Chapter 8 of the Romantic Continent: The Fault of Hua Rong

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The setting sun cast countless golden rays onto the emerald green water, making the clear, mirror-like surface shimmer and sparkle, like shattered jade plates or pearls slowly rolling across the ground, dazzling the eye. From the lush water plants near the shore, graceful waterbirds occasionally took flight, gliding nimbly across the surface.

It was a tranquil and peaceful afternoon!

Ning Su Nu had been gazing at the lake for a long time, her beautiful eyes filled with a dreamy, dreamlike quality, like multicolored diamonds, constantly shifting in brilliance.

As the most sought-after courtesan at "Dark Fragrance Pavilion," Ning Su Nu had a great hobby: whenever she had nothing to do, she would stand here for hours, admiring the lake's myriad charms, easing her inner turmoil. Only at these times would her heart, like the lake's surface, gradually calm down, entering a state of perfect stillness.

Even though she was renowned throughout Esnia and adored by numerous dignitaries, Ning Su Nu was acutely aware of her true status: a mere plaything for others to admire. Men were only interested in her beauty and the reputation of a talented woman. When her youth faded and her beauty vanished, wouldn't she be discarded like a worn-out broom, just like her pitiful sisters?

A gentle breeze rippled across the lake, causing a withered flower on the shore to sway precariously, drifting on the water.

A sudden, inexplicable feeling welled up within Ning Su Nu. Wasn't this flower a reflection of herself? In the vast sea of humanity, she was like a rootless duckweed, adrift with the current. No matter how much bitterness she carried, she had to greet those self-proclaimed refined strangers with a smile. Unlike some of her sisters who used fleeting pleasures to numb their hearts or simply resigned themselves to their fate, willingly merging into this life of welcoming and bidding farewell, she

possessed a hidden pride and purity—this was precisely where her pain lay!

The thought of tomorrow being the day of the courtesan selection sent a shiver down Ning Su's spine. She wondered which wealthy and powerful man would buy her virginity. Would it be a high-ranking official with immense power, or a billionaire? A dashing scion of a noble family, or a vulgar middle-aged businessman?

Whoever it was, it would be the beginning of her miserable life. From then on, she would be forced to work as a prostitute, unless the man who bought her virginity paid to redeem her. Otherwise, even if she were chosen as the courtesan, she would still become a man's plaything, albeit a high-class one.

What she feared most was falling into the hands of lustful old men with peculiar tastes. She remembered a sister in the brothel who had placed fourth in the courtesan selection two years ago, and the man who paid a hefty sum was just such an old man. Although he was already frail and elderly, he had tortured the poor sister for three days and three nights, ravaging her until she was almost dead before finally letting her go.

It is said that when the agreed three days are up, seeing that tragic scene, no one can help but feel heartbroken, but this is the rule of the pavilion, and no one dares to break it.

Thinking of this, Ning Su Nu couldn't help but shudder. She secretly prayed that she would never encounter such a man. If it really was like this, then she would...

The ripples on the lake reflected the blood-red color of the setting sun into Ning Su Nu's beautiful eyes, making her vision appear blood red.

"Sigh!..."

Ning Su Nu stared blankly for a long time, her mood unable to calm down as before. She could only let out a long sigh, slowly turned around, and was about to go back when she heard a sigh from her right.

Ning Su Nu was curious and looked in the direction of the sound. She saw a white-haired man in a coarse cloth shirt standing with his head down in the flower bushes, holding flower shears in his hand, staring blankly at the chrysanthemums in front of him.

"Uncle Winnie, hello!"

Hearing Ning Su Nu's greeting, the man quickly raised his head. His face was covered with scars of varying sizes, making him look extremely frightening.

"Miss Ning Su-nu, good afternoon!"

Winnie's eyes showed a hint of pity as he bowed to Ning Su-nu. His entry into "Dark Fragrance Pavilion" was also due to Ning Su-nu's compassion.

Half a year ago, when Ning Su-nu met him, he was nearly dead on the roadside, and his appearance was so frightening. If it weren't for Ning Su-nu's intercession, the owner of "Dark Fragrance Pavilion" would never have taken him

in. Ning Su-nu also gave him the name Winnie, because in her hometown, "Winnie" meant silent, implying that he couldn't speak.

Because of this, Ning Su-nu took good care of him, sometimes enjoying talking to him—she spoke, and Winnie listened. Winnie's eyes seemed to convey a great deal, and a father-daughter-like bond gradually developed between them.

As if to release all her worries and sorrows, Ning Su-nu let out a long sigh and turned to leave.

