Chen Miaomiao neither accepted nor rejected Chen Hong’s “enthusiastic invitation.” She gave a slight nod and turned her gaze toward the official-robed County Magistrate Ma standing nearby, asking, “This must be County Magistrate Ma, correct?”
County Magistrate Ma was overwhelmed by the unexpected honor. He hurriedly replied, “Yes, yes, indeed… This humble junior, Ma Rui, County Magistrate of Yunluo Zhen, pays his respects to the senior!”
He had thought that a minor official like himself, as insignificant as a sesame seed or a mung bean, would never catch the eye of such a senior. Yet, to his surprise, she actually knew of him?!
What a delightful surprise!
A truly great delight!
Chen Miaomiao inwardly sneered and said, “I’ve heard that County Magistrate Ma has a son who is a dragon among men, a phoenix among mortals?”
County Magistrate Ma was so overjoyed that his eyes crinkled into slits, and he beckoned behind him, saying, “You flatter me, you flatter me. Yu’er, come quickly and greet the senior! Yu’er?”
Chen Miaomiao followed County Magistrate Ma’s gesture and saw a man dressed in luxurious cyan robes. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his frame appeared somewhat gaunt and frail—clearly the look of a dissipated young master drained by wine and women. Yet, his features were overall handsome, especially his peach-blossom eyes, which held a touch of the delicate beauty of a sickly maiden.
At that moment, Ma Jingyu was staring fixedly at Chen Miaomiao, his eyes filled with awe and infatuation, as if he were entranced, forgetting even the most basic courtesy.
“Yu’er! Do not be rude!”
County Magistrate Ma knew his son’s old weakness for lust had flared up again, and he was so terrified he nearly knelt on the spot!
Damn it, this is a Yuanying Laozu!
How dare you look at her with such eyes? Aren’t you afraid that if she takes offense, she’ll wipe out our entire family?!
Chen Miaomiao, however, didn’t seem to mind. She smiled at him and said, “Hehe, your son is indeed a man of striking appearance and graceful demeanor. Excellent, truly excellent.”
County Magistrate Ma was drenched in cold sweat from head to toe and hurriedly replied, “You flatter me, senior. You are too kind.”
Chen Miaomiao smiled at Ma Jingyu once more before leisurely shifting her gaze away.
Not only Ma Jingyu, who had been directly looked at by Chen Miaomiao, but even the onlookers felt that her gaze seemed to carry a hook—aloof and untouchable, yet subtly flirtatious, brimming with charm and allure.
How could Ma Jingyu withstand such a gaze?!
He was instantly stirred to the core by her single glance, his heart itching with desire!
Beautiful!
So beautiful!
Ma Jingyu had never seen such an exquisitely stunning beauty.
Moreover, she had specifically asked about him, praised him, and smiled at him—not just once, but twice!
Did this mean he had caught the eye of this great beauty?
Marvelous, absolutely marvelous!
As the son of a county magistrate, Ma Jingyu was well aware that many powerful female Xiushi sought handsome young men as companions. Though the term “kept man” might sound unpleasant, if the other party was someone as powerful and beautiful as this, how could he possibly refuse?
He was more than willing!!
If not for the crowd present, he would have immediately rushed to “offer his pillow” and “beg for her mercy”!
Seeing Chen Miaomiao’s expression, Chen Hong’s heart sank.
Damn it, as a dignified Yuanying Laozu, if you want men, I’ll find them for you. How could you possibly take a liking to such a lowly, worthless scum?
Unwilling to let all the attention be stolen by the Ma family, Chen Hong quickly interjected, “Senior, our clan elder has long heard of your esteemed reputation and has been eagerly looking forward to meeting you.”
Sure enough, as soon as Chen Miaomiao heard the name of their clan elder, she immediately cast aside all thoughts of “kept men” and smiled even more sincerely. “How dare I keep Elder Chen waiting? Please, Clan Leader Chen, lead the way.”
