Before Yu Ci even entered the main hall of the mountain, he could already hear laughter and conversation:

"When I was on the East Sea, I had heard of the name of the Great Passage Soul Master. When you brothers publicized the method of Refining Intent and Sending Thoughts, I had been studying this difficult problem for a long time, but I have not made much progress. Seeing your profound discussions has enlightened me, and I have benefited greatly."

"We are simply exchanging ideas with fellows from all over the world."

Elder Chu's voice was still somewhat stiff, but having spent a long time together, Yu Ci could tell that this hot-tempered bald cultivator was actually in a rather good mood.

Having spent two months together, Yu Ci knew that this Elder Chu was an eccentric figure of the Great Passage. His own cultivation level was not high-ranking in the Cultivation World, but he was extremely accomplished in the cultivation and study of the Divine Soul, a rare master of theory. The Great Passage employed him as an Honored Guest Scholar, providing him with a large sum of money each year for his research, and his status was quite distinguished.

Despite his bad temper, the old man was fond of fame. Those few words hit right at his soft spot, and the visitor's identity was quite impressive, which made him feel even more elated.

At this moment, Yu Ci stepped into the hall. At first glance, he saw the beautiful female cultivator sitting opposite Elder Chu. Her hair was piled high, she was dressed in cloud-like attire, and her skin was like creamy jade. She was extremely beautiful. Seeing Yu Ci enter the hall, her eyes lit up. She excused herself to Elder Chu, then stood up and revealed a smile:

"You must be Daoist friend Yu from the Lichen Sect. I am Bi Chao from the Xuan Yin Sect. I have just arrived here to pay my respects to the wise. I found out yesterday that Daoist friend Yu is recuperating here, so I came to visit today."

As she spoke, she slightly bowed. The woman was not very tall, but she was plump and delicate, like a pampered noblewoman. She had a great presence, yet her smile was as blooming as a flower, making her very approachable. A faint mole at the corner of her lips, combined with her charming and youthful face, made her smile even more lively.

Was this the successor to Red Yin, the Master of the Xuan Yin Sect? Outside the hall, Yu Ci had already felt that this woman was not the same as Red Yin. Now it seemed that the difference was quite significant.

In theory, he had killed Red Yin and had fallen out with the Xuan Yin Sect. If this successor was straightforward, she might even kill in a fit of rage. Even if she was cunning and kept her emotions hidden, that would be fine. But why was she smiling and visiting him? Didn't she understand that too much is as bad as too little?

Yu Ci couldn't get a read on her for a moment. After a brief response, he greeted Elder Chu. Elder Chu nodded, but then stood up and said, "Master Bi Chao has come specifically to see you. I won't interfere. You two chat."

With that, he gave a slight nod to Bi Chao and turned to leave.

Only Yu Ci and Bi Chao were left in the hall. After they sat down, Bi Chao's charming eyes darted around. Seeing that Yu Ci's face was calm, she smiled and said, "I suppose Daoist friend Yu has some thoughts about my visit. I would like to mention that our sect's East Sea Grand Altar has made a judgement on Red Yin's attempt to kill Daoist friend halfway. Red Yin's actions were reckless, and she nearly ruined the important task of our sect's preaching because of her personal grudge. Such a result is her own fault and has nothing to do with others."

Yu Ci let out a sigh, "It's a human life we're talking about, aren't you even a bit resentful?"

Bi Chao gently shook her head, the high bun on her head swaying slightly, the embedded pearl gleaming brightly, exuding an air of nobility that complemented her increasingly serene smile. "Ming Lan, the mage, once recounted the situation to me, mentioning Red Yin and Daoist friend's behaviours and changes in heart. These are the things our God Lord cherishes the most. Since the God Lord does not blame, we, the followers and servants, naturally have no reason to blame."

What kind of reasoning is that?

Yu Ci had heard similar words from Ming Lan before, and now hearing it from Bi Chao, he still found it absurd. However, if the two core figures of the Xuan Yin Sect said so, Yu Ci couldn't help but feel that, although the reasoning was absurd, it might be the most truthful one.

