Chapter 1,322.

‘Most of the courtesans aren’t aware of their allegiance, and those who do are not responsible for assassinations,’ Ogras explained before Zac could ask.

‘I’d say. An assassin cultivating the Joy of Life would have a hard time advancing,’ Zac commented.

‘Only a few high-echelon members know the truth, and there should be a few Hidden Blades stationed here who aren’t part of the Joyful Gardens. The rest are working for the Hidden Blades without knowing, gathering intelligence from the guests,’ Ogras continued. ‘Take a look around. The atmosphere is almost surgically designed to loosen lips and expose hidden plots.’

‘And no one’s figured it out?’

‘Maybe? Who knows. If they can discover the truth, they’re smart enough to keep their mouths shut. Exposing the Hidden Blades is tantamount to treason. Besides, the Hidden Blades aren’t stupid. They don’t immediately act on intelligence. They cover their tracks and wait until their actions don’t lead back to the gardens.’

‘If not even the Garden Disciples know, how did you discover it so quickly? You didn’t send your shadows into restricted areas, right?’

‘I’m not crazy,” Ogras said, the helplessness in his tone completely absent on his face. ‘And I didn’t discover them. They found me. I got dragged away shortly after I visited the pavilions. Apparently, higher-level members can identify low-level grunts like my alter ego. That little tidbit was missing from my inherited memories.’

The connection to the Hollow Court was to be expected if the Joyful Gardens truly dealt with the Lower Planes. In addition, brothels had been hotbeds of intrigue and espionage since they were invented. Solely relying on friendships and favors to stay safe wasn’t sustainable. It would put you at the mercy of your protectors. Keeping damning secrets and evidence was an effective way to keep your allies honest.

There was one thing in Ogras’s story Zac found more dubious. ‘Why would they expose their presence to a lower-level operative like you?’

‘You hit the nail on the head. They have a time-sensitive issue and were anxious enough to take any help they could get—even if I wasn’t an ideal candidate. That ill-tempered woman told me that more than once,’ Ogras laughed.

Zac wasn’t mad that the demon had been conscripted the moment they appeared. On the contrary, it meant they had fate with the memory, improving the odds of reaping handsome returns. Of course, they needed to solve the problem first. ‘So, what’s got them in a tizzy?

‘Two disciples and their spirits have died in a short time. Different days, different locations. No witnesses, no clues.’

‘That’s it?’ Zac asked incredulously. This wasn’t Earth’s pre-integration era, where local murders would make the headlines. A few deaths here and there were expected in any sect. ‘Was there something special about their identities?’

‘The first was just one of the more promising Outer Disciples. The second was a high-ranking Inner Disciple with a decent chance of advancement. She was also the descendant of a high-ranking elder who passed away a few generations ago. Her family still has certain pull within the sect. The Hidden Blades might be scrambling from internal pressure to solve the case before Core Disciples started dropping,’ Ogras said, hesitating a moment.

‘Except, I got the feeling that the Hidden Blades didn’t care so much about her as the seven dead spirits.’

‘Seven?’

‘The first victim had contracted two and the second five.’

‘Dead Garden Spirits,’ Zac mused, recalling the attendant’s severe warning about harming the sect’s spirits. ‘To have contracted multiple spirits, they must have been members of the Forest division. These disciples are the ones with the strongest connection to the Nine Gardens if our theory is correct. It’s probably not a coincidence.’

Ogras understood what Zac meant. ‘The memory could be a case of strained diplomacy. I haven’t the faintest how Pillar-erecting, dimension-spanning bridges work, but the bond between the spirits and the Empire might factor into its endurance. If nothing else, motivated helpers work harder. On the other hand, if spirits start getting butchered while under the Empire’s protection…’

‘So we need to solve a murder to save interdimensional relations,’ Zac said, picturing what might have happened in the original timeline.

Perhaps it wasn’t a coincidence that the memory domain was placed in the middle of a corrupted zone. They appeared in weak spots lacking Imperial Faith. The strained relations might have caused a backlash. If things went really south in the original timeline, the Garden Spirits might have turned on the Joyful Gardens and triggered a small war. An incident like that would harm the undertaking, even if the Garden’s Realmlord remained on board.

‘Do you figure it's sabotage? This is a good way for low-level operatives to cause a lot of harm,” Ogras said.

