After that, more time passed. Yu Suisui ate well and slept soundly every day, completely unaffected by Xie Rongjing’s attitude.
She didn’t know why she cared so little about it. It was like being an underachieving student who failed an exam – logically, she should feel somewhat down, but when she realized everyone scored zero equally in front of this person… she suddenly felt relieved.
If anyone was to blame, it was Teacher Xie for setting questions that were too difficult. Yu Suisui lay sprawled on her recliner eating fruit, comfortably turning over while idly thinking this.
This was her favorite daily activity – spacing out.
When tired, she’d simply fall asleep. After waking, depending on her mood, she might flip through a couple pages of storybooks, play a few tunes on her instrument, comfortably muddling through the day.
“Thanks to the young mistress’s blessings, my Spirit Stones have increased again this month!”
That was Steward Niu’s voice outside.
…Of course, she occasionally needed to entertain visitors like Pei Lin and Steward Niu.
Pei Lin was fine – he mainly came to listen to her play the zither. While listening, he remained quiet and well-behaved. If he missed Yu Suisui’s playing session, he’d silently help Bai Shuang and others with their work, showing excellent self-management awareness.
Steward Niu was different. He talked more than anyone else. Every visit included not only bringing gifts but also offering 365-degree comprehensive praise for the young mistress.
Today was no exception.
Steward Niu cheerfully shared his good news about promotion and salary raise, attributing all credit to the young mistress.
He now earned three hundred Spirit Stones monthly, arriving with a radiant face, almost wishing he could call Yu Suisui “father”.
“That’s so much!” Bai Shuang said enviously. “Steward is truly amazing. I only get fifteen Spirit Stones per month.”
Yu Suisui was puzzled: “Why so little?”
She had thought people at South Peak generally had high salaries.
Bai Shuang scratched her head sheepishly: “Not at all, young mistress. For us maidservants, the maximum is only twenty Spirit Stones… I’m actually among the better-paid ones.”
So that’s how it was, Yu Suisui understood.
Compared to career-establishment positions like Pei Lin’s and civil service positions like Steward Niu’s, service industry jobs like maids and attendants had longer working hours, lower pay, and fewer holidays.
In that case, they should strive to switch to more promising professions.
After thinking it over, Yu Suisui found this reasoning sound. “How about you all try to test into inner sect discipleship first?”
Bai Shuang thought the young mistress was joking: “Young mistress, we just want to stay by your side forever.”
Huh? That wouldn’t do.
Yu Suisui shook her head vigorously.
She would be returning home in just a few months. If these young maids encountered temperamental elders or hall masters later, it would be difficult for them to even resign.
Speaking of which, since she could give Secret Manuals to Xie Rongjing, naturally she could also give them to her subordinates for their own cultivation.
Yu Suisui found this reasoning excellent!
Ever since the two library guards learned her true identity, they hadn’t dared accept her Spirit Stones even once, always letting her read as long as she wanted and borrow as many books as she wished, being as obsequious as possible.
Steward Niu, who initially thought they were competing with him for the position of favorite in the young mistress’s eyes (self-proclaimed), had even quarreled fiercely with them.
Since the wool was readily available for shearing, Yu Suisui immediately decided: she would personally take her maids to select Secret Manuals – after all, they were free.
Having lounged at home for so long, going out for a walk would be good for both physical and mental health.
Having made up her mind, she immediately led everyone out in a grand procession.
Yu Sui Sui walked ahead, followed closely by a group of young maidservants. The scene was quite spectacular, drawing sidelong glances from passersby on the road.
Most of them, like the former Yu Sui Sui, had never visited the library before. Seeing this magnificent octagonal tower, they couldn’t help but gasp in awe.
When they actually held their own Secret Manuals in their hands, their expressions could only be described as weeping with joy.
Back at Zhu Yi Residence, the young maidservants lined up in a long row, expressing endless gratitude and deep emotion.
Yu Sui Sui was equally moved.
This… they’re just too well-behaved!
Having grown accustomed to the troublesome Xie Rong Jing, looking at these adorable, obedient, and sensible subordinates gave her a feeling of being in a different world.
