The air in the Red Lotus Pavilion was heavy with a potent mix of cheap perfume, sweat and something floral that was probably meant to be alluring. Loud cheerful music played on instruments Xiao Yun didn’t recognize. It sounded vaguely like the distorted sound of zithers and drums. Scantily clad women, all painted smiles and shimmering fabrics twirled and swayed across a stage, their movements deliberately provocative under the watchful eyes of patrons who ranged from leering merchants to young masters who were trying to look worldly.

  For Jack, or rather now Xiao Yun, it was sensory overload. One moment he'd gone to bed, and the next, BAM! He was Xiao Yun, a name that wasn’t even mentioned in the novel, not that he could remember anyway. Side character didn’t even begin to describe it. He was more like the background scenery with a name tag.

  And here he was, stuck in said scenery, in a gaudy brothel called Red Lotus Pavilion in Fallen Star City. The fictional world was suddenly real.

  Beside him, Fatty Wang was enjoying himself. His large frame jiggled with mirth as he surveyed the dancing girls, a half-empty flagon of something pink sloshing dangerously in his hand.

  "Ah Xiao Yun, my brother! Isn’t this Peach Blossom Wine just heavenly?" Fatty Wang exclaimed, his voice a cheerful rumble that threatened to drown out the already loud music.

  In his fragmented memories Fatty Wang had been a lively, if somewhat simple friend of Xiao Yun’s. He was loyal, easily pleased and obsessed with food and drink, traits that seemed to have translated perfectly into reality.

  Xiao Yun picked up the flagon, sniffing cautiously. It smelled rather fruity. He took a small sip. It tasted like cheap rice wine mixed with artificial peach flavoring that caused a burning sensation at the back of his throat. “Heavenly?” he echoed, trying to keep the skepticism out of his voice. “It’s…ahem, sweet.”

  Fatty Wang beamed, oblivious to Xiao Yun’s lack of enthusiasm. “Sweet, yes! But you see Xiao Yun this isn’t just any sweet wine! This is Peach Blossom Spiritual Wine! Made with real peach blossoms imbued with Qi! It invigorates the meridians they say!” He took another hefty gulp, smacking his lips. “I can practically feel my cultivation base improving with every sip!”

  Xiao Yun resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He’d read the novel a long time ago, he’d heard the term ‘spiritual wine’, it sounded impressive. Now tasting this glorified fruit juice, he was even more convinced. It seemed the author had been a little generous in his descriptions. Reality was proving to be far less impressive and a lot stickier.

  He was about to politely decline another sip of the ‘spiritual’ swill when a soft voice chirped beside him. “Big Brother Yun, you’re here!”

  Xiao Yun froze. He recognized that voice. He turned slowly, and his stomach did a nervous flip-flop. Standing beside their table was Mei’er.

  In his memories, Mei’er had been the reason original Xiao Yun frequented the Red Lotus Pavilion. She was petite, with wide innocent eyes and a smile that was both sweet and subtly practiced. She wore a red dress that shimmered in the dim light, its cut daring even by Red Lotus Pavilion standards. And that was the problem.

  In the novel, Mei’er would have been a fantasy, a flirtatious character. In reality standing in front of him with her youthful features and naive enthusiasm, she looked incredibly young. Too young. Jack, the 29-year-old earthling, felt a sudden and profound discomfort. He was old enough to be, well, certainly not her ‘Big Brother’ in the way she probably meant. He was old enough to be her older brother yes but not in a fun flirty way. More in a ‘stern uncle who disapproves of your life choices’ kind of way.

  “Mei’er!” Fatty Wang greeted warmly. His smile widened even further. “Look at you, like a beautiful little peach blossom yourself!”

  Mei’er giggled, her gaze flickering between Fatty Wang and Xiao Yun. She gave Fatty Wang a polite nod, but her eyes lingered on Xiao Yun, her smile becoming a touch more radiant. “Big brother Wang is always so kind. But Mei’er came to greet big brother Yun. It’s been a while!”