‘Not necessarily. The mess in Dipper Seven was caused by a series of coincidences with unexpected ramifications. We could be dealing with something as simple as a jilted lover or internal vendetta triggering an international incident.’

‘We’ll figure it out one way or another. On that topic, my contact asked about you and the elf,’ Ogras said. ‘I made a small adjustment to our original script. I shared your background and said you’re a trusted brother of mine.’

‘Oh?’

‘I figured they could use another helper since they’re so short-staffed, and I was right. My new boss instructed me to have you assist the investigation—without mentioning the Hollow Court or Hidden Blades, of course,’ Ogras said. ‘So you have an excuse if you’re caught poking around. Say I overheard some unsavory rumors, and we figured that exposing the culprit would lead to a sizeable reward.’

‘Perfect.’

Like in the previous memory, Zac used his veteran identity for his first entry. The odds of accidentally summoning a Wendimar Autarch again were low, but an establishment like the Joyful Gardens would certainly have a Bloodline Stele like the one in Black Zenith. Zac could reenter as a Wendimar if necessary, though Zac sensed his veteran persona might be more suitable for an undercover investigation.

‘I don’t think the murders will stay secret much longer anyhow,’ the demon added. ‘They can only keep the news suppressed so long. Since the investigation has stalled, they might release it intentionally, hoping the discussions will kick something loose.’

‘The perpetrator must be extremely crafty to elude the Hidden Blades this long,’ Zac said. ‘Let’s keep gathering information today before deciding on a plan.’

Patroso had kept them company through the hidden conversation, sharing tidbits and anecdotes that were both amusing and informative. Unfortunately, Patroso’s interest was slowly fading after confirming that all three were outsiders passing through the area. He would have already moved on to another table if not for Ventus occasionally refilling his glass with [Dusk Delight].

It was precisely for Patroso’s purpose-driven socializing that Zac wanted him to stay. Patroso didn’t have any issues with his cultivation, and he was visiting the Joyful Gardens to make connections. He’d vaguely implied he was up for a promotion, except the position was contested. He planned to make new friends that could strengthen his claim.

This was nothing unusual. Kalir Whitecrest, in the previous memory, had faced the same pressure. Nurturing a wide network was another way to contribute to your faction than having raw strength. For some roles, it was even better. It proved you weren’t an idiot outside cultivation, and the right connections could benefit the whole faction.

Treating his visit to the Joyful Gardens like a mission that could decide his future, Patroso had come prepared. He was extraordinarily up-to-date on current events and knew all the players. They’d already confirmed that the current memory domain took place roughly one hundred thousand years after the events in Dipper Seven.

The Margrave had already arrived and displayed his dominance. There was still unrest because of the energy storms created by the Imperial Road, but things were generally looking up. Zac didn’t believe it would last. Still, the relative calm added to the positive outlook in the Joyful Gardens, and many hoped to ride this wave to greater heights.

“Speaking of young heroes, we befriended a direct descendant of the Wendimar Clan on our way here,” Zac said upon noticing Patroso was about to excuse himself.

“Oh?” Patroso quickly sat back down, and the warmth in his eyes returned. “Is the young master visiting the Gardens?”

“He might. Unfortunately, we weren’t aware of this location at the time. He clearly enjoys meeting young talents,” Zac said.

“News of the Garden has a way of reaching the Empire’s talents one way or another. There’s still a chance he’ll come. If he does, I’ll have to rely on you brothers to introduce me,” Patroso said expectantly. “Did he mention why he’d come to the Freydrift Province?”

“I’m afraid the Young Lord didn’t say. It was just that our earlier discussion made me think of him. He mentioned that his clan’s relationship with the Hollow Court is decent. Their ancestor has even met the Margrave in person,” Zac said.

“I’m sure it’s true. Clan Wendimar were among those rewarded for their service,” Patroso said, continuing with a hushed voice. “I hear one of their descendants unearthed a valuable relic, and the clan decided to offer it as a gift when the Margrave took office.”

“Something like that happened? Perhaps it was the Young Master we met,” Ogras suggested with a grin.

