Ruan Hongling’s glance lasted only an instant; by the time she looked again, the person had vanished without a trace.

Li Yundong walked ahead for a while, only to realize someone was missing beside him. He turned back, seeing Ruan Hongling constantly scanning the area behind them.

“Ruan Hongling, what are you looking at?” Li Yundong asked curiously.

Ruan Hongling turned her head back, her face filled with unsettled surprise. “I think I just saw someone.”

Li Yundong chuckled. “How novel. There are so many people here, and you didn't see them?”

The little foxes trailing beside Li Yundong burst into laughter, but Ruan Hongling rushed to clarify, “No, I think I saw Cao Yi from the Fox Zen Sect!”

“What?” The little foxes’ laughter died instantly; their eyes widened. “Senior Martial Aunt Cao Yi? Where is she?”

Li Yundong frowned, asking in a deep voice, “Are you sure you weren't mistaken?”

Ruan Hongling hesitated. “The figure moved very fast just now, so I might not have seen clearly. But I felt like it was very much like Zhuang Yating—ah, anyway, their figures are very similar!”

Ziyuan knew this was no small matter. Yan Fang lurking in the shadows, spying on the Fox Zen Sect, was already a thorn in Li Yundong’s side, keeping him perpetually anxious.

Ziyuan asked sternly, “Hongling, this can’t be vague. Did you truly see her or not?”

Ruan Hongling thought hard, then replied, “I didn’t actually get a clear look, but when I saw this person, she seemed to be deliberately avoiding me. Then, looking at her retreating back, the name Cao Yi just popped into my head subconsciously.”

Hearing this, a chill ran down everyone’s spine, as if Yan Fang were indeed lurking nearby in some dark corner.

Su Chan, terrified, clutched Li Yundong’s sleeve. “Yundong, did Yan Fang manage to sneak into the Lotus Picking Assembly?”

Zhou Qin, resting on Li Yundong’s back, whispered softly, “Master, I keep feeling like this Lotus Picking Assembly is a trap…”

The little foxes nearby immediately began looking around frantically, as if they wished to flee the place the very next second.

Ziyuan pondered for a moment, her delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed. “Wan Zhenyuan wouldn't be so insane as to use the Lotus Picking Assembly as bait, would he? Most of the attendees are young masters from various sects. Even if they were all wiped out here, it wouldn't shake the foundation of the major schools. Since cultivators have nearly limitless lifespans, losing disciples means they can just train new ones. But if Wan Zhenyuan did this, it would provoke the furious retaliation of the hidden senior masters; the Gezao Sect would face utter destruction. Wan Zhenyuan might be ambitious, but he isn't a fool!”

Li Yundong nodded in agreement. “That’s right, Zhou Qin, I know what you’re thinking. If Wan Zhenyuan wanted to use the Assembly to stir up trouble, pitting the sects against each other so his Gezao Sect could reap the benefits—I believe he has those intentions. Otherwise, he wouldn't have repeatedly incited cultivators from different schools beforehand. Moreover, I believe cultivators across the land aren't fools either; they will maintain a degree of vigilance.”

Ziyuan smiled in agreement. “Precisely. I don't believe Wan Zhenyuan has the audacity to set such a trap, defying the entire world.”

Li Yundong patted the little girl’s head and laughed. “With me here, don’t worry. Even if it is a trap, they won’t lay a finger on me!”

Su Chan gazed at the young man before her with adoration. When she first met him, he was just a young man who knew nothing about cultivation, but now he had grown into a pillar of strength. As long as he was nearby, even if the heavens collapsed, she wouldn’t need to be afraid!

The little girl nodded heavily, looking at Li Yundong with immense admiration and reliance. She said cheerfully, “That’s right, my Yundong is a great master now. You aren't afraid of any conspiracy or trickery, are you?”

Li Yundong chuckled heartily. “It’s the principle that ultimate strength conquers all! Schemes and plots crumble in the face of true power! If Yan Fang doesn't show up, fine. If she does, I’ll make sure she never returns!”

