Seeing Huan Zong’s confused expression, Kong Hou instantly realized that given his poor health, he probably didn’t interact much with sect disciples. With just these few brief mentions, he likely had no idea who she was talking about.

“I’m talking about Zhongxi Zhenren, who at only three hundred years old has already reached the Divine Transformation Stage and can topple mountains and overturn seas with a single sword.” Kong Hou looked at Huan Zong expectantly. “Do you have any impression of him?”

“Is there… something wrong with him?” Huan Zong sat down at the table with Kong Hou, while the silent Lin Hu poured tea for them both.

“He’s nine feet tall—doesn’t his cave dwelling door need to be higher than other disciples’?” Kong Hou cradled her teacup, her tone carrying a hint of curiosity. “I’ve never seen anyone that tall before. I’m just a little curious.”

“Nine feet tall, eyes like lightning…” Huan Zong looked at Kong Hou, his brows slightly furrowed, his entire being taking on a trace of melancholy. “Who told you he looks like that?”

“That’s what everyone outside says. They say this Zhongxi Zhenren has an imposing aura, and enemies standing before him are already scared to the point of wetting themselves before he even makes a move…” Kong Hou felt this wording was somewhat inelegant, so she changed her phrasing. “Scared until their legs go weak. He’s the most formidable cultivator in the cultivation world in the past thousand years. Yong City has a book specifically about Zhongxi Zhenren’s life story, and it sells particularly well.”

“What else?” Huan Zong asked.

“What else?” Kong Hou was momentarily stunned, carefully recalling the book’s descriptions of Zhongxi Zhenren. “There’s also how he held off five opponents alone, killed enemies above his cultivation level, and so on—particularly impressive. It’s just that… his appearance is rather ordinary.”

Clang! The teacup in Lin Hu’s hand fell onto the table. He kept a straight face as he picked it up. “Sorry, it slipped.”

Kong Hou lent him her handkerchief and turned to ask Huan Zong, “Are you on good terms with this Zhongxi Zhenren?”

Huan Zong slowly and silently shook his head.

Kong Hou breathed a sigh of relief, feeling this topic could continue. “Nine feet tall means he’s much taller than us, with particularly thick bones. Eyes as large as bronze bells that can scare people until their legs go weak—this indicates his appearance probably isn’t too attractive. So you see, Zhongxi Zhenren’s experiences teach us a principle.”

“What principle?” Lin Hu, having finished wiping the table, turned to look at her.

“Heaven is fair. Those who possess talent that all cultivators envy will have it compensated for in their appearance.” Kong Hou’s tone carried some regret. “People in this world who are both good-looking and outstandingly talented are truly too rare.”

Hearing this, Huan Zong smiled. “Then you must be that exception.”

“Hm?” Kong Hou was momentarily stunned, then broke into a smile. “Huan Zong, are you praising me for being good-looking?”

Huan Zong nodded with a smile. This smile was so beautiful that whatever he said, others would surely feel it was full of sincerity.

Cupping her cheeks, Kong Hou said, “So Heaven gave me a father who harmed his daughter. If it weren’t for Master bringing me to the cultivation world, I would either have been sent off for a political marriage or praying for blessings at the imperial Daoist temple by now. This is already the best outcome—I might not even have had the chance to live to adulthood.”

Once Emperor Jinghong won the hearts of the people, her significance as a mascot of the previous dynasty would have become dispensable. Even if she quietly died of illness, it wouldn’t attract anyone’s attention.

Huan Zong saw no resentment or unwillingness in Kong Hou, but rather a sense of acceptance and gratitude.

“It’s very important for people to learn contentment. Cherishing what you have and letting go of what you’ve already lost will make you much happier.” Kong Hou watched as the server brought over dishes. She pulled chopsticks from the holder, focusing all her attention on eating.

Watching her smiling, curved eyebrows, Huan Zong smiled along with her.

“The rumors are false.”

“What?” Kong Hou picked up food with her chopsticks, her eyes looking at Huan Zong blankly, not understanding what he meant.

“I’m saying the rumors about Zhongxi Zhenren are false. He’s not nine feet tall, and his eyes…” He made a fist and pressed it against his lips, coughing lightly to suppress the smile at the corners of his mouth. “His eyes aren’t like bronze bells or lightning either.”

“So that book lied to me?” Kong Hou put down her chopsticks and said, biting her lip, “That book even claimed to be ‘The True Record of Zhongxi Zhenren’—what part of it is true?”

Huan Zong finally couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Zhongxi Zhenren is male, and his cultivation is at the Divine Transformation Stage—these details aren’t wrong.”