Having such preferences, the Rakshasa Ghost King was indeed "as divine as her name", utterly bizarre.

Ignoring Yu Ci's inner criticism, Bi Chao continued, "I know Daoist friend is discerning and insightful, there's no need to beat around the bush. My mission in coming to Cliff City is simple, to spread the teachings. Our doctrine has flourished in the East, yet in the Western frontier, it's still scarcely known. Ten years ago, we invited the God Lord's incarnation, sent Red Yin westward, hoping to achieve something. However, due to various reasons, the progress has been unsatisfactory.

"Now, with Daoist friend breaking the deadlock, Cliff City can be said to be rejuvenated. I, Bi Chao, wish to wholeheartedly spread the teachings, letting our doctrine be known to the world. To demonstrate this intention, I plan to hold a banquet at Sky Wing Tower on the fifth day of the fourth month, inviting all fellow Daoists, so that our intention of coming westward can be known, and also to dispel previous unpleasantness. Today, besides visiting Daoist friend, I also came to extend this invitation, hoping Daoist friend would grace us with your presence, it would be a great honor."

As she spoke, she stood up again, took out a dark golden invitation from her sleeve, and handed it over with both hands.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Yu Ci did not immediately reach out to take it.

To him, what Bi Chao said was almost equivalent to blatant lies. The dealings between Xuan Yin Sect and Pure Water Sect, if others didn't know, wouldn't he?

However, after some thought, when he chewed over the female cultivator's words, he felt that there seemed to be deeper implications in her words. What various reasons, what breaking the deadlock, what rejuvenation, all seemed to hint at something. Was this a test?

Thinking of this, a thought flickered in his mind. He sent a message through a secret channel before taking the invitation still carrying the female cultivator's fragrance. He glanced at it and saw the time and place written on it, the wording was very appropriate. After a moment of contemplation, he said:

"With Elder Xie Yan in charge of the overall situation in Cliff City, and Senior Brother Bao De coordinating in the middle, who is ten times more virtuous and talented than me, why would you go far and wide to seek me?"

Bi Chao smiled and said, "The current situation in Cliff City is largely your doing, my Daoist friend. Both Elder Immortal Xie Yan and Daoist Bao De have repeatedly clarified that all should abide by the rules you've established. It can be said that you are now the most influential figure in Cliff City. Any banquet without your presence would lose much of its luster, and perhaps even its meaning."

This was Xie Yan and Bao De bolstering his position. Therefore, he couldn't easily agree and shook his head, saying, "I appreciate the Master's intention, but the Sect's Mountain Gate has tasked me with guarding this place. Duty-bound as I am, I can't easily leave."

Bi Chao tried to persuade him a couple more times, but seeing his firm resolve, a hint of disappointment flashed across her pretty face. She sighed, shook her head, and stopped insisting. Instead, she said, "I've heard that your Divine Soul has been damaged and requires long-term recuperation. Our sect has many properties in the Eastern Sea that produce a large amount of incense. Among them is a type called Rest Incense. When burned in a room, it can soothe the heart and nourish the Divine Soul. It might be beneficial for your injuries. Incense Slave!"

At her call, a shadowy figure seemed to glide silently over from the side.

Yu Ci was slightly startled. This person was draped in a hooded cloak, their face hidden and even their hands covered with thin black silk gloves, not a patch of skin showing. They held a Turtle Crane Stove, about two feet high, intricately crafted with a crane standing on a turtle, the body of the stove on its head, and the lid shaped like a pointed mountain. The entire piece was hollow, featuring animal shapes, and the craftsmanship was extremely exquisite.

Such an image should have been eye-catching, yet Yu Ci hadn't noticed this figure standing in the corner of the hall before. Especially when they got closer, he realized that this person almost had no presence and no body odor. If he closed his eyes, he might even think there was no one there.