Without comparison, there would be no sense of harm. She truly wished the great villain could learn a thing or two from them 🙂
She suddenly recalled the bamboo scroll she had brought to Xie Rong Jing one or two months ago.
During this time, she had sent Steward Niu to check once, and the response was—that volume of Arrays cultivation Secret Manual was still safely placed under the eaves, clearly untouched by the other party.
Perhaps… this was the privilege of a top student. Maybe he didn’t need this manual at all? Who knew.
Just as Yu Sui Sui had pushed Xie Rong Jing out of her mind, she heard Steward Niu shout loudly.
“You mustn’t thank her!”
Why?
The entire courtyard of young maidservants, along with Yu Sui Sui, looked at him curiously.
Steward Niu was tongue-tied.
During this period, the young lady hadn’t visited the Devil Seed even once. Although she had sent him to check once, she hadn’t asked him to deliver anything to the Devil Seed either.
Had they broken up? Had a quarrel? Completely cut off contact?
Steward Niu’s mind was already filled with three hundred romantic stories, but in front of the young lady, he didn’t dare mention a single word.
Not only that, with his excellent skill in currying favor and rich literary accomplishment, he hadn’t even let the three characters “[Xie Rong Jing]” escape his lips.
When he wanted to praise the young lady as “radiant,” he used “dazzling” instead;
When marveling at “beautiful scenery on a fine day,” he used “wonderful time” instead.
He had been so careful, so cautious, to avoid stepping on the young lady’s sore spots, and these little girls were here saying thank you—thank you for what?
Yu Sui Sui: ?
What’s wrong with Old Niu?
Steward Niu was so anxious he was scratching his ears and cheeks, while she was completely baffled.
Fortunately, the strange atmosphere didn’t last long.
Knock knock knock—
Someone was gently tapping on the courtyard gate.
Bai Shuang opened the door to find two immortal children standing outside, holding golden boxes.
One boy and one girl, both looking around years old, with their hair tied in two small buns. They were as lovely as jade and snow, resembling the lucky children pasted on doors during New Year.
“We are immortal children from the Hall of Heavenly Light,” the little girl spoke.
The little boy then lifted the box and presented it to Yu Sui Sui. “The Sect Celebration is approaching. This was personally prepared for you by the Sect Leader.”
Then Yu Sui Sui remembered.
Oh, there’s also a father.
This father was so inconspicuous that even after several months since her transmigration, she hadn’t met him face to face.
She indifferently accepted this exquisite feathered silk brocade dress. Before even unfolding it, her eyes were dazzled by the sparkling gems and shiny gold threads on it.
Hmm… this father’s aesthetic taste was really somewhat hard to describe.
As for the Sect Celebration, it wouldn’t hurt to join in the fun. She hadn’t seen a celebration in the immortal world yet.
Unlike her leisurely state, her subordinates had entered a tense preparation phase, mostly focused on selecting matching hair ornaments and shoes for the young lady.
“That silver phoenix openwork hairpin looks excellent—it pairs well with the outfit sent by the Sect Leader.”
“But doesn’t it seem too mature for the young lady? Personally, I think the purple jade butterfly tassel hairpin would look absolutely stunning on her.”
“Oh! I remember the young lady said she liked lily of the valley hairpins with dangling pearls. Those would be lovely too…”
Their chatter went back and forth, occasionally punctuated by Steward Niu’s blunt masculine opinions, creating a drowsy atmosphere under the brilliant afternoon sun.
Yu Sui Sui climbed back onto her lounge chair and peacefully drifted into dreamland.
Three days later, on the celebration day.
Before the fourth watch, the courtyard was already brightly lit.
As the young lady, Yu Sui Sui enjoyed the privilege of sleeping two hours longer than her subordinates—yet when she was awakened, the sky outside remained dusky.
Still sleep-deprived, she buried her head in the blankets in protest.
“I’m not going. If I must attend, just carry my bed there.”
“That won’t do, young lady,” Bai Shuang said. “If you don’t appear, the Sect Leader will surely be displeased.”
This was true.
The original host’s father indeed placed great importance on all sect gatherings, as Yu Sui Sui recalled from the memories she’d inherited.
