Chapter 323: Xue Meng's Blind Date: Mystery Matron 2

Xue Meng had initially intended to merely gain some casual knowledge about the much-admired Worry-Relieving Scroll in the cultivation world, with no intention of seriously utilizing it or even meeting the fairy maidens depicted on the leaf cards as recommended by the scroll.

It seemed that many shared his mindset, and Master Ma, the owner of the stall, deemed this unacceptable. After all, magical artifacts were meant to be fully utilized, not simply played with and then cast aside to gather dust in forgotten corners.

And so, a few days later, an astounding piece of news emerged from the jade slip. ——

"From this day forth, for the next three months, all those who actively seek their Dao companion through the Worry-Free Jade Slip will be enrolled in the Peach Bud Manor's Honorary Guest Register. After these three months, whether or not one has found their fated match, Lord Ma will bestow upon the most diligent Immortal a magnificent, unparalleled gift chest from Peach Bud Manor. We eagerly anticipate your enthusiastic participation."

When the jade slip revealed this message, the entire Upper and Lower cultivation realms were thrown into an uproar.

Almost everyone was discussing this matter.

"Have you seen the contents of Peach Bud Manor's unparalleled and exquisite gift box? It's a true marvel!"

Passerby A, a shameless money-grubber, exclaimed, "Of course I've seen it! One hundred and eighty volumes of high-grade spell manuscripts, a thousand top-quality spirit stones for refinement, one hundred discount vouchers for Peach Bud Manor, and ten secret-level diagrams for forging magical artifacts from the same manor... It's incredible! Truly deserving of being the paragon among righteous merchants and a tycoon in the cultivation world!"

Passerby B was no less than a devoted admirer of Ma Yun's: "It's not just about wealth; Lord Ma of the Manor also possesses immense courage. He dares to offer blueprints of classified magical artifacts as rewards. Who wouldn't be tempted to delve into such research? Whose heart wouldn't stir at the prospect?"

Passerby C is neither a money-grubber nor a sycophant; his thoughts are the most refreshing: "Ah, you common people, look at me, I'm different... I have no interest in these jewels, spells, or blueprints. However, I've heard that there are five hundred rare and unique erotic paintings and romantic novels in the gift box... Hehehe, they say they have never been circulated among the common folk. If I can get my hands on them, I'll have a blissful life for the rest of my days!"

They all rolled their eyes at him in unison. "Pathetic!"

It has to be said that Lord Ma's treasure chest accurately hits the vulnerable spots of virtually all cultivators in the cultivation world. Be it those lured by wealth, desire, or knowledge... it exerts an irresistible allure on them all.

Furthermore, Lord Centaur had made it clear that one didn't necessarily have to find true love. As long as they actively used the Worry-Free Scroll, even if they remained a single hero three months later, they would still be eligible for the lottery.

With these new conditions, limitations were reduced while temptation increased. Numerous cultivators who had previously dabbled in the game out of mere curiosity now earnestly and proactively attempted to utilize it for their grand trunks.

Among them was the pitiful and financially-strapped Master of the Peak of Life and Death, the peerless genius, Xue Meng, also known as Xue Ziming.

Xue Meng retrieved the twenty leaf cards once more. He had already read through all the descriptions of the recommended immortals and found each one appealing, but Ruo Ying on the first card seemed the best to him, perhaps due to the influence of his initial impression.

The Scroll of Worries Relief referred to active participation as actually meeting the other party.

Moreover, the manner of their meeting was quite unique. Master Ma proposed that everyone search for their "Soulbound Companions," placing appearance as the least important factor. So, how could they avoid being swayed by looks?

The solution was rather romantic.

During their rendezvous, both parties would wear a specially crafted sachet from Peach Bud Manor. These sachets would alter the wearer's voice and appearance in others' perception, ensuring that during their date, they would know that the other's appearance was fake, thus encouraging them to focus more on getting to know each other beyond physical looks.

Only when they removed the sachets would the illusions disappear, revealing their true appearances.

It had to be said that although Master Ma loved money, he also put in genuine effort.

For the sake of the lone wolves in both realms finding soulmates, he spared no effort!

Thus, Xue Meng arranged a meeting with Fairy Ruo Ying.

Though his intentions were impure – he didn't hold much hope of finding a lifelong partner but was instead lured by the grand gift box from Peach Bud Manor – he was, after all, Sect Leader Xue. Back when he was young, he could brazenly engage in street brawls with girls, but now that he was the sect leader, he needed to maintain his composure and grace.

As Xuan Ji often reminded him, "Your behavior and speech, Lord, not only represent yourself but also the entire Summit of Life and Death."

Therefore, to avoid disgracing the Summit of Life and Death, Xue Meng took this date seriously and prepared meticulously.

To be honest, this was the first time in his life he had a private rendezvous with a female cultivator. It would be a lie to say he wasn't nervous. Sect Leader Xue appeared nonchalant, but inwardly, he was a bit jittery. The night before the meeting, he lay in bed, staring at Fairy Ruo Ying's leaf token repeatedly, particularly drawn to the phrase "of high status, with treasures abundant in her home."

This was a wealthy woman.

But it didn't matter. Xue Meng secretly bolstered himself. Though he was unranked on the "Incomprehensible Rich List," he was still a man who owned several mountain peaks. She was just an unknown little girl; how could she possibly be richer or hold a higher status than him?

Absolutely not.

