Author's Note
I'm planning to continue this novel—I have to say, it's really bringing me joy to write. I can't promise any regular schedule, but we'll see how it goes.
So, here's the new chapter. Enjoy!
Xia Tao
I sat turning the crystal with Xia Lina's information records in my hand. Curiosity tugged at me, tempting me to see what she had shared, but I simply didn't have the time right now.
"Hu Mei" I addressed my maid, who stood patiently to the side.
"Yes, Master?" she responded, inclining her head slightly.
"Take this" I handed her the crystal, "and make two hundred copies. Ensure that everyone authorized to learn this technique receives one."
"Yes, Master. Should this be ready by tomorrow?" she asked, always mindful of my schedule.
"Yes, by tomorrow will be fine" I replied after a moment's thought. There was the auction tonight, after all—plenty to occupy me.
After a short while, Zhen Yinglong approached, a hint of amusement in her eyes as she pulled up a chair beside me.
"Am I intruding?" she asked, already settling in.
"Not at all. How are you finding our mountain?" I asked.
She gestured to the teapot on the table. "May I?"
"Of course" I nodded.
She poured herself a cup, the faint aroma of strawberry leaves wafting into the air. I couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia—tea from our own world had a different flavor, one I hadn't realized I missed so much until now.
"In truth, I quite like it here," she replied, sipping thoughtfully. "There's something about this place… My entire body seems to feel at ease, almost as if just being here is nourishing."
She took another sip, enjoying the herbal brew I'd prepared. Tea made from strawberry leaves had a subtle effect; it cleared the mind and lifted the spirit.
"Curious drink" she remarked after a moment, a hint of wonder in her tone. "May I ask for the recipe?"
"Oh, I'm afraid that's a clan secret" I said with a grin.
She gave me a mildly displeased look, a hint of playful irritation in her eyes. We lapsed into a companionable silence, sipping tea and watching the pearl-sheen fish glide lazily through the pond below.
"Xia Tao" she finally broke the silence, "you're planning to attend tonight's auction, correct?"
"Yes" I replied simply.
"If you're interested, I could arrange for you to join me in my family's private box" she offered, her tone carrying a subtle hint of pride. "It's not VIP, but it's one of the family lodges—comfortable and well-situated."
"Is that so?" I raised an eyebrow, smiling slightly.
She shrugged, a small smirk of satisfaction on her lips. "Not to boast, but my family holds considerable influence. We just… don't flaunt it."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "I'm afraid I'll have to decline your invitation. We've already made arrangements for a reserved room specifically set aside for us."
"Hmm, well, I had to offer" she replied with a casual wave of her hand.
"In that case" I said, watching her carefully, "I extend a counter-invitation. You're welcome to join us in our lodge, if you like. I'm not entirely sure where it's located, but I think we'd enjoy the company."
Her lips curved into a pleased smile. "Very well, if you insist, I'd be happy to join you."
At that moment, Li Meiying approached, her expression thoughtful. "Wouldn't it be disrespectful to your own family to attend another lodge when they've already provided one?" she asked, a touch of mischief in her voice.
Zhen Yinglong turned to her with an amused look. "I must commend you on your excellent hearing, Meiying… unless, of course, you were eavesdropping?"
A faint blush colored Li Meiying's ears, but she stood her ground. Zhen Yinglong laughed, dismissing any hint of offense.
"In any case, don't worry. My family has always valued building connections with good people—they'll understand."
Li Meiying joined us at the table, pouring herself a cup of tea.
"Mmm, this strawberry tea is exquisite" she murmured after taking a sip.
"Strawberry?" Zhen Yinglong raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, don't worry" Meiying said with a sly smile. "Only those close to the Xia clan know about it. It's not really something you need to concern yourself with."
Zhen Yinglong's eyes narrowed. "I'm sure I'll learn that secret sooner or later."
They locked eyes, each one sizing up the other, their expressions cordial but their gazes sharp. Friendship wasn't exactly the word I'd use to describe their dynamic. Still, a little rivalry never hurt anyone. It was curious, though, that Meiying seemed to see Zhen Yinglong as her primary competitor, ignoring the other women around me. Who knows what goes on in her head?
