Sun Mo stood up from his wooden chair. He gave Ye Qingyu one final sympathetic look before he walked out. The wooden door clicked shut.
Ye Qingyu stared blankly at her rippling green tea. She sat alone in the silent room. Sun Mo's words echoed loudly inside her mind.
Her slender fingers tightly gripped the warm porcelain cup. A bitter smile formed under her white veil.
She had maintained a cold and distant image for many long years. This emotional wall helped her survive in this harsh world. But now she had to sacrifice.
Two years.
She had to secure the Nine-Leaf Marrow Orchid and the Golden Crow Sun-Flare Flower quickly.
She relaxed her tight grip on the delicate teacup. She took a deep breath.
"I will do whatever it takes."
…
Several quiet days passed in Baishi City.
Chen Xuan visited an upscale wine pavilion near a serene lake. He poured a cup of sweet spiritual wine. He sat by an open window on the second floor.
The vast lake sparkled beautifully under the bright afternoon sun. Small spiritual boats drifted lazily across the calm water.
His striking appearance naturally attracted much attention. Several young noble ladies at nearby tables stole frequent glances at him.
Some women hid their blushing faces behind painted silk fans. They whispered excitedly about the handsome youth in white robes.
Chen Xuan ignored their lingering stares. He focused his sharp hearing on a group of young men. These men sat at a large table nearby.
"Are you attending Elder Qian's grand banquet tomorrow?" A young master in luxurious silk asked this question before he took a long sip.
"Of course," another replied proudly. "It is his one hundred and fiftieth birthday."
"My elder brother wants to show off his calligraphy skills."
The first noble nodded in agreement. "You are very lucky."
The second noble flashed a wide grin, and he added more details.
"Several top entertainment houses are invited. The Crimson Phoenix House and the Jade Melody Pavilion will both attend."
"We will be incredibly fortunate to see even one of them perform."
Chen Xuan placed his empty cup gently on the wooden table. He needed a natural way to cross paths with her.
Going directly to her business establishment felt too straightforward. A banquet gathering presented the perfect opportunity to meet her safely.
He stood up from his seat. He left a low-grade spirit stone on the table, and he walked down the stairs.
…
The next evening eventually arrived with a cool and refreshing breeze.
Chen Xuan reached the grand estate of Elder Qian. Glowing red lanterns hung from the high outer walls.
A long line of luxurious carriages waited outside the main gates. Servants busily guided the arriving guests inside.
Guards in fine silver armor stood proudly at the entrance. They carefully checked the beautiful wooden invitation cards of all arriving noble guests.
Chen Xuan walked directly up to the gates.
"Halt," the guard on the left commanded in a firm voice. He raised a hand politely to ask a direct question.
"Please present your invitation token."
Chen Xuan pulled out his Flowing Cloud Sect medallion, and he showed it to the head guard.
"Will this work?" he asked.
The guard immediately bowed his head in deep respect because he recognized the prestigious token.
"Respected disciple of the Flowing Cloud Sect," the guard said politely.
"We are deeply honored by your presence. However, you still need an official invitation card."
Chen Xuan shook his head calmly. "I don't have one."
The guard looked deeply apologetic. He bowed his head.
"I am truly sorry. Our master has set strict rules for this banquet. Guests must show an invitation or demonstrate true mastery in the Four Arts."
He pointed toward a nearby side table. A zither, a Go board, and several calligraphy brushes were placed on top of it.
"You can demonstrate your skill in zither, Go, calligraphy, or painting. This will allow you to enter freely as an honored guest."
Chen Xuan looked at the wooden table quietly. He never focused his time on learning the refined arts.
He knew the basic rules of Go, and he could write neatly. But that would never impress a true art connoisseur.
"I understand. I will leave now," Chen Xuan said with a light sigh.
He stored the token back inside his spatial ring. He turned around to walk away from the grand estate.
An elegant spiritual carriage arrived right at that exact moment. The carriage stopped smoothly near the busy entrance.
The carriage door opened gracefully.
Ye Qingyu stepped out and instantly captured the attention of the entire crowd.
She wore a pale blue dress that highlighted her beautiful figure perfectly. Intricate lotus patterns woven from silver threads decorated her flowing sleeves.
A white veil hid her lower face.
Her majestic presence forced many young men into a stunned silence before her dark eyes locked onto a familiar white-robed back.
"Fellow Daoist Chen?" she called out in a gentle tone.
Chen Xuan recognized the sweet and melodious voice right away. He stopped his steps. Slowly, he turned around to face her.
"Fellow Daoist Ye," he offered a polite nod.
"What a wonderful coincidence to meet you here."
She glided forward before stopping just a short distance away.
Ye Qingyu glanced quickly at the strict guards standing near the gate, and then she returned her attention to him.
"Did you want to join Elder Qian's banquet tonight?" she asked softly.
"I heard some great things about it," Chen Xuan replied.
"Many people mentioned the grand display of the Four Arts happening inside. I wanted to observe it. However, I do not have a formal invitation card."
He gave a faint and casual smile.
"My artistic skills are far too poor to pass the entrance test, so walking away is my only option."
Ye Qingyu turned her delicate face toward the guards.
"I am the owner of the Jade Melody Pavilion. This cultivator is my personal companion for the evening. I am taking him inside with me. Will that be an issue for you?" her voice sounded calm.
The two armored guards quickly looked at each other in surprise. They knew Ye Qingyu was a formal VIP guest. She held immense respect in the artistic community.
"He is definitely welcome as your honored guest, Madam Ye," the captain answered quickly.
He stepped aside respectfully and pointed toward the courtyard. "Please go ahead."
Ye Qingyu shifted her focus back to Chen Xuan. A genuine and warm smile crinkled the edges of her beautiful dark eyes.
"Will you go inside with me?" she invited him softly.
Chen Xuan studied her eyes quietly for a short moment.
He could not figure out why her previously attitude had changed so suddenly. However he happily accepted this great change.
"It would be my honor," he answered in a smooth voice.
They walked side by side through the massive stone gates.