“Miss…”

Winnie’s urgent voice came from behind. Ning Su Nu stopped in her tracks, but didn’t turn around. After waiting a while, seeing that he didn’t say anything more, she was about to get up when Winnie said, “Miss, you don’t want to be judged by others at the courtesan competition, do you?”

Ning Su Nu’s delicate body trembled suddenly, and she turned around abruptly to look at Winnie. The expression in her beautiful eyes revealed her feelings completely.

Seemingly unable to bear Ning Su Nu’s gaze, the white-haired man lowered his head and looked at the flower shears in his hand.

"Miss, are you looking for someone who truly cares for you?"

Ning Su Nu hesitated for a moment, then nodded gently and said softly, "Uncle Winnie, you know that's impossible."

She gave a bitter smile and continued, "My worth is the highest in all of Esnia. How many people can afford it?"

Winnie remained silent. He knew Ning Su Nu was telling the truth. Boss Gao had invested heavily in Ning Su Nu, and naturally, he wanted the maximum return. Apart from a few powerful and wealthy figures, it was truly difficult to find someone who could afford to buy Ning Su Nu's freedom.

He picked up the pruning shears, squinted for a moment, and suddenly reached out and forcefully snipped at a delicate and beautiful petal in front of him.

"Snap!" With a sound, the tender petal gently fell, and the beautiful flower instantly paled in comparison.

Ning Su Nu stared blankly at the petal that had fallen at Winnie's feet, a strange feeling rising in her heart. Nowadays, people often use flowers to symbolize beautiful women. Does the fate of a flower represent the fate of a person?

“If it loses its beautiful petals, this chrysanthemum will no longer attract attention, and no one will want to pick its flowers.”

Winnie’s voice rang powerfully in Ning Su’s ears. The intelligent Ning Su immediately understood the meaning behind Winnie’s words. If she didn’t have such a beautiful appearance, she wouldn’t be in her current situation. Perhaps she would have lived a peaceful life like an ordinary woman.

“I have a way for you to find someone who truly loves you, but you must temporarily give up your beautiful appearance.”

Winnie’s eyes flashed with a strange light as she gazed intently at Ning Su. “Would you be willing, Miss?”

Ning Su gently stroked her beautiful face, her eyes filled with a dreamy look. Winnie slowly lowered her head and began to tidy up her tools.

“My current appearance is a result of magic. It won’t withstand close scrutiny like other disguises, nor can it be restored by other methods. Only the person who cast the spell knows how to undo it.”

“Who exactly are you?” Ning Su suddenly blurted out.

A look of admiration flashed in Winnie's eyes. As expected of a woman who had seen countless things, Ning Su Nu remained remarkably calm in the face of such a sudden event, proving Winnie's judgment was correct.

"Who I am isn't important, Miss. What matters most is whether you want to gamble with your fate!"

Winnie suddenly raised her head, looking directly into Ning Su Nu's beautiful eyes, as if trying to see into her heart.

"To choose the courtesan queen is to follow the old path. Many women in the pavilion have gone through this. Their gains and losses are laid bare before you. Change your appearance, see how many people will truly care for you, and then choose one who is truly sincere… Then restore your appearance. Which path will you choose, Miss?"

Ning Su Nu opened her mouth slightly but didn't say anything. Winnie knew she was struggling to decide, so she said, "If Miss doesn't have this idea, then pretend I didn't say anything! Otherwise, come find me in the flower room in the backyard tonight. Remember, tonight!" With that, Winnie picked up her tools and turned to leave.

As night fell, "Dark Fragrance Pavilion" became bustling with activity, a constant flow of carriages and people. However, the true patrons knew that tomorrow would be the most exciting day. And, according to custom, the courtesans scheduled to appear tomorrow wouldn't come out to

greet guests today, as they wanted to groom themselves beautifully, hoping to present their most radiant appearance at the courtesan competition. The bright moonlight amplified the height of the night's excitement. Inside "Dark Fragrance Pavilion," the atmosphere was incredibly lively, filled with revelers drinking and making merry. The courtesans swayed gracefully among them, their voices filled with seductive whispers and lewd chatter—a scene of unbridled debauchery.

In contrast, the backyard of "Dark Fragrance Pavilion" presented a different, quiet scene. This was the residence of the servants, and it was their busiest time, with all of them out in force. Apart from the rustling of leaves in the night breeze, only the occasional cry of a night bird could be heard.

A slender figure gently pushed open the wooden door of the outermost greenhouse. The old door creaked as it turned, startling the newcomer.

"Miss, you've finally come!"

In the dim light, Winnie's face looked even more terrifying, like a vengeful ghost from the depths of hell. Fortunately, Ning Su-nu was used to such sights; though her heart trembled, she maintained a composed facade.

