Blade - Unbound

The name Calyx Pavilion had its origins deep in history.

During the Tang era, Emperor Xuanzong, in gratitude for his elder brother yielding the throne to him, specially constructed the Calyx Xianghui Tower within Xingqing Palace, where the brothers would play music, drink wine, and even share the same bed.

At the time, its prestige surpassed even the Four Great Towers, earning it the title of the Finest Tower Under Heaven. Later, it also became the long-time residence of Emperor Xuanzong and his Imperial Consort.

Today, although the Four Great Towers had survived countless wars and undergone repeated restorations, they still stood tall.

However, the Calyx Xianghui Tower had completely vanished into the dust of history. The former Xingqing Palace had now become the Prince of Chang'an's Manor. To avoid any suspicion of overstepping his station, the Prince of Chang'an had only restored part of the palace complex, not daring to exceed his rank in the slightest, much less recreate the once-renowned Finest Tower Under Heaven.

Among the common folk, however, things were different.

Emperor Xuanzong had another identity as well. He was the patron saint of the Pear Garden performers. The Pear Garden had once been the imperial institution dedicated to music and dance during the Tang Dynasty. It gathered the greatest performers from across the realm, and Emperor Xuanzong himself, a master of many arts, personally directed the performances.

Even that day, whenever people spoke of Chang'an's Lantern Festival, the lanterns reflecting off the snow, or the dancers in flowing Rainbow Feather Garments, countless scholars and poets still found themselves lost in nostalgic reverie.

Emperor Xuanzong called himself Third Brother, and during rehearsals he would often scold the performers, "Practice properly! Don't embarrass your Third Brother!"

In many dialects, the word Old was also used as an affectionate nickname for Little. Thus, Emperor Xuanzong also came to be worshipped as Old Lord Lang. Generations of Pear Garden performers had offered sacrifices to him ever since.

For an establishment to dare call itself Calyx Pavilion, it naturally could not be ordinary.

Before Li Yan even entered, a smiling attendant had already stepped forward to greet him. "Young Master, this way please."

Although Li Yan wore nothing more than a coarse black military robe that looked thoroughly unimpressive, the attendant's manner of speaking still made one feel as though bathed in a spring breeze.

In the north, men working this profession were called Big Teapots. In the south, they were known as turtle servants. Their status was extremely low.

Once someone entered this profession, they would be looked down upon for the rest of their lives. Some among them truly had pitiful lives, with mothers who had been courtesans themselves. Having been born and raised in brothels, they had grown accustomed to the world's contempt. Others had once been street rats and local hoodlums, personally trained by the brothel madams.

Black-hearted and ruthless, many of them had blood on their hands.

Li Yan replied out of habit. "Thank you."

The attendant froze for a brief moment; however, he quickly recovered. His attitude became even more respectful as he bowed and gestured for Li Yan to follow.

The moment Li Yan stepped inside, he stopped in his tracks. The layout of Calyx Pavilion was truly extraordinary. Just beyond the entrance stood an enormous stage covered with Persian red carpets. Musicians played, sang, and performed while graceful dancers moved across the stage.

To Li Yan's surprise, several of the dancers possessed fair skin, golden hair, and blue eyes. They were all beautiful Western Region dancing girls. Affection shimmered in their eyes as their jade-like arms stretched gracefully through the air. Their snow-white bare feet spun elegantly while their thin, flowing garments fluttered with every step.

"Young Master, this is the Whirling Hu Dance." The attendant was in no hurry, and smiled as he explained, "Back during the flourishing Tang Dynasty, the Whirling Hu Dance swept through Chang'an. The owner personally traveled to the Western Regions to select these young ladies.

"If any one of them catches your eye, we can have her perform privately for you later in your room."

"No rush." Li Yan shook his head. "I'll reserve a seat first. I'm expecting someone."

A familiar shout echoed from the distance. "Brother Yan!"

The main hall of Calyx Pavilion was enormous. A large ornamental pool, with a carved crabapple tree sculpture standing in its center, lay just behind the stage.

