214: Chapter 214 The Guest Elder of the Wonderful Sound Sect! I, Lu, want this woman!

Chapter 199: Guest Elder of the Miaoyin Sect! This Lu wants this woman!

As a transmigrator, Lu Qiu naturally knew the Miaoyin Sect very well.

Among the many powers in the Chaotic Star Sea, the status of the Miaoyin Sect was quite unique—nominally a sect, it actually established itself through the way of commerce, with its main business being various trades.

Information trading, escort missions, trade relations, and even some less-than-savory dealings; as long as there was profit to be made, they would get involved.

They didn't fight over territory or snatch resources, yet they could stand firm in the dog-eat-dog world of the Chaotic Star Sea, relying on their vast network of connections spread everywhere.

And the most eye-catching feature of the sect was the hundreds and thousands of carefully cultivated female Disciples.

These female Disciples were taken into the sect from a young age to learn the four arts, poetry, and songs, while cultivating the arts of charm and rhythm. Each of them possessed outstanding beauty and extraordinary talent.

They either married into prestigious families, befriended the strong, or became Guest Elders for various powers, weaving a vast and complex network of connections for the Miaoyin Sect.

It was said that some female Disciples even became concubines to Nascent Soul Stage old monsters, giving the Miaoyin Sect a bit more confidence during critical moments.

To put it bluntly, one of the core strategies of the Miaoyin Sect was to use the beauty and talent of these female Disciples to win over and befriend various powerful figures, thereby gaining a foothold in the dog-eat-dog world of the Chaotic Star Sea.

This model wasn't considered honorable in the Chaotic Star Sea, yet no one dared to underestimate its power.

After all, who knew which high-level Cultivator stood behind which female Disciple?

Who knew how many powers a single marriage alliance might involve?

There was once an undiscerning Core Formation Cultivator who tried to forcibly abduct a female Disciple of the Miaoyin Sect; as a result, he was hunted down by three Late Core Formation Stage Cultivators the next day, leaving not even a bone behind.

From then on, no one dared to harbor ill intentions toward the female Disciples of the Miaoyin Sect.

Lu Qiu put down the information Jade Slip in his hand, a hint of contemplation flashing in his eyes.

That Xia Xinyan possessed the 'Du Yuan Resonance Body,' which was an extremely rare Dual Cultivation holy body in the cultivation world.

The information stated that the higher this woman's cultivation, the greater the benefits obtained during the first Dual Cultivation, which could help a Dao Companion break through a major Bottleneck.

Forming a Nascent Soul was exactly such a major Bottleneck.

A smile curled at the corner of Lu Qiu's mouth.

He had to pay a visit to this Miaoyin Sect.

However, he had to think of a strategy before going.

The Miaoyin Sect was no soft target; he couldn't use force.

Fortunately, he now had the status of an Elder of the Liulian Hall, the cultivation of the Late Core Formation Stage, and enough bargaining chips.

...

Under Zhao Wen's investigation, Lu Qiu quickly learned of the Miaoyin Sect's base in Tianxing City.

It was a courtyard located in a prosperous area of the market, a quiet spot amidst the bustle, covering a significant area.

The courtyard walls were high, with gray bricks and black tiles, and the entrance was elegant. A plaque reading 'Miaoyin Pavilion' hung at the door, the handwriting delicate and graceful, clearly the work of a woman.

Below the plaque, two exquisite lanterns hung, emitting a soft glow even during the day.

Lu Qiu brought Hei Sha to the front of the courtyard.

As the two reached the entrance, they heard the faint sound of a zither drifting from within.

The zither music was melodious and lingering, like a sob or a plea, as if it could pierce straight into one's heart, making one involuntarily stop to listen.

The tune carried a hint of vague sorrow and a few parts of lingering affection; even someone with a determined will like Lu Qiu felt a slight swaying of his mind.

"Excellent zither skills," Lu Qiu praised inwardly.

Anyone who could play such music must have been immersed in the way of rhythm for many years.

Hei Sha did not hide his Early Core Formation Stage aura, and two female Disciples at Qi Refining Perfection immediately came forward to meet them.

