Chapter 31 031 NPCs being silenced while eavesdropping is the golden rule...
Does this mean he agreed again?
Lu Yuanyuan hesitated for a moment, then turned her head to look at the table.
Perhaps knowing that Yin Xiaozhu had difficulty holding chopsticks recently, the lunch served from the kitchen consisted almost entirely of pastries that could be eaten directly with one's hands: there were four neatly arranged pieces of osmanthus crystal cake, white and translucent, drizzled with honey syrup; orange crab roe, the most succulent fruit of autumn, rolled in glutinous rice and wrapped in bean curd skin, steamed until it was juicy and flavorful; and a dazzling array of crispy and savory snacks...
Lu Yuanyuan was overwhelmed by the variety of choices and couldn't decide: "Yuanjun, what would you like to eat?"
Yin Xiaozhu's robes were spread out on the low couch, their colors simple yet gleaming, and he seemed indifferent: "Whatever."
Lu Yuanyuan was taken aback, suddenly realizing that she had asked a stupid question.
That makes sense. Yin Xiaozhu grew up in Shushan, so the kitchen must be most familiar with her preferences and tastes. How could they possibly send her something she doesn't like to eat?
Lu Yuanyuan said no more, washed her hands, took an empty bowl, picked up one of each kind of pastry, and went to the low couch. She had intended to take the opportunity to sit next to Yin Xiaozhu and strengthen their sisterly bond. However, the other woman glanced at the footstool in front of the chair and gestured for her to sit there.
The footstool was long and soft, covered with brocade. While one couldn't normally wear shoes on it, it could be used as a chair. Lu Yuanyuan, eager to make up for the lost intimacy points, didn't complain and obediently sat down.
Because the footrest was placed a bit far from the chair, after she sat down, she reached out and pulled it, moving herself and the footrest forward, almost embedding herself between Yin Xiaozhu's naturally open legs.
Such a posture, if placed in a situation involving a man and a woman, would be somewhat indecent. Fortunately, Yin Xiaozhu is a woman, and Lu Yuanyuan is quite at ease, unaware that Yin Xiaozhu's legs seemed to move, as if trying to pull them together, but stopped when they touched her.
Lu Yuanyuan placed the porcelain plate on her lap, picked up a piece of pastry with two fingers of her right hand, and cupped her left hand below to catch any crumbs. She eagerly offered it to Yuanjun, saying, "Yuanjun, please have some."
Sitting in this position, she was half a body length shorter than Yin Xiaozhu. When she raised her hand, her upper body would involuntarily lean forward, getting closer and closer to his embrace.
Yin Xiaozhu glanced at the pastry in her hand. Her eyelashes were extremely long, and in the sunlight, one pupil was clear and light-colored. The other pupil was shrouded in shadow, deep and moist. After a while, she actually bent down and took a bite of the pastry.
Because he was biting slowly, the warm, moist breath that seeped from his lips landed on Lu Yuanyuan's fingertips.
As soon as her fingers touched the empty space, Lu Yuanyuan quickly withdrew her hand, rubbing her fingertips together slightly, a strange feeling welling up in her heart.
Yin Xiaozhu ate very elegantly, slowly and quietly. After she swallowed the pastry, Lu Yuanyuan continued to feed her another piece. After she finished the whole plate of pastries, she wanted to bring another plate, but Yin Xiaozhu stopped her: "That's enough, I'm full."
You've only eaten a few pieces, and that's enough?
This guy's appetite is too small; it's not even enough for her to show off.
Lu Yuanyuan lowered her head, hiding the faint resentment that was rising within her, and obediently said "Oh" before placing the porcelain plate aside.
Suddenly, she caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of her eye, and immediately straightened up. She took out a silk handkerchief, straightened her body, pressed her knees on the low couch, and pressed it against the corner of Yin Xiaozhu's mouth.
Yin Xiaozhu paused in her attempt to get up.
Lu Yuanyuan wiped her mouth, her almond eyes curving upwards, her voice sweet and melodious like Huang Ying's: "Yuanjun, you have some pastry crumbs on your mouth, let me wipe them off for you."
Unexpectedly, the footstool had an arched top and the fabric was extremely silky. She was kneeling too far to the side, and before she knew it, her clothes slipped on the footstool. Lu Yuanyuan was slightly startled. In order not to bump into the person in front of her, she reached out and braced herself against his body, her palm pressing squarely against Yin Xiaozhu's chest.
Before she could even feel the touch of his palm, her wrist was gripped tightly and pulled inch by inch from his chest. The force with which he gripped her wrist bone was so great that she almost screamed in pain.
Seemingly realizing she was using too much force, Yin Xiaozhu suddenly loosened her grip: "Be careful, don't fall."
His tone was gentle, just as approachable as he usually was.
If it weren't for the red mark left on her wrist, Lu Yuanyuan would have doubted that she had imagined it.
