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Tianxing City, Miaoyin Sect's shop.
In an elegantly decorated room, Fan Jingmei and Zhuo Ruting, the left and right emissaries of Miaoyin Sect, sat cross-legged on cushions, their eyes closed in quiet rest.
The two had been instructed by Sect Leader Zhou Yuan to do their best to seduce Qi Yuan. With that in mind, they arrived in Tianxing City, trying to find a way to complete their mission.
However, Qi Yuan had recently announced that he was not accepting visitors, leaving them no chance to approach him. Repeated attempts had ended in failure, forcing them to temporarily stay at the shop while they devised a new plan.
A beautiful woman finally opened her eyes. Her phoenix-like gaze shimmered with intelligence, and she wrinkled her tall, delicate nose slightly.
"Junior Sister Fan, how do you plan to carry out the task?"
Zhuo Ruting was naturally proud. Though she had learned the art of seduction, she had never actually put it into practice, making her uneasy. On the other hand, Fan Jingmei was skilled at charming people, subtly luring them into conversation. Zhuo Ruting wanted to hear her experience.
"Isn't seducing men your specialty, Senior Sister Zhuo? When Sect Master Zhou trained us, he spoke highly of you. Why ask me?"
Fan Jingmei opened her dark eyes, her tone carrying a hint of mockery.
It was clear that some tension remained between them.
Zhuo Ruting snorted coldly. "Are you still holding onto the past? The sect leader trained us equally, without favoritism. He merely praised me a few times, and you still haven't let it go?"
"Do you think I'm a jealous woman?" Fan Jingmei's brows arched slightly, her peach-blossom face showing displeasure. Her chest rose and fell sharply with her breathing, an eye-catching sight.
Fortunately, there were no men present. Otherwise, they would have been captivated.
Zhuo Ruting folded her arms across her chest and smirked. "I never said that. Junior Sister Fan, don't overthink things. Or are you planning to report me to the sect master?"
"You…" Fan Jingmei raised a slender finger, pointing at Zhuo Ruting in frustration.
Zhuo Ruting tucked a few strands of black hair behind her ear and smiled. "What? Do you want to fight?"
"Fine, let's fight! You think I'm afraid of you?"
Fan Jingmei jumped up, her ample curves trembling with the motion. A sword appeared in her hand in a flash of light.
A crisp sword hum echoed as a cold gleam flashed through the room, the tip pointing directly at Zhuo Ruting. Their private disagreements had led to fights before, though Fan Jingmei had always been at a slight disadvantage.
Zhuo Ruting's expression darkened. She slapped her storage bag, summoning the Purple Phoenix Sword, a top-tier magical weapon. A faint purple glow radiated from the blade, and even before it left its sheath, the energy it emitted overwhelmed Fan Jingmei's sword aura.
Suddenly, a voice called from outside.
"Right Envoy Zhuo, a guest is looking for you!"
Zhuo Ruting's eyes lit up slightly, and she responded, "Understood. Entertain the guest first, I'll be there shortly."
"Yes, understood."
The disciple outside turned to leave.
Fan Jingmei frowned. A distinguished guest? She hadn't heard of Zhuo Ruting knowing anyone of importance in Tianxing City.
Zhuo Ruting stored away the Purple Phoenix Sword, dispelling the tension in the room. Her expression was calm. "We'll finish this another day. I have someone to meet."
With that, she pushed open the door and stepped out.
Miaoyin Sect took client privacy seriously. The reception tea room was shielded with formations to block spiritual senses, ensuring confidentiality. This meant Fan Jingmei had no way of knowing who Zhuo Ruting was meeting.
Still suspicious, she summoned her trusted maid, Lian'er. "Find out who the guest is."
In a quiet tea room, a delicate incense burner emitted a faint fragrance. Paintings and calligraphy by famous artists adorned the walls, and small, exquisite ornaments were placed with perfect precision.
Qi Yuan sat on a futon, dressed in a sky-blue robe. A small black table beside him held top-tier spiritual fruits, preserved delicacies, and fine tea—an arrangement befitting the sect leader himself.
Qi Yuan had once saved Miaoyin Sect. As a result, Zhou Yuan had decreed that he be treated as an equal to the sect leader, with any neglect severely punished.
A soft knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and a graceful woman entered.
"Oh? Right Envoy Zhuo?"
Qi Yuan was slightly surprised. He had expected Fan Jingmei, as she was the one he usually interacted with.
"Ru Ting greets you, sir. Is there anything I can do for you?"
Zhuo Ruting's slender figure exuded charm. She bowed slightly, her delicate features mesmerizing, her beautiful eyes gazing at him with warmth.
Qi Yuan smiled gently. Though she didn't resemble Nangong Wan, something about her allure reminded him of her. He couldn't help but think of Nangong Wan's tenderness…
Still, he didn't forget his purpose. He retrieved a wooden box from his sleeve and handed it over. "Have these invitations delivered. Make sure they reach the right people."
Qi Yuan had come to arrange a secret gathering, ensuring his allies received invitations in advance. It would be embarrassing to prepare for a full assembly only to have a handful show up. Furthermore, some Jindan cultivators he trusted didn't reside in Tianxing City, so planning ahead was necessary.
"Don't worry, sir. Ru Ting will handle it."
Zhuo Ruting noticed his lingering gaze. A wave of nervousness and excitement filled her heart. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she pursed her lips before taking the box with both hands. After confirming the contents, she stored it away.
With the task assigned, Qi Yuan stretched, preparing to leave. "I'll be going now. If anything happens regarding my sister-in-law, inform me immediately."
"Sir, since you're here, may I offer you a shoulder massage?"
She seized the opportunity. Who knew when she would get another chance?
Qi Yuan smiled and sat back down. "I doubt it'll be any good, but fine. Just this once."
"Ru Ting will do her best."
Zhuo Ruting smiled knowingly. She stepped forward, removing her lotus-embroidered shoes, revealing a pair of delicate, snow-white feet. Lightly, she walked behind him, knelt, and began kneading his shoulders with just the right amount of pressure.
"How is the strength, sir?"
Qi Yuan closed his eyes, pleased. "You've got skillful hands. Don't stop."
(End Of Chapter)