The group from Yunqing Pavilion was small, numbering only ten in total. Moving through the bustling crowds of Lingtian City, they did not draw much attention. Qi Xuan’er seemed somewhat despondent upon arriving in the area, perhaps reminded of the setbacks she had once suffered at Pinyin Pavilion. Nie Xing’an remained as taciturn as ever. With the leaders silent, the other disciples did not dare to be rowdy. The group was exceptionally quiet, maintaining a very low profile compared to the more boisterous members of other sects.
"These are your tokens. Please keep them safe, fellow Daoists."
A female cultivator from Pinyin Pavilion, responsible for reception, handed ten jade pendants engraved with sect passes to the Yunqing Pavilion group. Nie Shiyun picked up a pendant and examined it. While the jade wasn't of the highest quality, providing one for every visitor was no small expense. It was clear that Pinyin Pavilion possessed significant wealth.
There were still over ten days before the official opening of the Cultivation Assembly, during which Pinyin Pavilion itself remained closed to the public. However, numerous activities were held at the foot of the mountain and in the Outer Pavilion where outer disciples resided. These included exchange meets and auctions for cultivators who had arrived early.
"Your accommodations are this way. Please follow me."
As they moved toward the lodgings prepared for visiting sects, the Yunqing Pavilion group followed the guide cautiously, no one asking unnecessary questions.
Although the Cultivation Assembly prided itself on the equality of all participants, Nie Shiyun felt this was merely rhetoric. Cultivators from established sects were spared the initial preliminary rounds; otherwise, they would have had to compete against hundreds of others just for a chance to participate. Another distinction lay in the accommodations. Inner disciples of the four major sects were provided with private, individual courtyards. Smaller sects received more crowded quarters, often sharing triple-sided courtyards. If a sect brought many people, several disciples might have to squeeze into one room. As for rogue cultivators, unless they spent money to find a way in, they could only stay at inns down the mountain until they passed the preliminaries.
Yunqing Pavilion maintained decent relations with Pinyin Pavilion, and with Qi Miaohan having made arrangements in advance, a sect of their size actually managed to secure three courtyards. Though a few disciples might have to stay in the outer rooms, it was already excellent treatment.
"When we see Sister Miaohan later, we must thank her properly," Qi Xuan’er said to the other two.
Nie Shiyun hesitated for a moment before asking, "Can I pay extra to stay in a private courtyard? I’m used to living alone back at the pavilion."
Over the past few days, Nie Shiyun had taken the time to check on the phoenix egg inside his jade pendant space. Seeing several faint cracks appearing, he suspected it might hatch within the next few days. If he could stay in a private courtyard, managing such matters would be much more convenient.
His request wasn't out of character. The original owner of his body had always been pampered and self-indulgent, with his lifestyle and expenses far exceeding those of other disciples since childhood. In many respects, he had even been treated better than Nie Xing’an, the young master of the sect. It was only thanks to Nie Xing’an’s honest and generous nature that he never took it to heart, joining Nie Li in spoiling his younger cousin to the point of lawlessness.
"If my cousin wishes to stay alone, then let him," Nie Xing’an agreed with a nod.
The elder leading them only held a nominally higher seniority; he wouldn't dare cross the sons of the Sect Master and Vice Sect Master. He simply nodded in agreement.
The female receptionist from Pinyin Pavilion also nodded. Normally, such a request would need to be reported, but she didn't dare offend an acquaintance of Senior Qi Miaohan. She immediately agreed and invited Nie Shiyun to follow her.
"What about you, Cousin, and Junior Sister?"
Both shook their heads, saying they were fine staying where they were.
Nie Shiyun felt a bit helpless. Regardless of their cultivation levels, the people of his sect were all remarkably low-key. However, this worked out well, as it fit the "persona" he had in the original story.
Thus, Nie Shiyun received special treatment and was led by the female cultivator to the "premium lodgings." He couldn't help but marvel at the difference in class treatment. Not only were the rooms and courtyards twice as large, but the view from the mountaintop was spectacular. Pinyin Pavilion was locked in a perennial winter, and a thin layer of snow covered the ground, though the paths had long been cleared by service disciples. Inside the courtyard, the residence even came equipped with its own temperature-regulating array, and spiritual tea and pastries were provided. A guest didn't have to worry about a single thing.
*This is the difference between a three-star inn and a five-star hotel,* Nie Shiyun thought to himself.
Once the Yunqing Pavilion group was settled, they were dismissed to act freely. Whether they spent these ten-odd days wandering Lingtian City, exploring the nearby outskirts, attending auctions, or using the final days to hone their cultivation was left to each individual's discretion.
Perhaps because no one expected to place in the Cultivation Assembly, or perhaps because of the novelty of visiting a major sect for the first time, not a single person chose to cultivate. Even Nie Xing’an went down the mountain for sightseeing.
Nie Shiyun did not go down to the city. He only kept an eye on a few auctions in the Outer Pavilion. He had no use for top-tier spiritual treasures and didn't need to buy any. Furthermore, his standards for herbs and pills had been raised too high back in Fanhua City; after looking around, he found nothing that particularly piqued his interest.
