She stepped forward and affectionately took Wei Lihua’s arm, saying, "Since Senior Sister has returned to the mountain, why not stay at my place for a few days?"
Wei Lihua patted her arm and sighed lightly, "I wish I could, but having just returned to the mountain gate, I’ve been tasked with arranging Daoist Zhang’s residence by Master Guo himself, so I haven’t had the chance to visit my esteemed teacher yet."
"Oh? What a pity then." Junior Sister Fu raised a delicate eyebrow, glanced at Zhang Yan, and said, "Senior Sister Wei, Brother Zhang, in that case, please follow me."
She led the way toward a mountain peak, flying swiftly ahead. After just a few steps, they suddenly heard deafening thunder and saw billowing Demon Cloud rolling over another mountain peak. Zhang Yan couldn’t help but take a few more glances, and Wei Lihua, surprised, asked, "What’s going on over there?"
Junior Sister Fu pursed her lips, replying, "Senior Sister Wei is unaware. Next month, the Ancestor Master will hold the sect’s founding ceremony. Fourth Martial Uncle has invited several Demon Kings and Loose Cultivators to observe. These people are accustomed to stirring up trouble, fighting at every turn. This must be another one of their clashes. We don’t need to pay it any mind."
Twisting her slender waist, she propelled her flying handkerchief forward. After less than one incense stick’s time, she descended from the clouds in front of a Cave Mansion. Turning back with a smile, she said, "Daoist Zhang, what do you think of this place?"
Zhang Yan dismounted the spiritual crane, stood firm, and looked around. He saw green pines and cypresses surrounding the area, with a cool pavilion protruding from the warm cliffside that had an air of elegance. Below was a gently flowing stream, and further ahead, a magnificent waterfall. He nodded and said, "This place indeed stands out with its scenic beauty. Junior Sister Fu has chosen well."
Junior Sister Fu beamed, saying, "As long as Brother Zhang is satisfied."
Wei Lihua, however, seemed unconvinced. She entered the Cave Mansion to take a look and found that, while the interior was simple and clean, apart from a copper lamp holding a long pearl on the desk, there were no other accessories. She frowned and asked, "Junior Sister, why is this place so sparse?"
Junior Sister Fu dramatically feigned injustice and said, "Senior Sister, please don’t blame me for lacking devotion. It’s merely that Brother Zhang arrived late, and the fine Cave Mansions have already been taken by those Loose Cultivator Demon Kings. Look outside; can you find any Cave Mansion that can compare to this one?"
Zhang Yan also walked inside and, with a slight smile, said, "Daoist Wei, I find this place quite suitable. It’s quiet and peaceful, and there’s no need to be overly critical."
Junior Sister Fu’s face lit up with joy, her voice sugary as she said, "Brother Zhang is truly considerate, understanding the difficulties of your little sister."
Seeing that Zhang Yan had no objections, Wei Lihua didn’t want to press further, as she was eager to leave as well. She said, "Little Sister must go to meet her master. I shall visit Daoist Zhang another day."
Zhang Yan cupped his hands and said, "Daoist, please go ahead."
Wei Lihua gave him a respectful bow and then leapt, transforming into a streak of tunneling light that turned in the sky before disappearing from sight.
After Wei Lihua left, Junior Sister Fu’s enchanting eyes flickered. She turned around and said, "Daoist Zhang, you may roam freely during your spare time, but you must keep one thing in mind. Over that mountain peak lies the Cave Mansions of the Demon Kings. You must not venture there. While these Demon Kings pride themselves on their stature and don’t bully others, their descendants from the Wild Clan are crude and vicious. A single disagreement could lead to conflict, and if they quarrel with you, I’ll be in a very difficult position in between."
Zhang Yan chuckled faintly and said, "If no one provokes me, I certainly won’t stir up trouble either."
Junior Sister Fu giggled, saying, "I knew Brother Zhang was a reasonable person. Brother Zhang is Senior Sister Wei’s esteemed guest and can be considered one of our own. If there’s anything else to ask, I’ll do my utmost to meet Brother Zhang’s satisfaction."
Zhang Yan shook his head and said, "There’s nothing else; no need to trouble Junior Sister Fu further."
Seeing Zhang Yan’s intention to end the conversation, Junior Sister Fu took out a token, her voice sultry as she said, "If Brother Zhang needs anything, use this token to summon the old ape in the mountains. It will guide you to me."
With that, she handed the token forward. After Zhang Yan accepted it, she said no more and took her leave. Tossing her flying handkerchief into the air, she twisted her waist and leapt, turning into a streak of soft rainbow light that returned to her own Cave Mansion.
Before long, she landed in front of a palace surrounded by lush flowers and plants. Lifting her skirt slightly, she was about to step inside when a figure emerged from within, startling her into clutching her chest as she stepped back. She exclaimed, "Who’s the wretch scaring this lady?"
Opposite her came a light laugh, followed by the appearance of a tall, elegant young cultivator with rosy lips and white teeth. Smiling, he said, "It’s me. Did I frighten Junior Sister?"
Junior Sister Fu sighed in relief, rolling her eyes at him, and said, "Oh, it’s Brother Feng. What now, are you here to snoop for information again?"
The young cultivator chuckled, saying, "In front of Junior Sister Fu, there’s nothing I can hide. I happened to pass by and saw Senior Sister Wei leading a Daoist in a hurry. I wonder who he is and why he came? So I might visit him another day."
Junior Sister Fu sneered and said, "Do you take me for a fool? You’re worried there’s another rival for the Immortal Palace Tokens, aren’t you?"
The young Daoist laughed cheekily and handed her a small pouch. After glancing around, Fu Hongyu swiftly took it and tucked it into her sachet. She patted it twice before whispering, "I haven’t investigated his background, but I heard he’s a friend of Master Guo."
The young Daoist let out a surprised "Oh?" and said, "Even Master Guo wants to meddle this time?"
Fu Hongyu arched her brows and said, "What are you saying? Oh, so it’s fine for you to compete for the Immortal Palace Tokens, but others aren’t allowed to?"
The young cultivator smiled and said, "There are forty-eight tokens. Whether one can obtain one depends on fate. One more person or one less person doesn’t matter much."
Fu Hongyu rolled her eyes at him playfully and said, "Brother Feng seems carefree, but is that truly what you believe in your heart?"
Before the man could reply, she flung her sleeves and said, "Enough! I won’t bother unraveling your schemes. Pretend I never said anything. Just remember that this person was brought by Senior Sister Wei, so give me some face and ensure no trouble arises during my watch."
The young cultivator’s eyes gleamed mischievously, and he promptly agreed, "Since Junior Sister Fu has spoken, I’ll naturally listen. However..." He chuckled slyly, adding, "Even if my senior brothers don’t act, I fear some others might be unable to resist testing his abilities."
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to vote for it using recommendation tickets or monthly tickets on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation.)