Nine days until the Five Continents Competition’s Eastern Continent trials, and Luanyang Palace was buzzing like a kicked hornet’s nest. The Administrative Hall looked like a disaster zone—disciples rushing around with paperwork, elders barking orders, and general chaos masquerading as “organization.”

Poor Gu Yuqing stumbled out of the Beast Tending Hall looking like she’d been hit by a spiritual truck. She shot a venomous glare at the massive building behind her, probably fantasizing about burning it down.

The past few months had been absolute hell for her. The hall’s manager, citing “maintaining Luanyang Palace’s reputation.” had basically turned her into a glorified janitor. Every stable, every pen, every cage had to be spotless. Not a speck of dust allowed. Even the spiritual beasts got the royal treatment—grooming, hoof polishing, harness cleaning until they sparkled.

Serving spiritual beasts? More like serving ancestors! And Gu Yuqing was convinced the manager was deliberately making her life miserable to curry favor with Elder Siyi. Every day brought a new assignment to the stinkiest, most difficult creatures in the menagerie.

She covered her face as she walked toward the servants’ quarters, desperate to avoid running into any familiar disciples. The shame was eating her alive—hating the beasts, hating the manager, hating Siyi for dumping her here, and yes, even hating Yan Qingluan for abandoning her.

But regret for her actions in the Chongshan Secret Realm? Not a trace.

Lost in her mental tirade, she nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard voices approaching. Panic mode activated. She dove behind the nearest tree, praying it wasn’t more disciples coming to gawk at her misery.

Two servant girls in matching gray uniforms strolled past, chatting animatedly.

“Absolutely stunning.” one whispered behind her hand. “I’ve been cleaning Virtue Central Peak forever, but this is my first time seeing him up close.”

Her companion giggled. “Wonder what he’s doing down here? But wow, he really is as described—cultured, refined, like jade given human form. Maybe someday we’ll get transferred out of Beast Tending and selected for peak duties. Get closer to these outstanding individuals.”

“Wouldn’t that be something! Just gotta be careful not to mess up like some people, going from inner disciple to… well, you know.”

Their laughter faded as they walked away, leaving Gu Yuqing’s face twisted with rage. She memorized their features, adding them to her growing mental hit list for future payback.

But wait—cultured, refined, like jade given human form? Those words sparked something in her chest. Forget hiding. She bolted from behind the tree, rounded the corner, and sure enough…

A figure in pristine white robes stood beneath the trees, handsome and dignified. Not the most gorgeous face she’d ever seen, but there was something about his every movement—an elegant grace that reminded her of scholars rather than sword cultivators.

“Senior Brother Wen!” she called out, sprinting toward him.

The white-robed man turned, surprise flickering across his features before settling into a warm smile. The shock in his expression hit Gu Yuqing like a slap, reminding her of her current status. She stumbled to a halt, staring down at her servant’s gray uniform.

Shame and fury crashed over her in waves, tears springing to her eyes.

Wen Chunsheng approached gently. “Junior Sister Gu.” He produced a handkerchief from his sleeve, offering it to her. “What’s wrong? You start crying the moment you see me?”

The kindness was too much. Gu Yuqing’s composure shattered completely. All her hatred—for Siyi, for Yan Qingluan, for this whole mess—boiled over. She lashed out, slapping the handkerchief from his hands.

“I don’t need your pity!” she sobbed.

The white silk fluttered to the ground, landing in the dirty slush left by yesterday’s strange snowfall. Muddy and trampled, just like her dignity.

Wen Chunsheng sighed, bending to retrieve the handkerchief. He brushed off the dirt with careful fingers. “I’m sorry, Junior Sister. I came too late.”

Those words broke her completely. She collapsed into his arms, sobbing like her heart would break.

He stiffened momentarily, then patted her shoulder before gently pushing her away. “You’ve always been proud, never letting anyone see you vulnerable. Come, let’s find somewhere private. Tell me everything that happened while I was in closed-door cultivation.”

