Li Qingmu was back in the Flower Garden Tavern through the side entrance. He easily blended into the crowd of merry patrons and perfumed courtesans. His earlier exit had been quite dramatic, but he never truly left when unfinished business called.
He scanned the main hall first but nothing useful there.
His gaze drifted toward the backyard garden.
Lanterns glowed softly among flowering vines, and in the small open pavilion near the sparkling lotus pond sat a familiar cluster of beautiful women.
These were Sect Master Dai's special prostitutes.
Perfect.
Li Qingmu straightened his collar and cleared his throat lightly as he strolled over with confidence.
One of the girls spotted him first.
Her eyes widened.
She quickly leaned toward the others and hissed.
"Quick, look away! Ignore him completely. Master Dai strictly warned us never to speak to that man, never to even glance his way. He's trouble."
