After Being Certified by the Immortal Lord on the Path of Ruthlessness - Chapter 18

The plan to descend the mountain was put into action as soon as it was mentioned.

At the crack of dawn, the banyan tree at the summit of Mount Taibai was bustling with lively chatter.

The most excited were undoubtedly Jiang Mianhao and Ling Lan, two plant spirits native to Mount Taibai.

The farthest they had ever ventured was the mountaintop, and the lowest they had ever gone was the Immortal Dew Terrace halfway down the mountain.

This descent would be their first long journey.

Jiang Mianhao darted back and forth between her room and Ling Lan’s, claiming to be packing, yet her hands were empty.

Having just successfully taken human form, she had spent the previous thousand years as a mere blade of grass, with a grass pot being her most frequently used possession.

However, Rong Qi had prepared quite a lot for them, sending items up overnight ranging from defensive tools to clothing and accessories, all laid out in a neat pile on a table.

Everything was stacked in Ling Lan’s room.

Amid the collection of silk dresses and jewelry, Jiang Mianhao’s eyes immediately landed on the most unique item.

It was a vibrant red dress.

The cut of the red dress differed from the other garments; both its craftsmanship and materials exuded luxury. Layers of skirt decorations, large and small, were adorned with pearls and embroidered with golden threads. The hem was intricately stitched with golden patterns, and the lifelike totems seemed ready to take flight.

Accompanying the red dress was an exquisitely crafted wooden box containing a gleaming golden hair crown and hairpins.

Jiang Mianhao carefully moved the wooden box aside and held the dress up against herself, twirling slightly. “Lanlan, does it look good?”

Ling Lan, who had been trying to find suitable items among a pile of weapons to enhance her wooden sword, looked up. Her gaze fell on Jiang Mianhao, and her hand stilled, her eyes lighting up. “It looks beautiful.”

Jiang Mianhao pressed the red dress against herself and spun around, the pearl chains along the hem swaying with her movement, emitting soft, tinkling sounds.

The dress was too opulent. She held it away to examine it more closely. “What is this embroidered here?”

“I’m not entirely sure either,” Ling Lan said, setting down her wooden sword and walking over for a closer look. She scratched her head. “But it feels very fitting for you. Why not try it on?”

Jiang Mianhao pursed her lips, her eyes fixed on the dress, her admiration nearly overflowing. “It’s just…”

Could she really pull off such an extravagant dress?

A sudden, inexplicable anxiety washed over her, and the dress in her hands suddenly felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.

“Go on, try it,” Ling Lan easily saw through Jiang Mianhao’s hesitation and coaxed her gently. “I think it suits you perfectly. It looks like Rong Qi prepared it especially for you. Please try it on! I want to see.”

“Do it for me, okay?”

Jiang Mianhao lifted her eyes to meet Ling Lan’s gaze. The other’s expression was earnest, her pink eyes filled with sincere anticipation.

“Alright,” Jiang Mianhao nodded, picking up the dress and heading inside to change.

There were still many beautiful clothes and well-balanced blades on the table, but Ling Lan had no interest in any of them now.

She politely turned her back to Jiang Mianhao, waiting for her to finish changing.

“Mian Mian, how’s the packing going?” Mi Xiu’s voice came from outside the door, and the next moment, there were signs of the door being pushed open.

Ling Lan’s internal alarms went off, and without a second thought, she raised her hand.

A pink floral blade shot out, embedding itself firmly in the door handle and pushing the half-opened door shut again.

Mi Xiu, struck by the door, let out a pained “Ouch!” as she rubbed her nose. “What’s going on?”

She reached out and pushed, but the door remained unmoved.

These little flowers and grasses had been happily running around early in the morning, and now they were mysteriously hiding in the room, up to who knows what mischief.

Mi Xiu rubbed her nose, her eyes darting around before settling on another tightly closed door.

The immortal lord who was to accompany them down the mountain to search for someone.

Compared to her interest in the flower and grass spirits, Mi Xiu was more curious about this mysterious immortal lord.

Judging by his cultivation, this immortal lord must have ascended through immense spiritual power.

Yet, in terms of age, he seemed about the same as the little flowers and grasses; stunningly beautiful, youthful, and delicate, unlikely to have relied on arduous cultivation.

That meant he must have been born with an immortal bone.

Though Mi Xiu still stood at Ling Lan’s door, she stopped knocking, her heart and gaze already drifting toward Ye Qingge.

It seemed that after descending the mountain, she would need to find a way to interact more with this immortal lord.

A cheer from Ling Lan inside the room pulled Mi Xiu’s thoughts back.

Jiang Mianhao, who had already changed into the dress, felt a bit awkward. As Ling Lan had said, the dress seemed tailor-made for her.

