Inside the Peak of Ten Thousand Flowers, a riot of colors and fragrances filled the air. A symphony of blooming flowers accompanied by the melodious chirping of birds echoed throughout the valley. Amidst the ethereal mist, numerous women played music and danced, their graceful movements painting a picture of unparalleled beauty as they vied for attention and admiration. Petals drifted gently, releasing their captivating aroma, inviting all to partake in the feast of senses.
Below the peak, a gathering of disciples from various mountains had converged, awaiting the opening of the Peak of Ten Thousand Flowers' formation. After a brief moment, the Peak's Master, Liu Ruqing, soared into the sky atop a flock of birds. Dressed in a gown of blue blossoms, adorned with a phoenix-winged hairpin and powdered cheeks, her full figure and radiant beauty captivated the hearts of many cultivators.
"Welcome, all of you, to the Peak of Ten Thousand Flowers for the Blossom Festival!" Liu Ruqing announced softly from the heavens. With a wave of her hand, she dispelled the peak's formation, allowing entry.
Petals danced through the air as disciples of the peak lined up to greet the arriving guests. Excited disciples eagerly stepped forward, eager to participate in the Star River Sect's significant event.
The Blossom Festival was an opportunity for inner disciples of the Star River Sect to find potential partners. If both parties expressed mutual interest, they could forge a bond that would last a lifetime, bound by the rules of the sect: one partner, one choice, forever unwavering.
The Peak of Ten Thousand Flowers, exclusively inhabited by female disciples, drew numerous male cultivators seeking to find their soulmate. For many, finding a beloved among these enchanting women would complete their lives.
"Upon entering the Peak of Ten Thousand Flowers, you must abide by its rules: no disturbance, no fighting. Relationships must be consensual. Any forced acts will be punished in the Discipline Hall!" Liu Ruqing declared from the sky. "And any unions must be approved by me."
With the gates flung open, the crowd streamed in, finding themselves immersed in a fairyland of music, flowers, and exquisitely dressed female disciples who stood or sat amidst the mist, their alluring figures glimpsed through the veil of fog.
Tables laden with delicacies dotted the pavilions and courtyards, as young men and women sought their companions amidst this celestial ambiance.
In a serene courtyard, Liu Ruyan presided over the gathering, accompanied by her disciples and the leaders of seven other peaks. Only the逍遥峰(Peak of Unfettered Bliss) remained absent.
In the center of the courtyard, a dozen graceful beauties danced to the tune of stringed instruments, creating a festive atmosphere.
"My disciple, take a look at these outstanding young men from the eight peaks. Who catches your eye?" Liu Ruqing inquired of her protégée.
"I must continue my training with you, Master. I have no thoughts of choosing a partner just yet," replied Su Qingwan truthfully.
Su Qingwan, the Flower Child of the Peak of Ten Thousand Flowers, possessed a beauty that captivated the hearts of many disciples.
"Master, why is the Peak of Unfettered Bliss not here?" Su Qingwan inquired.
"We didn't invite them," Liu Ruqing replied casually, well aware of the Peak of Unfettered Bliss's nature and seeing no reason to extend an invitation.
"The Little Sword God of the Peak of Heavenly Blades is quite impressive. If you're interested, I can help facilitate a match," Liu Ruqing suggested, gesturing to Chen Changqing seated prominently below.
Su Qingwan's expression darkened at the mention, refusing to even glance at him.
"Master, are you trying to push me into a fire?" Su Qingwan asked, looking up at Liu Ruqing with earnestness.
Chen Changqing's reputation as a womanizer was no secret to them.
Embarrassed, Liu Ruqing shifted her attention to Qin Shou, the leader of the Peak of Beast Taming.
"Qin Shou, the leader of the Peak of Beast Taming, is also quite suitable."
The image of Qin Shou covered in filth flashed through Su Qingwan's mind, causing her to almost retch.
"Master, he has special interests that I do not share," Su Qingwan rejected firmly.
"You don't understand. The finest flowers need manure to thrive," Liu Ruqing chided. "Besides, he possesses the potential of an emperor, with a future boundless in possibilities."
Su Qingwan remained silent, her mind unswayed.
"Who do you truly admire?" Liu Ruqing asked, turning to Su Qingwan.
"I have no one, Master," Su Qingwan replied softly, looking down.
"Master Liu, why is the Peak of Unfettered Bliss absent from the Blossom Festival?" Chen Changqing inquired, eager to see Lin Yaoyao from the absent peak.
"The Peak of Ten Thousand Flowers and the Peak of Unfettered Bliss have never participated in each other's events, so I didn't send an invitation," Liu Ruyan explained casually.
Qin Shou, setting down his cup, concurred, "Master Liu, the Blossom Festival is a grand occasion for the Star River Sect. Ideally, all nine peaks should be represented."
"The absence of the Peak of Unfettered Bliss seems... inappropriate," Qin Shou observed, eyeing Liu Ruyan from his seat.
He had prepared several schemes to embarrass the Peak of Unfettered Bliss in front of everyone, only to find they were not present.
"Indeed, the Blossom Festival would not be complete without the Peak of Unfettered Bliss," Chen Changqing nodded in agreement.
Liu Ruyan frowned at their sudden advocacy for the absent peak, sensing an ulterior motive. The Peak of Heavenly Blades and the Peak of Beast Taming had little to do with the Peak of Unfettered Bliss and even harbored ill will towards them.
Suspecting their intentions, Liu Ruyan nevertheless saw an opportunity for entertainment.
"Yuan'er, deliver an invitation to the Peak of Unfettered Bliss, inviting them to the Blossom Festival," Liu Ruqing commanded.
"Yes, Master!" The maiden behind Liu Ruqing transformed into a bluebird and flew towards the Peak of Unfettered Bliss.
Su Qingwan perked up at the prospect of the Peak of Unfettered Bliss's arrival, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
Qin Shou glanced at his prepared tricks with a sly grin, while Chen Changqing caressed his sword, anticipating the unfolding drama.
The Blossom Festival was destined to be anything but ordinary.
Liu Ruqing, observing Qin Shou and Chen Changqing's antics with amusement, leaned back in her seat, ready to enjoy the show.
"I wonder how my junior disciple Ye Kong will handle this," she murmured to herself. "I'm looking forward to it."
...
At the Peak of Unfettered Bliss, Ye Kong sat fishing when an azure bird flew down, transforming into a maiden beside him.
"Ye Kong Martial Uncle, the Peak of Ten Thousand Flowers' Master is hosting the Blossom Festival. Here is your invitation," the maiden said, presenting the invitation.
Ye Kong glanced at it briefly before setting it aside.
"I see. You may return now," Ye Kong dismissed the maiden.
Continuing with his fishing, Ye Kong had little interest in the Blossom Festival, deeming it merely a venue for romantic encounters.
"Ding! Detecting the commencement of the Blossom Festival. Please lead disciples to participate. Completion of the task will reward the Host with a special fishing opportunity," the system's voice chimed, prompting Ye Kong.
Surprised by the task's connection to the festival, Ye Kong set down his fishing rod and retrieved the invitation. It seemed he had no choice but to attend, and it might be a good opportunity for his disciples to broaden their horizons.
"Xiaobai!" Ye Kong called out.
The meditating Xiaobai jerked awake.
"Master, what is it?" Xiaobai inquired.
"Fetch your elder sister. I'm taking you both out for a stroll," Ye Kong instructed.
Xiaobai frowned at the thought of leaving their training. Who wanted to go on a stroll with Ye Kong when they had their own cultivation to attend to?
However, Xiaobai kept her thoughts to herself.