The Flirting Men Time-Space Agency

"I bid one thousand taels," came a deep voice from the second-floor private room. The speaker was none other than Raven Skylar. This woman was highly suspicious, and for those posing potential threats, it was only prudent to keep them close until matters were fully understood. No one would lay a hand on her until then.

"Brother, you must be mistaken. The current bid is three thousand taels. Do you really think you can outbid me with your one thousand?" The burly man, who had placed the highest bid earlier, grinned smugly. "It seems Yue Lan will belong to me."

"I am bidding in gold!" A collective gasp rippled through the hall. One thousand taels of gold? Just for a chance to meet Yue Lan? Truly a display of vast wealth. Everyone turned their gaze toward the window, eager to discern the identity of the bold bidder, but to their dismay, the window had been closed.

It seemed that the opportunity to become Yue Lan's guest had slipped away, and all that remained was to indulge in one last glimpse of her.

"Yue Lan, would you like to meet him?" Cui Juan whispered softly in Yue Lan's ear. When Yue Lan first agreed to perform at Cuiyan Pavilion, she had set the condition that she would only sell her art, not her body. Who she met was entirely up to her. In return, all the earnings she received would go to Cui Juan. Despite the harsh terms, Cui Juan had agreed—how could she not, when Yue Lan's beauty was so stunning that even she, as a woman, was awed? And of course, men were no exception.

"Mm, Cui Juan, please bring him to my room." There were more pressing matters to attend to; Gu Han could be set aside for now.

Yue Lan raised her gaze toward the closed window, her smile growing ever more beguiling. If she remembered correctly, that private room was reserved for Victor Skylar. It seemed the bait had been taken. "I will retire to my room for now." With that, Yue Lan turned and left.

Yue Lan was Elora's name while at Cuiyan Pavilion. She had been infiltrating the establishment for over a month, all for the man, Victor Skylar. She had expected it would take considerable effort, but she was surprised to find him arriving so soon.

Cuiyan Pavilion was the premier brothel in Xuandu, its beams crafted from sandalwood, its columns painted in vermilion, and its foundations adorned with gilded accents—an embodiment of opulence. More importantly, the Pavilion's behind-the-scenes owner was none other than Victor Skylar, the youngest son of Evan Skylar, the head of the Skycrest Sect.

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained." If Evan Skylar wished to target the Nebula Sect, he must be prepared for failure.

Now, the priority was to gather concrete evidence of Evan Skylar's actions, evidence that could tarnish the Nebula Sect's name due to his greed, and then expose it for all to see. And who better to target than his son, Victor, who was the easiest to approach? After all, the most dangerous place is often the safest.

The brothel, teeming with all sorts of people, was a goldmine for gathering vital information. The shadow guards had investigated Victor Skylar, discovering that he was rather simple-minded, lacking martial prowess, and easy to approach. However, his elder brother, Raven Skylar, was far more formidable.

"Have you gathered information on this woman?" Raven Skylar's cold gaze fixed on Cui Juan.

"Yes, my lord," Cui Juan answered, her voice trembling. "Miss Yue Lan comes from a reputable family. Her father was once an official, but his estate was seized. She was the only one to escape. She entered Cuiyan Pavilion out of necessity, though she remains proud, as expected from a former noblewoman." Cui Juan shivered under Raven Skylar's intense scrutiny. His methods were ruthless, and the mere thought of the gruesome images she had heard about made her body stiffen, causing her to grow even more respectful.

The information was reliable, but Raven Skylar remained suspicious. Something felt off, and it seemed things were only becoming more interesting. He decided to withhold judgment until he personally met Yue Lan.

"Yue Lan, Lord Raven Skylar has arrived," Cui Juan's voice was filled with reverence as she bowed to Raven Skylar upon reaching Yue Lan's door. "My lord, I shall take my leave."

Raven Skylar nodded slightly and pushed the door open.

"Please, sit, my lord." Yue Lan greeted him with a slight start. She had previously investigated Victor Skylar and seen his portrait—this man was definitely not him. Though he bore some resemblance to Victor, the killing intent emanating from him was unmistakable. Could this be Raven Skylar?

This man was dangerous, and Elora knew she had to tread carefully.

Although Elora was inwardly wary, she maintained her composure, offering a pleasant smile. "I've just brewed a pot of tea. Please, my lord, allow me to serve you." She extended a cup of tea toward Raven Skylar.