But…

Such a splendid gown was something Jiang Mianhao had never even seen before. The vibrant red enveloped her youthful form, and a cloud-like shawl draped over her still-developing shoulders and neck. The dangling beads reflected the lamplight, shimmering alongside the golden-threaded embroidery.

The unnamed birds and beasts on the dress seemed to come alive, as if they were about to spread their wings and take flight at any moment.

Ling Lan was stunned, as though a sudden light had emerged in the dim room.

Jiang Mianhao’s fair skin was not overshadowed by the intense red but instead appeared even fairer. Her pale pink lips were pressed together nervously, glistening under the lamplight as if kissed by light. Her large, round jade-green eyes blinked, and her long, fluttering lashes resembled butterflies, delicate and spirited.

Jiang Mianhao was already nervous, and Ling Lan’s dazed expression only heightened her anxiety. She stared at Ling Lan, not daring to blink.

She clenched her hands slightly and whispered, “Maybe I should take it off. Does it look bad on me?”

“Don’t take it off!” Ling Lan snapped out of her trance, her voice slightly hoarse. “You look beautiful, truly.”

Ling Lan took a few steps forward, and with each step, Jiang Mianhao’s eyes blinked gently.

When Ling Lan stopped in front of her, the jade-green pools of her eyes were so close it felt as though one might fall into them at any moment.

“I feel like something’s missing,” Ling Lan said, turning to the table and opening a wooden box. Inside lay a golden, radiant hair crown.

Jiang Mianhao’s hair was tied symmetrically into two adorable little buns.

In the next moment, her hair was loosened, and her dark green tresses cascaded loosely over her shoulders. Ling Lan carefully gathered Jiang Mianhao’s long hair and secured it with a golden hairpin.

After finishing, Ling Lan’s heart beat even faster. She gently lifted the hair crown and placed it steadily atop Jiang Mianhao’s head.

Feeling the weight on her head, Jiang Mianhao blinked and looked at Ling Lan.

The usually playful and mischievous Ling Lan now wore an unprecedented seriousness, her bright pink eyes reflecting the image of Jiang Mianhao in red.

Yet, for some reason, Jiang Mianhao’s mind drifted to Lu Jiu’s figure.

If her reflection were cast in those golden eyes, would this shade of red appear even more brilliant?

Jiang Mianhao’s heart grew tense, and deep within, it felt as though a little deer had sprung to life, thumping wildly.

Time seemed to stand still in that moment.

Completely unaware of what the person before her was thinking, Lily of the Valley held her breath and focused intently, carefully adjusting Jiang Mianhao’s hair crown.

A faint floral fragrance drifted through the air, mingling with the soft glow of candlelight that enveloped the two of them.

Once the hair crown was securely in place, Lily of the Valley took a step back.

The exquisitely crafted, luxurious hair crown made the young girl appear even more flawless, like a warm, polished piece of jade adorned with an elegant golden border.

“So beautiful.” Lily of the Valley could find no other words; the stunning sight before her left her too breathless to think.

Jiang Mianhao couldn’t see how she looked with the hair crown on and could only gauge from Lily of the Valley’s expression.

Timidly, she asked, “Is it really beautiful?”

For some reason, Jiang Mianhao’s heart began to race, pounding so fiercely it felt as though it might leap out of her chest at any moment.

Even more than Lily of the Valley’s affirmation, she longed for Lu Jiu to see her in this moment.

What would Lu Jiu’s reaction be if she saw her in this dress?

The room was so quiet Jiang Mianhao could only hear her own breathing and heartbeat, her senses filled with the delicate fragrance of lily of the valley.

Lily of the Valley nodded earnestly. “It’s truly beautiful.”

The clouds of insecurity dissipated, and Jiang Mianhao broke into a radiant smile. “Okay.”

That smile alone made Lily of the Valley feel as though flowers had bloomed in the dimly lit room.

The girl before her wore no makeup, yet her eyes sparkled like stars. With just that sudden smile, the entire room seemed to brighten.

Another knock sounded at the door.

Mi Xiu, who had only caught bits of the conversation, called out, “What’s so beautiful? Let me see!”

Her booming voice startled Jiang Mianhao, who whined to Lily of the Valley, “I’m shy.”

Lily of the Valley didn’t want Mi Xiu to see either, so with a flick of her hand, another lily of the valley blade embedded itself in the door.

She spoke coldly toward the door, “Wait a moment. We’ll open it after she changes.”

Pink mist seeped through the door crack, and Mi Xiu clicked her tongue in annoyance, grumbling, “Joy shared is joy doubled. You should learn to share!”

Mi Xiu’s complaints went unanswered.

Jiang Mianhao stood by the bed, removing the dress, while Lily of the Valley kept her back turned, her gaze fixed firmly on the door.

Only after the intricate dress was neatly folded and the hair crown returned to its place did Lily of the Valley open the door.