Kong Hou: “…”

She didn’t feel comforted at all.

In another inn, Chang De had specifically paid to rent a rear courtyard. He and several other outer sect disciples lived on the east side, while Lingbo and her maidservant lived on the west. In the middle of the courtyard was a large room where residents could entertain friends. At this moment, everyone was in the large room. Chang De’s face was dark and his expression poor. Lingbo sat in a chair with reddened eyes. Several outer sect disciples didn’t dare breathe loudly. The atmosphere was extremely heavy.

“Senior Brother…”

“When we return, I will report to Master everything you’ve done these past days.” Chang De said with a stern face. “Think carefully about whether your handling of this matter was inappropriate.”

“But if I had been nice and polite to them, would they have listened to me?” Lingbo retorted. “Should we let outsiders say that our Zhaohan Sect is easy to bully, that when our own people are killed, we don’t dare seek justice and let the murderer leave right under our noses?”

“There are many ways to investigate the truth. You used the worst method.” Chang De sighed helplessly. “You could have pressured the City Lord of Qiu City to find the murderer as quickly as possible.” The City Lord of Qiu City certainly wouldn’t dare offend Zhaohan Sect and would definitely investigate the case diligently. Junior Sister only needed to observe from the sidelines. This way, neither would Zhaohan Sect’s dignity be damaged, nor would she have to be the one to offend people.

He hadn’t expected Junior Sister’s personality to be so impulsive, turning such a simple matter into this mess.

“The City Lord of Qiu City has mediocre cultivation and is timid—what could he possibly investigate?” Lingbo looked down on the City Lord of Qiu City. “If we rely on him to find the murderer, who knows how long we’d have to wait.”

“Even if he’s incompetent, there’s still Yunhua Sect behind him.” Seeing that Junior Sister still hadn’t figured it out, Chang De couldn’t help but suspect that this Junior Sister had used all her talent on her five spiritual roots and hadn’t grown a brain. “By making this scene, you’ve turned us from the most sympathetic victims into overbearing oppressors. Do you understand?”

“Who cares what those small sects think of us.” Lingbo muttered quietly. “Even if they’re unhappy, they can only endure it.”

“What if you encounter someone unwilling to endure it, whose cultivation is higher than yours?” Chang De asked in return. “If something happens to you, even if the sect avenges you, can you still return intact?”

“There… there wouldn’t be anyone that bold, would there?” Lingbo’s tone became uncertain.

“Then tell me, why do some major sect disciples die while traveling?” Chang De stood up. “Think carefully tonight. At tomorrow’s noon banquet, stand up and apologize properly to everyone. Don’t let people say you’re arrogant and domineering. The cultivation path is long—do you want this kind of reputation to follow you for life?”

Lingbo kept her face tense without speaking.

“You should be grateful there are no Liuguang Sect members at the inn. Our Zhaohan Sect is formidable, but we still can’t afford to offend Liuguang Sect members.” Thinking of those sword cultivators from Liuguang Sect who, when they did act, caused mountains to collapse and earth to split, Chang De couldn’t help but rub his face.

“That Kong Hou from Yunhua Sect…”

“Most Yunhua Sect disciples have easygoing personalities and aren’t the meddlesome type. As long as you don’t go too far, they won’t interfere with you.” Chang De, seeing that Lingbo had finally come to her senses, felt slightly better. “That’s why I said you should be grateful you encountered Yunhua Sect disciples. If you’d met Liuguang Sect disciples, at the sect exchange meeting, Liuguang Sect would definitely stand up again and propose some code of conduct for sect disciples. We’d be the ones losing face.”

Lingbo said resentfully, “Senior Brother, I know I was wrong.”

“Go rest.” Chang De sighed. “Don’t be so impulsive in the future.”

Lingbo’s face burned hot, feeling that the several outer sect disciples present were all laughing at her. She hastily nodded and withdrew.

The next morning, Huan Zong sat in his room for a long time without Kong Hou coming to knock on his door. Worried that something had gone wrong during her meditation and cultivation, he had Lin Hu go knock and ask. Before long, Lin Hu returned. “Young Master, Miss Kong Hou says to wait just another half hour.”

Huan Zong noticed his expression was a bit off. “What’s wrong?”

“Miss Kong Hou is grooming herself. She said she can’t lose to Fairy Lingbo—this concerns both women and the sect’s dignity.” Lin Hu didn’t understand what grooming had to do with dignity.

Huan Zong was stunned. He didn’t understand either.

Half an hour later, Kong Hou indeed came to knock on the door. When Huan Zong opened it, he found Kong Hou had changed into a wide-sleeved flowing immortal dress. Her entire person seemed to be glowing, much more beautiful than yesterday. But aside from her hair and clothes being different, he couldn’t tell exactly what else had changed.

