When the Immortal Venerable Picked-Up the Demon Cub - Chapter 20

Less than fifteen minutes had passed, before the sun had even set, when a disciple arrived to escort Zhu Ning to the banquet.

The disciple was a woman, but her face was unfamiliar. She wasn’t one of Yue Qing’s trusted aides, nor was she in charge of this area. Zhu Ning silently noted this irregularity but kept her expression neutral. She took Lin Xiayan’s hand and started walking out.

The disciple was stunned. She hurried after them, catching up after only a few steps, a slightly embarrassed smile on her face. “This… is a banquet to welcome Lord Immortal Venerable and cleanse the dust from your journey. That long robe is already damp from the snow, and the night wind will grow colder. For your health, please change into something warmer.”

The young disciple looked no older than her teens, her face still bearing a hint of youthful innocence. Meeting the Immortal Venerable’s gaze for the first time, she grew flustered and dared not look directly at her. After speaking, she immediately lowered her eyes.

Zhu Ning found her rather endearing and couldn’t help but smile. The curve of her eyes and lips was even more beautiful than the setting sun. Lin Xiayan, hearing the soft laughter, looked up and didn’t miss that smile, more radiant than the evening glow.

Her composure wavered. Mimicking the disciple’s gesture, she quickly lowered her head. Her face, unchanged for millennia, flushed slightly. Realizing her reaction, she swiftly forced herself back to her usual calm.

Oblivious to Lin Xiayan’s rapidly shifting expression, Zhu Ning’s gaze remained fixed on the disciple. “If that’s the case, thank you for reminding This Venerable One.”

With these words, Zhu Ning turned and walked away, her movements appearing crisp and decisive. In truth, she had no idea what to wear for such an occasion. In the original story, this was a minor climax, with only fleeting descriptions of the original owner’s attire.

Forced to improvise, Zhu Ning strode to the wardrobe in Mùdōng Courtyard. Her hand, adorned with the bracelet, gently pulled open the door. Inside hung rows of pristine white robes, seemingly identical at first glance. Yet closer inspection revealed subtle differences.

Each robe featured unique golden embroidery, each design reflecting a distinct concept and intention. Zhu Ning reached out to trace the delicate patterns, the slight texture sending a tremor through her heart.

These were the robes the original owner had once worn, each meticulously washed and hung here. They had accompanied her through countless days and nights, and now they would accompany Zhu Ning as well.

“Lin Xiayan, which one should I wear?” Zhu Ning called out without turning, recognizing Lin Xiayan’s voice from the doorway. She might as well ask for her opinion.

At first glance, Lin Xiayan thought they all looked the same, but upon closer inspection, she realized each robe and skirt was unique. The lengths and folds varied subtly, creating a dazzling array of visual effects.

Lin Xiayan chose a particularly ornate outfit for Zhu Ning, the one with the most gold thread embroidery and pearl tassels dangling from the sleeves and collar. As Zhu Ning walked, the tassels swayed gracefully, and the hem of the skirt trailed slightly on the ground, leaving a perfect arc in its wake.

Zhu Ning was delighted with the choice. After changing behind the screen, she stood dumbfounded, scarcely believing how good the original owner’s figure truly was. The loose robes had completely concealed her beauty.

“Lord Immortal Venerable, are you ready to come out?” Lin Xiayan asked impatiently, swinging her legs as she sat on the bed.

Zhu Ning finally snapped out of her daze. After one last check of her appearance in the bronze mirror, she slowly emerged from behind the screen.

Hearing the footsteps, Lin Xiayan looked up, her eyes betraying undisguised awe. The outfit had looked beautiful hanging inside, but it was even more stunning on Zhu Ning.

The shimmering tassels weren’t too flashy. They hung perfectly still when Zhu Ning stood, swaying only slightly as she walked. She was very pleased with the outfit, which made her appreciate Lin Xiayan’s taste even more.

The female disciple outside Mùdōng Courtyard was still waiting. When she saw Zhu Ning emerge in such magnificent robes, she was so stunned she couldn’t speak. It took her a long moment to remember she was supposed to lead the way to the evening banquet.

Zhu Ning found her quite endearing and asked her name as they walked.

The disciple, Han Xiaoxiao, led the way nervously. Hearing Zhu Ning’s gentle voice behind her, she felt as if her heart had been filled with honey. She quickly replied, “Lord Immortal Venerable, my name is Han Xiaoxiao. You can call me Xiaoxiao.”

Han Xiaoxiao’s voice rose with joy. Zhu Ning found it refreshing to talk to someone so cheerful and couldn’t resist chatting a bit longer.

But Lin Xiayan remained silent, her childlike innocence gone. With each step, she seemed to stomp harder on the snow.

“What’s wrong?” Zhu Ning finally noticed the little girl’s odd behavior. Forgetting her conversation with Han Xiaoxiao, she worried she might have upset the great villain. She told Han Xiaoxiao to go ahead.

Though confused, Han Xiaoxiao obediently moved away, keeping a respectful distance.

Lin Xiayan remained silent, so Zhu Ning had to crouch down to observe her expression. The white dress crumpled more as she knelt, yet it somehow gained a unique charm. Zhu Ning tilted her head, her face full of confusion. Lin Xiayan didn’t understand why she was suddenly angry either; she just felt better after Han Xiaoxiao walked away.

Outside, a bitter wind howled across the snowy ground. Zhu Ning’s clothes weren’t thick enough, and her hands and feet were already freezing. Still, she frowned at Lin Xiayan. Lin Xiayan shook her head, wordlessly grabbed Zhu Ning’s hand, and pulled her forward. Though still awkward, she didn’t want Zhu Ning to freeze outside any longer.

The banquet was held in the main hall. Han Xiaoxiao’s earlier escort had been purely ceremonial. The hall blazed with light. As a cultivator sect, there were no frivolous entertainment like folk music or dancing girls, only a few disciples playing flutes and zithers.

Each table was laden with food and pastries, a lavish display usually reserved for New Year’s and other major festivals. It was only then that Zhu Ning truly grasped the original owner’s importance to Yun Cang Mountain. Even with Elder Yue’s presence, the Sect Leader’s authority had never been undermined.

As the guest of honor arrived, everyone stopped talking and playing music. The great hall fell into a deep silence. Zhu Ning, unaccustomed to being the center of attention, struggled to maintain her aloof demeanor. Lin Xiayan stood beside her, tightly gripping her hand, which subtly reassured Zhu Ning.

After settling into the main seat, Zhu Ning let out a sigh of relief and glanced around. To her left, at the head of the table, she saw Yue Qing. Unlike his grim expression from earlier that day, Yue Qing now wore a warm, friendly smile as he watched the disciples showcase their talents.

The atmosphere was harmonious, but Lin Xiayan remained standing beside the main seat, with no place set for her.

Zhu Ning frowned and whispered to Lin Xiayan, “Are you sure you checked everywhere? There’s really no seat for you?”

Zhu Ning couldn’t believe Yue Qing would be so inconsiderate, but no matter how Lin Xiayan looked, every seat was indeed occupied.

“Elder Yue’s handling of this matter is quite poor,” Zhu Ning said, her voice icy. Her gaze, as sharp as glacial ice, pierced through Yue Qing.

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