Peach Blossom Pavilion

At fifteen, Han Yue had grown taller, her once youthful features now refined into an ethereal beauty. Though traces of childishness still lingered in her expressions, her face had matured, radiating a cold elegance. Her sky-blue hair was neatly pinned up with a delicate blue hairpin, emphasizing the graceful curve of her neck. Over the past two years, her physique had developed as well—her slender frame now carried a natural poise and confidence. While she didn't possess a seductive allure, her icy beauty was undeniable—a presence that drew eyes yet kept others at a distance.

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Han Yue now stood in the Mission Hall of River Peak's outer circle, her gaze scanning the large mission board. She had come here for a reason—to take on her first mission and earn sect points for future use. Sect points were valuable, allowing disciples to exchange them for resources, techniques, or even access to restricted areas.

Most disciples were required to undertake missions as early as the Qi Gathering Third Realm, but main disciples of supreme elders—including Han Yue—were given special privileges. They could choose to accept missions only after reaching the Qi Gathering Fifth Realm, ensuring they were strong enough to handle themselves. Now that she had finally reached this level, it was time for her to step out.

Her cold gaze moved over the wooden mission board, where countless parchment scrolls detailed various tasks. Some were simple—gathering herbs, escorting merchants, or hunting spirit beasts. Others were dangerous, requiring disciples to eliminate threats or investigate unknown anomalies.

She ignored the lesser missions and focused on those suited for her strength. Finally, her eyes landed on one that piqued her interest—a mission to eliminate a First-Level Smoke Race entity.

The Smoke Race was one of the many races in the Heavenly Starlight Cultivation world, their existence shrouded in mystery and danger. They were creatures of living mist, capable of shifting forms and evading attacks. Their bodies were intangible, making them difficult to kill with ordinary techniques.

Han Yue's gaze lingered on the mission scroll for a moment before she reached out and took it. Her cold fingers brushed against the parchment as she examined the details carefully. A first-level Smoke Race entity wouldn't pose too much of a threat to her, but it was the perfect mission to test her progress and see how effective her techniques had become.

After accepting the mission, Han Yue stepped out of the magnificent Ethereal Blossom Palace. The grand sect, perched high in the mountains, was shrouded in mist, its towering peaks glowing faintly under the morning sun. Without hesitation, she made her way toward the city at the base of the sect—Elemental City.

Before heading out on her mission, she needed to purchase a few supplies. While her master gave talismans, weapons, pills, and spirit stones as part of the mission, those were of higher grade, meant for emergencies. She preferred to carry a few low-level talismans and weapons for general use, ensuring she wouldn't waste valuable resources unnecessarily.

Her destination was Peach Blossom Pavilion, a well-known establishment within the city. Unlike many specialized shops, the Peach Blossom Pavilion was an all-rounder, selling everything from weapons and talismans to medicinal pills and cultivation manuals. Though it operated independently, it was still under the sect's influence, making it a reliable place for disciples to make their purchases.

The city streets were bustling with activity. Cultivators of various backgrounds filled the roads—some browsing the marketplace, others bargaining with vendors, and a few simply enjoying the lively atmosphere. There were both loose cultivators and outer disciples among them, their robes and attire hinting at their status.

Han Yue, dressed in her dark blue sect robes, walked through the crowd with a calm, steady pace. Though she paid no attention to the gazes around her, she could feel them. Cultivators, both young and old, turned to look at her as she passed. Some admired her beauty, others were simply curious. Even though she was only fifteen, her appearance was striking—elegant yet untouchable, like a frost-covered lotus blooming in the snow.

Ignoring the attention, she continued toward Peach Blossom Pavilion, her mind already focused on what she needed to buy.

The Peach Blossom Pavilion was a place of constant movement. People entered and exited in a steady flow—disciples, loose cultivators, merchants, and even some rogue cultivators searching for rare items. The lively chatter of bargaining, discussions about cultivation, and exchanges of news filled the air.

The moment Han Yue stepped inside, a shift in the atmosphere was almost tangible. Conversations paused, and eyes instinctively turned toward her. Even though Ethereal Blossom Palace was a sect exclusive to women, the city under it welcomed all cultivators. It was common to see both men and women roaming through the markets, but a woman of Han Yue's caliber was a rare sight.

A loose cultivator, dressed in simple robes, nudged his companion. "Who is she?" he whispered, eyes filled with curiosity.

