The Immortal Path of the White Lotus Slowly Ascending The First Volume Chapter 66: Provoking Public Opinion

  At this time, Xiao Yao still didn't understand the meaning behind Liu Qianbi's words. She thought back to Luliuji, the senior from earlier, who was extraordinary in both appearance and demeanor. But what did it have to do with herself? Why would she be completely destroyed? She just took it as a joke and casually said: "It doesn't matter, only when there is a strong opponent can one make progress, who will swallow whom is still uncertain."

  Liu Qianbi knew she was wrong as soon as she heard it. The corners of her lips curved slightly upwards, but she didn't expose the truth, only saying: "I naturally believe in Rong Rou's strength, but some 'cruelty' has nothing to do with strength. You'll understand when you arrive at that aerial mansion."

  The next day, Xiao Yao arrived at the White Jade Manor with a sense of doubt in her heart. Liuli Ji was busy with important matters and had sent one of the female attendants from the manor to take care of everything for Xiao Yao.

  After exchanging pleasantries, Xiao Yao learned that the female leader's Daoist name was Qianqiu, and she was a trusted assistant of Luliu Ji, with a cultivation level in the Hua Shen period.

  The thousand autumn affairs were very polite and said: "Madam has handed over the Taoist friend's affairs to me, please ask the Taoist friend to follow me, I will take the Taoist friend to the small courtyard where the Taoist friend will live in the future."

  Xiao Yao slowed down her pace, following behind him. Her eyes involuntarily fell on the deep blue jade pendant hanging from his waist, as well as his slender and elegant figure. Speaking of which, she had also met a few maids before, but it must be said that including this female housekeeper in front of her, all the women in this mansion were beauties. Coupled with this magnificent and intricate mansion, it made her feel like she had mistakenly entered the mortal emperor's palace gardens.

  As Qianqiu walked further in, this feeling became even stronger. Along the way, she only saw beautiful maid servants, but not a single male servant was seen. She couldn't help but ask curiously: "Excuse me, Qianqiu, as we've been walking on this road, I've only seen female attendants, but not a single male attendant. Is there some sort of rule?"

  Qianqiu smiled and said: "This is the Western Garden, where all the ladies reside, and it's also where the wives' quarters are located. Men naturally have to avoid suspicion."

  Xiao Yao's face changed slightly as soon as she heard it, the term "wife" was used to address married women, did that mean all the women living here were concubines of Bai Yuzi? What would she be considered if she moved in like this?

  Qianqiu's face had a different expression, and after thinking for a moment, he immediately understood. He hastily explained: "Although those who cultivate the Tao are not limited by gender, they still have their differences. Some habits are quite different, so this Western Garden is actually only for female relatives to live in. Although there are many madams, there are also many young ladies who manage affairs and live here, it's not the harem of the Star Master."

  But seeing Xiao Yao's slightly relaxed expression, Qianqiu continued: "Arranging Dao friends in this place is also temporary. When Dao friends officially become guest kings one day, they can move to the east garden equipment institute, but before that, they can only temporarily inconvenience Dao friends."

  This also made Xiang Yao think that she was not actually a guest of the White Jade Pavilion, and if she only earned Yuan Jing's merits, she would need to change her identity token, and in principle, she did not have the qualifications to enter this aerial mansion. However, because Liu Li looked at her, she treated her as a regular guest, so she also prepared a courtyard for her.

  Liu Li's senior was also kind, hoping she could blend in better here. Xiao Yao put down the knot in her heart and smiled: "I'm grateful to have Liu Li's senior treat me so well, what grievance is there? It was my misunderstanding earlier, now that I think about it carefully, if anyone should be wronged, it should be Master Xing."

  Qianqiu saw that his temperament was very good, and he joked about himself. Suddenly, a burst of laughter came out, and he also opened up and said: "The Star Master's vision is indeed extremely high, but the Taoist friend relies on his skills to make a living, and does not need to cling to others. The Western Garden is inhabited by women, and not everyone is like you and me who have their own way. Therefore, there are many right and wrong things, but they have nothing to do with you and me. If we encounter someone making trouble, as long as we don't reason with them, it's fine."

  Xiao Yao nodded and made a mental note of it, and didn't bring up the matter again.

  But after these few sentences of small talk, Qianqiu unconsciously developed a bit of goodwill towards Xiao Xiang, and on the way, he carefully told her about the layout and rules of Baiyu Bieyuan.

  It wasn't until the two of them stood in front of a separate courtyard called Lanling Garden that Qianqiu said, "This Lanling Garden is where Madam has arranged for you to stay. The identity ring has also been exchanged and placed on the table inside the house. Take a look around and see if it meets your requirements. If there's anything lacking, just let me know and I'll have someone make the necessary additions."

  Xiao Yao walked around the small courtyard and found it to be very elegant, with intricate carvings on the outside walls that required a special identity token to enter. Inside, there was a small building for living quarters, as well as a quiet little garden with a pond, artificial hills, pavilions, and corridors that were all arranged in a harmonious manner, creating a breathtaking view. She then entered the small building and saw that it was furnished with exquisite carvings and decorations, including red silk curtains, crystal bead curtains, and a natural hot spring bath pool. It was like a luxurious boudoir for a noble lady, far surpassing her own humble cave dwelling which only had a stone bed. Even Xiao Yao, who was not particular about her living arrangements, couldn't help but feel delighted as she looked around. She turned to Qianyou and said, "Everything here is perfect, even things I didn't think of are all taken care of. You don't need to trouble yourself anymore, Qianyou. Please also thank Luliang for me when you return."

