two of them set off together.
Whiz!
The performance reached its climax.
In the exuberant sound of drumbeats, gold, red, and purple fireworks exploded, like clusters of flowers, their glow fervent.
"Being with Master Su must feel very safe," Chen Murong remarked softly, seemingly by chance.
"Is that so?" Su Heng was somewhat surprised.
He had always thought of himself as ordinary-looking, and with a stature too robust, likely not to be favored by girls.
Of course, he didn't mind at all.
Since mastering the Pure Yang Skill to the breaking limit realm, martial arts had gradually become Su Heng's sole focus.
As for the rest, only family could catch his attention.
But now it seemed...
Apparently, he was quite likable?
Su Li had indeed once secretly told him that the other night, Xu Ziyi's gaze towards him was quite intent.
"Hee hee, this guest is quite tall and handsome." Seeing that Su Heng's wine cup was empty, a few pretty maids clad in light gauze hurried over to refill his drink and add some snacks.
One of the maids in green boldly pinched Su Heng's arm lightly, then widened her eyes in surprise, saying, "It's as hard as a rock."
"I've seen the generals in the county government, and none have a majestic figure like the young master's."
Seeing that Su Heng wasn't angry,
The other maids also, while flattering, boldly pinched him and then showed surprised expressions, gathered together, and giggled covering their mouths.
The red building, although famous, was after all a place of worldly pleasures.
The maids working here were also children from poor families, but Su Heng did not see numbness or restraint on these maids' faces; rather, they were full of natural liveliness and enthusiasm. Clearly, the owner of the red building treated these ordinary maids quite well.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!
A light pink curtain fell from the stage.
As the curtain was drawn, slender figures danced on the stage.
These dancers were not only graceful and beautiful in motion, but their belts were also wrapped with thin threads, allowing them to perform various complex movements. Like deer leaping high in the forest, trailing colorful ribbons, they were stunningly beautiful, the atmosphere reaching its climax with the sound of music.
But just then—crash!
The sound of something breaking suddenly erupted, and the lively atmosphere in the audience seats suddenly fell silent.