They wore matching light pink gowns, possessed beautiful features, and had sweet smiles. Their movements carried the perfect amount of respect, appearing neither lowly nor lacking in etiquette.

"Seniors, please come inside," one of the female Disciples said in a crisp voice, stepping aside to lead the way with a gesture of invitation.

Lu Qiu nodded and stepped inside.

The courtyard was larger than expected, and the environment was extremely elegant.

The path was paved with bluestone, leading to quiet secluded spots. Various rare flowers and plants were planted on both sides, emitting a faint fragrance. There were peonies, herbaceous peonies, orchids, and some exotic flora whose names he couldn't recall, all competing in beauty.

A small stream wound through, the water crystal clear, with several koi swimming leisurely.

From time to time, young female Cultivators passed through; some held ancient zithers, some carried jade flutes, some held tea sets, and some carried poetry scrolls. Each was outstanding in appearance and temperament.

They were either conversing in low voices, smiling faintly, or focusing on their practice, forming a moving picture.

Upon seeing Lu Qiu and Hei Sha, they either smiled in greeting, lowered their heads shyly, or looked on curiously, yet they all maintained a proper distance, with none coming forward to strike up a conversation.

Clearly, the rules of the Miaoyin Sect were very strict, and the Disciples knew their boundaries.

Lu Qiu sighed inwardly; this Miaoyin Sect certainly knew how to operate.

Just this courtyard full of beauties was enough to make most Cultivators' hearts flutter.

If someone's will was not firm, they would likely be entranced and have their family fortunes drained after staying here for just a short while.

The two were led to an elegant main hall.

The hall was not large, but it was exquisitely decorated—several paintings of court ladies hung on the walls, the women in the paintings so lifelike they seemed ready to step out at any moment; an ancient zither and an incense burner sat on a table, the zither black and shiny, the incense burner emitting curls of blue smoke; light gauze hung by the window, and sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows on the floor, like a dream or an illusion.

The air was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood, which calmed the mind, yet it also carried a hint of vague sweetness that made one involuntarily relax.

A maid respectfully poured spiritual tea. The tea fragrance wafted; it was top-grade spiritual tea, the water clear, and the tea leaves unfurled in the cup like blooming flowers.

"Seniors, please wait a moment. Our Sect Leader will be here shortly."

The maid spoke softly and bowed as she withdrew, her footsteps light and silent.

With the arrival of Core Formation Cultivators, someone had naturally gone to inform the upper echelons of the Miaoyin Sect.

This was the rule and also a sign of respect.

Lu Qiu nodded slightly, picked up the teacup, and took a sip.

The tea was warm and left a sweet aftertaste, with a hint of vague floral fragrance, clearly prepared with care.

He closed his eyes and savored it carefully, feeling a warm current slide down his throat and spread to his four limbs and hundred bones, making his whole body feel comfortable.

After waiting for a moment, a series of light footsteps approached.

The footsteps were neither fast nor slow, each step falling on a certain rhythm, letting one know that the person arriving was no ordinary individual.

A young woman entered the hall.

This woman appeared to be about thirty years old, dressed in an elegant palace gown with her hair piled high. Her features were as beautiful as a painting, and her temperament was dignified and gentle, yet carried a hint of the majesty of a leader.

Although her appearance was not overwhelmingly dazzling, she possessed a calm and composure settled by time, making it clear at a glance that she was no ordinary woman.

The corners of her eyes and brows revealed a transparency from having seen the world, yet she maintained a girl-like purity.

Even more noteworthy was the Spiritual Pressure she emitted, which was surprisingly at the Early Core Formation Stage!

Though that Spiritual Pressure was restrained, it could not hide from Lu Qiu's Divine Sense.

"Indeed a beauty," Lu Qiu praised inwardly.

Then his thoughts turned: "I wonder to what extent her daughter, Fairy Ziling, who is hailed as the number one beauty of the Chaotic Star Sea, is beautiful? Legend has it that she can even enchant Nascent Soul old monsters; she must have a face that could topple kingdoms."