Gu Yuqing felt a surge of gratitude for his thoughtfulness. She followed him to a secluded spot where he set up a privacy barrier.

“Did you anger Peak Master Yan?” he asked directly.

The question triggered another explosion of rage. “In the Chongshan Secret Realm, I merely questioned the Palace Lord’s whereabouts, and Siyi stabbed me in the back! She reported me for disrespecting the Palace Lord and got me sentenced to this hell! You have no idea what I’ve endured these past months—cleaning animal pens, mucking out bird cages, tending those filthy beasts…”

She caught herself, pressing her lips together at his shocked expression. “It’s all disgusting work. I won’t sully your ears with the details.”

“But Peak Master Yan has always doted on you.” Wen Chunsheng said, frowning. “How could she let you fall so low?”

“Ha! When disaster strikes, everyone flees. Her so-called affection was just empty words, protecting herself.” GuYuqing’s voice turned venomous as she recounted Yan Qingluan’s harsh words. “She used to complain about the other peak masters constantly, and I listened, I remembered. When I thought she deserved better—when I suggested she could lead us to establish our own sect, free from being suppressed by some inexperienced brat—she turned on me!”

“If she’s so determined to stay here, being overshadowed by a junior, why did she fill my ears with complaints about everyone else? Was I wrong to think of her future?”

And then Siyi’s machinations had landed her in this servant’s role, forced to do work beneath even the lowest outer disciples.

“Senior Brother, look!” She held up her wrists, showing the spirit-dampening shackles that suppressed her cultivation to the Qi Condensation stage. No sword flying, no spiritual techniques—just walking everywhere on her own two feet while other disciples mocked her helplessness.

Wen Chunsheng studied the restraints with a heavy sigh. “How long is your punishment?”

“Three years.” she said bitterly. “Two and a half more years of cleaning up after animals!”

“That conversation with Elder Siyi was indeed inappropriate.” he said carefully, then softened his tone. “But you grew up pampered under Peak Master Yan’s care. Your straightforward nature just got the better of you—you speak your mind without thinking.”

Her expression lightened slightly at his understanding. “Even you’re not taking my side.” she pouted.

He chuckled, reaching out to pat her head. “If I weren’t on your side, would I have come looking for you right after leaving seclusion? Do you know the Five Continents Competition is about to begin?”

Oh, she knew all right. The competition was the reason she’d been scrubbing animal hair until the beasts were cleaner than her own face. The injustice of it all!

But Wen Chunsheng wasn’t interested in her complaints about grooming duties. “Yuqing, forget about the spiritual beasts for a moment. This competition is crucial—they’re selecting disciples for the Insight Academy Palace. It’s the most coveted opportunity in the cultivation world. The academy houses incredible masters and countless ancient legacies. Getting in is like having one foot through the gates of immortality.”

“Your talent is exceptional—Foundation Establishment middle stage at only twenty-six. How many people across the Eastern Continent can match that? Instead of begging Peak Master Yan to let you compete, you’re wasting three years here? Foundation establishment cultivators only have two hundred years of life.”

He gazed around at the snow-dusted scenery of Luanyang Palace, sighing heavily. “The cultivation world is ruthless. Even in this small palace, everyone’s fighting to climb higher, to gain better resources, reach higher positions. Servants are the lowest rank, receiving the least. How can you accept wasting three years here?”

His voice grew earnest. “I’m thirty-six, Foundation Establishment late stage. I consider myself reasonably talented, and I’m determined to excel in this competition to reach the Insight Academy Palace. Yuqing, I hope to see you there with me.”

He pressed the handkerchief into her palm and turned to leave, his white robes disappearing into the evergreen forest.

Gu Yuqing stared at the silk in her hands, eyes widening with sudden determination. She clutched it tight and spun around, racing toward Benevolence Central Peak.

