Chapter 131: The Qi Tian Sect in the Imperial City

“Honored guests, Miss Piaomiao is feeling unwell today. Please forgive any neglect. We thank you all for coming. Once Miss Piaomiao recovers, she will continue to perform for you. For now, please make yourselves comfortable,” said the guard Du, holding a long spear, addressing everyone.

“Feeling unwell? Wasn’t she just playing the instrument moments ago? How is she suddenly unwell now?”

“Damn! Is she messing with us?”

“Waiting for her to recover? Who knows how long that’ll take. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of Miss Piaomiao’s true face, but it seems I won’t get the chance today!”

At Du’s words, the audience wore expressions of disappointment and frustration, but no one dared to cause a scene. Du’s cultivation was unfathomably profound; nobody wanted to provoke trouble.

Xu Jianren frowned slightly, then cupped his hands towards Du and said, “Guard Du, I have come to the Red Blossom Pavilion not to cause trouble, but simply to behold the beauty of Miss Piaomiao. Might I have the honor?”

“Young Master Xu, the young lady has just been feeling unwell. It would be improper for her to meet you in this state. I beg your understanding. Should there be an opportunity in the future, she will surely meet you in her best condition,” came the alluring voice of Miss Piaomiao from behind the white veil, her tone seductive enough to stir longing.

Having heard this, Xu Jianren found it difficult to press further, especially with the formidable Du guard present. He dared not be too pushy.

“Since Miss Piaomiao is unwell today, I shall not trouble her further. Once she recovers, I will return to admire her beauty! Farewell!” Xu Jianren said coldly, glaring at Wu Tian. “Boy, don’t let me see you again, or you’ll regret it!”

With that, Xu Jianren swept his hand and left.

“Miss Piaomiao is unwell today, so I shall take my leave as well. Wishing her a speedy recovery,” Xie Guanglang said, bowing politely after Xu Jianren’s departure.

After Xie Guanglang left, Du the guard looked toward Wu Tian.

“Thank you, Guard Du, for stepping in earlier,” Wu Tian said politely, cupping his hands.

“I was merely fulfilling my duty. No need to take it to heart. Apologies again; Miss Piaomiao is not well and cannot receive guests today. Please take your leave,” Du responded with a respectful nod.

Wu Tian glanced at the silhouette of the woman behind the white veil, then shrugged. “Very well, farewell!”

Without further hesitation, Wu Tian turned and left. Since they did not wish to see him, he wouldn’t force the matter. After all, she was just a woman, and he had seen many before.

Du looked at Wu Tian with some surprise. Most would utter a few polite words in such a situation, but this young man was unusual, taking his leave so directly.

Soon after, Wu Tian and Niu Wuji left the hall, which by then was nearly empty.

“That young man is interesting — he said nothing and just left,” Du remarked with interest after Wu Tian departed.

“And he seemed utterly fearless before Xu Jianren, even openly defying him. He must have a formidable background, yet I’ve never seen this gentleman in the imperial city. He also lacks any trace of true energy fluctuations, as if he has no cultivation,” the maid beside Miss Piaomiao said.

The white veil was slowly lifted, revealing a slender woman with a violet silk mask — the legendary Miss Piaomiao. Though her face remained hidden, an enticing aura radiated from her entire being. Her bright violet eyes shimmered with a hint of fox-like charm, captivating any man who dared look.

“No, this person is deeply mysterious! Among everyone present earlier, only he was unaffected by the illusions. Perhaps his cultivation is beyond imagining!” Miss Piaomiao’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Du’s expression changed sharply. “But that young man shows no sign of true energy. Could he be equipped with advanced gear that shields him from illusions?”

“That is unknown. Regardless, he is no ordinary person,” Miss Piaomiao’s lips curled subtly, a glint of allure flashing in her eyes.

“Miss, shall I send someone to investigate?” the maid asked.

“No need. We are all lying low now. Under no circumstances can we cause trouble. We must observe quietly and strengthen ourselves in the shadows. Only then can our clan be revived,” Miss Piaomiao shook her head.

“Currently, all races and nations on the Divine Dragon Continent live in peace. We don’t know when our grand plan will come to fruition,” Du sighed quietly.

“On the surface, peace reigns, but it has been over a thousand years since the ancient Three Realms’ peak battle. Many powers are stirring. Soon, a storm will come. That will be when our clan rises again!” Miss Piaomiao’s enchanting eyes sparkled with wisdom as she spoke softly.

“Miss is right. We must hide and build strength in secret,” the maid nodded in agreement.

“Enough talk. To avoid eavesdropping, let’s each attend to our own tasks,” Miss Piaomiao waved her hand and retreated into the inner chambers.

...

“It’s a pity we didn’t see Miss Piaomiao’s true face. I wonder what she really looks like,” Niu Wuji said disappointedly as they left the Red Blossom Pavilion.

“Probably an ugly woman. Otherwise, why wouldn’t she dare show herself?” Wu Tian shrugged dismissively.

“Ugly or not, it’s a shame I only wandered around the pavilion without properly enjoying it. Sigh...” Niu Wuji sighed.

“The pavilion’s main entrance is right behind you. You can still have some fun before you leave,” Wu Tian pointed to the door.

“Forget it. It’s already late, and I have to report tomorrow. This is my lifelong dream. I can’t be late, or bad things might happen,” Niu Wuji decided, reason prevailing over impulse.

Wu Tian smiled gently, then together they went to find the inn where Xiao Hui was staying. Guided by the Spirit Pearl, Wu Tian quickly found the inn and rested there for the night.

Early the next morning, Wu Tian and Niu Wuji rose to report at the headquarters of the Qitian Sect, while Li Tiedan, Li Qingqing, and Xiao Hui waited outside for news.

The Qitian Sect headquarters lay east of the imperial palace. Upon seeing it, Wu Tian was instantly awestruck. A majestic gate towered before him, flanked on both sides by over a dozen statues of various shapes — statues of past and current sect leaders, symbols of the Qitian Sect’s legacy.

Near the gate stood several sword-bearing guards. Seeing Wu Tian and Niu Wuji approach, they immediately blocked their path.

“State your names and purpose,” one guard asked coldly.

“My name is Wu Tian, and this is Niu Wuji. We are disciples who entered the headquarters from a branch of the Qitian Sect. We have come to register. Here is the token,” Wu Tian presented the token given by Elder Liu Qingxu.

“So, you’re the rookies joining the Qitian Sect today. Let me tell you this: before passing through this gate, you must meet a certain requirement,” the guard said with a teasing smile.