The graceful, almost ethereal figure of a young woman appeared in the garden, her every step a delicate dance that drew the gaze of all who saw her. Wearing a pale yellow silk gown, the fabric clung to her slender form, the soft folds revealing glimpses of porcelain skin beneath. The low neckline, modest yet alluring, left just enough to the imagination, while a faint pink undergarment hinted at the softness of her body.
Her face was veiled with a thin gauze, adding an air of mystery. Each step she took was a calculated movement, her embroidered yellow slippers gently tapping on the stone pathway. With every pace, the vibrant flowers lining the path seemed to lose their luster, overshadowed by her beauty.
Her head was lowered slightly at first, eyes fixed on the path before her. But as she neared the pavilion, her gaze lifted, catching the eye of the young master, Yu Gongzi. The instant their eyes met, his breath hitched, and a wave of heat rushed to his face. His heart pounded wildly as if she had stolen his soul in that fleeting moment.
Yu Gongzi fumbled for the bowl beside him, hastily shoving the remnants of cold plum soup and ice into his mouth to cool his burning face, chewing frantically as if it would somehow calm the storm inside him.
The young woman, her gaze laden with teasing mystery, noted his flustered state and lowered her head once more, a faint, mocking smile dancing on her lips behind the veil.
She then curtsied with grace, the motion smooth and deliberate, before speaking in a voice so soft and sweet it could make even the most hardened of birds fall silent in reverence. "Zhen Luo pays her respects to the esteemed master, wishing you peace and prosperity."
Yu Gongzi, still chewing the ice in a distracted frenzy, nodded repeatedly, his words garbled. "Old shopkeeper, you may leave us. I have matters to discuss with Luo'er."
The elderly man who had accompanied Zhen Luo chuckled inwardly at Yu Gongzi's discomposure but dared not show any disrespect. He bowed deeply, excused himself, and quickly withdrew from the scene, leaving the two alone.
Yu Gongzi finally calmed himself with a few more chews of ice, attempting to regain composure. "No need for such formalities, come sit and speak with me."
Zhen Luo, however, declined the offer. "There is no seat for me in the presence of the master. I will stand and speak."
Yu Gongzi grinned. "Luo'er, it's only been two months since we last met, and yet you've transformed into someone so full of charm. Back in the manor, you never carried yourself in such an enticing manner... Hmm, could it be that your time with that young man, Qin Ren, has made you lose your innocence and become a woman of the world?"
Zhen Luo's smile faltered for a brief moment, but her eyes remained calm as she answered, her tone polite yet tinged with something darker. "Master's guess is correct. Qin Ren, it seems, practices some form of dual cultivation. After our union, I've found my ability to captivate growing with each passing day. I have learned to influence others without even trying, which is why I now wear this veil."
A flicker of jealousy crossed Yu Gongzi's face, though it quickly masked itself beneath his words. "Luo'er, I've raised you for thirteen years, yet now you're giving yourself to another. It grieves me, truly…" His tone then turned more lascivious as a sly smile crept across his lips. "Since your charms are growing so quickly, why not let me experience them tonight?"
Zhen Luo's expression remained unchanged, her voice polite yet edged with subtle disdain. "Master has raised me, and I owe you a debt I cannot repay. To serve you in bed would be my duty, but alas, my charms are not yet fully under my control. If I were to lie with you now, I fear you would not be able to restrain yourself... and that could lead to undesirable consequences."
Yu Gongzi's eyes widened in alarm, and he blurted out, "What would happen? Would I die of exhaustion? Damn it! Why is it that I can't enjoy the Nine Yin Saintess of the Demon Sect, and now even you are out of my reach?"
Zhen Luo remained composed, her tone soothing yet cold. "Do not worry, master. Once my skills are perfected, I will be at your service. But for now, we must wait."
Yu Gongzi sighed, his irritation building. "Alright, alright... Let's leave that for another time. You've come to deliver important news, haven't you? Speak, tell me what you've learned."
Zhen Luo nodded, her demeanor unchanged as she recounted the details of her journey, her voice steady as she spoke of the events in Dingzhou. Her report was long and detailed, recounting the strange behavior of Qin Ren's companions and the growing mystery surrounding his whereabouts. She spoke of Qin Ren's disappearance after a violent confrontation, and the involvement of a mysterious woman from Tianping Manor.
As she finished, Yu Gongzi pondered deeply. "This Qin Ren is no simple fool. He has the ability to make even someone like Du Xiaoyan protect him. This situation is more complicated than I thought... And those two women, Lian Zhou and Qin Ni, what is their connection to him? This could cause us trouble at the Martial Arts Tournament if they choose to defend him. I need to think carefully about our next move."
Zhen Luo waited in silence, her eyes never leaving the ground as she waited for further instructions. Finally, Yu Gongzi spoke again, his voice laced with frustration. "Go back for now. Keep watching Lian Zhou and Qin Ni. Find out exactly what happened between them and Qin Ren. And if you can, get more information on Ye Yingxue's attitude as well."
Zhen Luo bowed. "As you command, Master. If there's nothing else, I will take my leave."
Yu Gongzi waved dismissively, though his grin returned, darker this time. "Go on, go. But don't take too long, or I might be forced to... hehe..."
As Zhen Luo left, Yu Gongzi's smile faded, replaced by a more sinister expression. The shadows in the garden seemed to deepen, and from within the growing dusk, a dark figure materialized from thin air, cloaked in black mist. The figure's form was barely discernible, but its presence was undeniable.
"This woman," the figure hissed, its voice cold and menacing, "She's dangerous. She can't be trusted."
Yu Gongzi's demeanor shifted, a flicker of something almost feral crossing his face. "I know. She thinks she can betray me, does she?" His smile twisted into something far darker. "Let her think she has power... but in the end, she will learn how wrong she is."
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