Ji Mo and his group stepped into Wangjing.
Returning to a familiar place, Ji Mo was filled with emotion.
Thinking back to the time when he and Ying Tianbao first entered Wangjing, they had endured countless obstacles and scornful glances.
Now, everything was entirely different.
Upon entering the city, Ji Mo was immediately recognized by the populace. Exclamations erupted like thunder, causing a massive sensation.
"Heavens, it's the great scholar Ji!"
"The author of 'The Scarlet Performer,' the nemesis of prodigal sons, the lord of the Tianxiang Wolf Cavalry Legion, the guardian of the Great Qin Dynasty, our most esteemed Mr. Ji has returned!"
...
The crowd surged forward, lining the streets in welcome, their cheers echoing warmly.
Ji Mo's popularity in the Great Qin Dynasty was immense. From civil and military officials to common folk, everyone knew and revered him. His influence even surpassed that of Ying Tianbao.
After all, it was Ji Mo who had helped Ying Tianbao ascend to the throne. And it was Ji Mo's contributions that had transformed the Great Qin Empire from a precarious state to one that had almost annexed all secular nations in the Southern Territory, making it the most prosperous dynasty in the realm.
Streams of faith power converged, flowing into Ji Mo's body.
Unbeknownst to him, his physique strengthened, and he began to undergo a transformation.
In the hearts of these people, Ji Mo was their eternal faith.
"Sir, you are truly amazing. Everyone likes and adores you!"
Lin Mengmeng's eyes widened, sparkling with admiration, and she felt a sense of pride for him.
It was known that human hearts were complex, and earning genuine respect from the masses was incredibly difficult.
Ji Mo's ability to be revered by all was truly remarkable.
Feeling the warmth of such popularity, Ji Mo's heart swelled with joy. He smiled and said, "I am only welcomed because I am close to the people and enjoy mingling with them. You should all do the same in the future. Never become arrogant due to your strength and look down on ordinary people. Remain true to your original intentions, and you will achieve lasting success."
His three students nodded, accepting his teachings.
Hui Neng and Fan Jingxing were deeply moved. Mr. Ji, despite his supreme nobility, was willing to immerse himself in the mortal world and interact with commoners. Such a disposition was unparalleled in the world.
The gods resided in lofty realms, disdainful of all. Even celestial beings viewed mortals as mere ants. Only Mr. Ji possessed a child-like heart, integrated into the mortal realm, embodying true, formless love!
As they passed a district known for its entertainment, Ji Mo received an unimaginable level of attention.
The windows of the pleasure houses lining the streets suddenly all opened.
Numerous courtesans, adorned in various styles and figures, leaned out, their gazes burning with passion. They waved their silk handkerchiefs at Ji Mo, shouting excitedly.
"Young Master Ji, come and play!"
"Talented scholar Ji, would you do us the honor of a conversation, to recite poetry, enjoy tea, and discuss life and literature."
"Official Ji, this humble one is a pure courtesan, with an untainted body. I have admired you for a long time and wish to share intimacy with you."
...
The courtesans were enthusiastic and unrestrained, showing no shyness as they boldly declared their affections for Ji Mo.
If not for their deep respect for Ji Mo, they might have forcibly dragged him into their establishments for a more intimate encounter.
Ji Mo's heart fluttered, feeling that their hospitality was too gracious to refuse and should not be disappointed. However, as a teacher, with his students present, he could only reluctantly decline.
"Sir, it seems these courtesans all know you. Could it be that you have 'mingled' with all of them?"
Lin Mengmeng's fair face tensed, her emphasis on "mingled" heavy, and her expression grew somber.
As a young lady, she did not like her esteemed teacher frequenting such establishments.
Ji Mo quickly shook his head, denying it. He had considered visiting the pleasure houses back then, but Ying Tianbao, that simpleton, had no sense of occasion and never took him.
As for why the courtesans were so fond of him, he was also puzzled, attributing it perhaps to his handsome looks.
"Sir, stop pretending. For men, visiting pleasure houses for leisure is very common. Scholars and poets all enjoy this. Quickly teach me, what method of wooing have you used to capture the hearts of these thousands of beauties?"
Xuan Yang's eyes gleamed with curiosity.
He felt that if he could learn even a fraction of his teacher's techniques for attracting women, escaping his status as a single dog would be effortless.
At the very least, he could enjoy the services of pleasure houses for free in the future. He saw how these women were practically throwing themselves at him, which was truly enviable.
Ji Mo raised his leg and kicked him away, roaring, "What do you mean, 'stop pretending'? If you dare to slander your master again, I'll sell you to a pleasure house as a gigolo."
Xuan Yang's face was filled with grievance, his large eyes blinking. He felt his teacher was out of touch with his own struggles.
Seeing Xuan Yang's pitiable appearance, Ao Li Ge quickly went to comfort him. "Don't worry, Mr. Ji always has a sharp tongue but a kind heart. He won't actually sell you. If he really sells you to a pleasure house, then I'll... I'll go and patronize your business every day."
Initially, Xuan Yang felt quite touched by the first part of the sentence, thinking that although Ao Li Ge was unattractive, he was still a decent person.
But the latter half of the sentence made him want to crack!
"Patronize your business every day?"
What kind of nonsense was that?
This fellow was still coveting his body; how shameless!
He angrily raised his hand to teach Ao Li Ge a lesson.
Wang Wanjian could no longer stand it. He immediately took out a long saber and grunted, "Let me help you remove this root of evil. It's the source of all your troubles, so neither of you will be thinking about women or men all day!"
Xuan Yang and Ao Li Ge both shivered in shock, immediately becoming compliant.
Inside the Imperial Palace.
Ying Tianbao was kicked away by a foot. A terrifying energy surged into his body, threatening to blow him to smithereens.
Evidently, the celestial maiden, upon realizing that Ying Tianbao had seen parts of her that he shouldn't have, was furious and intended to kill him.
As a celestial being who had descended to the mortal realm, Chen Hui was undoubtedly proud and indifferent.
Her actions, such as stepping on Ying Tianbao and forcing Man Yin, who had only ever sung, to perform a song and dance in public, showed that she held mortals in utter contempt.
Now, her noble body, and her secret, unknown parts, had been seen by this lewd fellow. Naturally, she would not let Ying Tianbao off.
Just as Ying Tianbao was about to perish, an item he kept close to him emitted a golden light, dissolving the explosive, violent power within him and saving his life.
It was the golden token, "As the Emperor Personally Appears," that Ji Mo had given him.
"What treasure do you possess that can withstand my attack?"
Chen Hui stared intently at Ying Tianbao's lower body, where a golden light shone, and a powerful aura was emanating, clearly indicating a formidable magical artifact.
Greed flickered in her eyes. Such a treasure must be hers.
"What, you want my precious treasure? How about I take it out and let you have a look."
Ying Tianbao was now full of confidence. Feeling that he had the golden token and no longer needed to fear this celestial maiden who had descended, he became mischievous again.
Fu Bo, standing nearby, was stunned. Was His Majesty openly teasing a celestial maiden?
He was incredibly bold!
Chen Hui's fair face instantly turned ashen. Her chest ached with anger, and she gritted her teeth, saying, "You foolish and disgusting man, you have no idea of my power. Soon, I will crush your 'thing' and turn you into a eunuch, forcing you to beg before me like a dog for the rest of your life."