This young woman was, naturally, the Sect Leader of the Miaoyin Sect, Sect Mistress Zhou.

Sect Mistress Zhou's gaze fell upon Lu Qiu and Hei Sha, observing them carefully for a moment.

Sensing the clear Early Core Formation Stage aura from Hei Sha, her expression straightened slightly, and a hint of solemnity flashed in her eyes.

But when she looked at Lu Qiu, she found she could not sense the depth of his cultivation at all, as if she were facing a bottomless ancient well or a vast starry sky.

Her heart tightened!

There were only two possibilities for this: either the other party cultivated some extremely high-level secret technique for concealing their aura, perfectly hiding their cultivation, or the other party's cultivation was far above her own, making it impossible for her to peer into it.

Whichever possibility it was, it meant the person before her was not to be underestimated.

Especially the second possibility—that would mean the other party was at least at the Middle Core Formation Stage, or even the Late Core Formation Stage!

She immediately broke into a smile that was just right—neither fawning nor lacking in warmth.

She gave a graceful bow, her voice clear and pleasant, like pearls falling onto a jade plate:

"The arrival of you two Seniors at my Miaoyin Pavilion truly brings light to my humble abode. Please forgive this little woman for not welcoming you in time."

Lu Qiu rose to return the greeting and said calmly, "Sect Leader is too polite. I am Lu Qiu, and this is Hei Sha."

Sect Mistress Zhou repeatedly said she "didn't dare" and invited the two to sit back down.

She personally poured tea for Lu Qiu, her movements elegant and her posture composed, every action reflecting the grace of a lady from a great family.

The way she poured the tea, with a flick of her wrist as the tea poured out, even carried a rhythmic beauty.

After some pleasantries, Sect Mistress Zhou began to tentatively ask about Lu Qiu's background.

She asked indirectly but with propriety, clearly a person who was socially adept.

She first asked where Lu Qiu came from, then how long he had stayed in Tianxing City, and then his impression of the city. Every sentence seemed like small talk, yet held hidden inquiries.

Lu Qiu did not hide anything and stated his identity as an Elder of the Liulian Hall.

Sect Mistress Zhou was stunned upon hearing this, a flash of doubt crossing her face, which vanished in an instant but was caught by Lu Qiu: "Liulian Hall? I recall that the one presiding over your hall in Tianxing City is Elder Chen Xuan; I have met him several times. That Elder Chen is a modest person and someone worth befriending. I wonder..."

She stopped before finishing her sentence, her gaze scanning between Lu Qiu and Hei Sha.

At this moment, Hei Sha spoke up opportunely, his voice hoarse and low, as if coming from the Nine Netherworlds: "That Elder Chen has already been transferred; the one presiding here now is Elder Lu."

Sect Mistress Zhou was shocked inwardly.

She had met that Elder Chen Xuan a few times; he was a Middle Core Formation Stage Cultivator with a significant status in the Liulian Hall.

To be able to replace him meant that the Elder Lu before her was at least at the Middle Core Formation Stage, or possibly even the Late Core Formation Stage!

Her gaze toward Lu Qiu immediately became a few degrees more fervent.

Late Core Formation Stage!

That was an existence extremely close to the Nascent Soul!

In the entire Chaotic Star Sea, how many Late Core Formation Stage Cultivators could there be?

Each was a figure who could shake a region with a stomp of their foot!

The Liulian Hall had actually sent such a figure to preside over the Tianxing City branch, showing the importance they placed on the city.

If she could win over such a figure to become a Guest Elder of the Miaoyin Sect, it would be of extraordinary significance to the sect!

The smile on her face became even more enthusiastic, and her tone more intimate.

While refilling Lu Qiu's tea, she chatted about interesting anecdotes in Tianxing City, subtly testing Lu Qiu's preferences through her words.

"What does Elder Lu think of Tianxing City? Compared to Kuixing Island, are you still getting used to it?" she asked in a concerned tone.

Lu Qiu said calmly, "Tianxing City is prosperous, far surpassing Kuixing Island."