How come this guy has such a strong grip? And wasn't his reaction a bit too intense...?
Before she could think it through, Yin Xiaozhu changed the subject: "Alright, sit down, let me see how the Bone-Penetrating Blue in your body is doing."
It was time to get down to business. Lu Yuanyuan sat down as instructed and skillfully began to undress. Her slippery outer garment slid off her shoulders, revealing her small sash. But at that moment, a hand hooked her garment and gently pulled it up.
Lu Yuanyuan turned around, puzzled. Yin Xiaozhu smiled and said, "It's cold, just show your shoulders, no need to take everything off."
The detoxification process was exactly the same as the previous two times. After it was over, Yin Xiaozhu stopped, turned her head away, and gave the order to leave: "Alright. You've just returned to Shu Mountain, go back to your room and rest."
Lu Yuanyuan didn't want to leave so soon. After tidying her clothes, she saw that Yin Xiaozhu was already standing in front of the desk, seemingly about to pick up a pen to write. She immediately found another opportunity and eagerly moved closer, raising her bright eyes: "Yuanjun, I'm not tired at all. Do you want to write? Your hand is not convenient, let me grind the ink for you."
Yin Xiaozhu glanced at her and moved aside to make room. Lu Yuanyuan knew that she had tacitly agreed, and secretly pleased, she rolled up her sleeves and started working.
Yin Xiaozhu injured her right hand, so she used her left hand to write. However, her handwriting was completely unaffected and remained elegant and beautiful.
Was she born with both hands that could use both hands?
At first, Lu Yuanyuan thought she was going to practice calligraphy or do something poetic or artistic. However, after peeking in for a while, she discovered that Yin Xiaozhu was drafting a list.
Since they didn't avoid her, an outsider, this definitely wasn't on any taboo list. Lu Yuanyuan held the ink stick and ground it evenly on the inkstone, asking curiously, "Yuanjun, what is this?"
Yin Xiaozhu kept writing: "List of participants in the Natural Treasures Conference."
Lu Yuanyuan paused slightly as she ground the ink, memories of her past life surfacing in her mind.
The Heavenly Treasures Gathering is a once-a-decade grand event in the cultivation world, held in a place called the Spirit Treasure Secret Realm.
To put it simply, this secret realm is the outer area of the old site of the Ghost Realm.
Over three hundred years ago, the Ghost Emperor Jiuli was suppressed by the immortal sects. The area within a radius of ten thousand miles centered on where he was sealed was transformed into a barren wasteland, like an Eastern version of Silent Hill. A barrier was erected at the boundary of this place. For all these years, no one has been able to cross this barrier, and no one knows what happened on the other side.
However, outside this barrier lies a ring-shaped transition zone thousands of miles wide. Legend has it that during the war to seal the Ghost Emperor, countless powerful immortals perished here, including many ascended sword immortals. The rare treasures and magical artifacts they carried were scattered throughout this transition zone with their deaths. Some of these artifacts and divine weapons are even beyond the craftsmanship of the current cultivation world.
This is why this place is named "Lingbao Secret Realm".
So, over the years, have any cultivators entered this treasure trove to find hidden gems?
The answer is yes.
Unfortunately, most of them didn't make it out alive. This place is adjacent to the old site of the Ghost Realm, and its evil and yin energy is so heavy that it's practically a favorite spot for demons and monsters. Let alone a lone cultivator, even an entire team could be wiped out, devoured without a trace.
So why doesn't the cultivation world unite its forces, purify this place in one fell swoop, and then divide up the treasures inside?
The reasons are complex. First, it's unnecessary. Many demons are drawn to the yin energy of that environment, preferring to occupy territory and fight amongst themselves rather than expand their influence, like a breeding ground for venomous creatures. The cultivation world has no reason to intrude into their territory and cause them trouble. Second, there are simply too many demons. Even with a massive investment of manpower and resources, it's difficult to eradicate them all. No powerful families or sects are willing to expend their disciples and magical artifacts for such a long-term mission. Third, and most fundamentally, unless the Ghost Realm is completely eradicated, eliminating the allure of the Spirit Treasure Realm for demons and monsters, no matter how hard they try to eliminate one wave of demons, a new wave will flood in and take root. Within ten years, a new batch of local tyrants will emerge, and the problem will never end.
Therefore, the cultivation world opted for a compromise—holding a Heavenly Treasure Gathering every ten years. This gathers the strength of hundreds of sects to enter this area together, eliminating any overly conspicuous or dangerous demons and monsters to prevent them from expanding and harming humanity. Simultaneously, it provides disciples with an opportunity to hone their skills, make friends, and form teams to search for treasures.
Because of the inherent danger, most aristocratic families and immortal sects only send cultivators with a cultivation level of Golden Core or higher. Of course, if someone wishes, they can bring their own servants.