  Xiao Yun managed a weak smile. “Hello Mei’er.” he said, his voice sounding strained even to his own ears. He felt like he was talking to a kid sister, except this kid sister was dressed like she was about to star in a very different kind of play.

  “Brother Xiao Yun looks a little different.” Mei’er tilted her head, studying him with those wide innocent eyes. “Did something happen?”

  Jack’s internal alarm bells started ringing. ‘Different’ was putting it mildly. He was a completely different person inhabiting Xiao Yun’s body! He had no idea what the original Xiao Yun was like beyond fragmented memories, but he was pretty sure ‘quietly awkward and visibly uncomfortable’ wasn’t his usual brothel persona.

  “He’s just cultivating hard!” Fatty Wang interjected, patting Xiao Yun jovially on the back, nearly sending him sprawling. “Too much Qi cultivation, right Xiao Yun? Makes you introspective!”

  Xiao Yun shot Fatty Wang a relieved look. “Yes.” he mumbled, seizing the lifeline. “Cultivation. It’s very demanding.”

  Mei’er’s eyes widened. “Oh! Big brother Xiao Yun is working hard to become strong? That’s wonderful!” She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a low whisper. “Maybe when you’re strong, you can protect Mei’er from bad people.” She flirtingly batted her eyelashes and Xiao Yun felt a fresh wave of discomfort wash over him.

  This was it. This was the moment original Xiao Yun would probably jump at, the moment where he’d lean in, maybe whisper something playful and definitely buy more ‘spiritual’ wine. But Jack? Jack wanted to vanish. He wanted to teleport back to his dingy apartment, back to the glow of his computer screen, back to the predictable and boring reality of his office job. Anything but this.

  “Right, protect you.” Xiao Yun mumbled again, his mind scrambling for a polite escape. “Of course. That’s quite…important.”

  Fatty Wang seemed to sense Xiao Yun’s discomfort, albeit in his own cheerfully misguided way. “Come now Mei’er, don’t distract Xiao Yun from his wine! We’re celebrating! Come have a seat, join us!” He gestured expansively to the empty chair at their table.

  Mei’er’s smile faltered for a moment then brightened again, directed solely at Xiao Yun. “If Brother Yun wishes it Mei’er would be honored.”

  Xiao Yun felt trapped. He was cornered by a cheerful fatty, a precocious courtesan house employee and a flagon of suspiciously fruity ‘spiritual’ wine. This was supposed to be a fun, comedic adventure in a fantasy world! Where was the comedy? All he felt was awkwardness and a growing urge to find the nearest exit, preferably one that led back to his old life, even with the irritating managers and mountains of backed up paperwork.

  He forced another strained smile. “Yes, please, Mei’er. Join us.”

  Mei’er settled into the chair with a graceful swirl of her red dress. The music swelled, the dancers on stage launched into a more energetic routine and Fatty Wang refilled everyone’s cups with the pink concoction. Xiao Yun took another sip and grimaced inwardly. This was going to be a long night. He could already feel a headache brewing and it had nothing to do with stimulated meridians and everything to do with existential dread and a profound feeling of being utterly out of his depth in this bizarre, suddenly real fantasy.

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  As Mei’er launched into a bubbly monologue about the latest gossip in the Red Lotus Pavilion, and Fatty Wang roared with laughter at a particularly suggestive joke, Xiao Yun stared blankly at the dancing girls.

  Maybe, just maybe if he closed his eyes and wished hard enough he’d wake up back at his desk, the only reality being the pixelated letters on his screen and not this very real, very pink and very awkward mess he’d somehow stumbled into. But deep down, he knew this was his new reality.

  As the night dragged on, the atmosphere seemed to turn livelier. A high-pitched, stringed melody that sounded like a cat fight in a music box filled the air, battling with the boisterous laughter and chatter of the patrons. Scantily clad women, showcasing more skin than fabric weaved through the crowded tables. They were holding trays laden with wine and smiles, some genuine some expertly practiced.

