CHAPTER 59: CHAPTER 59: MASTER, PLEASE SAVE ME

Qiutong said in a calm tone, "I was born into a poor family, sold to a brothel at a young age. Due to a somewhat pleasing appearance, I received careful nurturing, gaining some proficiency in skills like music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and all things flora and fauna."

"At sixteen, I performed on stage for the first time, quickly became famous, and to elevate my worth, the madam claimed I was a ’Cultured Courtesan’, selling only my art, not my body. In just two short years, my fame spread further."

"At that time, a wealthy patron offered a thousand gold pieces for my first night. Even though the madam was tempted, Elder Li Guan happened to visit and attended a performance where I played the pipa. He was greatly impressed and offered to redeem me."

"The madam saw me as a money tree and was reluctant to agree, but when Li Guan revealed his identity as an Inner Peak Elder of the Yun Cang Sword Sect, she dared not refuse."

"Though I was only taken into Elder Li Guan’s residence for a month before he met with misfortune, to be frank, I was no longer a virgin."

The woman recounted her story unhurriedly, without revealing any sorrow or pretension, hiding nothing about her origins or past.

Lu Chengfeng, upon hearing her words and observing her graceful demeanor, felt it was a pity. She was a masterpiece of nature stained with ink, no longer flawless.

Yet perhaps it was precisely these experiences that cultivated her serene nature—like a noble scholar, indifferent to honor or disgrace, tranquil and at ease.

Lu Chengfeng, weighed down with many things on his mind, did not intend to linger long, merely coming here out of duty.

But after exchanging a few words with Qiutong, he found her to have a unique perspective on people and matters, yet detached, unengaged in competition, like drifting clouds or flowing streams, embodying a Taoist disposition of non-action.

Conversing with her was refreshing to Lu Chengfeng, making him lose track of time until little maid Die’Er called them for a meal, snapping him back to reality.

"Since my husband is here, why not taste Die’Er’s culinary skills? She has quite a talent for it, especially her vegetarian dishes, which are particularly inventive and refreshing," Qiutong said.

Lu Chengfeng, who was usually a meat lover, found himself intrigued, gently extending his hand to help Qiutong, who had been kneeling, to stand up.

The beauty laid her slender hand on his, exuding a faint fragrance—a mix of plum blossoms or perhaps her own—a scent that was both calming and invigorating.

Lu Chengfeng was somewhat moved, subtly turning his wrist and led her out of the inner room hand in hand.

Qiutong did not resist, gracefully following.

The little maid Die’Er saw them emerge hand in hand, a smile spreading across her face, "Master, Madam, come and eat!"

"Haha, I heard from Qiutong that Die’Er, your culinary skills are impressive. Today, I shall taste it well." Lu Chengfeng and Qiutong sat down on either side and began the meal.

It had to be said, Die’Er’s cooking was indeed distinct. The various dishes, not greasy or oily, had a unique flavor, leaving a pleasant aftertaste and stimulating the appetite.

Unknowingly, Lu Chengfeng ate much, nearly finishing the seven or eight small dishes on the table.

"Hehe, if Master likes it, Die’Er will make it for you again next time." Seeing him enjoy the meal so much, Die’Er was also delighted, collecting the dishes with a smile.

Lu Chengfeng said, "You watched us eat just now, haven’t you had your meal yet? Is there any food left?"

Die’Er’s big eyes curved into crescents as she beamed, dimples showing on her slightly chubby face, "Yes, Master, there is some left. You and Madam chat, and I’ll go brew some tea for you."

Lu Chengfeng waved his hand and said, "There’s no rush. I’m about to head to Jade Immortal Peak to pay respects to my master after months in seclusion, so I must go and pay homage."

Die’Er hurriedly said, "Master, are you leaving so soon? You haven’t stayed long..."

"Die’Er," Qiutong softly interrupted, and Die’Er immediately ceased her protests, efficiently clearing the table and leaving the room.

In his heart, Lu Chengfeng felt that this little maid was quite courteous, sharp-tongued with others but composed and proper in her actions and words at home, diligent in her duties.

"Husband visiting the master is proper. Ordinarily, one should visit as soon as coming out of seclusion. It’s already past noon, so no further delay is advisable. Go and return quickly," Qiutong maintained her usual serene demeanor, her words devoid of any hint of reluctance.

Lu Chengfeng nodded, "I’ll make a trip to see my master first. I’ll arrange for a few older women to handle the cleaning and chores here. If you need anything, ask them to fetch it from the mountain storeroom."

"If there’s anything not available in the storeroom, send someone to notify me, and I’ll arrange for it to be filled."

"Things are not particularly peaceful in the sect lately. A young girl like Die’Er, with her pretty appearance, shouldn’t be sent alone to the town at the foot of the mountain for purchases; it’s not safe," Lu Chengfeng said.

"Husband is right, I’ll follow your arrangements," Qiutong agreed, saying no more.

Getting up, Lu Chengfeng said, "Then I shall take my leave." As he reached the door, he turned back to say, "I’ll visit you another day."

Qiutong nodded, "Husband, take care not to slip on the mountain path, it’s slippery with newly fallen snow."

Lu Chengfeng smiled, turned, and left.

Upon exiting the courtyard, he couldn’t resist looking back, recalling every move the woman made, feeling she was like a snow lotus on a high mountain—admirable from afar, not to be defiled.

It wasn’t that her beauty was lacking, but her cool, distant temperament deterred any impudence.

"The gentle homeland is where heroes are laid to rest. Even at first meeting, one finds it difficult to leave, unwilling to part."

He sighed, placing his hand on his sword’s hilt, the cold sensation spreading from his palm, restoring his calm.

Displaying his lightweight technique, Lu Chengfeng swiftly made his way to Jade Immortal Peak. However, he did not encounter Zhou Tong this time—it was Zhu Yuxian’s personal maid who greeted him.

"Young Master Chengfeng, you haven’t visited since becoming a disciple. This is quite negligent," Cai Xia, today dressed in a blue satin palace gown, looked as dignified and elegant as a Female Official from the palace, both graceful and poised.

She reproached him somewhat upon seeing Lu Chengfeng.

"Sister Cai Xia, I was truly constrained by circumstances. I was detained in the Law Enforcement Hall for half a year and just released today. After readying myself, I quickly came to pay respects to my master," Lu Chengfeng explained.

"How could that be? I heard you made merits during the beast tide. How did it turn out that you were confined instead? Who dares to act so boldly? Are they thinking Jade Immortal Peak is defenseless?" Cai Xia’s eyebrows rose slightly.

"I knew Sister Cai Xia would worry for me. I’ll explain in detail after I pay respects to my master," Lu Chengfeng said with a smile.

Cai Xia realized and quickly said, "Then follow me, the master is having tea, so your timing is perfect."

"Thank you, Sister Cai Xia," Lu Chengfeng expressed his gratitude.

Cai Xia led him to a door within the palace, gently calling inside, "Master, Young Master Chengfeng has come to see you."

"Hah!" A cold female voice came from inside, "Why do you still come to see me? You might as well take the old thing from the Law Enforcement Hall as your master, wouldn’t that be better?"

Hearing this, Lu Chengfeng fell to his knees with a thud, "Master, your disciple knows his mistakes. I beg you to save me, otherwise, I fear my life may not be spared."