Mi Xiu rushed in eagerly, noticing the faint blush on both their cheeks. Sensing something amiss, she crossed her arms and demanded, “Tell me! What were you two doing?”

Lily of the Valley picked up her wooden sword and resumed her practice, completely ignoring Mi Xiu’s question.

Jiang Mianhao, flustered by the inquiry, blushed even deeper and stammered, “I’m going to check on how Lu Jiu’s doing.”

With that, she hurriedly slipped past Mi Xiu and dashed out of the room.

Left without an answer, Mi Xiu searched for clues herself, her eyes scanning the items on the table.

Among the pile of clothes, a striking red garment lay on top, clearly showing signs of having been worn.

Mi Xiu understood instantly. No wonder the two had been so secretive and refused to let her in.

It was a wedding dress, adorned with a lifelike phoenix poised as if ready to take flight.

……

……

Jiang Mianhao, rushing back to her room in a fluster, didn’t look where she was going and collided head-on with someone about to step out.

Her head hit something as soft as a cloud, but the momentum sent her stumbling backward.

Once she regained her balance, she guiltily looked up and awkwardly apologized, “Sorry, Lu Jiu.”

Ye Qingge, who had been on her way to find Jiang Mianhao, took the full impact of the collision. A dull ache spread across her chest, and a green leaf now clung to her pristine white collar like a stamped seal.

“Why the rush?” Ye Qingge lifted her hand to brush over the small grass mark on her chest, but the juice had already soaked in and couldn’t be wiped away.

Jiang Mianhao cleared her throat and said, “I just wanted to see how your preparations were coming along.”

Watching the tips of the other’s ears gradually redden, Ye Qingge felt she wasn’t telling the truth.

But Ye Qingge didn’t press further, merely giving a faint hum of acknowledgment.

There wasn’t much for Ye Qingge to prepare here.

The house was newly built, and nothing had been furnished inside.

The only thing she needed to prepare was the manual she had compiled for Jiang Mianhao’s care, which she had already rolled up and tucked into her sleeve.

Jiang Mianhao found herself at a loss for words, unable to find a topic to continue the conversation.

The blush on her ears hadn’t yet faded, and she suddenly wished that red dress would appear on her once more.

If only she could borrow a hundred times the courage, so she could lift her head and ask, “Do I look good, Lu Jiu?”

Her distraction was fully noticed by Ye Qingge, though Ye Qingge couldn’t fathom the reason behind it.

“Mian Mian, Immortal Lord, are you ready?”

Mi Xiu’s voice rang out at just the right moment.

Jiang Mianhao seemed to have found a savior, quickly turning her head to reply, “We’re all set.”

Standing behind her, Ye Qingge remained expressionless, paying no heed to Mi Xiu’s inquiry.

Mi Xiu wasn’t bothered and smiled, saying, “Then let’s get ready and set off, shall we?”

Though her words were directed at Jiang Mianhao, her gaze kept drifting toward Ye Qingge, hoping for a reaction.

Unfortunately, Ye Qingge didn’t even spare her a glance.

Jiang Mianhao, however, nodded eagerly, “Yes, yes, I’ll go hurry Lanlan along.”

With that, she scurried off in a flash.

This suited Mi Xiu just fine. Seeing Jiang Mianhao disappear into the distance, she turned to Ye Qingge and asked softly, “I heard from Mianhao that you’re on this journey to find someone. May I ask who you’re looking for?”

Her eyes remained fixed on Ye Qingge, awaiting a response.

But the person before her remained aloof, offering not even a reply, much less a glance.

It was as if she were completely invisible.

Unwilling to give up, Mi Xiu pressed on, “I notice you care deeply for Mian Mian. Is this journey for her sake?”

Ye Qingge found her incessant questions unbearably grating.

She couldn’t even be bothered to offer a perfunctory response, brushing past Mi Xiu with a flick of her sleeve.

Left behind, Mi Xiu gritted her teeth, a flash of murderous intent flickering in her eyes as she clenched her fist inside her sleeve.

That fleeting murderous intent was caught by Ye Qingge, who didn’t turn back but merely flicked her sleeve, sending an ice blade flying from her fingertips to embed itself at Mi Xiu’s feet.

Staring at the ice blade exuding a faint chill by her feet, Mi Xiu regretted her failure to restrain her emotions. She closed her eyes briefly, then resumed her innocent and harmless demeanor.

By the time she stepped out of the banyan cave entrance, Jiang Mianhao and Ling Lan were arm in arm, whispering intimately to each other.

Jiang Mianhao was frequently amused, her eyes sparkling with laughter.

Standing beside them, Ye Qingge did not join the conversation, merely standing with her hands behind her back, expressionless.

“Xiu Xiu.” Jiang Mianhao spotted her and waved.

Ling Lan waved a hand, sealing the door firmly with a floral mark. “Let’s go! Time to head down the mountain!”