Just then, Mei appeared, followed closely by Liu Qing and a hulking golem at her side. I had to stifle a laugh—Mei's walk still hadn't returned to normal. She moved with a stiff, slightly awkward gait, her lips pressed into a thin line as if she were holding back discomfort. Her movements looked forced, her body tense; I could tell she was struggling with the… "ornaments" she had been given. They were clearly making their presence known.
"Master" she said, stopping in front of me, "it's time to go. They're already waiting for us." Her voice was perfectly steady, but I noticed the faintest tremor at the corners of her mouth.
So focused had I been on watching the fish that I hadn't even noticed anyone approaching. "All right, if it's time, then let's go" I said, standing up. "Zhang Jing and Xia Lina aren't coming?"
Mei's face showed a hint of confusion. "My sister said she has some matters to attend to and couldn't spare the time for the auction. What those matters are, I'm afraid I don't know. As for Xia Lina—she went to rest. She spent the entire night preparing that crystal for us and said she was completely exhausted."
"Understood" I replied. And so, our little group set out for the edge of our territory: myself, Mei, Liu Qing, Zhen Yinglong, Li Meiying, Hu Mei, and the silent golem lumbering along behind us.
As we walked, I noticed that Li Meiying had slipped on a mask—one that clung to her skin, reshaping her face and rendering the mask itself invisible. Even her hair changed color, as did her entire aura. An impressive artifact. I knew she'd intended to disguise herself, but I hadn't expected something quite this… thorough.
"Why the mask?" Zhen Yinglong asked, her tone casual, though her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"If you know too much, you'll sleep badly" Meiying replied, her voice altered in pitch and tone, sounding completely different. "And judging by those creases on your forehead, you already aren't sleeping enough."
A vein throbbed on Zhen Yinglong's forehead, her nostrils flaring as she took in Meiying's barb. The tension thickened as she clenched her jaw, and for a moment I thought she might snap. It was a shame, really—not the time or place for a showdown, but the thought of watching these two cross verbal swords was an amusing one.
"Calm down" I said, placing a hand on Zhen Yinglong's shoulder. "And when we're in public, address her as Ying Mei. Believe me, this is a serious matter, and the fact that you even know about it shows the level of trust we have in you. For now, that's all you need to know."
She scoffed, turning her head away with a petulant flick. "As if I even care to know ..." she muttered, though I caught the faint rumble of something far less polite under her breath.
I couldn't help but wonder what Zhang Jing was up to. I'd half-expected her to come along with us.
Zhen Yinglong
That daughter of a crocodile and a donkey, I seethed internally. Don't worry, "Ying Mei"—I'll get my revenge later. Acting all innocent while flaunting breasts in front of Xia Tao. And she's the Holy Daughter of her sect! What is she even doing here?
Elder Mei summoned a cloud, and as soon as everyone climbed aboard, we set off towards the boundary of our mountain territory. It only took about twenty seconds before we arrived at a small clearing—and there, waiting for us, stood the Blue Mist Elder himself.
I felt my breath catch. Him? Of all people? This was an elder feared by nearly everyone in the outer sect, and respected—even feared—by a good portion of the inner sect as well. As for the core disciples, I couldn't say; I didn't know anyone close enough to ask. But to see him here, waiting for us, this was unexpected.
"Elder Mei, honored guest" he greeted us, his voice warm and jovial, almost like a kindly uncle. I'd never even heard rumors of him speaking this way before. Curious.
Elder Mei inclined her head in acknowledgment.
The Blue Mist Elder's gaze drifted to Li Meiying, lingering as if he were trying to recognise her. "Do we know each other?" he asked, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
"I'm afraid we haven't had the pleasure" she replied curtly, her tone clipped.
He gave a small nod, apparently satisfied, and summoned a cloud for himself. As we flew, a faint smile crept over his face, as though he were savoring some private victory. I found myself growing more and more intrigued by this unusual company.