A three-storey red pavilion filled with countless private rooms surrounded the pool, while people bustled about everywhere.

Following the voice, Li Yan looked over. Leaning lazily against the railing on the second floor to the right stood a disheveled man. A wine flask dangled from his hand while a woman rested against his side. His drunken eyes were hazy, but filled with playful amusement.

Li Yan was momentarily stunned before laughing helplessly.

There were simply too many people, and the heavy fragrance of cosmetics and perfume also filled the air. As such, he had not activated his divine ability and had failed to notice that Shen Sanyou had already arrived.

After following the attendant upstairs, Li Yan found himself even more surprised. The upper floors of Calyx Pavilion had an equally unique design. The corridors were exceptionally spacious and likewise carpeted in red. Individual seating areas were separated by decorative screens.

Some sat empty while others were occupied by guests drinking with beautiful women.

Shen Sanyou's table was already covered with wine jars and several exquisitely prepared dishes. However, the feast had long since descended into utter disorder.

Looking at Li Yan, Shen Sanyou scratched his head sheepishly before grinning. "Brother Li, I've been dreaming day and night about the drink you promised me. The moment your messenger arrived this morning, I couldn't wait another second. I thought it'd be rude to keep you waiting, so I came just a little early..."

Pfft!

The mature woman beside him, still charming despite her age, covered her mouth with a round fan and burst into laughter.

"Third Brother, you didn't come just a little early. You've been drinking since this morning!"

Li Yan wasn't annoyed. Instead, he shook his head with a smile. "Senior, weren't you worried I'd stand you up and leave you stranded here?"

"It's fine!" Already somewhat drunk, Shen Sanyou waved dismissively. "As long as the courtesy arrives, it doesn't matter whether the person does. At worst, you could've sent someone over to settle the bill."

"Hahaha, that wouldn't do." Li Yan laughed heartily before glancing around. "Senior, there are too many people here. Why don't we rent a private room and continue drinking there?"

"A private room?" Shen Sanyou immediately shook his head. Raising his head with a grin, he said, "Just look around. Everywhere you turn, there are beautiful women. It's spacious and well ventilated. Not only are private rooms expensive... If you want to admire beauties inside one, you have to pay even more. Isn't that just being a sucker?

"And besides, I've got an even cheaper method!"

Chuckling mischievously, he leaned in and whispered, "There are plenty of empty mansions belonging to Chang'an's nobles hidden throughout the alleys of Pingkang Street. If you fancy any of the girls here, I'll take you there for the night. It's much more interesting than staying here, especially those residences belonging to the Prince's Manor.

"Tsk tsk. The decorations are absolutely exquisite and they suit my tastes perfectly."

Li Yan was struck speechless. "..."

Seeing Li Yan's expression, Shen Sanyou looked somewhat displeased. "What? Too embarrassed?"

Li Yan answered helplessly, "We're already living in one of those residences. We also promised the Prince's Manor we'd guard it at night. Our job is to drive away wandering jianghu folk."

"Shameless!" Shen Sanyou slammed the table and cursed loudly. "What's a house for if not living in? Those princes and nobles own countless residences, yet they never even set foot in them. They're practically growing mold. So what's wrong with me staying there? How stingy!"

"Hahaha..." The woman beside him laughed so hard she nearly doubled over.

Li Yan glanced at her with mild curiosity. Ordinarily, women working in brothels entertained countless guests every day. They were worldly, observant, and highly tactful. She normally wouldn't have behaved this way.

Most likely, she was Shen Sanyou's old flame.

After finishing his tirade, Shen Sanyou let the matter drop. Taking a sip from his wine cup, he sneered, "I know what you're really here for. You want to ask about the mystic path in Chang'an.

"Don't rush, there's a good show about to begin. We'll talk afterward."

Li Yan's interest was piqued. "A good show?"

Just then, Shen Sanyou's eyes lit up as he pointed downstairs. "Look! It's starting!"