Yes, that was the mindset. When they met tomorrow, he would take her to the most luxurious venue, treat her to the most extravagant meal, and outshine her, making it clear that he was the fairest in the Lower Cultivation World!

With this mistaken notion of competing for wealth with his blind date, Xue Meng imagined Miss Ruo Ying looking at him with envy, saying with great admiration, "Brother Wang Xiaoxue, you're so rich!" Smiling sweetly and contentedly, he hugged his dragon city and dozed off on the big bed.

The next day, Xue Meng woke up early. As agreed, he adorned himself with a specially crafted sachet from Peach Bud Manor and flew his sword to Yangzhou City to meet the female cultivator.

Before leaving, he specifically asked Xuan Ji which was the best teahouse in Yangzhou and inquired about the price. Although it stung a bit, for the sake of his own and Death's Peak's dignity, he deemed it tolerable. In short, he couldn't show any weakness in front of the wealthy lady!

When he conveyed the name "Xi Hua Pavilion" via the Scroll of Worries, Xue Meng's demeanor was haughty.

The most lavish teahouse in Yangzhou City! Was she impressed or what?

Xue Meng could almost envision the scene of her waking up in her boudoir, discovering the location of their rendezvous written on the scroll. With a gentle smile, she would softly utter, her rosy lips parting and bright eyes widening in surprise, "Ah, he truly is a refined and generous gentleman..."

Lost in these musings, the Worry-Free Scroll in his hand illuminated.

Ruo Ying: Alright.

...Alright?

D-Done?

Xue Meng nearly toppled off his flying sword in Dragon City from sheer anger! Fine, if you weren't going to show any joy or surprise, then at least say thank you! Just who did this young lady belong to, to be so ill-mannered?!

Fuming, he flew above the Yangtze River on his sword when the Scroll of Solace illuminated once more. Miss Ruo Ying sent another message: The Xi Hua Pavilion is bustling with guests today. If you don't mind, perhaps we could meet elsewhere. I'll make the arrangements.

Xue Meng's displeasure subsided somewhat.

Well, this lady was quite courteous. It seemed she was willing to treat him, even on their first meeting as male cultivators. That solitary "fine" earlier probably just reflected her difficulty in expressing herself, much like his own master.

Thinking of Chu Wanning, Xue Meng straightened up a bit, reasoning to himself that yes, one should be magnanimous, especially toward a young lady. Even if she wasn't particularly courteous, he ought to bear with it more.

In response on the Scroll of Troubles Relieved, he wrote: If I say it's my treat, then it is. Don't change your mind.

After a while, the other party replied with a single character.

"Okay."

Xue Meng: "......"

Having been through two rounds of frustration and calmness, Xue Meng wasn't as angry this time. He sat atop Longcheng, swinging his long legs, with the crescent blade, Breaking Clouds, slicing through the misty clouds as they flew towards the Jiangnan water towns.

They soon arrived at Yangzhou City.

The appointed time with Ruo Ying had yet to arrive. As Xue Meng strolled down the bustling streets, he leisurely looked around—Yangzhou was under Solitary Moon Night's jurisdiction, thus the people flowed like a stream, the flowers were as intricate as brocade, presenting an affluent scene of prosperity and revelry. With the old men trimming feet on the roadside and the aunties selling flowers lazily calling out, their accents reminded him of his mother's, making him feel a sense of familiarity. His demeanor relaxed accordingly.

He bought a sweet candy from a sugar painting stall, enjoying it as he continued wandering. When the time was nearly right, he headed straight for Xi Hua Pavilion by Slender West Lake.

Sure enough, there was quite a crowd.

Almost every guest wore an Illusory Incense Pouch from Peach Bud Manor, indicating that many cultivators had actively participated in Master Ma's grand event. Apparently, everyone enjoyed pretending to be more prosperous than they were, cramming into the most expensive areas.

Xue Meng was quite speechless. Surveying the bustling main hall, he told the approaching waiter, "I have a reservation for a private room on the second floor. My surname is... ahem, Wang. Wang Xiaoxue."

Pausing, he added somewhat awkwardly, "Wang Xiaoxue."

The waiter, perhaps numbed by the antics of this group of matchmaking cultivators, didn't even bat an eyelid at such a ridiculous name. He had heard it all, from Zhao Dagun to Du Jiyan. Thus, he calmly led Xue Meng upstairs.

"This is the Wind Pavilion private room. As you requested, it's by the window."

Xue Meng looked around. Well, Jiangnan people were truly refined. Though called a private room, it was merely separated by delicate bamboo curtains. The curtains were intricately woven and allowed a vague glimpse of potted flowers beyond. It was elegant, but not very private; any raised voices would be heard by those nearby.

But since he was already here, what could he do?

Xue Meng took his seat just as Fairy Ruo Ying sent him another message through the Scroll of Sorrow Relief:

"I've just seen off an important business guest. I'll be a little late."

"..."

Staring at the message, Xue Meng read it over and over, realizing that he was dealing with a master.

How audacious, this woman was displaying her wealth even before making an appearance! She didn't flaunt jewelry or boast about property deeds but instead created an image of having important business clients visiting early in the morning, emphasizing the value of time.

What a busy proprietress! This was a stark contrast to his own leisurely morning, strolling around aimlessly and even indulging in sugar-coated haws.

Xue Meng sullenly sipped the tea served by the waiter.

This was a formidable woman, Xue Meng mused. He would let this round slide for now. Once she arrived, he would definitely give her a taste of her own medicine, making her realize—

He, Xue Ziming, was not poor!