Not long after finishing breakfast, a Dharma Boat rippling with pale cyan light entered Hundred Flowers Valley.
Since an invitation had already been sent, the sect elders knew the Spirit Treasure Sect’s Madam was coming and sent someone to guide her.
Shortly after, a stunningly beautiful noblewoman in a light green dress and two gorgeous maidservants stepped out of the Dharma Boat.
“So this is the place where Tianyu has spent sixteen years? The environment isn’t bad!” Qu Qirong’s gaze swept over the pavilions scattered among the vibrant blooms, and she spoke softly.
Qing’er and Ling’er were also curious, carefully examining the entire Hundred Flowers Valley. They wondered just how Purple Cloud Sect trained its disciples, that Mister Deng would be so astonishingly outstanding.
“Madam, the Sect Leader is already waiting at the Back Mountain. Please follow me,” Grand Elder Xu Qing said with a smile.
Naturally, proper courtesy had to be shown to this beautiful lady. Putting aside the cooperative relations between the two sects, the status of Spirit Treasure Sect’s Madam alone warranted such earnest treatment.
However, Xu Qing found it a bit strange that the Sect Leader had chosen the Back Mountain—not the sect’s Main Hall—as the reception place.
“Then I will trouble Elder Xu.”
Hearing this, Qu Qirong nodded and, with Qing’er and Ling’er, followed Xu Qing toward the Back Mountain.
Watching those three figures, many Purple Cloud Sect disciples couldn’t help discussing:
“So that’s Madam Qu of the Spirit Treasure Sect. She’s so beautiful!”
“A face of peerless beauty, paired with that unique noble aura—no wonder she’s on the Beauty Rankings!”
Since the two sects began cooperating, disciples from both sides had interacted. They had always been curious about this Madam, having heard that the cooperation between Purple Cloud Sect and Spirit Treasure Pavilion was authorized by her.
Just as they reached the Back Mountain, a look of doting affection flickered in Qu Qirong’s eyes. A familiar figure stepped forward and said to Xu Qing, “Shishu, I’ll escort the Madam to see my Shizun.”
“Don’t neglect propriety.” Xu Qing reminded him and then turned to leave.
As Grand Elder of Purple Cloud Sect, she had plenty of daily matters to attend to. Moreover, the Madam’s purpose was to meet the Sect Leader; her presence would be inconvenient.
“Aunt Rong, follow me.”
Once they left, Deng Tianyu reverted to the familiar address. Not because he didn’t trust Shishu Xu, but because his relationship with Aunt Rong was better kept known by as few as possible.
“Tianyu, do you normally live at the Back Mountain?” Hearing the “Aunt Rong,” Qu Qirong finally revealed a smile and asked gently.
She disliked him calling her “Madam”—it felt too distant. But before outsiders, it was unavoidable.
“Shizun, Shishi, and I all live at the Back Mountain.” Deng Tianyu guided Aunt Rong along the corridor into the courtyard.
Everywhere they walked, vivid flowers bloomed, a scene as beautiful as a painting.
“Elegant and secluded, indeed lovely!” Qu Qirong swayed her alluring figure, her lotus steps light, walking shoulder to shoulder with Deng Tianyu. Her every movement was graceful and composed, impossible not to admire.
“Yingying!”
Just then, a snowy-white figure darted from the courtyard and straight into Qu Qirong’s arms, calling out with a coquettish tone.
Qu Qirong rubbed the fuzzy little head. “Did Yingying come specially to welcome me?”
“Yingying!” The little fox nodded like a chick pecking grain.
Though she hadn’t spent long at Xiaoxiang Elegant Garden, it was the most unforgettable place. There, happiness was just an open mouth away—eat whatever she wanted, no holding back.
Qu Qirong was also exceedingly fond of the adorable creature. She took a beautifully packaged brocade box from her Storage Ring. “Yingying, there are twenty bottles of Supreme Purple Jade Marrow in here. Do you like it?”
“Slurp… (￣￢￣)”
When she heard the word “Supreme,” the little fox’s eyes curved into crescents, her tail wagging nonstop. If not for the company, she would have opened one on the spot to taste it fresh!
She glanced around warily, and after ensuring Li Shishi was nowhere in sight, swiftly tucked the brocade box into the Storage Ring hanging from her neck.
Deng Tianyu watched the little fox acting like a thief and gave a wry smile. “Aunt Rong, if you spoil her like this, she’ll only get lazier.”
The little fox was already lazy—eating and sleeping, sleeping and eating, and only occasionally wandering out to look for spirit items. Now that her Storage Ring was stocked, she wouldn’t need to go searching at all.
“Yingying!”
At those words, the little fox immediately protested, waving her fuzzy paws to indicate she was no lazy fox.
Deng Tianyu rolled his eyes and ignored her.
Qu Qirong, Qing’er, and Ling’er were all amused by the adorable little fox and chuckled behind their hands.
In the midst of their chat, they soon arrived at the courtyard.
At that moment, Ning Wan was elegantly sipping tea, while Li Shishi lifted her head curiously to look their way.
When her gaze fell on Qu Qirong, three thoughts instantly formed.
First thought: This Senior Brother’s elder is so beautiful! Second thought: The other’s bosom is fuller and more generous than hers. Third thought: Good thing she’s only an elder!
Qu Qirong took her seat and smiled charmingly. “Sect Master Ning, long time no see.”
“Indeed, long time no see.” Ning Wan’s smile held a meaningful depth.
Long time no see? They had actually met twice in secret—only the other didn’t know. First time, after emerging from seclusion, she had gone to Xiaoxiang Elegant Garden and, separated by a wall, given her Tianyu an unforgettable birthday celebration. The second time, also for his birthday—just at West Rime City’s Misty Rain Pavilion. In the same room, separated only by the bathroom door; in the bed, only two thin layers of curtains between them.
Qu Qirong, of course, knew nothing of this. She looked at Li Shishi. “And this is?”
“Aunt Rong, she’s my Junior Sister I mentioned, Shishi!” Deng Tianyu poured a cup of tea for Aunt Rong and explained.
So Senior Brother often talks about me? Li Shishi felt sweet inside and took the initiative. “Greetings, Madam.”
Actually, whether outside or inside the sect, she usually played the role of the cool, aloof Fairy type. She felt it would intensify Senior Brother’s desire to conquer.
But now, facing her Senior Brother’s elder, she had to be a bit more cordial. After all, if she ever became Dao Companions with Senior Brother, she would need this elder’s approval.
Qu Qirong smiled gently. “If you don’t mind, may I call you Shishi?”
“Mm, Madam, please feel free,” Li Shishi nodded obediently. Her Senior Brother’s elder was her elder. Building a good relationship with her was part of the plan to win Senior Brother over. The elder clearly had a good impression of her, which she was happy to see.