Li Yan looked down, surprise flashing across his face. The Western Region dancers had already left the stage. Two men strode confidently forward to take their places.

One was tall and gaunt, with deeply etched wrinkles, white hair, and a flowing white beard, dressed in a blue cloth robe. He wore a solemn expression. In his left hand, he casually rolled a pair of walnuts.

The other was a plump middle-aged man dressed in a wealthy landowner's robe. His face was round and smiling, giving him an exceptionally amiable appearance.

The plump troupe leader cleared his throat. Once everyone's attention had gathered upon him, he respectfully cupped his fists toward the audience. "Honored ladies and gentlemen. I am the leader of the Wu Troupe. Tonight, we'll be having a friendly competition with the Yang Troupe.

"In our profession, true skill is what matters. But ultimately, who proves superior will be decided by all of you. In a moment, my disciples will distribute voting tokens. After each side displays its finest skills, simply cast your token for whichever performance impresses you more.

"If we've disturbed your evening, please forgive us."

With that, he clasped his fists and bowed deeply.

"Excellent!"

"Tsk tsk."

"Coming tonight was worth it!"

"Show us your real skills!"

"If I'm pleased, there'll be generous rewards!"

The audience immediately erupted into cheers and excited shouting.

The plump Master Wu winked exaggeratedly, repeatedly bowing in every direction. Every word from his mouth was playful and amusing, provoking wave after wave of hearty laughter.

In just a few short sentences, he had completely seized control of the atmosphere.

Not to be outdone, the tall, gaunt elder stepped forward and cupped his fists. “Everyone, Master Wu is right. Our profession depends upon genuine skill. Smooth talk alone accomplishes nothing.

"You've all seen plenty in your lives. Our variety troupes possess countless different performances. Naturally, we can't compare every single one. That would only waste everyone's time.

"So tonight, we'll compete in three rounds.

"First, feats of strength. Second, feats of dexterity. Third, traditional stage magic."

Turning toward his opponent, he asked, "Master Wu, would you like to begin?"

The plump man immediately cupped his fists and replied, "I am a junior. Naturally, I should defer to Master Yang. Master Yang, please."

Though both men wore friendly smiles, their words were full of hidden barbs.

Master Yang nodded. "Very well."

He let out a cold chuckle and stepped off the stage.

So they belonged to the Stage Illusion Sect.

Li Yan finally understood. Still, he couldn't help wondering why a brothel had suddenly begun hosting an acrobatic competition.

The woman beside Shen Sanyou covered her mouth with her fan and smiled. "Little Brother, you may not know this. In the old days, stage illusion was known as the Hundred Entertainments. During the glorious Tang Dynasty, every Lantern Festival, almost every performing troupe in the empire gathered in Chang'an to display their talents at Calyx Xianghui Tower.

"Our owner naturally welcomed them. That's why Calyx Pavilion features stage performances every night.

"For performers of the jianghu, the Calyx Pavilion is a place blessed with exceptional fortune. These two are the most famous troupes in all of Chang'an. The winner of tonight’s competition will secure Calyx Pavilion's performance venue for the entire next year."

Li Yan nodded slightly though he had already lost interest. "I see."

In his previous life, he had watched countless performances of both traditional stage magic and modern illusion, not to mention every kind of acrobatic act imaginable.

Even in this life, Zhuque Avenue was filled with traveling performers every day. There was little left that could surprise him.

Seeing his reaction, Shen Sanyou smiled mysteriously. "Just keep watching. These two troupes aren't made up of ordinary performers."

As he spoke, another man stepped onto the stage. He was a robust middle-aged fellow with dark skin and an honest-looking face. At first glance, he looked no different from an ordinary country farmer.

The moment he opened his mouth, his thick Yuzhou accent filled the hall. "Honored folks..."

Cupping his fists toward the audience, he announced, "What I'm about to perform is a traditional feat of strength. Heavy blade lifting and powerful bow drawing. As the saying goes, 'A hundred-catty Spring-Autumn saber reveals might enough to slay through four gates...'"