  "Thank you, fellow Taoist, for your hospitality. I will definitely bring it up." Qianqiu smiled and said, "Since you've just moved into a new residence, there must be many things to attend to. I won't disturb you further. If you need anything in the future, feel free to come find me at Qianqiu Garden on the east side of Xiyuan. Farewell."

  After seeing off Qianqiu, Xiao Yao arranged the few gifts she had received and moved all the refining tools and materials into the refining room. Without taking a rest, she took out the Lingkong Jiezi furnace that was used for refining equipment.

  It's been over three years since I ascended to the Xianling Realm, but due to various things, Xiao Yun's cultivation has been put off time and time again. It's been delayed for long enough. Taking advantage of the current peace and quiet, it's just right to refine the Lingkong Mustard Seed.

  Xiao Yao spent three days grinding the instrument, and then used one day to prepare the material and the furnace. After everything was ready, on the fifth day, she closed her door and started forging.

  It had been less than two days since he closed himself off, yet a group of elegant guests arrived at the Lanling Garden where he resided.

  Six or seven women in bright colored silk dresses, with stunning looks, holding fans and jade pendants, surrounded her courtyard.

  Just after sending the message token, I heard one of the women say to the others in a somewhat sour tone: "I heard that a new sister moved into this courtyard several days ago. I don't know how beautiful she is or what kind of tricks she has, but she caught the eye of Master Xing and got his attention. She hasn't been seen moving around for several days after entering the door, but her demeanor is quite big."

  As soon as she finished speaking, a yellow-shirted woman beside her couldn't help but giggle and say: "This little sister is new here, not understanding the rules is normal, hehe, Wang sister, are you eating vinegar?"

  At that moment, all the women covered their lips and smiled lightly, which made the woman who spoke first pout and say slightly annoyed: "What's so funny? Every time the master comes to this courtyard, he will bring one more person. I don't believe you don't have a bit of resentment in your hearts."

  The laughter gradually subsided, and a woman in green hurried out to mediate: "Alright, don't laugh at her. Sister Wang has only been here for a few hundred years, and it's understandable that she still has some misconceptions in her heart. Who among us wasn't like this when we first arrived? However, sister, you mustn't be too stubborn. You should know that someone like Master Xing, with his status and position, good looks and character, even a wise woman like Lady Ji would have to guard an empty chamber for a long time. How could we possibly monopolize him? Sister Wang, you'd better come to your senses soon."

  As they spoke, the faces of the women present couldn't help but reveal a hint of desolation. The woman with the surname Wang was even more annoyed, stamping her foot, "It's been so long since then, why is there still no movement inside? Just because she was favored by the master once, does she really think she's someone important?"

  The rest of them also felt strange and couldn't help but wonder: "Could it be that we've come at the wrong time, and this person is not in the garden?"

  But soon someone vetoed: "Sisters, look, there is still a wisp of blue smoke rising from the back of the house. This sister should still be in the house."

  This person was inside the house, but didn't want to see guests. The women looked at each other in dismay for a while, then shifted their gaze to a woman wearing fiery red gold-edged lace, whose appearance and demeanor were also the most outstanding among the group.

  "Zhilan sister, look..."

  The woman called Zilan glanced slightly upwards at the green smoke, her voice was pleasant but it was impossible to discern her emotions: "Perhaps this sister is busy and doesn't have time to see guests, we'll come another day."

  Luoyi's skirt fluttered as she turned and walked away with a gentle swaying motion.

  The rest of the women looked at each other and followed quickly without saying another word.

  Xiao Yao was still in her new residence, practicing her skills and had completely forgotten about the little incident that had occurred.

  Ten days later, Xiao Yao's great achievement was accomplished. When he came out of the pass, a square-shaped, box-like void space quietly lay in his palm, which was exactly that "Ling Kong Jie Zi".

  Afterwards, Xiao Hui was put into "Ling Kong Jie Zi", and a large stone was pressed on her heart. With a glance at Baozi, the technique had not been completed yet, and she had just exhausted her spiritual consciousness. In the next few days, it wouldn't be suitable to refine the instrument again. She decided to take a look at the task list in this floating mansion, and incidentally accept one or two tasks to earn some merits.

  Similar to Hebai Yu Ge, the Task Board is located in the central square of Baiyu Bieyuan Mansion, alongside the Merit Board.

  Before Xiao Yao arrived at the square, there was already a small crowd in front of the achievement ranking board.

  "Who is this Zui Rou anyway? Why can she enter Zhengyuan with less than a hundred achievements?"

  "It's said that she is one of the top winners of this Refining Equipment Competition, and was recognized by Senior Luli, so she was exceptionally admitted to Zhengyuan."

  "No, since he is a master craftsman, becoming the Imperial Craftsman would be enough, why does he still want to compete with us outsiders who risk our lives for achievements?"

  It is said that this person refused the personal invitation of the Lord of the Stars and was unwilling to become a guest minister in the imperial court.

  "Hmph, arrogant fool! What's so great about being able to refine equipment that you can be so conceited?"

  "She is proud, but it's not just because of her refined equipment, her actual strength also surpasses yours."

  The next sentence is unknown who said it, the words fell, and immediately led to several people discussing under the list, their hearts were unhappy, and they turned their heads to see who was after all.

  He saw a man with an ordinary appearance smiling at them, his slightly raised phoenix eyes seemed to be looking down on them.