……

……

Ordinary plant spirits typically begin their cultivation training in the place where their roots first took hold.

The mountain was home to all manner of living beings, separated by its ridges and valleys.

Below the mountain lay the human world.

A low-level grass spirit that had successfully transformed needed to cross the cultivation gate in the mountains before blending into the human world.

Only plant spirits who had succeeded in their cultivation and possessed a virtuous nature could pass through the gate. Those who had not transformed successfully or had a demonic nature would not even see the gate.

After descending the mountain smoothly, the hair color of the plant spirits would turn black upon crossing the gate, allowing them to better adapt to the human world.

Jiang Mianhao and Ling Lan ran hand in hand at the front. After passing the Immortal Dew Platform, they spotted a glowing light in the distance.

The two exchanged excited smiles and quickened their pace toward the gate.

Meanwhile, Mi Xiu, lagging behind, was still trying to strike up a conversation with Ye Qingge, but Ye Qingge remained cold and unresponsive.

Hand in hand, the two excited girls ran ahead and crossed the gate together. The moment they stepped through, both of their hair turned black.

Ling Lan looked at Jiang Mianhao with excitement, her black hair making her emerald eyes even more vivid.

She laughed and said, “Mian Mian, even if you go to the human world, you already surpass countless mortals.”

Jiang Mianhao was amused by her words and, gazing at the black-haired girl, praised in return, “You’re so beautiful too, Lanlan. You also surpass countless others.”

Having already crossed the gate, the two stood hand in hand, quietly waiting for the other two.

Mi Xiu was the next to arrive. She followed closely behind Ye Qingge and, stepping tentatively forward where Ye Qingge had stopped, managed to pass through.

However, the change in her hair color did not happen the moment she crossed the gate.

It was only after she had fully steadied herself that her hair belatedly turned black, as if she had just realized it.

Sharp-eyed Ling Lan noticed this detail and clicked her tongue, asking, “Shouldn’t Xiu Xiu be a mimosa? Why is your true form purple?”

Mi Xiu hadn’t expected her delayed use of magic to be noticed and was still trying to come up with an excuse when she heard Jiang Mianhao’s exclamation.

“Lu Jiu, why haven’t you changed?” Jiang Mianhao stared blankly at Ye Qingge, who had emerged from behind the gate.

Her hair, tied up with a peachwood hairpin, remained a cascade of silver strands.

“Are you a demon?” Ling Lan instantly grew alert, tightening her grip on the wooden sword while pulling Jiang Mianhao behind her.

Faced with her suspicion, Ye Qingge let out a disdainful snort.

Jiang Mianhao tugged at Ling Lan’s sleeve. “Lanlan, don’t be harsh. Lu Jiu is an immortal. Immortals probably aren’t subject to the Transformation Gate’s restrictions.”

Though pulled back, Ling Lan still looked at Ye Qingge with confusion, slightly doubtful of Jiang Mianhao’s explanation.

The Transformation Gate had existed since the beginning of the world and had cultivated for tens of thousands of years.

Any virtuous being passing through it would be altered, without exception for millennia.

Logically, even an immortal should be subject to its restrictions.

Mi Xiu was the first to react, and her gaze toward Ye Qingge now held a hint of longing.

There were only two types of beings the Transformation Gate could not alter. Everyone knew one of them was demons, but the other remained unknown.

For tens of thousands of years, the Transformation Gate had never encountered a being with higher cultivation than itself, so people were unaware that the other type was those whose power surpassed the gate’s.

In other words, this immortal before them possessed abilities greater than the Transformation Gate, which had existed for millennia.

Mi Xiu licked her lips, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“That’s right,” Mi Xiu said, closing her eyes briefly to conceal her emotions. “Immortals are not subject to the Transformation Gate’s restrictions.”

Though the two tried to smooth things over, Ling Lan remained on guard.

She always felt that Ye Qingge’s origins were unclear, and now, after passing through the Transformation Gate, she sensed that Mi Xiu also seemed somewhat different.

Ling Lan shook off her thoughts, gently took Jiang Mianhao’s hand, and said softly, “Let’s go then.”

Beyond the gate lay the mortal world.

The bustling, chaotic streets were filled with people, their uniformly black hair and human faces concealing true forms that could be plants, trees, birds, or beasts.

Every passerby brushing shoulders with them might be an immortal or a demon.

Amid the dazzling, bustling world before her eyes, Ling Lan held Jiang Mianhao’s hand tightly, unwilling to let go for even a moment.

Standing behind them, Ye Qingge crossed her arms, her gaze calmly resting on their intertwined hands.

For some reason, it seemed Jiang Mianhao had grown even more dependent on Ling Lan.

As the group stood at the street corner planning their next move, Mi Xiu suddenly called out to a passerby who had just brushed past, exclaiming with delight, “How is it you?”