Yang Bingqing watched as the sea boat slowly sailed away, gradually turning into a black dot in the distance. His face darkened, and he assumed a sinister tone, saying, "Hmph, Shan Huizhen, you may be lofty and untouchable now, but in a few days, when Demon King Qiao seizes your Yuan Yin and grants you to me, I’ll see how you wag your tail and beg in front of me then."
He let out a wild laugh, muttered a spell under his breath, and pointed at the sky. A short sword transformed into a beam of white light and shot upward.
After glaring hatefully for a few moments, he stepped onto his Magic Artifact and departed.
Once the items and furnishings—decorative ornaments and tables—were properly arranged, Miss Shan lifted the curtain, seated herself on the couch within the pavilion, and settled down.
Her features were breathtakingly beautiful: porcelain-like skin, rosy cheeks, dark brows, and lips like a single drop of cinnabar. Though possessing a hint of seductive allure, her eyes were clear and upright. At this moment, she spoke softly, "Xiu’er, it seemed Manager Jing had something to say earlier. Go and invite him in."
"Yes, Miss," the maid replied.
The maid turned and left, soon returning with Manager Jing.
Once inside the room, Manager Jing produced a letter, respectfully handed it over, and said, "Second Young Master Yin instructed me to deliver this to Miss Shan."
The maid received the letter and handed it to Miss Shan. She skimmed through its contents and, in a gentle tone, remarked, "Second Young Master Yin is too courteous. I’m merely borrowing this Yin Family sea boat for travel. How could I presume to act as its owner and drive away Yin Family guests? Manager, rest assured. I am not one to be rude or unreasonable."
Hearing this, Manager Jing breathed a true sigh of relief. Truth be told, when Manager Qiu had tasked him with overseeing this matter, he’d known that if both sides clashed, he would end up taking the blame. Now that everything was resolved, he could endure this month and move on. He bowed deeply to Miss Shan and slowly retreated from the room.
The maid glanced at Miss Shan, then at the retreating Manager Jing, quickly chasing after him. Outside the door, she chatted away in a high-pitched, chirping tone—though what was said remained unclear. Before long, she stormed back in, upset and indignant, saying, "Miss, Second Young Master Yin really deals dishonestly! Though he had agreed beforehand that this sea boat was for our use alone, he allowed someone else to share the voyage!"
Miss Shan chuckled gently and said, "According to the letter, this individual is a guest of Elder Yin. Apparently, Yin Zhijun couldn’t refuse the arrangement and asks that I not make things difficult for this guest. I suspect this letter wasn’t penned by him. If it were truly from Second Young Master Yin, would he surrender his pride and explain things so humbly?"
The maid nodded in agreement, saying, "Miss is absolutely right. Second Young Master Yin values his reputation most of all. Even if he were utterly humiliated, he’d never want Miss to look down on him. If you ask my opinion, this passenger is likely some relative or kin of a Yin Family manager."
Miss Shan sighed softly. "My journey to sea this time has drawn significant attention—it’s intended to lure the Jiu Kui Demon King out. That Demon King possesses formidable Mana, and among his five avatars, we don’t know which will appear this time. Even with my Dharma Treasure, I cannot guarantee his defeat. It is imperative to avoid implicating others in this matter. As for the Yin Family’s guest, Xiu’er, go meet them with courtesy. If there are no issues, kindly ask them to leave."
Xiu’er’s eyes darted craftily as she smiled mischievously. "Don’t worry, Miss. Xiu’er will handle everything perfectly."
Miss Shan frowned slightly and said sternly, "Xiu’er, you must not act rashly. If this Yin Family guest proves to be a proper cultivator, persuade them kindly and reasonably."
Xiu’er replied confidently, "Rest assured, Miss. I’ve already inquired with Manager Jing and learned everything. This person is traveling alone—without even a single attendant. They seem quite impoverished. If worse comes to worst, I’ll offer them some Spiritual Shells. If they’re sensible, they’ll accept and leave quietly to find another sea boat. And if they insist on staying, Miss would have done her duty, and their fate will simply rest in the hands of the heavens."
Miss Shan laughed softly and teased, "My Xiu’er seems to have grown rather capable."
Xiu’er’s cheeks flushed under the praise. Flustered, she said, "Learning from Miss over the years has taught me a thing or two."
Miss Shan waved her hand lightly and smiled. "Go on then."
Xiu’er curtsied and withdrew. After leaving the pavilion, she sought out Manager Jing to ask for directions, then headed toward Zhang Yan’s quarters. Upon reaching the door, she called out loudly, "Sir, are you inside?"
A clear and pleasant voice came from within, "Who is outside?"
Xiu’er replied, "My lady and you sea boat, so she has sent her maid to greet you."
Zhang Yan said, "Your lady is very considerate. Please convey my greetings to her as well."
Xiu’er pursed her lips and said, "Sir, would you mind opening the door for a moment? My lady has entrusted me with something to deliver to you."
The door opened on its own, without a breeze. Xiu’er raised her eyes to look inside. Through the bamboo curtain, she saw a young Daoist seated on the couch. His features were obscured, but he exuded a serene aura. Without entering, she retrieved a Jade Box from her sachet and placed it down, saying, "My lady advises that the outer sea is unpredictable, with fierce winds, high waves, and hidden currents. She asks that you accept this item for your safety."
With that, she curtseyed deeply and turned away to leave.
Before long, Xiu’er returned to the cabin. Miss Shan asked softly, "What’s your impression of the man?"
Though only a maid with negligible cultivation—she had not yet opened her meridians—Xiu’er had a knack for estimating others’ cultivation levels, often getting it right. However, Zhang Yan’s cultivation far surpassed hers, and she could not sense his depths, even through the bamboo curtain, much less face-to-face. Still, she relied on superficial observation: those young cultivators of high standing she’d seen before were always surrounded by followers and pomp. In contrast, Zhang Yan traveled alone and relied on the Yin Family’s sea boat to journey. Naturally, she assumed his cultivation was mediocre and replied, "Miss, just an ordinary cultivator. His cultivation might not even surpass mine. I’ve already left him one thousand Spiritual Shells and hinted at the situation with my words. If he’s clever, he’ll know what to do. If he’s stubborn and chooses to stay, any mishap that arises won’t be our fault."
Since Xiu’er deemed him an ordinary cultivator, Miss Shan didn’t give the matter further thought. Nodding, she said, "Xiu’er, you’ve handled this well. If I succeed in defeating the Jiu Kui Demon King this time, my mentor will teach me the great method, granting me the status of one of the sect’s four senior disciples. Then, I’ll have the authority to bring you into the sect officially."
Hearing this, Xiu’er’s delight lit up her face, but strangely, tears filled her eyes. Kneeling, she said, "Miss is always so kind to Xiu’er. I will risk my life to repay your favor."
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)