Sect Mistress Zhou added, "Then what does Elder Lu usually do for leisure? If you have free time, you can often come sit at my Miaoyin Pavilion. The tea and snacks here are quite good. Occasionally, Disciples perform; though I wouldn't say it's extremely exquisite, it can help relieve boredom."

Lu Qiu naturally understood her intentions but didn't point them out. After chatting for a while, he put down his teacup and got straight to the point:

"I have heard that Miaoyin Pavilion has countless beauties who are skilled in singing and dancing. This Lu has come this time specifically to see for himself."

Upon hearing this, a flash of joy appeared in Sect Mistress Zhou's eyes. She quickly said, "Since Elder Lu has such an interest, I shall naturally oblige. This pavilion indeed has several Disciples who are peerless in both zither and dance; I shall go and call them to perform now."

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She stood up as she spoke, already calculating which Disciples to bring out.

Those top-tier Disciples were not easily shown to others, but to win over this Elder Lu, she could not care about much else.

Lu Qiu waved his hand and said, "No rush."

He looked at Sect Mistress Zhou, his gaze calm yet carrying an unquestionable tone: "I heard your Pavilion has a Disciple named Xia Xinyan?"

Sect Mistress Zhou was stunned, a flash of something strange appearing in her eyes. It was extremely fast, but it did not escape Lu Qiu's eyes.

She quickly recovered, nodded, and smiled: "Elder Lu is well-informed. Xia Xinyan is indeed an elite Disciple of my Mystic Sound Pavilion; her zither and dance are both peerless, and she can be considered one of the best in our Pavilion."

Lu Qiu nodded and said, "Then just call her over. Other Disciples are unnecessary."

Sect Mistress Zhou understood immediately.

This Elder Lu was likely here for Xia Xinyan.

And he was well-prepared, not acting on a whim.

Her smile remained unchanged, but her mind spun rapidly.

Xia Xinyan was a Disciple she had carefully nurtured, possessing high talent and outstanding beauty; she had originally intended to keep her as an important bargaining chip.

But if she could use this to win over a Late Core Formation Stage Guest Elder, it would be a worthwhile trade.

One for one, not a loss.

She stood up immediately and smiled: "Elder Lu, please wait a moment; I will go call her."

After speaking, she turned and left the hall, her steps still calm, though she was calculating how to explain things to Xia Xinyan later.

...

A moment later, Sect Mistress Zhou returned to the hall with a woman in white.

As soon as the woman appeared, the entire hall seemed to brighten.

She wore a long white dress, the hem light and airy like clouds and mist; as she walked, the skirt fluttered as if she were stepping on clouds.

Her dark hair cascaded like a waterfall to her waist, held up gently by a single jade hairpin, the strands glowing softly in the sunlight.

Her features were as if painted, her skin like congealed fat, and her cherry lips were naturally red without makeup. The movement of her eyes carried a natural allure, yet she did not appear frivolous; instead, she possessed a unique charm where purity and seductiveness intertwined.

Her figure was perfect—curvaceous in all the right places, exquisite, neither too fat nor too thin.

Every frown, every smile, every movement carried a natural rhythm, as if she herself were a beautiful piece of music, with every step perfectly in time.

Lu Qiu inwardly praised her.

This woman's beauty was truly stunning.

Even if it could not compare to the legendary "Number One Beauty of the Chaotic Star Sea," Fairy Ziling, she was definitely in the top tier.

What was even rarer was the intertwined aura of purity and seductiveness, making her unforgettable at first glance.

The woman in white walked up to Lu Qiu and bowed gracefully, her skirt spreading out like a blooming flower.

She raised her head, her gaze sweeping gently across Lu Qiu's face, her eyes filled with just the right amount of curiosity and respect, along with a faint, imperceptible trace of admiration, making anyone who saw her feel favorable toward her.

"Xia Xinyan greets Senior." She spoke softly, her voice crisp and melodious, like pearls falling onto a jade plate or the tinkling of a spring.

Sect Mistress Zhou smiled from the side: "Xinyan is the treasure of my Mystic Sound Pavilion; her zither and dance are both peerless. I don't know how many Cultivators have wished to catch a glimpse of her grace but failed. That Elder Lu can see her today is fate."

