"That's Senior Dai!" one of the disciples exclaimed, their voice filled with awe and admiration.
"Wow, she is just as beautiful as the rumors said!" another disciple chimed in, their excitement palpable.
Glances were exchanged among the disciples, murmurs filling the air as they observed Senior Dai's presence. Yet, it was easy to forget that everyone present were cultivators, far beyond the realm of mortals.
As expected, when the young lady caught wind of their words, she instinctively straightened her posture, her long silver hair cascading down her back, reaching her slim waist and accentuating her graceful curves. With every move, she exuded an air of elegance and confidence.
Xia Wei's gaze locked onto her, drawn to her clear, captivating aqua eyes. In response, she blushed and shyly brushed her front hair behind her ears, revealing her long, slender neck.
Senior Dai hesitated briefly when she received no immediate response from Xia Wei, but she summoned her courage and continued, "If the young master has some free time, our patriarch hopes for your presence at the sect meeting.
"-The gathering will address the fate of the sect traitor, as well as the matters concerning disciple Lin Jie and Qian Ya, who schemed against you."
"Hooh?" Xia Wei furrowed his brow as he listened attentively. He was already aware of the meeting's content, having learned it through Old Ping's explanation and his discreet observations as a fly.
From an outsider's perspective, it appeared that he was wholly focused on his breakthrough, leaving his guardian with no room to disturb him.
However, Xia Wei couldn't help but wonder why they still allowed these disciples to train in the vicinity. Contemplating for a moment, he ultimately decided to overlook these minor concerns.
Senior Dai, noticing his change in expression, felt a surge of panic. Her aqua eyes anxiously scanned the leaves on the nearby pine tree as she desperately sought a way to please the young master.
Almost in slow motion, she added hurriedly, "Young master, you can choose not to attend. I, little Dai, will personally visit you after the meeting." She spoke without thinking, only realizing the implications of her words afterward, her face turning as red as a tomato from embarrassment.
Although it seemed as though she was selling herself, her intentions stemmed from her deep loyalty to the sect that had taken her in as an orphan, providing her with sustenance and shelter.
Sneaking glances at his handsome face and considering his background, she thought it wouldn't be too bad to offer herself to him.
"Very well, inform the patriarch that I will attend the meeting," Xia Wei replied casually, not bothering to notice her crestfallen expression. He rose from his seat, finally acknowledging the young lady's sulking demeanor. "Is there anything else?"
As Senior Dai heard his question, her back jolted, snapping her out of her thoughts. She regained her composure and stammered, "N-No, young master. I will inform the patriarch immediately." Her voice shook, and she waved her hand hastily.
Just as she was about to leave, a hand gently grasped her slim waist, preventing her from moving. A soft whisper caressed her ears, causing her body to shiver. "Wait, I will accompany you."
Those words rendered her mind blank. Her body froze, almost forgetting to breathe. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of emotions, she couldn't help but feel warmth seep into her trembling form.
She realized she was now face to face with a strikingly handsome visage, adorned with dark magenta eyes that seemed to peer into the depths of her innocent heart.
Slowly, the handsome face retreated, revealing the blurred scenery around them. Faces materialized in her vision, and she suddenly recognized a few of her juniors among them.
"Lead the way, Miss Dai," a voice gently resonated in her ears, snapping her back to reality. Before she knew it, she found herself gazing at him, a genuine smile gracing her features.
"Oh, please forgive me, young master," Miss Dai quickly bowed her head, her hand cupped high on her shoulder, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at her momentary lapse.
In the same breath, she glanced around, only to discover that the images of her supposed juniors were mere illusions, figments of her imagination. There was no one else present but her and the young master.
...
Thousand Illusionary Sect, Lower Area, Temporary Hall,
After a few minutes, they arrived at a building—an underground structure with a grand hall that bore resemblance to Roman architecture. Its bamboo roof and hardwood walls extended, adorned with numerous red pillars.
Stepping into the hall, Xia Wei was greeted by a massive golden door, embellished with a fierce tiger statue and a golden ring embedded in its mouth.
Two disciples stood guard by the door, bowing deeply as soon as they spotted Xia Wei and Senior Dai, their hands cupped in respect.
"Welcome, young master!" they exclaimed in unison. The eyes of the tiger statue glimmered brightly, accompanied by a resounding click.
Simultaneously, the enormous door swung open on its own, revealing a row of elders, their heads bowed at the same level as Xia Wei's waist, their hands held higher than their shoulders.
"Welcome, young master!" echoed throughout the hall. With the door ajar, the glass marble floor reflected Xia Wei's figure, adding an ethereal touch to the atmosphere.
In the midst of the hall stood a solitary chair, elevated and placed at the center, towering above the elders who occupied the lower positions.
Xia Wei stepped into the hall with measured strides, while Miss Dai, having fulfilled her duty, excused herself. As the door gradually closed, she stole a final glance at the retreating figure of Xia Wei, who seemed unperturbed by their earlier encounter.
A sigh escaped her lips, and she shook her head in disappointment. "I am but a toad longing for the delicacy of a swan. Standing by his side is an impossible dream," she murmured to herself.
Her clear, aqua eyes flickered with a momentary light before clouding over, resembling the somber gaze of a lifeless fish.