Meeting Hong Fu

With the pass token given by Hong Fu, Qi Yuan traveled smoothly through Huangfeng Valley, reaching its heart—a place of breathtaking beauty.

The valley was a paradise of singing birds and blooming flowers, shrouded in a thin mist that drifted lazily like a silk veil, revealing and concealing the landscape in turn. As he arrived, Qi Yuan retrieved a sound transmission talisman from his storage bag, whispered a message, and sent it soaring into the valley's depths.

Time passed like the slow burn of an incense stick.

Suddenly, the mist dissipated, and a young woman emerged, gracefully landing before him. She studied him with a teasing smile. "It's been years since we last met, Junior Brother Qi. You've grown more handsome."

Qi Yuan maintained a composed expression. "Senior Sister Dong, you flatter me. You, on the other hand, have changed significantly over the past three years—your beauty has only grown more enchanting."

The woman before him was Dong Xuan'er. Compared to the delicate young woman he remembered, she now possessed a more mature allure. The charm in her gaze and the elegance in her movements suggested she had begun cultivating the top-tier art *Huachun Jue*—a technique known for enhancing one's seductive presence.

Dong Xuan'er smirked at the compliment, but her amusement faded when she noticed the unwavering calm in Qi Yuan's eyes. He wasn't flustered. He wasn't mesmerized.

*How?* she thought, puzzled. *The Huachun Jue has no effect on him?*

She remembered how, years ago, this same man would blush at her mere presence. Yet now, he stood unaffected, his gaze steady.

Suppressing her curiosity, she led him forward. "Come. Grandmaster Hong Fu is expecting you."

Qi Yuan followed, his mind unshaken. Despite the enchanting aura Dong Xuan'er exuded, he remained composed.

Moments later, they entered a grand hall. On the main seat sat a woman clad in red, her long black hair pinned with wooden hairpins, revealing a smooth, graceful neck. Though her loose robe concealed her form, its folds hinted at a presence both commanding and elegant.

She was Hong Fu—an esteemed Jindan-stage cultivator and one of Huangfeng Valley's most formidable figures.

Qi Yuan bowed respectfully. "Disciple Qi Yuan greets Grandmaster Hong Fu."

Dong Xuan'er took her place beside Hong Fu, her dark eyes fixed on Qi Yuan. Ever since she had begun practicing the *Huachun Jue*, this was the first time someone had resisted its influence. She couldn't hide her curiosity.

Hong Fu examined the young man before her. He had changed. Gone was the reckless energy of his youth—he now carried himself with measured steadiness. More surprising was his advancement to the sixth level of Qi Training. She knew his aptitude well enough to understand that such rapid progress was no small feat.

"Rise," she said. "Xuan'er, serve tea."

Qi Yuan hesitated. "Master Hong Fu, there's no need. I am merely a humble disciple."

Hong Fu's tone remained calm but firm. "Your ancestor once saved my life. What is a cup of tea in return?"

Qi Yuan bowed again. "Then I shall accept with gratitude."

As he sat, Dong Xuan'er approached, carrying the tea. A delicate fragrance wafted toward him, but he merely acknowledged her with a polite nod, showing no reaction to her presence.

Hong Fu, watching closely, spoke. "You must have encountered trouble in the valley. Speak. If someone has wronged you, I will see justice done."

Qi Yuan shook his head. "Master, you misunderstand. I came today to express my gratitude. Without your guidance, I would still be an ordinary man in the secular world."

Hong Fu's gaze softened in surprise. She had assumed he sought her protection, yet here he was, offering thanks instead.

After a moment, Qi Yuan retrieved a jade box and presented it. "As a token of my appreciation, I have brought this humble gift."

With Hong Fu's permission, Dong Xuan'er opened the box, revealing a century-old Ice Spirit Grass. Her expression remained indifferent—such an herb was of little value to someone like her.

But Hong Fu thought differently. While an ordinary disciple could not easily acquire a century-old elixir, Qi Yuan's possession of one, combined with his rapid cultivation, suggested something deeper. "Qi Yuan," she said, "explain this."

Qi Yuan had already prepared an answer. "I was fortunate enough to discover the inheritance of a Foundation Establishment cultivator. This was among the relics left behind."

Hong Fu studied him carefully. It was plausible. Such inheritances were rare but not unheard of. Yet his gesture of presenting the herb to her suggested another motive—was he subtly seeking her protection?

She considered this and finally nodded. "I accept your offering. Starting tomorrow, you will report to the utility hall. The stewards will assign your duties. Until further notice, you are to remain within the valley and focus on your cultivation."

An idle post in the utility hall? It wasn't a prestigious assignment, but it would free him from the menial labor that occupied a disciple's day. That alone was a victory.

Qi Yuan bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master."

Hong Fu's expression remained unreadable, though a slight flush crossed her face at his formal tone. She coughed lightly. "If you have any questions about cultivation, you may come to me. If I am not present, Xuan'er will assist you."

This was a significant boon. Regular access to Hong Fu's cave residence would both deepen their relationship and provide a convenient cover for his progress.

After exchanging a few more words, Qi Yuan took his leave.

Hong Fu watched him go, then turned to Dong Xuan'er. "If Qi Yuan comes to you with questions, answer them seriously. Do not be careless."

Dong Xuan'er bowed. "Yes, Master." Yet her mind was already scheming.

*I refuse to believe the Huachun Jue has no effect on him.*

The game had just begun.

*End Of Chapter*