“Snap out of it.” Kong Hou waved her hand in front of his eyes. As her sleeves moved, they carried a faint fragrance—very pleasant, subtle yet present.

“I apologize.” Huan Zong felt it was rude to stare at someone like this and quickly collected himself. “Should we leave now?”

“Mm, sorry for making you wait.” Kong Hou smiled brightly, her eyes seeming to sparkle with stars.

For Huan Zong, who had no concept of beauty or ugliness in women’s appearances, this was the first time he truly understood what beauty was. He wasn’t skilled at praising women’s appearances and had never done so before, so he could only say somewhat awkwardly, “Very beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Kong Hou’s smile became even more radiant. No girl dislikes being complimented on her looks, especially after painstakingly grooming herself for an entire hour. At least this made her feel that hour hadn’t been wasted.

Starplucking Tower was the largest and most famous restaurant in Qiu City, known for its high prices, good service, and ingredients all rich in spiritual energy. Dining here was no longer just about eating—it represented status and position.

Many cultivators scrimped and saved for talismans, medicinal materials, and magical tools. How could they bear to spend large amounts of spirit stones in such an extravagant place? So for those cultivators who had been forcibly kept at the inn by Lingbo, being able to attend this banquet was still something to look forward to.

Kong Hou and Huan Zong arrived later. By the time they got there, almost everyone else had already arrived. Chang De, as Zhaohan Sect’s head disciple, personally stood at the entrance welcoming guests. In terms of handling matters, Chang De was far superior to Lingbo.

However, talented cultivators in the cultivation world each had their own personalities. Most cultivators with profound cultivation found it difficult to be smooth and skilled in social interactions. For someone like Chang De, who had decent cultivation and was also adept at handling matters, it wasn’t surprising he could be the head disciple.

Seeing Kong Hou, Huan Zong, and Lin Hu approach, Chang De enthusiastically came forward. “Three fellow Daoists, please take the seats of honor.”

“Many thanks to Fellow Daoist Chang De for the invitation.” Kong Hou stepped into Starplucking Tower and finally understood why this building had this name. Inside, arrays were set up, spiritual energy was abundant, and above the ceiling, spiritual energy gathered into glittering points like real stars—shining and beautiful.

“Please follow me.” Chang De led the way, bringing the three upstairs. After going upstairs, Kong Hou saw Lingbo being fawned over by various cultivators. These cultivators had still been complaining about Lingbo yesterday, but today they’d already begun courting her favor.

These male cultivators were always especially tolerant toward female cultivators with high cultivation who were also beautiful. Today, Lingbo had only stood up and said a few apologetic words, and they all expressed they wouldn’t hold it against her anymore. They called her “fairy” with every breath, extremely enthusiastic.

Kong Hou’s arrival made these male cultivators even more excited. If it weren’t for the presence of the handsome but mysterious Huan Zong beside Kong Hou, they would have immediately crowded around her.

Seeing Kong Hou, Lingbo’s smile faded slightly. Fortunately, she had specifically dressed up before going out today, or she would have been outshone by this Kong Hou. She hadn’t expected that at such a young age, she was already so calculating, even her earrings carefully selected.

“Fairy Kong Hou.” Lingbo smiled and came forward, taking Kong Hou’s hand with an intimate tone. “You’re finally here. I was just worried something might have delayed you and you couldn’t come.”

“With a beautiful elder sister here, how could I bear not to come?” Kong Hou smiled and exchanged pleasantries with Lingbo for a few moments before sitting at the table with Huan Zong and Lin Hu. She covered her mouth and whispered quietly in Huan Zong’s ear, “Good thing I specifically dressed up today. That Fairy Lingbo just now looked me over at least ten times from head to toe.”

The warm breath carrying a dark fragrance gently blew on Huan Zong’s ear. He felt half his face heat up along with it. For a moment, he didn’t even hear clearly what Kong Hou had said.

“Although my intuition tells me this Fairy Lingbo might not like me very much, she’s a beauty, and her face can make me physically and mentally pleased.” Kong Hou picked up her teacup and took a light sip. The table was laden with many exquisite delicacies, but she was very restrained and didn’t casually pick up her chopsticks as she did when alone with Huan Zong.

“You’re very good.” Huan Zong said this very earnestly. In his view, Kong Hou’s personality was vibrant, innocent, and lovable. There wasn’t a single thing about her that could be disliked.

Kong Hou smiled secretly. “Mm, you’re very good too.”

