Chapter 78: You Are the Targets of the Flower Thief

The Supreme Elder takes action.

Just as Chu Feng decided to investigate the flower thief, Xiang Zhizhu excitedly spread the news. Instantly, the entire Tai Xuan Dao Sect was shaken, especially the elders at the Golden Core stage. Ever since Chu Feng became a Nascent Soul cultivator and suppressed Liu Rushi, he had been recognized as the number one expert of the sect, revered by all and seen as an idol.

What’s more, Chu Feng had several enchantingly beautiful confidantes and dual cultivation partners. With Lin Xiyue and Shen Qianxue as precedents, countless female cultivators aspired to become Chu Feng’s woman. The desire was there, but there was no way in—though everyone knew Chu Feng resided on Lone Mountain, no one could enter.

Now, news that Chu Feng had arrived in Tai Xuan City sent all the female disciples of the sect into a frenzy, each one longing to share his bed.

Jade Pavilion.

This was a gathering place for female cultivators within Tai Xuan City, a spot for mutual exchange, study, and cultivation. Recently, however, it was shrouded in unease due to the presence of a Golden Core flower thief who had already harmed several women.

“Say, what if we invited Ancestor Chu Feng to our Jade Pavilion?” suggested a woman named Jialuo, herself a Golden Core cultivator. She was not a disciple of Tai Xuan Dao Sect, but came from the Beast Taming Sect, one of the seven prominent sects in Sword Province, alongside the earlier-mentioned Breaking Sky Sword Sect.

As the name suggested, the Beast Taming Sect specialized in commanding spirit beasts, giving its disciples a distinct advantage in battle. Because of her background, Jialuo held some status in the Jade Pavilion. She was also rather attractive. If it were to become the woman of a Nascent Soul Immortal, she might hesitate, but to be the partner of a cultivator of Chu Feng’s stature, she would agree without a second thought—especially with Chu Feng being the top figure of Tai Xuan Dao Sect. To become his woman would make her untouchable throughout Sword Province.

While Chu Feng, led by Xiang Zhizhu, made his way to the home of a victimized woman, an invitation appeared in his hand.

Jade Pavilion.

Chu Feng had heard of it—a gathering place for female cultivators. He wasn’t particularly interested, but Xiang Zhizhu’s eyes shone. “Ancestor, this is an invitation from Jade Pavilion! Since its founding, this is the first time they’ve ever invited a man.”

Chu Feng said, “What, are you interested? Here, you can have it.” Xiang Zhizhu smiled wryly, “Ancestor, you must be joking. Even with this invitation, I could never get in unless you personally led the way. Jade Pavilion is a gathering place of elite women from all the powerful factions in Sword Province—a veritable sea of beauties.”

At the mention of “a sea of beauties,” Chu Feng, who had been ready to refuse, suddenly grew interested. “Let’s go. Why not? But let me make it clear: I’m not going because of the beauties, but because I’m concerned the flower thief might target them. With so many women gathered there, isn’t it the perfect hunting ground?”

Xiang Zhizhu nodded. “Ancestor, you’re absolutely right. Now that you mention it, I realize all seventeen victims had been members of Jade Pavilion. Could the flower thief be connected with it?”

Chu Feng nodded. “That’s all the more reason to pay them a visit.”

Jade Pavilion was located in the eastern part of Tai Xuan City, nestled within a luxurious estate teeming with birdsong and flowers, abundant spiritual energy, and protected by a grand array of blossoming formations. The three characters “Jade Pavilion” evoked a sense of delight at first sight. Numerous men loitered at the entrance, but none dared enter.

When Chu Feng arrived and produced the invitation, it instantly transformed into a beam of white light, and the tightly closed gates of Jade Pavilion swung open. A great many beautiful women emerged.

“We pay our respects to Ancestor Chu Feng.”

“Your presence graces our humble Jade Pavilion, please do come inside.”

Chu Feng nodded. “Lead the way.”

But Xiang Zhizhu was stopped at the door. “I’m sorry, sir, but you may not enter Jade Pavilion.”

He protested, “I came with the Ancestor!”

The women shook their heads. “How could you compare to the Ancestor? He is certainly welcome in Jade Pavilion.”

Chu Feng said, “Wait for me at the entrance.”

“Yes, Ancestor.” Xiang Zhizhu looked utterly heartbroken.

Inside Jade Pavilion, Jialuo was the first to step forward and boldly asked Chu Feng, “Ancestor, do you find my looks pleasing? Would you take me as your cultivation partner?”

Direct, simple, and straightforward. Even the battle-hardened Chu Feng was a bit taken aback. Before he could reply, Jialuo rattled off all her personal details—height, weight, measurements, everything.

There was no denying her beauty, but Chu Feng could tell she was not a woman of destiny. It reminded him of Zhao Dongdong—originally not a woman of fate, but because of his own involvement, she became one, resulting in great fortune.

Speaking of the Beast Taming Sect, Chu Feng recalled the Dragon Mastery Scripture—a classic of immortal emperors. The Beast Taming Sect was only a third-rate sect; its heritage reached only to the Nascent Soul stage.

The other beauties, seeing Jialuo take the initiative, grew anxious and crowded forward to introduce themselves.

“Ancestor, I am Xie Xiuying, a disciple of Tai Xuan Dao Sect.”

“Ancestor, my name is Liu Shengnan…”

“Ancestor…”

Chu Feng was startled—this was sheer madness, worse than the legendary Kingdom of Women. He quickly stood up and unleashed his spiritual power, keeping the women at least two meters away. “Ladies, I’m sorry, but I have no interest in any of you. I have come to Jade Pavilion for one reason: to find the flower thief.

As you know, there have been seventeen victims in Tai Xuan City, all regulars of Jade Pavilion. That means any of you present could be the next target.”

The once-frenzied women instantly fell silent, their faces turning pale. Even Jialuo looked worried: “Ancestor, you mean the flower thief is targeting us? Any woman who visits Jade Pavilion will be marked?”

“Could it be…the flower thief is a woman?”

“No, that can’t be. If it were a woman, why would the victims lose their primal yin?”

“And this flower thief vanishes without a trace after every incident, appearing only to commit the crime and then disappearing instantly. Where could they have gone?”

Not knowing the identity of the flower thief, none of them could sleep or eat in peace.