  Xiao Yun felt like a fish out of water, specifically a fish that had been plucked from a quiet aquarium and dumped into a particularly rowdy seafood market. He nervously adjusted the collar of his worn dark blue silk robes, which felt very unfamiliar for his usual jeans and t-shirt life. Across the small round table, Fatty Wang was having the time of his life. His multiple chins wobbled with each hearty guffaw as he drained another cup of the expensive Peach Blossom wine. The sweet pink liquid sloshed perilously close to the rim with each enthusiastic movement.

  While Wang Jun was busy with his wine and food, Mei’er launched into a detailed account of her day, which seemed to involve mostly polishing things, practicing dancing, learning to play the zither and gossiping with the other girls.

  “And then Manager Hong was saying that Lady Bai from the Soaring Sword Sect is here in Fallen Star City! Imagine, Lady Bai! She’s so beautiful and strong, they say she can control wind and thunder with a wave of her hand!” Mei’er’s eyes were wide with innocent excitement.

  Jack nodded vaguely, his mind elsewhere. Even after a month he was still trying to process the sheer absurdity of his situation.

  Suddenly, the already noisy pavilion seemed to hush. The music faltered, then picked up again, but with a noticeably different rhythm. It was slower and more sensual. All heads turned towards the grand entrance, where a figure stood framed by the red drapes.

  Her violet dress shimmered in the lantern light. An elaborate concoction of silk and lace that defied gravity and decency in equal measure. It was risqué undoubtedly, but somehow managed to be both alluring and elegant. She seemed to be in her early to mid-twenties, her dark blue hair was styled in intricate braids adorned with jade ornaments and her skin seemed to glow with an inner luminescence. Her blue eyes almost shone like jewels. She moved with a feline grace, each step deliberate and captivating.

  A ripple of excitement mixed with a healthy dose of awe went through the room. Several of the wealthier looking patrons, their faces flushed with wine and anticipation made to approach her but the dancer simply offered them a dazzling smile and a subtle shake of her head. They faltered, momentarily charmed and rebuffed in the same instant.

  Even Wang Jun who was busy with his food and wine stopped stuffing his face to stare at this woman with a stupefied look. Xiao Yun had to admit that she was indeed quite beautiful, but for someone like him who was spoiled by watching countless Instagram models and influencers her beauty was nothing extraordinary. When seeing the next top-level beauty was a single scroll away, one became somewhat immune to their charms.

  Seeing all the men almost salivating over this new girl, Mei’er pouted. “Hmph, what’s so good about her? They’re just looking at her from just because she’s new. In a few years I’ll be more beautiful than her.”

  Snapping out of his reverie Wang Jun turned to her while wiping his mouth with his sleeve and asked enthusiastically.

  “Ahem, sister Mei’er did you say she’s new? Is she the girl who came from beyond the prefecture? What did you say her name was?”

  Mei’er shot Fatty Wang a sharp look. “Humph, do you think she’s prettier than me?”

  Fatty Wang answered awkwardly. “Of course not, I was just curious about her since she’s a newcomer, you’re one of the most beautiful girls in the city!”

  Fatty Wang eventually managed coax her and learn the new girl’s name. “Her name’s Jue Li.” Answered Mei’er reluctantly.

  Fatty Wang repeated her name while staring at the purple clad girl as if in a trance. “Jue Li, a name as beautiful as its owner.”

  Mei’er was irritated at how Fatty Wang was behaving like some squishy poet, so she turned to look at Xiao Yun for some reassurance. Sensing the trouble coming his way, Xiao Yun averted his gaze and stared at the wooden floor like a skilled carpenter appreciating the intricate construction of this fine establishment.

  While Xiao Yun was busy playing the three wise monkeys, the atmosphere inside the pavilion was bursting with anticipation.

  Jue Li ascended a small ornate stage that had been cleared in the center of the pavilion. The music softened, becoming almost hypnotic. She began to dance. It wasn’t a dance in the traditional sense, there were no energetic leaps or spins. Instead it was a slow mesmerizing undulation of her body, a subtle sway of her hips and a languid extension of her arms. Her movements were fluid and her eyes, dark blue like the sea and enigmatic swept across the room, holding everyone captive in their gaze.