Chen Hong immediately felt reassured and smiled, saying, “Please come this way. County Magistrate Ma, I won’t entertain you further at the main residence. Please make yourself at home.”
County Magistrate Ma, having been “scolded” by Chen Hong, felt both delighted and fearful, not daring to utter a single word. He bowed and nodded repeatedly as he saw them off.
After Chen Miaomiao followed the Chen family members and departed gracefully, the shock she brought to Yunluo Zhen lingered for a long time. Rumors about “Baipao Laozu” spread like wildfire, from one person to ten, and from ten to a hundred!
They said Baipao Laozu was as beautiful as a celestial being, like a goddess. With her left hand, she could turn stone into gold; with her right, she could transform water into jade. A single word from her could bring sudden enlightenment. Yet, she was also said to be lustful and indiscriminate, not even sparing a sickly, frail man.
For male Xiushi, this seemed like a shortcut to reaching the heavens in a single step!
They weren’t afraid of Baipao Laozu being lustful; they were afraid she might be too reserved.
If Baipao Laozu was willing, they could become part of her harem, the kind that never competed for favor.
Even many female Xiushi, upon hearing this news, beat their chests in regret, lamenting that they weren’t born male. Otherwise, they too could have tried to catch Baipao Laozu’s attention, perhaps even receiving her guidance.
At this moment, Chen Miaomiao was still unaware of the impact these “rumors” would have on her. As she officially stepped into Yunluo Chenjia, many vague memories gradually became clearer. Although the scars on her body had long since healed, Chen Miaomiao felt a piercing pain and fear emanating from the depths of her soul.
These were the emotions and sensations left behind by the original owner, Little Miaomiao…
She was afraid.
Afraid of this cage that had tormented her for years and brought a lifetime of suffering.
Chen Miaomiao gently patted her chest and silently whispered, “Don’t be afraid, Little Miaomiao… I’ll reclaim what they owe you on your behalf.”
Her reassurance seemed to have an effect, as Little Miaomiao’s emotions quietly settled. This made Chen Miaomiao feel even more heartache for the original owner—she was truly too obedient.
“Hahaha, you’ve finally arrived! I’ve been waiting for you for so long!”
A deep, hearty laugh rang out first. Chen Miaomiao looked up to see a white-bearded, white-browed elder speaking. He stood tall and robust, full of vigor, and strode toward her with the confidence of a dragon and the strength of a tiger.
This person was none other than the elder of Yunluo Chenjia—a third-level Liandanshi named Chen Wen.
The members of the Chen family immediately held their breath and greeted him respectfully, “Greetings, Elder Chen!”
“Greetings, Elder!”
“Greetings, Elder!”
“Hahaha,” Chen Wen waved his hand, signaling for everyone to step back. He then walked up to Chen Miaomiao himself, extending a friendly gesture. “Esteemed fellow Daoist, I am Chen Wen, an elder of Yunluo Chenjia. I have long admired your esteemed reputation. Your presence here truly brings honor to our humble abode!”
As soon as Chen Wen approached Chen Miaomiao, she knew exactly what he was.
This so-called third-level Liandanshi was a fraud—he had successfully deceived everyone.
The reason was simple: there wasn’t the slightest trace of medicinal scent on him.
In her previous life, after cultivating Guwu under her master’s guidance, Chen Miaomiao had encountered many great masters of medicine. Those who reached the pinnacle of their craft did so through years of immersion and cultivation. Even if they walked three miles away, she could still detect the scent of disinfectant or herbal medicine on them.
But this old man not only lacked the fragrance of medicine—he also carried a faint, unpleasant stench.
Chen Miaomiao did not understand how such a “crude” flaw could have escaped the sharp eyes of the Xiushi, but she was now certain that the matter of little Miaomiao was connected to the entire Chenjia branch!
Three years ago, after little Miaomiao went missing, a third-level Liandanshi from Yunluo Chenjia suddenly rose to prominence, becoming a highly sought-after figure.
Three years later, it was time for her to collect interest on behalf of little Miaomiao.