Chapter Seventeen: The Black Inn

But soon, a wave of cool energy emanated from the jade pendant, and at the same time, the mysterious hell in his mind released a surge of black energy, cleansing his stomach of all impurities.

Yang Rui was an old charlatan. In his daily life, he often peddled food and drink under false pretenses, concocting all sorts of strange pills—Five-Stone Powder, Carefree Pills, and others like Heart-Calming Pills, Foundation-Building Pills, and Great Rejuvenation Pills. He was well-versed in their preparation, though in truth, these were all fraudulent concoctions. Consuming them regularly severely damaged the body, though one or two doses could indeed bring about noticeable but fleeting effects, and they were highly addictive. One had to admit, this old charlatan had deep knowledge of all kinds of stimulating substances. He was intimately familiar with both poppy and Five-Stone Powder, using them frequently in his experiments. Naturally, Qin Yang could detect their presence with a single sip.

“What is this Golden Pavilion?” Qin Yang was astonished. In that moment, he suddenly noticed a strange aroma lingering in the air. After a brief consideration, it was clear to him: “Cnidium, Green Dragon Incense, Nine-Leaf Grass. These have effects similar to the pills Sister Tao once took.”

Both Cnidium and Nine-Leaf Grass are traditional herbs, considered excellent for invigorating the kidneys and strengthening yang, and are essential ingredients in mild, longevity-enhancing aphrodisiacs. Yet, with slight adjustments to the other ingredients, their properties could become intensely powerful. For the sake of money, Yang Rui would sometimes prepare such herbal pills, often at the request of those seeking blends like the Joyous Harmony Powder. One had to admit, he had a natural talent in this domain, having learned much and become quite adept, even modifying many classic formulas. These two herbs, being mild in nature and present only in trace amounts in the air, would not normally cause any reaction. However, when combined with the Five-Stone Powder and poppy extract found in the wine, even though each was present in such small quantities as to evade detection, they could still produce a noticeable effect.

The Golden Pavilion did not require its guests to have an overt reaction. It was enough to subtly arouse their desires, which, combined with the other entertainments on offer, almost guaranteed that most would opt for a night of pleasure. Naturally, business would boom, and lonely men and women would flock here in droves.

“No wonder I heard back in Jianghai that the beauties of the Golden Pavilion in Haitianshi never failed to charm—no matter how ugly you were, no matter how penniless, eighty percent of the time you’d end up with a bed companion. So this is the trick.” Qin Yang set his glass down, inwardly impressed by the cunning of the owner. He wondered how they weren’t afraid of being raided, but then it was obvious: the owner must have extraordinary means; otherwise, with these substances, the place would have been shut down a thousand, ten thousand times.

“Impressive drinker,” someone remarked.

Yu Wei, seated nearby, watched Qin Yang’s calm demeanor and sneered internally. He picked up another glass and downed it himself. The combination of alcohol and drugs quickly inflamed his desires, and his gaze toward Qin Wu grew increasingly lewd, though he quickly masked it, signaling for Qin Yang to drink as well. Qin Yang shook his head and said, “I’m done. I can’t hold my liquor.”

“Pathetic,” Yu Wei muttered, unconcerned.

Qin Yang only smiled, unbothered.

Yu Wei didn’t press him further, instead turning his attention to Qin Wu. He handed her a glass with a sly smile. “Wu, have a drink?”

“Little girls shouldn’t drink,” Qin Yang interjected before Yang Yaxin could respond, blocking the offer with a frown. “She’s too young, drinking isn’t good for her. I’ll drink on her behalf.”

With that, Qin Yang took the glass from Yu Wei and downed it in one gulp. Again, the trace elements dissolved instantly in his stomach. Yang Yaxin shot him a grateful look, while Qin Wu mumbled something under her breath. Yu Wei’s face darkened at the sight—who did this guy think he was, interfering with his toast?

Annoyed, Yu Wei grabbed his glass and poured its contents over Qin Yang, the scent of wine filling the air. He cursed, “Who the hell do you think you are?”

Qin Wu protested, “Yu Wei, what are you doing?” She quickly took out a tissue and began to wipe Qin Yang’s face, with Yang Yaxin’s help. Yu Wei moved as if to escalate things, but Long Qiuhu held him back, forcing him to sit, fuming. “Get lost, kid. Don’t let me see you in Haitianshi again.”

Qin Yang licked the wine from his lips, took a tissue from Yang Yaxin, wiped his face, and grinned—a grin that begged to be punched. He glanced at Yu Wei, then picked up the last glass on the table and, with a flick of his wrist, splashed it all over Yu Wei. Caught off guard, Yu Wei didn’t dodge, and now his hair dripped with wine. He stared, incredulous—had someone just thrown wine at him?

“Qin Yang!” Yang Yaxin and Qin Wu both jumped in fright. They knew well who Yu Wei was. Long Qiuhu’s father was the Deputy Mayor of Haitianshi, responsible for economic affairs—a powerful official and a member of the municipal standing committee, placing him at the very pinnacle of the city’s hierarchy. Yu Wei’s father was the Director of the Bureau of Industry and Commerce, notorious for his arrogance. With Long Qiuhu at his side, no one in this city dared cross him. For Qin Yang to splash wine on his head—he was either fearless or mad.

But Qin Yang, an orphan, had never suffered such indignities, mostly because no one ever bothered with such a minor figure. He always maintained a solitary, vengeful mindset—anyone who wronged him would pay. And the second-generation Qin Yang, in Jianghai, was a force to be reckoned with—his father the richest man in Southeast China, and with assets enough to dominate all of Asia if he wished. Who would dare provoke him? If he didn’t repay a grudge, he might as well have stayed dead. Yu Wei was hot-tempered, but so was he; though the merged Qin Yang knew when to show restraint, not letting minor grievances escalate.

“Damn it!” Yu Wei roared, springing up to attack, but Long Qiuhu stepped in front of him first. He said coldly, “Yaxin, Wu, is this your friend?”

Yang Yaxin hesitated, uncertain. To admit it would mean her father’s company might face unprecedented disaster, perhaps even prison—if the families of Long and Yu combined forces, it was entirely possible. But to deny it? Qin Yang had only acted for Qin Wu’s sake. She was caught in an impossible dilemma.

Qin Wu, still young and unburdened by such considerations, shot back angrily, “He’s my friend! Yu Wei, you’re going too far!”

Yu Wei sneered, wiping the wine from his face. “A friend, is he? Very well, Wu, don’t say I’m being unreasonable. If he walks out of here alive tonight, I’ll—”

“And then what?” Qin Yang interrupted, rising to his feet. His jet-black eyes gleamed with a cold, murderous light that sent a chill through the room.