Before he could finish, someone in the audience jeered. "Booooo!"

The performer remained completely unruffled. "Hold on there, brothers, I know you've probably seen this sort of thing countless times. But since I dared come up here, I naturally have something special prepared.

"Everyone knows heavy blade lifting and hard bow drawing. Normally, people swing around a hundred-jin Green Dragon Saber. That's hardly exciting anymore.

"So, I'll add a little more weight. What? What did you say? Two hundred jin? Now that's making things difficult for me..."

With that, he suddenly held up four fingers. "Let's make it, four hundred jin!"

The entire audience collectively gasped. Even Li Yan found it difficult to believe.

He knew of the traditional performance. The performer would wield a massive iron Green Dragon Saber to demonstrate extraordinary strength. But to increase its weight to four hundred jin and still perform elaborate saber forms, that was another matter entirely.

Seeing everyone's attention fixed upon him, the performer roared, "Enough talk! Let's see the real thing!

"Brothers, bring it out!"

The moment he finished speaking, several strong men emerged from below the stage. Working in pairs, each carrying a wooden pole across their shoulders, they slowly hauled an enormous Green Dragon Saber onto the stage while shouting rhythmic work chants.

The Spring-Autumn saber was pitch black. Its entire body had been forged from solid cast iron. The blade alone was two fingers thick, while two massive bronze rings hung from both the hilt and the tip.

Ordinary Spring-Autumn sabers already demanded tremendous strength in one’ s waist, legs, and arms. What appeared could hardly even be called a weapon anymore. It resembled something meant only for temple statues.

Even though the carriers lowered it carefully, it still struck the stage with a heavy, muffled thud.

Ptui!

The burly performer spat into his palms and rubbed them together before stepping forward. Halfway there, however, he suddenly pretended to hear something.

Widening his eyes, he looked at the audience. "Huh? That brother over there doesn't believe me. You think it's made of paper? Come on then!

"Let a few volunteers come up here to see if I'm lying!"

"Sure!"

Several eager spectators immediately climbed onto the stage.

The massive saber indeed contained no trickery. Some couldn't budge it at all. Even the strongest martial artists in the crowd, faces turning crimson with effort, managed to only lift it half an inch. After giving the performer a thumbs-up, they all stepped back down.

"Hahaha!"

The audience burst into uproarious laughter. By letting them test it first, the performer had only made the spectacle even more convincing.

Without another word, the man stripped off his upper garment. Beneath it was a body covered in dark, gleaming, knotted muscles. Holding the saber in a snatch-lift stance, he took a deep breath. As his body shifted, every muscle pulsed rhythmically. His muscles even seemed to tighten into rope-like strands.

"Up!"

With a thunderous roar, the massive saber slowly rose into the air.

At the same time, his expression darkened. His arms exploded with strength as he swung the enormous blade through a complete circle. Soon, it grew faster and faster still.

Soon he began performing increasingly elaborate routines. From Following the Current to Push the Boat to Looking Back at the Moon and even Turning Defeat into Victory, he managed to execute them.

Though such movements did exist within saber techniques, most appeared only in theatrical performances. To execute them with an object weighing four hundred jin was simply unbelievable.

"Excellent!"

"Wonderful!"

The massive saber whirled through the air with deafening whooshes as everyone in the hall stared in astonishment.

Soon, thunderous applause erupted. Li Yan's expression also became serious.

That was Medium Possession.

In other words, it was inviting a spirit to possess one's body. The technique resembled that of spirit mediums. Practitioners skilled in Medium Possession often demonstrated walking over mountains of blades or through seas of fire during temple festivals and religious celebrations.

The performer below had not cultivated hidden force. At most, he had reached the peak of Light Jin Realm. He also possessed monstrous natural strength, but to wield a four hundred jin saber with such ease meant that he was clearly relying upon Medium Possession.

There was no question about it. A spirit had already attached itself to his body.