⁂

Siyi had just dismissed the third group of disciples asking about yesterday’s mysterious snowfall when she left the Administrative Hall, heading down the mountain path.

The bamboo groves swayed in the breeze, snow cascading from their leaves like natural confetti. The air carried that crisp, clean scent of winter mixed with bamboo—very aesthetic, very peaceful.

She’d sent a message to Seraphine last night about the snow situation and received a characteristically lazy “All fine” in response. Now she was heading to check on her disciple’s cultivation progress, ready to provide guidance if needed.

But as she walked, she noticed several disciples bowing respectfully to a white-robed figure. Siyi paused, recognition dawning.

Wen Chunsheng spotted her immediately and bowed properly. “Greetings, Elder Siyi.”

“I remember you from before the Chongshan Immortal Palace. You’re from Virtue Central Peak.” Siyi’s voice was gentle but probing. “Virtue Central Peak has one master and two elders. Who’s your teacher?”

“Elder Zhao was kind enough to accept me as his disciple.” Wen Chunsheng replied modestly.

Siyi nodded—she’d just reviewed the competition registration lists. “You’re Wen Chunsheng?”

“Yes, Elder.”

Siyi studied the polite young man, a flicker of something puzzling in her eyes. “Few in the palace wear white robes. That outfit certainly complements today’s snowy landscape.”

True enough. Luanyang Palace’s founders had always favored red, and most disciples followed suit. A white-robed cultivator definitely stood out.

“My disciple robes were damaged in the Chongshan secret realm.” Wen Chunsheng explained somewhat sheepishly. “I’ve been in closed-door cultivation since returning, and I was just heading to the weaving shop in the city to order new ones.”

“I see.” Siyi smiled warmly. “I won’t keep you then. I look forward to seeing your performance in the competition.”

After the proper farewell bows, Wen Chunsheng seemed to hesitate. “Elder Siyi, if I may ask—my fellow disciples have been talking about last night’s snowfall. Since it’s summer, I was curious about its origin?”

“Just a little flourish the Palace Lord added for the competition’s atmosphere.” Siyi replied pleasantly.

“Ah, I understand. Thank you, Elder.”

He hurried down the mountain, leaving Siyi to watch his retreating figure thoughtfully. As evening approached, she abandoned her leisurely walk, pulled out a flying artifact, and headed straight for Phoenix Roost Peak’s subsidiary mountain.

The peak used to house only her, but now it had another resident.

She found Xue Mengtao still practicing sword forms on the training platform, her pink robes soaked with sweat despite the late hour.

“Mengtao.” Siyi called softly.

The girl startled, suddenly realizing how dark it had gotten. She sheathed her sword and approached, stopping a respectful distance away. “Master, you’re back.”

Siyi beckoned her closer with a smile. “I used to be covered in sweat after practice too. Nothing wrong with that. Come here.”

Xue Mengtao approached hesitantly, and they walked back together.

As they talked about the upcoming competition, Siyi mentioned Wen Chunsheng. “That disciple has good talent and a steady temperament. Seems like a careful, thoughtful person. He should perform well in the first round.”

Xue Mengtao pursed the corners of her lips and looked at Siyi uneasily. Siyi tilted her head to look at her and smiled. “You’re too reserved, child. You’ve only been here a year and barely interact with other disciples. You haven’t learned our Luanyang palace’s essential spirit yet.”

“‘Speaking of which, I didn’t notice that essential spirit in Wen Chunsheng either. Strange, could it be that he grew up in the palace and cultivated to the same level as me?” Siyi muttered.

Essential spirit? Master’s cultivation level?

Xue Mengtao made a mental note to ask her secret realm friends about this later.

⁂

As night fell over Luanyang City, the streets blazed with lights.

Wen Chunsheng pulled his robes tighter against the evening chill, stepping out of the Weaving Maiden Workshop with a female cultivator beaming at him from behind.

