章 337: Side Story: Thousand Flower City (II)
Lin Qingcheng sat in the middle of the carriage and beamed at her family. The Lin Family was not large. They consisted of only a few dozen due to some tragic famines of the recent past. It was luck that her father managed to aid a starving scholar and be taught to read as repayment. It was great luck that he managed to pass the lowest of the civil exams and become a village mayor. It was heavenly luck that this gave her the opportunity to meet her master and change her and her family's fortunes forever.
She adored her family and she was eager to show them just a tiny bit of her new life.
"Look!" She said, pointing out of the carriage towards the buildings passing by, "Sister Zhou planned everything in the city. The city is separated into uniform blocks, each with buildings that must be shaped like an octagon with a courtyard in the middle. This allows the streets to point in not just the four cardinal directions but diagonally as well. The buildings in each city block can have a certain level of uniqueness but they must all follow a few simple rules. They can't be more than six floors and they cannot exceed a maximum height. Also, they must all use a standard color scheme and choose out of approved building materials. With this uniformity, if you were to fly above the city and look down, it would look like thousands of flowers in full bloom!"
"Wow!"
"Amazing!"
They all craned their necks out of the carriage to look around like starry-eyed tourists.
Lin Qingcheng took them on a whirlwind tour with the first stop being the river bank. Here, the river was being widened by sheer manpower, creating a slow-moving body of water that was perfect for leisure boats as well as a future system of canals and floating islands. The disciples had all experienced the luxury of the River District in the Eastern Sanmu Metropolis and were eager to recreate something like that here.
The next stop was four city blocks interconnected by pedestrian bridges that crossed the streets below. It was an entire shopping complex where all the most luxurious shops and stores sold their goods. There were jewelry shops, clothes shops, weapons shops, medicine shops, and even fancy pet shops. Many of these shops weren't new but well-known organizations across the subcontinent. Having heard of the fame of the Immortal Blue Dragon, they were willing to open up shop in his glittering new city. The wares were no less impressive than anywhere else. It was a place where even Lin Qingcheng's substantial allowance wasn't guaranteed to be enough!
This was followed by another special district with four city blocks where the roads were blocked off and only pedestrian traffic was allowed. Here, all the buildings were teeming with restaurants of all types and sizes. They catered to every kind of culinary taste and for every cultivation level. There was even a brave restaurant that sold immortal fare as they were trying to attract Chen Wentian's deep pockets. It was a risky gamble but one that could be immensely profitable if he liked them.
"Cousin… these places sound so expensive. I don't think we can afford them!" One of them exclaimed.
"Yeah! Are there any budget places around? We can all share a room and save money to go shopping later." Her mother fretted.
Lin Qingcheng giggled, "Don't be silly, if you want to go somewhere or buy something, I'll give you the money! But don't worry, the most important place I wanted you all to visit is just up ahead. It's where you all will be staying!"
As she said this, the carriage arrived at the central square that held the teleportation array. Here, the traffic was packed but somehow, they managed to get through at a steady pace. Everybody recognized her carriage and made way out of respect.
They finally stopped in front of a glittering white building that was only one block away from the city center.
"We're here!" She cried and led them out.
They gathered in a group, staring agape at the golden letters that blazoned above the wide, arching doorway.
House of Paradise!
This was her branch sect, the most exclusive location of the House of Paradise in the whole Subcontinent. This was the headquarters, replacing the one in Moonlight City. It meant that she no longer had to travel long distances between the sect and her branch sect.
"Come, come!" Lin Qingcheng said and led them forward.
The doors parted, revealing a row of glowing, vivacious women on both sides. Hundreds had gathered. They were all stunningly beautiful, with flawless outfits that accentuated each one's assets. They came in all shapes and sizes to suit even the wildest tastes.
The women all bowed in unison and their voices filled the air in harmony.
"Welcome to the House of Paradise! Sect Master Lin! Esteemed Lin Family!"
Lin Qingcheng stood proudly, studying her disciples. They were all her disciples even though she didn't actually teach them anything. They were all members of the House of Paradise and thus, they were hers. The mere thought of this brought a tremendous thrill. It was great!
Her parents and relatives followed behind, in complete awe. They had heard about her feats by letter and by stories but it was another thing witnessing it first hand. The males especially were completely dumbfounded. A few of them even started drooling.
She led them through the entrance hall and into the courtyard. A single round table had been set up in the center which was surrounded by raised platforms on all sides. Her disciples followed and filled the courtyard while she and her party took their seats at the table.
"Begin!"
The lanterns were covered, bringing darkness to the courtyard. With the starry night above, music started to play, an intricate and stirring tune, produced by an ensemble of at least a hundred. Although ordinary music was difficult to appreciate for the uninitiated, this tune was simply too captivating.
Then, a row of disciples marched forward, carrying candles in one hand and plates of delicious food or bottles of exquisite wine in the other. They surrounded the table and served their master and guests. The Lin family dug in heartily and were amazed by the strange yet pleasing tastes.
At the same time, another group of disciples dressed in revealing red outfits bounded onto the stages and began to dance. These were the most beautiful and most talented, each one capable of stirring the hearts of any mortal man or even woman.
It was a banquet, a concert, and a show. It was all the best that her House of Paradise offered. Lin Qingcheng was proud to show off to her family, to let them see how far she had come.
She noticed her two favorite cousins abandon their meal and drink to simply stare at the dancers in desperation. She laughed and drew their attention.
"Brother Yuanmu! Brother Yuantang! You all know what business the House of Paradise conducts so don't be shy. Any girl that catches your eye, tell me and I will have them will come to your room tonight!"
"What!"
"Really!"
"Of course, you don't even have to pay!" She replied.
"Awesome!"
"Amazing!"
"Good daughter, can you recommend a few girls for your father?" Her father asked, almost begging.
"Qinghong!" Her mother screeched.
---
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