  Jack, despite his internal turmoil and general discomfort with the situation found himself watching, transfixed. There was something undeniably captivating about her presence, a raw magnetic allure that pulled you in. He was vaguely aware of Fatty Wang beside him, practically drooling and Mei’er, who was watching with a mix of jealousy and wide-eyed wonder.

  Subsequently Jue Li’s gaze locked onto theirs. Specifically it locked onto Jack’s, or rather Xiao Yun's. A slow smile curved her lips, and she subtly inclined her head. Then to everyone's surprise, instead of continuing her performance, she gracefully stepped off the stage and began to walk towards their table.

  The patrons around them murmured in disbelief and envy. Jue Li, the new jewel of the Red Lotus Pavilion was approaching them? Fatty Wang puffed out his chest, preening under the attention and assuming probably rightly that her approach was related to their table's generous consumption of Peach Blossom wine and his general air of a ‘wealthy patron’. Mei’er giggled nervously, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve.

  As Jue Li drew closer the subtle details of her appearance became clearer. The exquisite embroidery on her dress, the delicate makeup that enhanced her features and the faint scent of exotic perfumes that wafted around her. And then Jack saw it.

  Just above the low neckline of her dress close to her heart, partially hidden by a cascade of dark blue hair was a tattoo. Small, intricate and undeniably sinister. A coiled red serpent, its scales rendered in minute detail. Its ruby eyes gleaming with malevolent intent.

  The Blood Cult.

  A cold dread washed over Jack, replacing the previous discomfort with a chill that went bone deep. He knew that symbol. Every reader of ‘The Heavenly Fate’ knew that symbol. The Red Serpent was the mark of the Blood Cult, a secretive and notoriously dangerous organization of demonic cultivators. They were the villains of countless conflicts, the perpetrators of gruesome rituals, the masters of forbidden techniques that involved, among other things, human sacrifice.

  His knowledge of setting, that was usually a source of trivia and nerdy amusement back in his old life suddenly became a horrifying burden. He was sitting a mere few feet away from a member of a demonic sect, in a brothel, in a world where cultivation was real and danger lurked around every beautifully decorated corner.

  Jue Li reached their table, her smile widening, and placed a delicate hand on the back of Fatty Wang’s chair. “Good evening esteemed guests.” her voice was like honeyed wine, smooth and intoxicating. “I couldn’t help but notice you enjoying yourselves. May I join you for a moment?”

  Fatty Wang who practically vibrating with delight scrambled to his feet. “Lady Jue Li! It would be our - our profound honor!” He gestured grandly to the empty chair beside Mei’er.

  Jue Li gracefully seated herself, her movements fluid and elegant even in such close quarters. She turned her captivating gaze onto Fatty Wang. “You have excellent taste in wine, sir.”

  “Ah, just the best for my friends!” Fatty Wang boomed, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension that had suddenly gripped Xiao Yun like a vise.

  Jue Li’s head turned slightly, her eyes now flickering towards Xiao Yun. Her smile softened. “And you, young master,” she said, her voice dropping to a silken whisper that seemed to only reach his ears, “you have a thoughtful air about you. What are you pondering so deeply?”

  Jack swallowed hard, his mind racing. Play it cool, he told himself frantically. Don’t panic. Just act normal. But what was ‘normal’ when you were sitting next to a demonic cultist in a brothel?

  He forced a crooked smile, a weak shaky imitation of amusement. “Just admiring the, uh, atmosphere.” he stammered, feeling utterly ridiculous and completely out of his depth.

  Jue Li’s smile widened, just a fraction, but in her eyes, Jack saw a flicker of something else, something sharp and calculating, like the sharp glint of steel beneath silk. “The atmosphere, yes,” she purred, her gaze lingering on him a moment longer than necessary. “It can be quite intoxicating, can’t it?”

  Intoxicating and terrifying, Jack thought, his heart hammering against his ribs. He was trapped in a brothel with a demonic cultist for company, and Fatty Wang was still merrily asking Jue Li if she wanted to try the Peach Blossom wine. This was going to be a very, very long night indeed.