Even when the original host had once been so ill from blocked Spiritual Qi that she could barely stand, she’d still made an appearance at her father’s command.
Fine, fine—she’d just treat it as staying in character.
Thus, Yu Sui Sui stuffed her pillow into her Storage Bag, deciding she’d simply sleep during the celebration to save face for her father.
As the first morning light touched the horizon, a clear phoenix cry echoed from the distance.
Just having finished her toilette, Yu Sui Sui looked out the window to see a gigantic crimson bird soaring across the sky. Its spread wings were edged in gold, with three long gilded tail feathers trailing behind, glittering in the dawn light.
Various other birds circled around this great creature, while auspicious clouds painted the sky. Even the Spiritual Qi felt dozens of times denser than usual.
“A hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix—this is an auspicious sign!” Bai Shuang exclaimed breathlessly. “This happens every Sect Celebration. Our Tian Zhao Sect truly enjoys Heaven’s favor!”
…
Yu Sui Sui remained skeptical.
Being the young lady, she knew more than the maids and junior disciples.
First, that red bird was a Vermilion Finch, not a phoenix. Where would one find a real phoenix these days?
Yet her father had never bothered to correct the misconception, allowing disciples to call a finch a phoenix.
Then, those auspicious clouds were artificially created—high-level Spirit Cultivators condensed Spiritual Qi into mist, then decorated the sky to form these seemingly majestic clouds.
Finally… the exceptionally rich Spiritual Qi today simply resulted from opening the underground spirit vein, having absolutely nothing to do with heavenly favor.
Thinking this, she suddenly lost interest in the subsequent marvels sure to come—they’d likely follow the same pattern: marketed as natural but actually artificial, the kind that would get repeatedly exposed by consumer protection agencies in modern times.
More importantly, the Tian Zhao Sect would nearly be wiped out by Xie Rong Jing in the future—hardly what one would call “Heaven’s favor.”
She wondered what Xie Rong Jing was doing right now.
Facing the morning sun, Yu Sui Sui stepped into the carriage drawn by four heavenly horses.
The palanquin was crafted entirely from an unknown material resembling both jade and wood, its color akin to a iridescent black, adorned with gold, stone, warm jade, snow-like gauze, and tassels—clearly exuding luxury.
This was precisely why Yu Sui Sui disliked riding such airships.
It was far too troublesome: requiring half an hour of preparation before departure and meticulous cleaning and maintenance afterward. As Yu Sui Sui dozed off in the palanquin, she missed her flying sword dearly.
Admittedly, the high cost came with its merits.
Before she could even finish her nap, Bai Shuang chirped excitedly, “Miss, miss, we’ve arrived!”
The sect celebration was held in Tian Zhao Sect’s largest plaza, with the majestic main hall looming behind. The sun had just risen, casting a brilliant glow upon the ninety-nine towering pillars that stood in resplendent harmony.
In the past, the original host of this body would have been seated at the innermost center of the viewing platform.
Understanding this, Yu Sui Sui gracefully lifted her skirt and stepped down from the palanquin.
Almost immediately, she heard faint, sharp intakes of breath around her.
Her face was undeniably beautiful—even without elaborate adornments, she resembled the pure, girl-next-door type, evoking a sense of tender pity.
But now, with flawless makeup, an intricately styled updo, and a lavish, voluminous gown, she looked like an exquisite doll displayed in a shop window—a globally limited edition at that.
Yu Sui Sui offered a half-hearted apology to her father in her heart.
Your taste isn’t so bad, old man. At least this dress is perfect for such a glitzy occasion.
Transformed from a pretty girl into a stunning beauty, several disciples who knew the original host approached her.
“Long time no see, Young Miss. Have you been feeling better lately?”
—This one offered polite concern.
“It’s been two years since we last met, Sui Sui. I’ve missed you so much, and the days we spent hand in hand picking out dresses.”
—This one tried to cozy up.
“I’ve long heard of Young Miss’s poor health. Last month, I specially traveled to the South Sea to find a piece of warm jade for you. I’ll have it delivered to you later.”
—This one showered her with sweet words.