"Yes, I've thought it over!" Ning Su-nu said firmly, "I just want to know your identity!"

“Are you afraid I’m deceiving you?” Winnie smiled inwardly. “If I were to make up a story, you wouldn’t be able to verify its truth, so why bother?”

Ning Su Nu said rather dejectedly, “You’re right, but people always need to comfort themselves!”

Saying this, she laughed self-deprecatingly, “I think confirming your identity would make me feel better.”

Winnie smiled slightly and nodded, “I know Miss’s feelings are complicated, but my affairs have nothing to do with Miss. If you knew, it might become a burden for you in the future.”

Ning Su Nu’s dark, beautiful eyes flickered slightly, and she suddenly bowed to Winnie, saying, “Thank you for your concern, sir. Ning Su Nu understands!”

Winnie nodded. This beauty was indeed intelligent and beautiful, a rare and stunning woman. Thinking of this, a crazy idea suddenly popped into his mind: what if he took the opportunity to take her away as well…

Thinking of this, his heart couldn’t help but heat up, and his gaze towards Ning Su Nu changed.

"Uncle Winnie, what's wrong?"

Ning Su's gentle voice pulled him back from his reverie. Winnie shook his head. How could he have thought of such a thing? To take advantage of someone in distress like this was utterly shameless!

He looked closely at Ning Su's radiant face again, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly. This woman truly lived up to her reputation as a beauty renowned throughout Esnia—charming and alluring, yet also pitiful. Even his stagnant heart was stirred.

Then, he suddenly realized that if Ning Su hadn't called him "Uncle Winnie," he might have truly found himself in an unjust situation. Was this a coincidence? Or had she already seen through his thoughts?

Thinking of this, Winnie secretly wiped away a cold sweat. He composed himself slightly and said softly to Ning Su, "Come with me!" With that, he took a package from the cabinet in the corner.

In the west of the backyard was a storage room for miscellaneous items. Since Winnie arrived, he had tidied it up, using it to store tools and as a greenhouse; very few others entered.

Ning Sunu followed Winnie into the room and discovered a large open space in the center of the house. Seven potted plants were arranged around the open space according to the seven stars, and moonlight streaming in from the skylight above illuminated this area.

"This is a magical seven-star array. Magicians use this array to summon their own magical spirits,"

Winnie explained briefly, noticing Ning Sunu's questioning gaze. He planned to summon a magical spirit to change Ning Sunu's appearance—a method that consumed a large amount of magic power but was very safe.

Because magical spirits, being aggregates of magical power, were far more adept at manipulating magic than their magician masters. However, summoning a magical spirit required time, a suitable location, and certain items; in actual combat, very few people would use this technique. If a mage trains to the point where they can easily summon magical spirits, they have naturally reached the level of a strategist. At that point, any spell can unleash tremendous power in their hands, thus eliminating the need to expend a large amount of magic power to summon magical spirits.

Following Winnie's instructions, Ning Su Nu sat cross-legged at the center of the Seven Star Array, her palms together, lightly touching, then her eyes closed, adjusting her breathing, calming her mind, and slowly entering a state of ethereal tranquility.

Seeing Ning Su Nu, who had never been exposed to magic before, enter the state so quickly, Winnie couldn't help but marvel. This beautiful woman possessed considerable magical talent; if given the opportunity to learn magic, her development would be very promising.

He opened the bag he had brought with him, took out seven candles, lit them, and placed them around Ning Su Nu according to their positions. Then he took out a vermilion brush and quickly drew on the ground. With

everything ready, Winnie took a deep breath, calmed himself, slowly raised his hands to chest level, silently circulated his energy, and began to concentrate his spirit.

His eyes snapped open, flashing with lightning-like light. His cloth robe rippled like water, and his white hair moved without wind.

With a sudden, low shout, Winnie's palms shot outwards, rapidly forming mysterious hand seals in front of him. Suddenly, a strange wind rose, causing the candlelight to flicker precariously. But quickly, seemingly under some inexplicable pressure, the wind gathered around Ning Su Nu, stretching the red candlelight into a thin line, even turning its color a ghastly green.

The entire Seven Star Array was now enveloped by a mysterious power. A strange pressure was pressing down, constricting, and impacting Ning Su Nu at the center of the array, the source of which was Winnie's mind.

"Heed my call, demon spirit, manifest!"

As Winnie uttered the final incantation, all the candlelight dimmed instantly. From the darkness came eerie, chilling sounds, and strange, hazy shadows drifted in the moonlight, appearing and disappearing, their shapes indistinct.