Lu Qiu nodded and said, "I have heard that Miss Xia's zither and dance are peerless. This Lu would like to witness them today, would that be possible?"

Xia Xinyan smiled slightly; that smile bloomed like a spring flower, stirring the heart, yet not making one feel it was frivolous.

She said softly: "It is Xinyan's honor to perform for Senior, but my skills are shallow; if there are any shortcomings, I hope Senior will be forgiving."

Seeing this, Sect Mistress Zhou tactfully rose to take her leave: "Elder Lu, please enjoy. This one will take her leave first. If you need anything, just give the word."

When she left, she specifically looked at Xia Xinyan, her eyes filled with deep meaning—concern and expectation.

Xia Xinyan nodded slightly, signaling she understood.

She knew the Sect Leader's intention—no matter what, she had to win over this Elder Lu.

Lu Qiu also said to Hei Sha, "You go out as well."

Hei Sha rose silently and followed Sect Mistress Zhou out of the hall.

His pace was as steady as always, without a single wasted movement.

...

In the hall, only Lu Qiu and Xia Xinyan remained.

The atmosphere became somewhat subtle.

Xia Xinyan stood in the center of the hall, bowing her head slightly, while out of the corner of her eye, she secretly sized up Lu Qiu.

She had seen many so-called "Senior experts"—some arrogant, some lecherous, some hypocritical, some sanctimonious.

But this person before her, she could not see through. His gaze was clear and deep; when looking at her, there was neither raw desire nor condescending arrogance, only calm appreciation, as if admiring a beautiful work of art.

This feeling made her somewhat unaccustomed and curious.

Lu Qiu was also sizing her up.

This woman was indeed as the intel said—born with an alluring physique, yet maintaining a rare purity.

That purity was not the ignorance of one who had not seen the world, but the clarity of one who had seen through it.

Such a woman, if nurtured well, would have a limitless future.

A moment later, Xia Xinyan said softly: "Senior, please wait a moment while I prepare."

She walked to the center of the hall, where a zither had already been prepared.

The zither body was pitch black, the strings taut—it was clearly a fine instrument.

She sat down gently, her slender fingers resting on the strings, and looked up at Lu Qiu, her eyes filled with inquiry.

Lu Qiu nodded.

The sound of the zither began.

The music was melodious and winding, like a clear spring flowing, like a spring breeze brushing the face, like moonlight falling.

Xia Xinyan's ten fingers danced on the strings, sometimes soft as a feather brushing by, sometimes impassioned like ten thousand galloping horses; every note was just right, as if it could carry one's spirit into another world.

Lu Qiu closed his eyes to listen, feeling his spirit calm and all distracting thoughts vanish.

The zither music seemed to have magic, able to cleanse one's soul and make one forget all worries.

He could even feel his Divine Sense trembling slightly in the music, becoming more active.

The song ended, but the lingering notes remained for a long time.

Xia Xinyan stood up and performed a dance.

Her dance steps were light and graceful, her long dress fluttering like clouds and mist.

Every spin, every leap, carried a natural rhythm that left the viewer intoxicated.

Her eyes were sometimes filled with affection, sometimes cold as frost, as if telling a moving story.

Her arms were soft as if boneless, her waist slender as a willow branch, her footsteps light as if stepping on clouds.

Lu Qiu watched quietly, inwardly praising her.

This woman's zither and dance skills had truly reached the Transcendent.

What was even more commendable was that every movement and look carried a natural allure, yet it was just right, not making one feel it was contrived.

That allure radiated from her bones; it could not be compared to any Acquired seduction technique.

After the dance, Xia Xinyan breathed slightly, beads of fine sweat forming on her forehead, glistening in the sunlight.

Her cheeks were slightly flushed, adding to her charm.

She walked to Lu Qiu's side and poured tea for him herself, her movements elegant, her posture intimate yet maintaining a proper distance.

