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"Zilian greets Master Qi. My lady invites you to visit the Stardust Pavilion tomorrow to discuss today's matter. She said she will provide a satisfactory outcome."
Zilian wore a red dress, her delicate figure slightly bowed, accentuating her graceful curves.
Xiaomei watched from the side, a trace of disgust flickering across her pretty face. This woman, dressed so gorgeously, had been trying to seduce the senior ever since she arrived. It was truly annoying.
Worse still, the senior's eyes kept lingering on Zilian, which meant he wasn't exactly displeased with her presence. That realization left Xiaomei feeling disheartened.
Glancing at her own plain attire, Xiaomei understood something important.
Zilian wasn't just trying to charm Qi Yuan — she was aiming to improve her status. Judging by the spirit stones Qi Yuan had traded at the Stardust Pavilion earlier, he was far from an ordinary cultivator. His looks and presence made him even more appealing, and Mrs. Lan's sudden change in attitude suggested she believed Qi Yuan held significant influence.
Being a low-ranking servant in the Stardust Pavilion, Zilian had mastered the art of reading people. The fact that she served beside Mrs. Lan proved she was no ordinary maid.
Seeing Master Qi's gaze linger now confirmed her strategy was working. If she could catch his interest, her status might rise significantly.
After hearing Zilian's invitation, Qi Yuan studied her carefully, searching for clues. From Mrs. Lan's attitude earlier that day, it was clear she hadn't known the origin of the storage bag.
Yet now, after nightfall, she had sent a maid with a new invitation, promising a satisfactory result.
That meant someone must have told Mrs. Lan about the true owner of the storage bag after he left.
Was the Stardust Pavilion truly unconcerned about the He Huan Sect? The sect was the most powerful force in the Demonic Path, with numerous powerful cultivators in the Yuanying stage. If they wanted to destroy the Stardust Pavilion, it would take mere moments.
If Mrs. Lan planned to betray him, she wouldn't send Zilian — she'd send a group of foundation-building cultivators instead.
As a mid-stage foundation builder himself, Qi Yuan knew he wouldn't pose a serious threat to the Stardust Pavilion, but he could still manage things on his own.
"What does Madam Lan mean by this?" Qi Yuan said, his expression darkening. "She had one attitude during the day and now sends a maid with a different excuse at night. Are you trying to make a fool of me?"
Zilian paled in panic. "No, Master Qi, you've misunderstood. Madam didn't mean that."
If she failed to secure his visit, she would be in serious trouble.
"Senior, calm down. Let me massage your shoulders," Xiaomei said, seizing the opportunity. She stepped forward, her fingers expertly easing the tension from his shoulders.
Qi Yuan closed his eyes, breathing in the pleasant fragrance clinging to her. His expression softened as he spoke.
"That's not what I meant. So what exactly does Madam Lan intend?"
"My lady said she regrets her earlier behavior," Zilian explained quickly. "She didn't recognize your status at the time. She's asked you to visit so she can discuss compensation for her mistake."
"Oh? Madam Lan seems very sincere now," Qi Yuan remarked, picking up his discarded chopsticks. "Tell her I'll be there on time tomorrow."
Judging from Zilian's demeanor, her lady's intentions seemed genuine.
Zilian's tense expression eased with relief. "Thank you, Master Qi. I'll take my leave now."
Qi Yuan waved a hand casually, already focused on his meal again.
In another room, Xin Ruyin slowly awoke. Her body ached with exhaustion, and memories of the previous night resurfaced. Her delicate face flushed.
Turning her focus inward, she sensed a significant reduction in her Yang energy — now perfectly balanced with her Yin energy.
The senior hadn't lied to her. It really worked.
The secret technique Nangong Wan had provided allowed a female to expel excess Yang energy, which the male partner could then absorb. It wasn't a particularly complex method, but it was only suitable for those with special constitutions like Xin Ruyin. For ordinary practitioners, it would turn into something far more sinister.
Despite the strain on her body, Xin Ruyin noticed that her cultivation, which had stagnated for years, had finally shown clear progress. The realization filled her with joy.
Moments later, she sensed movement beside her. She turned her head and saw Yan Ruyan's sleeping face.
Recalling the events of the previous night, Xin Ruyin's heart raced.
Yan Ruyan had always seemed distant — cold, indifferent, and reserved. Yet last night, she'd called out "Master" in a trance-like state…
It shattered every assumption Xin Ruyin had made about her.
The quilt shifted slightly. Xin Ruyin's voice, still hoarse, broke the silence.
"Miss Bai, you're awake."
Yan Ruyan hadn't slept so soundly in a long time. In her half-dreaming state, she imagined herself back in Yanling Castle, still the proud and noble young lady of her family. She let out a soft hum of contentment.
But as awareness returned, her memories rushed back. Startled, she opened her eyes, saw Xin Ruyin beside her, and tried to sit up — only to wince from the soreness in her body.
Her expression hardened.
Though she'd known this day would come eventually, she hadn't expected it to arrive so suddenly or without warning.
"Miss Bai... I'm sorry," Xin Ruyin said softly, her voice filled with guilt.
"This is my fate," Yan Ruyan said flatly. "It was always going to happen, just sooner than expected."
Ignoring the discomfort, she dressed quickly, opened the door, and left without looking back.
Xin Ruyin sat motionless, feeling the weight of her guilt. Her condition had caused enough trouble already — she could only hope this would be the last time.
The following day, Qi Yuan returned to the Stardust Pavilion for his appointment. As he stepped inside, Zilian was already waiting for him.
"Welcome, Master Qi. Madam is expecting you upstairs," Zilian said with a respectful smile.
Qi Yuan nodded slightly and followed her through the corridors.
Before long, they reached a remote room — quiet, with no other people in sight.
"Where is this?" Qi Yuan asked, his tone wary.
"This is Madam's room," Zilian replied with a hint of unease. "It's the most secure place in the Pavilion, ensuring privacy and safety."
Qi Yuan considered her words for a moment. Given the nature of Tian Buque's affairs, secrecy was crucial.
"Mrs. Lan is thoughtful," he said at last.
The room's decor reflected a feminine touch — a dressing table covered with fine powders and jewelry, warm-toned canopies draped over the bed, and a wooden rack with neatly arranged garments.
Potted plants brightened the corners, while calming incense curled from a crane-shaped burner. White smoke drifted from the crane's pointed beak.
"Please remove your shoes and relax, sir," Zilian said softly. "Madam will arrive soon."
Qi Yuan sighed. "So mysterious..." He set his shoes aside, sat by the coffee table, and rested his bare feet on the plush carpet.
Zilian served him tea before quietly retreating from the room.
(End Of Chapter)