Chapter 106: Ascension Ward

Following my brother Kun guarantees a life of luxury and comfort, truly indulgent.

The entire airship terminal was arranged in a circular formation, with single-story buildings that offered an excellent view. From here, one could clearly see the massive airships surrounding the area. At the center was a large plaza where people gathered, waiting for the airship’s arrival—after all, there was only one trip per day.

If one chose not to leave that day, staying overnight at the terminal was costly; otherwise, they would have to descend the mountain and sleep on the grass.

As the saying goes, ascending the mountain is easy, but coming down is hard. Most would rather pay the steep fee at the terminal than face the hardship of descending again.

Ye Kun noticed that youths like this one were not few; many others of similar ilk surrounded the lavishly dressed men and women, attempting to deceive them.

If someone had a pretty companion or anything of value, they became the target of these swindlers.

“Brother, be careful, there’s trickery afoot.” Ye Qin was deeply worried, fearing that his brother would be deceived without realizing it. Among the group, Ye Qin considered himself the weakest—no, actually Yuan Zhen and Feng Dian were the bottom two.

“Little brother, when you’re out in the world, there’s always risk. Should we really go back and report Father? He’s already suffered enough.” Ye Kun whispered. Their mother was too strict with their father; it was better to let him live his life peacefully for a while.

Ye Qin sighed deeply. “Brother, then let’s sit by the window.”

“You brat.” Ye Kun gave him a light punch, and Ye Qin grinned.

Seeing his little brother like this, Ye Kun finally felt at ease; he was back to normal.

The group soon followed the youth to a place called Ascension Hall, and Ye Kun noticed it was unlike any other establishment. Its size was impressive, and several experts guarded the premises.

“Sir, Ascension Hall is the largest gambling house at the airship terminal, absolutely fair and just.”

Feng Dian scoffed, “First time I’ve heard of a gambling house being fair.”

“This gentleman will see for himself once inside. Ascension Hall is no ordinary gambling house. Please, enjoy yourselves; I’ll take my leave.” The youth seemed only responsible for guiding people here and nothing more.

Curious, Ye Kun asked, “Do you actually have tickets?”

“No. If you want, I can sell you fake ones. Tickets to Ankang Continent sell out by morning. The cheapest now costs twenty gold coins, while window seats go for a hundred. But you can win airship tickets here; too many want to go to Ankang Continent, but not everyone can.”

With that, the youth left, heading to collect money from a steward and then seeking other targets.

“First time here, young masters and ladies?” a smiling young woman spoke softly nearby.

Ye Kun turned to see a striking woman: phoenix-shaped eyes, a high nose bridge, small cherry lips, and fair skin that suggested good care. A small mole above the corner of her eye gave Ye Kun the impression she was far less approachable than she appeared.

“Who are you?” Ye Kun asked, fixing his gaze on her with a smile.

“I am the owner here, Yue Zhu.”

The group was stunned; they hadn’t expected the proprietress herself to receive them. Kun’s reputation surely preceded him.

Yue Zhu’s attention was not on Ye Kun but rather on Ye Li and Yan Mu’er. If she could win them over, their future achievements would be extraordinary—far better than following this bald-headed fellow.

“I didn’t expect the owner to personally greet us. I am honored,” Ye Kun bowed slightly with a smile, understanding the significance of this personal reception.

His father had been right: beautiful women often bring trouble, especially ones like these, who attracted attention wherever they went. It seemed they would need to figuratively post “No Trespassing” signs on their foreheads.

“You flatter me, sir. Shall we walk and talk? I’d like to show you around the establishment.”

“All right,” Ye Kun replied without hesitation. If she wanted to stir trouble, he was ready to face it head-on.

Yue Zhu hadn’t expected this bald man to be so easy to deceive, but she became cautious. Most would hesitate, but he seemed as if money were no object.

Under Yue Zhu’s guidance, heavy iron doors were pulled open by two burly men, the deep thud echoing a sense of oppression.

“Please,” Yue Zhu inclined slightly.

Ye Kun was unreserved. Leading his wife and brothers inside, his expression seemed to declare to everyone: today, Kun was in charge.

Inside Ascension Hall, Ye Kun found it to be little more than an ordinary tavern.

“Sir, this floor is for resting. According to Taijing regulations, airship terminals cannot have two floors above ground, but nothing forbids building downward,” Yue Zhu explained as they approached a staircase.

Around them, many men and women drinking cast amused smiles at the owner leading a group of young people downstairs.

Young people were always easy marks.

Ye Kun chuckled lightly. “You’re quite the savvy businesswoman.”

“Are you flattering me, sir?” Yue Zhu glanced at him with a peculiar expression.

Ye Li and Yan Mu’er bristled; their Kun was not one to be trifled with.

“You should be more confident, madam.”

Ye Li and Yan Mu’er knew well that her husband’s words were always meant to humble.

Yue Zhu forced a smile. “You speak wisely, sir.”

This bald man was saying she lacked confidence—he certainly had a way with words!

She resolved to teach him how to be confident. These two young ladies were stunning, one of whom was the famed Yan Mu’er of Taijing. Today’s luck was truly exceptional.

Following Yue Zhu down the stairs, they passed two guards at the door. The place was impenetrable.

Just as the door opened, a strange sound reached them: some cried out in excitement, others in despair.

“Husband! Husband!”

The cries were not from Ye Li or Yan Mu’er but from a woman inside, her voice filled with misery.

This was only the beginning of the world’s harsh realities.

Ye Kun and Ye Qin had lived in Tai West County all their lives, having seen little of the world. Yuan Zhen and Feng Dian were in the same boat.

Though the latter two often teased Kun, their greatest ambition was to brand him a fool—a lifelong pursuit.

But that goal was likely even harder than cultivating to become a Sword Emperor.

At one small table, a middle-aged man sat stunned, despair etched across his face. His wife clutched his hand tightly, fear and hopelessness overwhelming her.

Before the man lay no gambling paraphernalia. Opposite him sat a man in his sixties, wearing a victorious grin, his eyes appraising the woman.

“I want to wager again!” the middle-aged man said solemnly.

The old man was confident. “Young man, what else do you have to bet?”

“My life! I bet my life!”

The room fell silent for a moment, then everyone returned to their own games. Wagering life was an everyday occurrence here. When it comes down to the last stake, there’s nothing left one cannot lose.