When he returned to his lodgings that evening, Nie Shiyun finally received a long-awaited message from Zhai Bairong.
"The situation was unusual before, making contact difficult. I left the Yingyue Sect a few days ago, and it is temporarily safe to communicate now. Have you arrived at Pinyin Pavilion?"
The corners of Nie Shiyun’s mouth curled up slightly. Though it had only been half a year, it felt as if he hadn't heard Zhai Bairong’s voice in an eternity, making it feel strangely surreal.
He immediately replied, "I’ve arrived. By the way, what is the situation on your end?"
The other side seemed to hesitate for a long time, struggling with how to phrase the response. It took a while before the reply came: "For certain reasons... I am currently still traveling with Duan Mingyu. I know I promised you otherwise. But truly... there is a reason for this..."
Zhai Bairong’s voice grew softer as he spoke, his tone hurried and laced with difficulty.
Nie Shiyun had already guessed most of it. Receiving such a reply didn't surprise him much; he simply felt that it was "as expected." However, many things couldn't be conveyed through a communication crystal without meeting in person. It seemed he would have to wait a few more days to be certain.
As Nie Shiyun began to ponder the matter, his thoughts drifted, and he didn't reply immediately. Meanwhile, aboard the immortal ship traveling from the Yingyue Sect, Zhai Bairong became restless.
*As expected... is he angry?*
Zhai Bairong had a grievance he couldn't voice. He had sworn an oath before Qu Zhanmeng that if he revealed anything regarding Duan Mingyu’s constitution or the sect’s plans, it would be equivalent to destroying his own cultivation. As it stood, even jumping into the Yellow River wouldn't wash him clean of the suspicion.
He irritably pulled out another communication crystal, wanting to explain further, but felt that any words without a concrete reason would appear hollow and weak. He could only hope that Nie Shiyun would wait until they met, trusting that he would see the truth in his expression and words.
"Senior Brother, why are you standing out here alone?"
Hearing someone call him from behind, Zhai Bairong instantly pulled the crystal back into his storage ring. A flash of impatience crossed his face, but by the time he turned around, he had donned a flawless smile.
"I’ve been in the cabin too long; it felt a bit stuffy."
Duan Mingyu asked, "I heard there are still about ten days before the assembly officially begins. We should have a few days of leisure after we arrive. Once we meet up with the other two, shall we go sightseeing? Is there anywhere you want to visit, Senior Brother?"
Zhai Bairong smiled. "I have no particular preference. You all can decide."
Duan Mingyu didn't notice the distance in Zhai Bairong’s attitude. He only felt that since his senior brother had suffered the setback of a failed advancement, his temperament had become even better than before. He went along with almost everything Duan Mingyu wanted. Although Zhai Bairong still showed dislike when Rong Lü and Xu Yehua were mentioned, his aversion didn't seem as intense as it once was.
"Then we’ll discuss it together when the time comes." Duan Mingyu felt a bit guilty, remembering how he had broken his promise to stay at Red Rock Cliff with Xu Yehua because Zhai Bairong had suddenly returned to the Yingyue Sect. He felt nostalgic about the four of them reuniting after so many years, just like back in the Misty Secret Realm.
If Zhai Bairong knew what Duan Mingyu was feeling nostalgic about at this moment, he probably wouldn't have been able to maintain his smile.
"Are you going to cultivate today as well?"
Seeing that Zhai Bairong wasn't starting a new topic, Duan Mingyu continued his questioning. It seemed that ever since his senior brother came out of seclusion, he had been particularly obsessed with cultivation. Although they still chatted and laughed during their free time during the day, everything else had been neglected...
Zhai Bairong nodded in affirmation, his expression turning somewhat concerned. "After all, I will be representing the sect. As the one leading the juniors of this generation, I naturally have more worries."
Seeing him so concerned with sect affairs, Duan Mingyu couldn't say much more. He felt that continuing would only disturb Zhai Bairong. After a few more words, he reluctantly returned to his room.
Only after Duan Mingyu left did Zhai Bairong breathe a small sigh of relief. As much as he used to despise seeing those men named Rong and Xu, he now wished they would hurry up and rendezvous with Duan Mingyu. That way, Duan Mingyu—who couldn't live without the attention of men—would hopefully leave him alone for a while.
Nie Shiyun’s somewhat delayed reply finally arrived.
"No rush. We shall talk about everything in person. I will wait for you here."
Zhai Bairong opened his palm, and the communication crystal turned to powder after the message played, scattering with the wind.
He couldn't tell from the voice whether Nie Shiyun’s calm tone hid any true feelings, but at least the other man was still willing to communicate. Zhai Bairong felt slightly more at ease.
As the other man's face surfaced in his mind, Zhai Bairong felt a pang of bitterness in his heart. He had already waited for such a long time, yet now that only a few days remained before they could meet, he found the wait agonizingly difficult to bear.
*I miss you dearly,* Zhai Bairong murmured in his heart.