“I’ll return in two days then. Thank you for the trouble.” he said with a polite bow.

“No trouble at all, Senior Brother. Business is business, though I’m happy to offer a fellow disciple a small discount.”

He smiled and turned to leave, but froze as two figures approached hand in hand—one in blue, one in red, walking with complete disregard for everyone else.

As they passed, the red-robed figure suddenly stopped and turned toward him. A light veil hung from her hat, obscuring her features but not the sharp intensity of her gaze.

Something about that stare made Wen Chunsheng’s heart skip. He quickly bowed in greeting.

But the two women had already entered the shop, completely ignoring him.

“Strange.” he muttered, staring at the workshop’s entrance before finally walking away.

The blue and red figures were, of course, Seraphine and Echo, fresh from Phoenix Roost Peak.

Seraphine had this theory that for Echo to learn proper human behavior, she needed exposure to crowds. And where do you find the biggest crowds? Luanyang City, obviously!

Word of the Five Continents Competition had spread like wildfire. Cultivators from across the Eastern Continent were flooding into the city. With nine days until the first round, every inn was packed, every room commanded premium prices, and even ordinary citizens were renting out space to desperate cultivators.

Everyone was counting their spirit stones or silver coins, dreaming of prosperous futures.

The moment they walked through the workshop’s doors, Seraphine asked, “Who was that man?”

The greeting hostess started to answer, but a token flew through the air into her hands. Her expression immediately shifted to deep respect. “A Virtue Central Peak disciple named Wen Chunsheng.”

An inner disciple, then.

Seraphine’s brow furrowed beneath her hat. She was about to speak when Echo leaned closer for a better look, and their hat brims collided with a soft chiming of bells.

“Ow!” I grabbed my hat to steady it.

“Clumsy.” Seraphine muttered, heading upstairs.

I followed, explaining apologetically, “I didn’t mean to bump into you. This hat is just so big—I’ve never worn anything like it before.”

My previous headwear experience was limited to a tiny tour guide cap from my ball-form days.

Seraphine removed her hat and tossed it aside, settling at the room’s main table.

I mimicked her actions, politely handing my hat to the approaching attendant.

“Thank you.” I said.

The woman’s eyes widened at Echo’s face, her smile becoming radiant. “It’s our pleasure to serve.”

When I handed her my sword as well, adding another “thank you.” she practically glowed with happiness, making odd little sounds in her throat.

Seraphine watched this interaction with obvious amusement and a derisive snort.

News of the Palace Lord’s arrival spread through the workshop like wildfire. The manager immediately dispatched staff to procure the finest spiritual fruits, delicacies from the best restaurants, and premium tea service.

I sat perfectly straight, thanking each server as they placed items on the table.

“Shut up.” Seraphine said finally. “You’re being annoying.”

I looked at Seraphine, trying to furrow my brow to express my emotions since I couldn’t use my bubble interface in public.

Seraphine grinned wickedly. “Can’t read your expression.”

Being human is so hard.

I drooped slightly, secretly forming a small gesture frame with my fingers under the table where only I could see it.

[Dejected]

Seraphine’s mouth twitched upward as she accepted tea from the manager. “Keep trying.”

The manager perked up, bowing deeper. “Yes!”

Tsk.

Seraphine frowned, waving away the hovering staff until only the manager remained. Once the room was quiet, she gestured toward me. “Make clothes for her.”

The manager’s gaze followed Seraphine’s indication, landing on Echo. She’d known the Palace Lord was extraordinarily beautiful, but seeing a second person of such stunning—yet completely different—beauty left her momentarily stunned.

Her amazement hadn’t even faded when Seraphine added, “Use the same standards as my wardrobe.”

Now the manager’s expression sharpened with understanding. Someone the Palace Lord personally brought for clothing must be incredibly important.

“Robes as well.” Seraphine continued leisurely.

“Yes!”

“And accessories.”

“Yes!”