Lu Yuanyuan had also gone inside during her first playthrough. There were indeed many rare treasures inside. She was only doing logistical work, but she still managed to collect quite a few good items, which she could sell for a considerable amount of spirit stones. In terms of reward drop rates, it was much higher than completing sect missions.
It turns out that the next Natural Treasures Conference will be held in just half a month.
The list of Danqing Peak members was drafted by Senior Sister Yin Xiaozhu.
Lu Yuanyuan thought for a moment and asked, "Yuanjun, will you go?"
"It's a rare opportunity, so I'll definitely go."
Lu Yuanyuan blinked: "Yuanjun, can you take me with you? I just want to see what it's like. I promise I won't cause you any trouble. I'll stay in the logistics department."
Yin Xiaozhu glanced at her and, unsurprisingly, refused: "You are still a mortal; you shouldn't go into this place."
Seeing that she was about to speak, Yin Xiaozhu put down her pen and patiently comforted her, "Don't worry, I will definitely come out within ten days to detoxify you."
Lu Yuanyuan shut her mouth and stopped trying.
Well, she was just trying it out anyway, and didn't really expect Yin Xiaozhu to agree.
It seems I still need to cultivate the Golden Elixir as soon as possible.
After returning to Mount Shu, Lu Yuanyuan resumed her routine of going between two points. Besides attending classes during the day, she would practice the first half of the "Three Techniques of Charming Hearts" every night. She calculated that at this rate, she would form her Golden Core about a third faster than in her previous life.
Before we knew it, it was the eve of the departure for the Heavenly Treasures Conference.
At the hour of Chou (1-3 AM), when the night is deep and quiet.
The autumn weather was cool, and people slept particularly soundly at night. Lu Yuanyuan was fast asleep when, without warning, she was suddenly awakened by a system alarm that blared straight into her brain. Startled, she paled slightly and sat up.
System: "Ding! Hidden storyline [Bitter Night] updated. Please go to Yin Xiaozhu's residence to check."
Lu Yuanyuan: "..."
Her head throbbed with pain. She rubbed the corner of her eye and felt like swearing.
What a terrible system! It scared her so much she almost had a heart attack!
The hidden storyline has been updated again. She'd almost forgotten about it if the system hadn't mentioned it.
Did Yin Xiaozhu fall again and need her to help him up?
Remembering the three spirit stones from last time, Lu Yuanyuan took a deep breath, suppressed her morning grumpiness from being woken up in the middle of the night, got up, and put on her outer robe.
Pushing open the door, she found the corridor pitch black. Wearing soft-soled embroidered shoes, Lu Yuanyuan walked silently to the adjacent bedroom, only to find it completely dark. From the back of the room, however, came a soft voice.
Lu Yuanyuan was taken aback. She followed the sound with a puzzled look, stopped at the corner of the corridor, and held her breath to take a look.
It was a high cliff behind the dormitory, surrounded by clusters of begonias, their delicate beauty enhanced by the cold dew that dampened the stone ground. Yin Xiaozhu, wearing an outer robe, stood beneath the most magnificent begonia, with a female cultivator standing before her.
Why would anyone choose to visit Yin Xiaozhu in the dead of night?
Because Yin Xiaozhu had her back to her, Lu Yuanyuan couldn't see her expression, but she could hear her cold voice: "I didn't summon you, you shouldn't have come here."
Before Lu Yuanyuan could figure out what was going on, the female cultivator spoke, but it was a young man's voice: "What are you afraid of? This barrier of Shu Mountain can't stop my puppet technique."
Puppetry?
Lu Yuanyuan shuddered, her sleepiness vanishing instantly. Upon closer inspection, she felt a chill creeping up the back of her neck.
She noticed that the female cultivator hadn't opened her mouth at all from beginning to end; her hands hung down, and her gaze was stiff and unfocused, as if she had been speaking through ventriloquism the whole time.
A strong sense of foreboding rose from the soles of her feet and gripped her trachea.
What should she do? She felt like she had seen something she shouldn't have...
You know, in TV dramas, it's practically a golden rule that NPCs who are caught eavesdropping are then silenced!
She wasn't interested in whether Yin Xiaozhu had any unknown friends, and her mind started to wander. She slowly backed away, intending to return the way she came.
System: "Ding! The [Bitter Night] storyline is in progress. Please do not back up."
Lu Yuanyuan's feet were instantly rooted to the spot: "..."
On the other side, Yin Xiaozhu remained silent.
Seemingly sensing the oppressive atmosphere emanating from the silence, the "female cultivator" paused, her attitude softening slightly. She said, "I understand, I won't do it again. I just came to ask you, when are you going to make your move? Xu Gu has been testing you in the hall these past two days. I think it's because of that healing incident two years ago, when you refused to go into the Cold Dew Spring with her. That old geezer has been suspicious ever since..." As she spoke, the "female cultivator" suddenly looked up, directly confronting the corner where Lu Yuanyuan was: "Who's there!"
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