Hearing this, the little foxes of the Fox Zen Sect finally let go of their unease and began chattering excitedly. “Yes, with the Sect Master here, there’s nothing to fear!”

Li Yundong smiled. “Let’s go, we shouldn't dawdle here. Everyone, just pay a little more attention ahead.”

The group passed through the long corridor, following the sound of Pingtan music deeper inside. After walking about ten more meters, they stopped before a small, two-story building.

Li Yundong observed that it was an ancient structure featuring upturned eaves and bracket complexes, with black tiles and white walls. On the four corners of the eaves of both the first and second floors stood the Four Divine Beasts: the Azure Dragon, the White Tiger, the Vermilion Bird, and the Black Tortoise. Beneath these beasts hung bells that chimed crisply in the slight breeze, a sound exceptionally pleasant against the soft, melodious Pingtan music.

Li Yundong surveyed the courtyard in front of the building. Though not large, it was fully equipped with rockeries and artificial mountains, which were lifelike, rigorously structured, balanced between primary and secondary elements, and clearly layered—testifying to the design of a master craftsman. Most remarkably, in all his travels up to this point, Li Yundong hadn't found a single landscape remotely similar to this. The rockeries were crisscrossed with paths, grottoes, ravines, perilous cliffs, and precipices, truly giving the sense that "as you walk the mountain, every view is new, and with every step, the scenery changes."

Li Yundong couldn’t help but laugh and praise, “Even if there is a trap here, the one who designed it must be a man of refinement.”

With that, he led the women inside. Upon entering, two couplets immediately caught their eyes. The upper scroll read: Hills and ravines reside within the heart; observing layered stones and sparse springs reveals nature's perfect canvas. The lower scroll read: Gardens rival those of Wu; may we carry zithers and wine, enjoying an existence beyond the mundane.

Li Yundong couldn't help but cheer, “Excellent couplet, excellent!”

His voice rang out clearly, catching the attention of Wan Zhenyuan upstairs, who descended the stairs. He cupped his hands and smiled, “Venerable Li, there are even better things upstairs. Please, come in!”

Li Yundong chuckled, cupping his hands toward Wan Zhenyuan. “Sect Master Wan, what refined taste. Why didn't you choose this place for the Lotus Picking Assembly from the start?”

Sect Master Wan chuckled twice, lowering his voice. “One always keeps the best treasures hidden away for a long time!”

Saying this, he winked knowingly at Li Yundong. “You’ll understand once you go up and see.”

Li Yundong, filled with quiet curiosity, stepped upstairs. He found the upper floor already packed with esteemed guests—cultivators from various sects whom he had seen earlier on the yacht.

These cultivators were all intently focused on one direction. Some had their eyes closed, nodding their heads rhythmically, looking utterly absorbed; others nodded slightly with faint smiles. Not a single one glanced toward Li Yundong.

Li Yundong was greatly surprised. Following the crowd’s gaze, he saw two women seated upstairs. One, around thirty, wore a qipao edged with purple flowers and gold trim, holding a sanzhuan (three-stringed lute). Her face, turned slightly, was quite lovely. Next to her sat a younger woman whose face was completely obscured; she wore a crisp, light-green floral qipao and held a pipa (lute) in her lap, which she was plucking gently while humming.

Li Yundong heard her voice, light, soft, and delicate, flowing in the soft accents of Wu dialect. It was enchanting—when clear, it sounded like the cry of a pure valley spirit echoing through the mountains, lingering in the rafters for three days; when soft, it was like honey-wine, sweet enough that every pore seemed to soak in a delicious, melting sensation.

Li Yundong froze upon hearing it. He looked back and saw that Ziyuan, Zhou Qin, and the others were also listening with rapt attention, so entranced that no one urged him forward.

Li Yundong wondered privately: Which renowned artist was singing Pingtan? It sounded so exquisite! Although he couldn't understand the Wu dialect, listening to her sing, he could faintly sense an intimate, alluring quality that pierced the bone. What did this woman, whose voice was so beautiful, look like?