“Hair ornaments, shoes, undergarments.” Seraphine sipped her tea calmly. “Everything from head to toe.”

The manager nodded—complete outfitting, understood.

“Use only the finest materials.” Seraphine concluded.

“Of course, I have money.” I chimed in helpfully.

Both the manager and Echo looked down at Seraphine’s hand on the table—specifically, at the ring on her finger.

Wait, does this mean the money is in the Palace Lord’s storage ring, or……?

The manager was thoroughly confused.

“Ahem.” Seraphine swallowed her tea and set down the cup. “Right, I should return your ring.”

Seraphine slipped off the ring and tossed it to Echo.

I caught it, holding it up to the candlelight. The gem refracted the flames into brilliant sparkles.

Pretty.

“I’ll use this from now on.” I said happily, then asked, “Which finger should I wear it on?”

“Wherever you like.” Seraphine replied.

I examined my five slender fingers, hesitating. The impatient Seraphine reached over, grasped my wrist, and slid the ring onto my ring finger—the same position where she’d worn it.

Perfect. I thanked her warmly.

The manager stood there like a pillar, eyes darting between Seraphine amd Echo, mind racing. The Palace Lord rarely appeared in the city. Everyone knew Elder Siyi was her right hand, but where did this girl come from? She seems even closer to the Palace Lord than Siyi!

After the close girl finished admiring her ring and rummaged through her sleeves, producing a piece of paper. The manager accepted it respectfully, staring at the crooked, bizarre handwriting.

“These are my body measurements.” I explained. “Please make the clothes according to these specifications. Thank you.” The measurements were system-provided, so definitely accurate.

Seraphine blinked, remembering how Echo’d asked to borrow brush and paper while she bathed the previous night. So that’s what she was doing. She gestured, and the manager nervously handed over the paper.

What a masterpiece of determined effort! Truly bewildering to behold!

Seeing Seraphine stare so intently at my first piece of writing, I ducked my head. “Embarrassed.”

Without my bubble interface, I had to express emotions verbally in public.

Seraphine’s expression was indescribable. She clutched the ink-spotted creation, murmuring, “You should be embarrassed.”

A three-year-old could probably write better. But then again, Echo’d only been human for two days! Considering that, Echo was actually doing remarkably well.

Seraphine handed the paper back with surprising gentleness. “Keep this. It’s a record of your growth.”

My growth? I accepted the “significant human milestone” with confusion.

The manager stifled a laugh, feeling that the usually unattainable Palace Lord was extraordinarily kind at the moment. “Shall I have the seamstresses come measure the young lady?”

Seraphine waved her agreement.

Once the manager left, I exhaled in relief.

“Nervous!” I announced. “Did I give myself away?”

I touched my face anxiously.

This was my first time socializing with Seraphine, meeting strangers. So stressful!

Seraphine studied Echo’s expressionless face for a long moment before slowly saying, “No, you did well.”

“Keep it up!”

I pumped my fist twice. “Fighting!”

Seraphine suppressed a laugh, watching Echo’s gaze drift to the food spread. She nodded permission.

My eyes lit up as I grabbed chopsticks.

Much more skilled with these than with swords. Seraphine thought.

Compared to the basic nutrient supplements back in the System Realm, human food was incredibly flavorful and diverse. And it doesn’t cost points! I’d already eaten five meals today!

No wonder they say food is heaven for the people. No wonder Error was always eating. I was discovering profound life truths, cheeks bulging with food, eyes bright as the city lights outside.

Watching Echo eat, Seraphine found herself picking up chopsticks too. She’d tasted countless delicacies over the years, and this restaurant’s fare was nothing special. But somehow, with this dining companion, the meal felt particularly satisfying.

The seamstresses were taking their time arriving. After sampling everything on the table, I said honestly, “I think your chef at home cooks better.”

“Ha.” Seraphine laughed. “I’ll have them make you a sixth meal when we get back.”