“Unlikely. The Wendimars have protected that descendant’s identity, but he would have to be a Void Herald by now. Perhaps your friend is hoping to repeat his senior’s accomplishment by traveling the continent,” Patroso smiled, nodding his head in approval. “The Ironblooded Patriarch showed great foresight by relocating their clan. I hear that tasks handed out by the courts directly are dangerous but exceedingly well compensated. If possible, you’d do well to maintain your connection with that Young Master.”

Namedropping his other identity bought a few more minutes of gossip and the answers Zac sought. Zac’s previous idea of improving the Wendimar’s fate had worked, but it was too early to see any drastic changes. They had relocated one of their legions to the Hollow Court’s sphere of influence, but their main backer was still the Indomitable Court. No Wendimars were officially operating in the region, but Zac wouldn’t trust Patroso’s word on that.

Patroso left soon after, walking over to another table to greet a young woman with a fierce aura. Seeing how deep regard Patroso showed her, she was likely one of his main targets for his plan. The three chose to leave. The lively atmosphere in the pavilion was surprisingly infectious, making it difficult to stay focused.

They already had a decent understanding of the situation. The only thing Patroso couldn’t answer was why the Joyful Garden’s disciples were all spirit contractors or where the spirits came from. He guessed it was because the garden’s main sutra required them, and they hadn’t discovered a way to simplify the Cultivation Manual.

“Should we take a look at the forest next?” Zac said with the lazy curiosity of a tourist.

Zac was already curious about the Unbounded Forest. He’d initially planned on waiting a day or two to not seem too eager or rouse suspicion. Zac gave up on that idea after learning about the two murdered disciples. They had a clear clue to follow and an excuse in case something went wrong, so they might as well keep looking.

They didn’t get far before being stopped again. It was another Inner Envoy, this one dressed in a deep-blue palace robe with golden waves. Patroso’s introduction wasn’t necessary this time. Streams looking like translucent rivers surrounded her. Focusing on them made Zac hear a melody that made him think of a happy creek in spring. She was an Inner Envoy of the Manor of Sound, and Zac was once more the recipient of an invitation—much to Ogras’s chagrin.

“It would be Mistress Mei’Er’s honor if Lord was willing to share his story and witness her performance in return,” the Envoy said, her clear voice a summer breeze.

Zac hesitated as he looked down at the blue token in her hand. After seeing so many impressive performances, he was curious about the skills of an Inner Disciple. However, he was more interested in the Unbounded Forest. And if he had to be used as someone’s cultivation furnace, going to the spirit contracting division seemed more productive.

“Can I ask why the idea of hearing Mei’Er’s performance would leave Lord so troubled?”

It wasn’t the Envoy who’d asked. Zac turned to another woman emerging from the golden dusk, shrouding a patch of tall bamboo. Like all the disciples of the Joyful Gardens, she was a devastating beauty. Her strength and mastery over the Dao added a poise that set her above the others, yet she somehow felt like a mortal as she walked through the grass on bare feet.

Floating by her side was a wooden zither that emitted the fluctuations of a Late D-grade Tool Spirit. Its owner was even stronger. She didn’t suppress her aura as strictly as Zac, instead allowing it to fuse with the surroundings. She was a genuine Peak Hegemon, possessing an Earthly Dao related to Life. However, Zac sensed it wasn’t a Pure Dao as his.

It was the main player of a mix Zac couldn’t immediately pinpoint. He suspected the Peak of Impetus was involved, but he couldn’t be sure. The ‘joy’ practiced by these courtesans seemed to actually be based on the Dao of Life, not the Dao of Emotions.

Either case, this Mei’Er was a lot stronger than what Zac expected of an Inner Disciple. If they were this strong, were the Core Disciples all Monarchs? It also meant their objective might be more difficult than he’d anticipated. The murderer had killed a high-ranked Inner Disciple without creating a wave. More likely than not, they were looking for a Monarch.

‘Why don’t you just go? You need to go with someone, or they’ll throw you out in a couple of hours. It might as well be an Inner Court Disciple. And this girl is extraordinary. Going with her might lead to valuable insights,’ Ogras leered, the last sentence laced with double meaning. ‘Speaking of, can it even be considered cheating if the deed is done with your human body?’

‘Fine, catch Ventus up to speed while I go with this girl. We’ll reconvene later,’ Zac said. ‘And I’ll forward your question to Catheya the next time I see her.’