While he was wondering about this, Bi Chao ordered the person to place the Turtle Crane Stove on the table next to them. She smiled and said, "This is a replica of the famous Magical Treasure in this world, the Turtle Crane Stove. Although it's not as wonderful as the original, it has its uses when burning incense. Combined with the Rest Incense, it complements each other. It's a small token of my esteem, I hope you will accept it."

The Master of the Xuan Yin Sect, going to such lengths with her gift, was indeed a rarity. Yu Ci thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "It would be impolite to refuse."

Seeing him accept, Bi Chao's smile blossomed like a flower. It seemed she had completely forgotten about being rejected earlier and took the opportunity to stand and bid him farewell. Yu Ci didn't stand on ceremony, nodding to see her off. However, given Bi Chao's status, he had to accompany her to the dock.

Walking side by side with Bi Chao in the narrow corridor, they remained silent until they reached the end of the corridor, where a large rock moved aside and daylight streamed in. Bi Chao turned her face to him and whispered, her breath as sweet as orchids, "If you have leisure time someday, my Daoist friend, you're welcome to visit You Qiu Palace."

Her soft voice echoed in the corridor, creating a unique ambiance. As Yu Ci was savoring this, a rumble came from the distance.

At this very moment, the two emerged from the corridor, hearing the muffled noises from afar. Bi Chao seemed somewhat surprised, gazing into the distance for a moment before remarking, "Indeed, this place is teeming with ferocious demons."

Yu Ci, whose hearing was not as sharp as Bi Chao's, strained his ears and discerned the roars of wild beasts amidst the tumult. He hummed in agreement, finding it strange as well. The commotion was unusually loud. In the two months he had been here, it was the first time he had encountered such agitated beasts.

This was but a minor interlude. At this point, the Incense Slave had already reached the carriage and was the first to lay down the wooden steps.

"There's no need to see me off."

Bi Chao smiled gracefully, lightly lifting her skirt as she slowly ascended the carriage. Before entering the curtain, she even waved goodbye. Soon after, the curtain was drawn, and the Incense Slave steered the Step Cloud Beast, slowly driving away.

Yu Ci stood for a while, waiting for the luxurious carriage to disappear into the distance before he entered the corridor. The disturbance from afar seemed to still be ongoing. Had it not been for Bi Chao's arrival, Yu Ci would have undoubtedly gone to investigate. However, at this moment, he had more pressing matters to attend to.

Back in his room, Yu Ci sat on his bed with his eyes closed. After a few breaths, he calmed his heart and cleared his mind. Then, his ears twitched slightly, and a faint sound from a special channel echoed back.

It was the sound of the carriage wheels grinding against the ground.

Bi Chao undoubtedly possessed the Golden Elixir Cultivation Level, and the "Incense Slave" by her side was unfathomably powerful. Regardless of their high Cultivation Levels, they would never have imagined that beneath their carriage, a creature the size of an earthworm was clinging, spreading its senses and encompassing the entire carriage within its range.

It was the Fish-Dragon.

As for the little creature, Yu Ci had been feeding and controlling it using the "Soul Feeding Method", in addition to embedding it with divine consciousness starlight. This tiny creature had clearly become the most suitable scout. The only regret was that as its quality decreased, its sensing range also diminished. Now, it was only about three feet in diameter, but considering its purpose, it was more than sufficient.

By modifying the form of the divine consciousness starlight and embedding it into the Divine Soul, apart from prolonging its duration, it could also receive more levels of information after careful adjustment. For instance:

Sound!

When Yu Ci adjusted the structure of the distant divine consciousness starlight and filtered the information levels, the area visible due to the Fish-Dragon became dimmer. However, the sound coming from the carriage became increasingly clear. The first sentence Yu Ci heard was:

"In these past days, have you noticed the difference between you and me?"

This was Bi Chao's voice, deep and resonant, carrying more authority than her previous words in the hall. Yu Ci was slightly taken aback. Was there someone else in the carriage?

***********

These past few days, there have been many female characters introduced. I hope they don't come across as stereotypical. Of course, my detailed descriptions have not yet officially begun.

...