I tilted my head. “Do we have to go back right after the clothes? I’d like to walk around the city. Would you…… could you accompany me exploring? I’ll treat you—I have money now.”

I wiggled my ring finger.

What a polite child.

Seraphine propped her chin on her hand. “Alright.”

I relaxed, quickly adding, “Let’s make it a seventh meal when we return. We can buy street food while exploring—I’ve seen people do that. My treat.”

Seraphine suddenly looked down, covering her face briefly. When she looked up again, her expression was perfectly composed. “Sure.”

Excellent.

I clapped happily, feeling incredibly grateful for Seraphine’s kindness.

“Oh!” Another thought occurred to me. “Why did you stop to look at that white-robed man at the workshop entrance?”

Seraphine raised an eyebrow. “Just looking. Is that not allowed?”

Is it that simple?

I listened carefully—no footsteps outside. First I smiled at Seraphine, then quietly produced a familiar panel.

A panel covered in names that Seraphine definitely recognized.

The long-buried memory surfaced like bamboo shoots after rain. Seraphine’s expression froze as she remembered their previous……arrangement.

Seraphine: “……”

Looking at the panel listing several world-class beauties, I said apologetically, “Was I going in the wrong direction?”

“No, I was being narrow-minded! I should pursue regardless of gender!” I corrected myself earnestly.

Seraphine: “……”

“For your happiness, I’ll investigate him thoroughly. You even asked for his name—Virtue Central Peak’s Wen Chunsheng.” I looked impressed. “I never knew you were so proactive, Seraphine!”

A panel displaying Wen Chunsheng’s system-scanned portrait floated in front of Seraphine.

She closed her eyes, voice tight with anger. “Put that thing away immediately!”

I need to explain before Echo completely loses it!

“I only noticed him because he gave me a strange feeling.” Seraphine said quickly. “Something…… familiar, though I can’t explain why.”

“Oh!” I started to respond—

“Could it be love at first sight?”

When it came to matters of the heart, Seraphine was a complete blank—she might not even know what falling in love felt like! I hurried to search for the symptoms, but the moment my little interface floated into view, the temperature in the room spiked sharply.

Seraphine’s natal weapon had appeared—a golden-red whip wreathed in flames, casting her face in ominous red light.

“Echo, do you know what’s redder than fire?” Her voice was deadly soft. “Human blood.”

Murderous intent!

Terrified, I shoved a dumpling in my mouth. The floating panel crackled and dissolved into nothing.

“Mmph.” I mumbled around the food.

Shutting up now.

Only after Seraphine recalled her weapon did I dare exhale. I poured tea and offered it to her with both hands.

Peace offering.

Seraphine accepted the tea coldly, snorting in displeasure.

I immediately stood and moved behind her chair, massaging her shoulders.

Seraphine continued to snort coldly and said, “You’ll say something reliable for me in the future, or else I’ll have to confiscate your spirit stones and not give you food!”Or beat you up!

So cruel!

I made pitiful whimpering sounds. “I’ll reform, I promise. Please don’t stay angry and keep giving me food.”

In my panic, I’d accidentally let some emotion bubbles slip out, floating nervously around my head.

Seraphine finally cracked a smile, folding her arms and pointing to her right shoulder.

I hurried to that side to continue the massage.

But where Seraphine couldn’t see, a new task panel quietly materialized.

[Investigation: Wen Chunsheng. Objective: Discover source of familiarity.]

[Investigation: Romantic Feelings. Objective: Identify indicators of attraction and methods to make Seraphineexperience them. Know yourself, know your enemy, win every battle.]

[Status: In Progress…….]

[Author’s Note]:

Work Log …

Even though Seraphine forbade it, I still want to give it a try.

For the mission. For Seraphine’s happiness!

Please cheer me on.

Main System Approval: Huh, so this is what humans mean by “outward obedience, inward resistance”?

Echo’s Reply: Shocked!