She poured the tea, held the cup with both hands, and offered it to Lu Qiu, a charming smile on her face and eyes full of admiration:

"Senior Lu, please have some tea. Xinyan has long heard of your great name, and to see you today is truly a blessing of three lifetimes. I have heard that you are a resident Elder of the Liulian Hall with profound cultivation; Xinyan admires you greatly."

Her voice was soft and winding, carrying a hint of coquettishness, yet it did not feel artificial.

Her eyes were clear and fervent, as if she were truly full of admiration for Lu Qiu.

Lu Qiu took the cup, took a sip, and said indifferently: "Miss Xia is too kind."

Xia Xinyan sat down beside him, the distance just right—not offensive, yet close enough to smell her faint, elusive fragrance.

The scent was very light, so light it was almost imperceptible, yet it made one unable to resist wanting to get closer.

She said softly: "Senior, Xinyan has a presumptuous request; I don't know if I should say it."

Lu Qiu glanced at her: "Speak."

Xia Xinyan bit her lip, a look that would make anyone feel pity for her.

She said softly: "Xinyan dares to ask, I would like to invite Senior to become a Guest Elder of our Mystic Sound Sect. If we have Senior's protection, our days in Tianxing City would be much easier."

After speaking, she looked at Lu Qiu eagerly, her eyes filled with expectation, along with a trace of trepidation and nervousness.

Xia Xinyan's fingers twisted together unconsciously, revealing her inner unease.

Lu Qiu looked at her, a hint of a smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

This woman was interesting.

Clearly, she wanted to win him over for herself, yet she framed it as being for the Mystic Sound Sect.

However, this was not strange; she was raised by the Mystic Sound Sect, so naturally, she had to think of the Sect.

It was just that her acting was truly good; if he had not been prepared, he might have really been moved by her.

Lu Qiu put down the teacup and said indifferently: "Very well."

Xia Xinyan was stunned, a flash of disbelief crossing her eyes.

She had not expected Lu Qiu to agree so readily, without even bargaining or setting any conditions.

She had originally prepared a set of arguments to deal with various possible rejections, but none of them were needed.

She was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed, and quickly stood up to thank him:

"Thank you, Senior! Thank you, Senior! Xinyan will go invite the Sect Leader now!"

She walked away quickly, her skirt fluttering like a dancing butterfly.

When she reached the door, she looked back at Lu Qiu, her eyes full of gratitude and joy.

...

A moment later, Sect Mistress Zhou returned to the hall with Xia Xinyan.

Her face was full of smiles, sincere and eager; upon entering, she bowed deeply to Lu Qiu and said:

"It is a great honor that Elder Lu is willing to lower himself to become a Guest Elder of our Mystic Sound Sect! With Elder Lu to hold down the fort, our Mystic Sound Pavilion's days in Tianxing City will surely be much more stable. In the future, if Elder Lu has any instructions, just say the word; everyone in the Mystic Sound Sect will not dare to disobey."

Lu Qiu waved his hand and said indifferently: "Sect Leader, you are too polite."

Sect Mistress Zhou hurriedly said she did not dare, and said some more polite things, nothing more than "relying on you in the future" and "will not dare to disobey any instructions."

As she spoke, she calculated in her heart that with this Elder Lu holding down the fort, the Mystic Sound Pavilion's business in Tianxing City should be able to reach a higher level.

Those small forces coveting them should also restrain themselves.

Xia Xinyan stood to the side, a smile on her face and her eyes full of joy.

She knew she had performed a great service this time. The Sect Leader would definitely reward her heavily.

After Sect Mistress Zhou finished speaking, Lu Qiu suddenly spoke:

"Sect Leader, This Lu has a small request."

Sect Mistress Zhou was stunned and hurriedly said: "Elder Lu, please speak. Anything I can do, I will certainly not refuse. Elder Lu is now a Guest Elder of our Mystic Sound Sect; please feel free to make any request."

Lu Qiu nodded, raised his hand, and pointed at Xia Xinyan, who was smiling on the side.

"Becoming a Guest Elder is fine, but I want her."

The smile on Sect Mistress Zhou's face instantly froze.

The smile on Xia Xinyan's face also stiffened.