“Two can play that game, friend,” Ogras snickered as he grabbed Ventus’s arm. “Come, let’s not ruin Young Master Atwood’s good thing.”

Zac was left alone with the courtesan and her Envoy, who looked as surprised as Zac about Mei’Er’s sudden appearance.

“Miss Mei’Er is mistaken. It would be my honor to listen you your performance,” Zac said.

“Lord Atwood’s acting could use some improvement,” Mei’Er laughed. “Regardless of the reason, Mei’Er is happy to have you accompany me.”

“Uh, right,” Zac said. “Where to?”

“This way, Lord,” the courtesan said, leading him to the bamboo forest she came from.

Their pace was leisurely. Still, Zac sensed they were moving great distances through hidden arrays. Soon, the sounds of the public pavilions disappeared. The Dao of Life grew increasingly profound, shutting out all other paths. Zac’s steps slowed as he looked around with suspicion.

“Is Lord Atwood worried I’ll try to eat you like sister Alteya?” Mei’Er asked with a slight smile upon seeing his hesitation.

“No. I was sensing the Dao. It was long since I sensed such pure Life,” Zac slowly said, inwardly wondering if he was still on the Left Imperial Expanse. The environment was starting to feel a lot like what you’d expect from a Life-attuned Lower Plane. “But to be clear, I am not looking to Dual Cultivate.”

“We pursue freedom of form and restrictions in our pursuits, and the union of man and woman is a fundamental expression of the Joy of Life. However, Dual Cultivation is a celebration that needs willing participants. A forced fruit will not taste sweet,” the courtesan explained as she caressed her instrument. “Truth be told, Mei’Er is currently focused on reaching greater mastery with the zither.”

“Is that why Lady Mei’Er approached me? Do you hope my Dao of Life will help you break through with your music? Is that even possible?” Zac asked.

Mei’Er laughed. “Lord Atwood is a Pure Lord brimming with Vigor who has practiced the Dao of Life to such great success. It’s rare to encounter a guest so suitable for pair cultivation. You would have been fending off Envoys left and right if not for the rules in place. I was afraid my invitation would be rejected, too, so I made a fool of myself by appearing in person. Come, we’re almost there.”

Zac followed along despite his misgivings. Rather than the courtesan, Zac was worried they were actually teleporting to one of the Nine Gardens. He wasn’t ready for an actual visit, and he didn’t want to find out if someone like the Threaded Hell’s Realmlord would notice his entrance. Thankfully, there was still a small difference between the Life in the Bamboo Forest and the incomplete Dao of a Lower Plane. More likely, the Joyful Gardens had created a large-scale array mimicking the environment.

They arrived at a small pavilion nestled among the bamboo shoots less than a minute later. Mei’Er led him to an open-air hall facing a small pond with golden water. Zac looked at it with surprise, certain the pond was a rare treasure. It wouldn’t do much for him at his current level, but it would have been a gamechanger for his Life-based cultivation if he encountered it a decade ago.

A high-pitched chitter drew Zac’s attention. The sound came from a small, three-tailed monkey no larger than a tea kettle. Zac wasn’t sure what to make of the excited little animal. Its Dao was extremely pure and possibly deeper than his. Yet, it gave off no discernible aura of power, like an F-grade Cultivator could kill it with a slap. The monkey gave Zac a curious look before it bounced over to Mei’Er and landed on her shoulder.

“Is that your contracted spirit?”

“Most guests are surprised when they first see them,” Mei’Er smiled.

“It’s not really what I expected,” Zac admitted.

“We all have constraints placed on us as we advance through life. By our families and society. By ourselves. We lose our purity as our thoughts grow complex. We forget the simple joys of when we were children,” Mei’Er sighed as she patted the monkey’s belly. “The Garden Spirits help us remember. They help us remove our shackles and explore Life with an open heart.”

Zac forgot his follow-up question aimed at gathering information about the Nine Gardens. Something about Mei’Er’s explanation resonated with him. A truth that had eluded him for a long time stirred, briefly condensed, then slipped away. Zac inwardly cursed at the missed opportunity, but he soon regained his composure.

It wasn’t over.

A few words from Mei’Er almost gave Zac an epiphany into his own shackles—the Shackles of Earth in the fifth layer of the [Void Vajra Sublimation]. What would happen when he actually listened to her zither performance that embodied the concepts she mentioned?