CHAPTER 407: CHAPTER 407 XIN YUNIANG AND LUO TAO

Xin Yuniang laughed and said, "You two are Master Hu’s esteemed guests. Passing by Jiyue Mountain today, how could I not offer some hospitality?

I’ve prepared some tea and fruits at the villa down the mountain, tidied up clean beds, and I hope you will have no worries."

Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan exchanged a glance.

This Xin Yuniang, even Master Qingyang had some remarks at the banquet that day, basically saying that she had no hope for immortality, indulged in enjoyment, and wasn’t particularly esteemed in his words. However, he also mentioned that she was cautious and never offended the various Great Powers, so she lived rather freely and happily.

Since that’s the case, this invitation from Xin Yuniang is likely just a pure attempt to establish relations.

Jiyue Mountain is just north of Dingfeng Mountain, and since Xin Yuniang is cautious, she certainly wouldn’t dare to play tricks under Hu Yijun’s nose.

Lu Zheng nodded and said, "In that case, we will impose for a night."

Seeing Lu Zheng nod, Xin Yuniang’s eyebrows curved with a smile, her gentle steps brought her to Liu Qingyan’s side.

"Miss Liu is gentle and serene, with extraordinary beauty, accompanied by such a talent as Young Master Lu. I truly admire her," Xin Yuniang said, not getting too close, keeping half a step ahead.

"When I first met Miss Liu, I was captivated by her. We felt like old friends at first sight, and I’ve long thought of exchanging words with her, but I wouldn’t dare interrupt at the front table."

"Master Xin..."

"Please don’t call me any mountain master titles. If you think favorably of me, just call me Yu Niang."

"Not at all, Miss Xin, as the master of a mountain, your power extends far and wide. Qingyan’s cultivation is negligible and dare not address you as such, just call me Miss."

"Alright!"

Actually, Xin Yuniang wanted to be called sisters with Liu Qingyan, but as this was only their second meeting, and they hadn’t felt like old friends, how could their relationship progress so quickly?

However, Xin Yuniang indeed excelled in socializing, and in half a day’s conversation, revealed many details, drawing the three closer.

"There is my villa,"

They walked out of a grove, and Xin Yuniang pointed ahead.

Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan looked over and saw a small villa with red tiles and white walls situated on a sunny slope not far away.

A meadow lay outside the villa, with a small stream running in front, surrounded by neatly planted trees, clearly man-made.

"Please!"

Lu Zheng and the others followed Xin Yuniang to the villa’s entrance, where they saw two maidens waiting at the door, who hurriedly bowed when they saw them, "Greetings to the master! Greetings to the Immortal Masters!"

Lu Zheng blinked, noting the maidens with bright eyes and white teeth, evidently fourteen or fifteen-year-old girls.

"Hmm?"

Wasn’t it said this fox spirit’s lair was full of her consorts?

Perhaps noticing Lu Zheng’s confusion, Xin Yuniang laughed, "This villa is my place for hosting guests, and my handsome men aren’t suitable for viewing. They’re only brought out when like-minded friends visit. Since Young Master Lu and Miss Liu are of refined taste, it’s inappropriate for them to perform their acts."

But then, Xin Yuniang added, "There’s only one Mr. Luo from outside the mountain, whose family had passed down poetry and books, whose words are courteous, and who has won my affection. He’s someone you can converse with, Young Master, so you won’t be bored."

The next moment, perhaps having heard Xin Yuniang’s words, a handsome man emerged from the villa’s main hall.

From afar, he bowed, "Yu Niang is back! Greetings to the Young Master, greetings to the young lady; I am Luo Tao!"

Lu Zheng raised an eyebrow, noticing the faint wave of Magical Power emanating from Luo Tao, and his abundant Yang Qi.

Xin Yuniang laughed, "I taught him some basic Qi Refining Techniques, and unexpectedly, he has decent aptitude, having made some progress. Over a long time, he can stay with me."

"Hehe..."

Lu Zheng nodded, without any sense of disdain for Luo Tao.

After all, being favored by a Great Demon, what could a mortal do but comply?

Moreover, one can’t simply assume Xin Yuniang is solely indulgent; going against her could mean death.

Compared to the Goddess Sect that absorbs one’s Yang Qi, this fox spirit is indeed gentle.

Hmm?

Encountering a fox spirit that doesn’t absorb Yang Qi, who also introduces worthy people to the path, could he be a fated protagonist too?

It’s worth noting that the last fated protagonist Lu Zheng encountered was Zhu Yushan, who hadn’t been cultivating long but could contribute on the battlefield against Du Yu Mountain’s Tiger Demon.

If this is also the case, could he gain some advantage from him?

Watching Luo Tao, who was refined and graceful, walking over with a warm and enthusiastic smile, he lightly bowed and gestured, "I’ve prepared some small dishes at the villa, please!"

Xin Yuniang laughed upon hearing this, "Luo Tao had hardships in his early years and gained some culinary skills. Though not comparable to Central Plains chefs, it has its own uniqueness."

"Oh? Then I must taste them well." Lu Zheng smiled politely.

"I heard the Young Master is from the Central Plains; I’m just from a small place. If it’s not to your taste, please tell me frankly," said Luo Tao.

"Not at all, each place has its own flavors. It’s unfair to say the dishes aren’t good just because they don’t suit your taste."

Entering the hall, Lu Zheng noticed two maids in the hall.

Wearing pleated blue clothes, black layer shoes, with crescent-shaped hairstyles, adorned with bell bracelets, although not stunning, they were rather elegant.

The two maids who followed Xin Yuniang hurried forward to the round table in the hall and, together with the maids already in the hall, pulled out chairs for Xin Yuniang, Lu Zheng, and the other four to sit.

"These are all mountain goods and wild flavors, not comparable to the delicacies and treasures of the Great Jing Land."

Luo Tao picked up a copper pot on the table, filling each cup for the four, "This is Hundred Fruit Wine brewed by village mountain folks from seasonal wild fruits, thrice steamed and brewed, not strong, but sweet."

"Please!"

Lu Zheng took the cup, inhaled deeply, then subtly channeled True Qi into his fingertips.

The four raised their cups, toasted, then drank in one gulp.

"This is rabbit meat, this is pheasant, this is steamed deer meat, and there’s also a dish of stir-fried wild greens," Luo Tao introduced.

Lu Zheng tasted and couldn’t help but brighten.

Xin Yuniang saw their expressions and gently laughed, "Does it suit your taste?"

Liu Qingyan nodded, "It’s delicious, it truly whets the appetite and stimulates the palate."

Lu Zheng also nodded, though he found it slightly odd.

The dishes didn’t have anything particularly unique in flavor but did seem to enhance the appetite the more he ate.

However...

Lu Zheng had just probed with True Qi, and found nothing unusual.

Could it be something akin to modern seasoning?