Unable to resist, he quickly moved upstairs and craned his neck to look.

What he saw was a girl about sixteen or seventeen, possessing breathtaking beauty, certainly not inferior to Su Chan, Ziyuan, or Zhou Qin. Even more remarkable was her complexion—ruby lips and white teeth, exquisitely delicate. As her eyes shifted, it was like clear spring water flowing down a mountain stream, comforting the heart like fine wine, yet stirring no improper thoughts whatsoever.

Seeing her, Li Yundong clicked his tongue in silent amazement. He turned to Su Chan and the others, who were still somewhat stunned. “Hey, how long are you planning to stand on the stairs?”

Su Chan and the others snapped out of their daze and followed Li Yundong up, taking their seats.

Only then did the cultivators at the neighboring tables notice the arrival of Li Yundong’s group. However, they merely glanced at Li Yundong a few times before quickly returning their focus to the girl continuing her song with rapt attention.

Once seated, Li Yundong finally took a proper look at the two Pingtan performers. The woman with the sanzhuan wore heavy makeup, her eyebrows conveying an air of worldly glamour. The girl beside her wore dazzling pearl earrings and jade bracelets on her hands. As her fingers plucked the strings, the bracelets glittered and flashed, resembling streaks of ghostly green shadow—quite captivating.

After listening for a while, Li Yundong suddenly noticed that Su Chan and the other little foxes from the Fox Zen Sect looked rather displeased. He leaned in and whispered to Su Chan, “What’s wrong?”

Su Chan whispered back unhappily to Li Yundong, “I don’t like listening to this!”

Li Yundong laughed. “Why? Because she’s beautiful and sings well?”

The little girl pouted. “No! She’s singing from Investiture of the Gods, right at the part where Jiang Taigong subjugates Daji and vanquishes demons!”

Li Yundong was surprised. “No way, that’s quite a coincidence! It fits perfectly, considering you are all little fox spirits here!”

Su Chan made a face at Li Yundong. “Stop it! I don't like being called a fox spirit! Aren't we being wronged? We haven't seduced anyone, so why must we carry that reputation?”

Li Yundong leaned close to Su Chan’s ear, smiling conspiratorially as he whispered, “But you are an intoxicating little fox spirit, and I absolutely adore this little fox spirit of mine.”

Su Chan giggled as Li Yundong’s breath tickled her earlobe. “Hmph, you were just acting like a great cultivator a moment ago, and now you’re showing your rogue side! Look where we are and who’s around. Wouldn’t it be embarrassing if someone saw?”

Li Yundong laughed. “Silly girl, I just want you to know, don’t let your mind wander. With me here, you don’t need to worry about what others think. If anyone dares to eliminate you, I’ll eliminate them first!”

Su Chan’s heart warmed, and she shot Li Yundong a sweet smile.

The two were speaking intimately, seemingly oblivious to their surroundings, when suddenly they heard thunderous applause erupting from the small hall—the girl had finished her song.

Li Yundong finally looked toward the audience. The young girl, holding her pipa, stood up; her posture was truly graceful and elegant. She gave the crowd a somewhat shy smile, then turned and entered the back room.

Once inside the dressing room, the girl’s smile instantly vanished. She looked around cautiously and vigilantly, then turned and slipped out the back door, coming to a secluded corner. She whispered quietly, “Master, Master? Are you here? They’ve arrived!”

At that moment, a figure emerged from the shadows of the corner. The appearance was obscured, but the voice was clearly female, and it spoke coldly. “Are they all here?”

The girl nodded, a hint of fear in her expression. She whispered softly, “Yes, they’re all here!”

The woman let out a cold snort. “Excellent. I’ve been planning for nine years, and this day has finally come! Today, I will net the entire Fox Zen Sect and let all cultivators in the world see the true faces of these fox spirits!”

========================================== Uh, I’ll make up for the second chapter when I wake up in the morning. I am genuinely too tired; I haven't slept well for days, and I feel awful~~ Sorry, sorry~ E