His companion shook his head. "I don't know. But I've never seen a woman as beautiful as her."

"Indeed. It's undeniable. But look at her robes—those belong to a core disciple of Ethereal Blossom Palace. She must be someone important."

The first man hesitated before muttering, "It's best if we don't speak too much about her. She's not someone we can afford to offend."

Meanwhile, among the outer disciples of Ethereal Blossom Palace, a young woman, dressed in the light blue robes of the outer sect, whispered to her friend. "Who is she? She looks absolutely stunning… I wish I had beauty like hers." A tinge of jealousy flashed across her face.

Another disciple, slightly older, smirked. "It's her—Han Yue."

The jealous girl's eyes widened. "You mean Han Yue? The disciple of Supreme Elder Bing Zhi, the Ice Empress?"

"Yes, the very same."

The girl couldn't hide her shock. "The one who is said to be on par with the Holy Daughter in both cultivation and talent? No… some even say they rival each other in beauty."

The older disciple nodded knowingly. "Indeed."

Still skeptical, the jealous girl frowned. "But how do you know for sure that's Han Yue?"

The other disciple chuckled, looking smug. "Heh. My elder sister is an inner disciple. She's the one who showed me Han Yue's portrait."

The jealous girl gasped. "You have a sister in the inner sect?"

The disciple with the inner sect sister straightened her back with pride, as if the connection somehow elevated her status as well.

Similar murmurs spread among both the loose cultivators and the female outer disciples. Everyone had something to say, whether it was admiration, envy, or pure curiosity. However, Han Yue paid no attention to any of it. She was used to such reactions and walked forward with the same calm grace as always.

As she moved deeper inside the pavilion, a young female attendant quickly approached her.

The attendant was undoubtedly beautiful by normal standards—delicate features, soft skin, and an elegant posture. But compared to Han Yue, her beauty seemed ordinary. She quickly cupped her hands in greeting and spoke respectfully, her voice slightly nervous. "Senior Sister, what may I help you with?"

It wasn't just the core disciple robes Han Yue wore that made her nervous. After all, there were many core disciples in the sect. No, it was the fact that Han Yue was the personal disciple of Bing Zhi, the Ice Empress. In the Ethereal Blossom Palace, Bing Zhi's status was par with the Sect Master and the Ancestors. To serve her disciple was an honor, but also a great pressure.

The attendant kept her gaze lowered, waiting for Han Yue's response.

Han Yue's gaze remained calm as she spoke in an even tone. "I want to buy some talismans and weapons."

The young attendant quickly nodded, her posture straightening. "Understood, Senior Sister. Please, follow me." Her voice carried both respect and a hint of nervousness.

She turned and led Han Yue further inside, away from the open hall. The pavilion was large, and its more valuable goods were kept in private rooms. They walked through a corridor decorated with elegant calligraphy and spiritual paintings before reaching a secluded chamber.

The attendant pushed open the finely carved wooden door and gestured politely. "Senior Sister, please have a seat."

Han Yue stepped inside. The private room was spacious yet simple, designed for business discussions. A low table sat at the center, with soft cushions arranged neatly around it. A faint fragrance of sandalwood filled the air, giving the room a peaceful atmosphere.

As she sat down, the attendant moved swiftly, picking up a delicate teapot from a nearby tray. With precise movements, she poured tea into a jade cup, the light steam rising in the dimly lit room. Once done, she carefully placed the cup before Han Yue.

"Senior Sister, what level of weapons and talismans do you require? And is there anything specific you need?" the attendant asked with utmost politeness.

Han Yue took a moment before replying. "I need spiritual-rank and magic-rank weapons for defense… and a spear." Her voice was steady and clear.

The attendant nodded immediately, memorizing her request.

"Also, I need talismans of the same level. And prepare some mortal-rank talismans as well."

The request was simple, yet the quality of the items she asked for wasn't something an ordinary disciple could afford. The attendant didn't ask unnecessary questions. She simply bowed slightly before responding, "Understood, Senior Sister. I will bring them at once."

With that, she turned and left the room, her steps quick but graceful. The sound of her retreating footsteps faded, leaving Han Yue alone in the quiet chamber.

She picked up the tea cup, the warmth seeping into her fingers. Taking a small sip, she let the faint bitterness settle on her tongue before placing the cup back down. Then, she closed her eyes briefly, sinking into her thoughts as she waited.

*****[End]*****