Winnie's eyes dimmed as he regained his composure. Just as he was about to relax, he suddenly shuddered and stared at the strange phenomenon that had appeared in the Seven Star Array, his face turning pale.

A whirlwind, too thick to see clearly, spun incessantly. Within it, something, like a ghost or an animal, vanished in an instant, disappearing into Ning Su's delicate body at the heart of the formation. For a moment, Winnie seemed to see Ning Su's body undergo a slight transformation.

"What's going on?..."

Faced with a situation far beyond his comprehension, Winnie was dumbfounded. When his demonic spirit appeared, it wasn't like this at all. Normally, the summoned spirit should form a contract with him, communicating with his mind. But now, he couldn't sense a trace of the spirit's presence. Instead, he felt a strange magical power surging towards him, like a tidal wave, making it difficult for him to breathe. His

magical skills weren't particularly high to begin with, and he began to feel afraid. What kind of thing had been summoned? At the same time, he was very puzzled. He had summoned the spirit using the same method, so why was this time so different from before?

At this moment, Ning Su Nu's neatly combed hair suddenly came undone, flying rapidly. The muscles on her bright and beautiful face began to contract, relax, tense, and twist, creating a chilling sight. Her captivating beauty was now completely gone!

Although he felt fear, he knew that the current situation was absolutely detrimental to Ning Su Nu, who was at the center of the formation. Enduring the powerful force emanating from the center, Winnie leaped forward, shouting, "Miss Ning Su Nu!"

"How dare you!"

Ning Su Nu abruptly opened her eyes. Her once alluring, deep, dark eyes were no longer captivating, radiating a strange, cold light, like the eyes of a demon from the depths of hell. Combined with her flying hair and twitching, distorted face, the eerie aura emanating from her was chilling! A timid person would truly feel their legs go weak and their body collapse.

Winnie had reached within arm's reach of Ning Su Nu, but a force powerful enough to paralyze anyone blocked his path, making it almost impossible for him to move. He knew that what was controlling Ning Su Nu's body was a terrifying demonic spirit with immense mental and magical power; if he confronted it head-on, he was no match for it. But what terrible consequences would result if it truly gained complete control of Ning Su Nu's body?

His exceptional intelligence and decisiveness allowed him to immediately decide on his next move. He lunged forward, and as the force intensified, he suddenly flicked his toes, flipping backward to a candle. With a sudden burst of strength, he swept the candle flame over.

He had calculated accurately; the strange force protecting the candle was not strong. Clearly, the uninvited guest hadn't expected him to abandon Ning Su Nu and instead destroy the Seven Star Array, as such abrupt interruption of the magic array could turn anyone within it into a corpse.

The pale green candlelight dimmed as it fell, and simultaneously, a bolt of lightning shot up, disappearing into the whirlwind at the center of the array. Ning Su's delicate body trembled violently, and

the divine light in her eyes vanished. As the candles were extinguished one by one, bolts of lightning struck the core of the formation, and a haunting sound faintly echoed, like the wails of ghosts and gods. The divine light in Ning Su's eyes gradually dimmed, and the tremors in her body grew more and more intense.

When the last candle went out, a fierce glint suddenly flashed in Ning Su's eyes, and the whirlwind that had been shrinking at the core of the formation suddenly surged, becoming like a living, tangible creature, rushing towards Winnie, who had just regained his footing.

"Good heavens!" Winnie exclaimed inwardly. He knew this was the demonic spirit's last-ditch counterattack. This attack was at its most powerful, but without the support of the Seven Star Magic Array and without the mental guidance of a mage, the pure spirit demonic spirit couldn't unleash its full potential.

"Guardian of the Wind God! Swift!"

Winnie shouted, his hands rapidly waving in front of him. As he formed hand seals, he leaped into the air, his legs swinging like scissors, creating a series of leg shadows in front of him. The wondrous mental technique of "multitasking" and the superb legwork of "Cloud-Splitting Swallowtail Scissors"—in an instant, he unleashed all his most prized skills.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!..."

Each kick struck the whirlwind with a resounding impact, a strange power coursing through his body, making Winnie extremely uncomfortable. But the rapidly spinning whirlwind seemed to be shaken, its speed gradually slowing, yet it continued its forward momentum, about to collide with Winnie's hand seals. With

a deafening roar, Winnie's "Guardian of the Wind God" shattered, a massive surge of energy slamming into his chest, sending him flying through the air, crashing into objects behind him until he slammed into the wall. Winnie felt a sweet taste in his throat, and spat out a mouthful of blood.

The strange whirlwind scattered in all directions, like a violent tornado, smashing everything in the room to pieces—a complete catastrophe!

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Chapter 8 of the Romantic Continent: The Fault of Hua Rong

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