“I will surely find the best medical cultivator for you, Miss Sui Sui. Please rest assured!”
—This one made empty promises.
Yu Sui Sui played the part of the young miss perfectly—tilting her chin with reserved pride, nodding politely, and offering a faint smile to each.
Being a young miss is this boring?
She didn’t believe a single word they said. Though their words dripped with sincerity, not one had visited the original host since she transmigrated.
“If Young Miss doesn’t mind, I wonder if I could invite you tonight—”
Yu Sui Sui listened quietly, her expression gentle yet distant. “No, thank you.”
Suddenly, she felt a sense of familiarity in her current demeanor.
This was exactly how Xie Rong Jing behaved when he wasn’t losing his mind—polite, mild-mannered, and impeccably courteous.
He would smile at you too, yet always maintain a subtle, intangible boundary.
You might think you were standing close to him, but in reality, an insurmountable distance lay between you.
At this thought, her left eyelid twitched abruptly.
Something felt off. She kept thinking about Xie Rong Jing today.
Recalling her own absurd intuition, Yu Sui Sui warily scanned her surroundings.
She was seated beside seemingly young core disciples and descendants of elders. Among them were many beauties of various styles, each occasionally attracting one or two male cultivators who would stop to chat—resembling a large-scale dating show.
Everything seemed fine at first glance, but before she could even sigh in relief, she spotted a familiar figure.
The great villain had indeed appeared here.
He wasn’t in the central level but stood on the second-floor viewing platform alongside the Law Enforcement Hall members, accompanied by that infuriating Blue-robed Talisman Cultivator.
Xie Rong Jing wore a cyan robe paired with a matching jade crown, dressed as elegantly as a graceful tree in the wind. Yet his expression was indifferent—both aloof and world-weary, as if everyone owed him five million Spirit Stones.
Yu Sui Sui’s momentary relief instantly turned into renewed tension.
Hadn’t she told him not to come?
Determined to get answers, Yu Sui Sui lifted her skirt and began walking step by step toward Xie Rong Jing.
People’s eyes followed their noble, radiant pearl of a young mistress, curious about her destination.
In contrast, the Law Enforcement Hall seemed to have some idea. The Hall Master shot a meaningful glance at the Blue-robed Talisman Cultivator, who immediately understood and rose to intercept Yu Sui Sui.
“Young Mis—”
“Step aside.”
Unfazed by the interruption, the Blue-robed Talisman Cultivator smiled amiably. “You cannot proceed any further.”
Immediately, Yu Sui Sui felt a powerful force preventing her from taking another step forward, as if an invisible wall of air had materialized before her.
[If you, Young Mistress, openly befriend the Devil Seed in front of everyone, it would put us in a difficult position.]
Yu Sui Sui looked at the Blue-robed Talisman Cultivator—his lips hadn’t moved. The words had appeared directly in her mind.
Was this the legendary secret voice transmission?
She had no time to dwell on it now. Summoning her full young mistress authority, she demanded, “How dare you use Talisman techniques on me?”
“My apologies,” the Blue-robed Talisman Cultivator replied with impeccable courtesy. “The auspicious hour has arrived, and the ceremony is about to begin. Please take your seat, Young Mistress.”
Yu Sui Sui scanned her surroundings. Countless cultivators were watching with curiosity—now was indeed not the time to argue with the Law Enforcement Hall.
Her earlier actions had drawn many gazes, but only now did Xie Rong Jing finally glance her way.
His gaze was detached, as if looking at a stranger.
After that brief, indifferent look, he turned away with clear disinterest.
The moment their eyes met, Yu Sui Sui noticed faint golden specks flickering on Xie Rong Jing’s forehead. Connected, they seemed to form… a spell?
No need to ask—this was yet another new scheme from the Law Enforcement Hall.
Wonderful. Her leisure time was about to be cut short again.
Yu Sui Sui desperately wanted to ask: Are you sure the Law Enforcement Hall isn’t actually composed of spies sent by rival sects to undermine Tian Zhao Sect?
They could barely solve any cases, but when it came to bizarre schemes and courting death, the Law Enforcement Hall never failed to deliver.