Chang De conversed with guests while keeping an eye on Kong Hou and Huan Zong. Huan Zong’s identity was unclear, and he wasn’t a Yunhua Sect disciple. Could he have romantic feelings for Kong Hou? Kong Hou was the disciple with the highest talent among Yunhua Sect’s five spiritual root disciples. How could Yunhua Sect allow her to have private romantic entanglements with other men and affect her cultivation?

Just as he looked toward Kong Hou and Huan Zong again, Huan Zong suddenly raised his head and met his gaze. The other’s eyes were indifferent. Upon discovering he was looking at him, rather than avoiding or dodging, this made Chang De feel somewhat embarrassed instead. He raised his wine cup and lifted it toward Huan Zong from afar.

Who would have known that Huan Zong merely glanced at him, then lowered his head, naturally not raising his wine cup to return the gesture.

This action made Chang De lose face somewhat. He gripped his wine cup tightly, forcing himself to maintain his composure. He turned to continue exchanging pleasantries with others, as if this incident had never happened. However, after this incident, for the rest of the banquet, he never secretly observed Kong Hou again.

The meal could be called harmonious between host and guests. The cultivators present practically beat their chests saying how good Zhaohan Sect was. Words praising Chang De and Lingbo cost nothing, praising them elaborately.

From these people, Kong Hou understood another principle. Human hearts change easily. Before status and benefits, preferences and dislikes could also be like the weather in June—reversing at a moment’s notice. Even the cultivator who had been slapped by Lingbo yesterday morning until he vomited blood was smiling so widely his mouth couldn’t close after Chang De praised him a few times and gave him a bottle of pills.

When the banquet ended, Kong Hou stood up to take her leave of the Zhaohan Sect disciples. After walking out of Starplucking Tower, she let out a long breath.

“Fortunately yesterday morning, I didn’t make things unpleasant with Lingbo over that cultivator who vomited blood, or I would have been the villain for nothing.” Kong Hou put her hands behind her back, her tone somewhat flat.

“You’re unhappy?” Huan Zong could see Kong Hou’s mood wasn’t very high.

“I’m not unhappy either.” Kong Hou shook her head. “I just feel that the outside world seems much more complicated than I imagined.”

Huan Zong tried to comfort her, thinking for a long while. “It’s all right. I’ll accompany you to walk around more and see more, and you’ll discover that this kind of thing is very normal.”

Lin Hu silently looked at him. Young Master, if you can’t comfort people, you’d better not speak.

“Mm.” Kong Hou thought about it. “What you say makes sense. I’m still too inexperienced.”

Lin Hu kept his face tense, grateful he wasn’t talkative.

“That place seems to have a specialty flavor shop.” Kong Hou suddenly became happy again. “Huan Zong, wait for me a moment. I’m going to buy some things.”

Huan Zong watched Kong Hou run toward the shop. After hesitating a moment, he followed. Seeing her buy quite a lot of things in large and small packages, he asked puzzled, “What are you buying these for?”

“To send back to Master and the others, of course.” Kong Hou took out spirit stones and handed them to the shopkeeper. “Before leaving, I specifically inquired—many cities have courier stations that can help send things back.”

“Miss, the courier station is right on West Street. Since you have many items going to the same place, there’ll be a discount on the price.” The shopkeeper, having sold many items, was in a good mood. He took out a token and handed it to Kong Hou. “Our shop has good relations with the courier station. If you take this token over, they can give you a twenty percent discount.”

“Thank you, shopkeeper.” Kong Hou put away the token and stuffed all the purchased items into her storage ring. She asked Huan Zong, “I just looked—this shop’s items are quite good. Do you want to buy anything?”

Huan Zong’s gaze swept over the items on the shelves. They weren’t rare pills or magical tools, just some flavored snacks and handicrafts with Qiu City characteristics. They couldn’t compare to the refined and elegant items in the sect.

“After I left, Master and my senior brothers must be very worried. Although these things aren’t valuable, they’ll definitely be very happy when they receive them.” Kong Hou seemed to already see Master and her senior brothers’ happy expressions. The smile on her face grew bigger and bigger.

“Shopkeeper, give me…” Huan Zong expressionlessly pointed at several items on the shelf. “Twenty portions.”

“Right away!” The shopkeeper was extremely pleased. He most liked these foreign cultivators who bought specialty products—not only were they generous with payment, they bought in large quantities. His shop could stay open entirely thanks to these outsiders’ strong support.

Two days later, the Liuguang Sect’s Sect Master, Peak Masters, and certain disciples heard from the steward below reporting that there was a flying sword messenger from Qiu City’s courier station requesting an audience.

They were all very bewildered. A flying sword messenger?