Qin Yu followed half a step behind Mistress throughout.

After taking a few steps, he was surprised to discover...

...how exquisitely Mistress was dressed today!

Usually, in the backyard, Mistress is mostly engaged in alchemy, with her robe being simple and loose.

Even so, her beauty could never be hidden.

Let alone today, with Mistress wearing a gentle and sleek silk cheongsam that elegantly outlined her graceful figure, a beauty so enchanting as if she walked out of a painting.

On the cheongsam, a blooming lotus flower was vividly embroidered with exquisite craftsmanship, its elegant colors perfectly complementing Mistress’ name, akin to her own presence, a gently blooming Qinghe.

Although the cheongsam’s design smartly left some room, it was more fitting than the usual loose robes, subtly outlining her graceful curves, neither too tight nor lacking in charm.

As her jade foot stepped forward, each move was like a breeze brushing over a lotus pond, making the embroidered leaves on her chest flutter vividly with life.

Qin Yu followed closely, maintaining a half-step distance, the faint fragrance emanating from Mistress around his nose, a perfect blend of the cheongsam’s unique charm and Mistress’ own scent, like a gentle breeze, refreshing and delightful.

His gaze inadvertently skimmed over the contour gently swaying at the back of the cheongsam, like a water-like sway of pink-white lotus roots, both subtle and full of allure, evoking endless imagination, yet not daring any profane thoughts.

Qin Yu forcibly suppressed his lowered gaze. It is often said that the lotus emerges unsullied from the mud, meant to be admired but not played with.

But now, he followed right behind this splendid lotus.

Yin Qinghe also seemed aware of how captivating her attire was today, which was not her intention, but given the importance of today’s occasion, wearing her usual loose robe would have been too casual, lacking proper decorum.

Her steps like blossoming lotuses, the long-missed attire made her initially uncomfortable, especially as each stride required caution, the slit opening around her jade knees allowing a refreshing breeze...

And thinking of Qin Yu following behind her, she wondered how he was perceiving it all!

Yin Qinghe couldn’t help but turn back, bringing Zhao Mengli alongside her, then gently chiding Qin Yu: "Don’t wander around, walk beside me!"

This backward glance, set with those enchanting peach blossom eyes lightly dusted with powder, made her already alluring face even more ravishingly beautiful.

A chill ran down Qin Yu’s spine, her lightly admonishing yet ashamed and angry gaze reminded him of that day in the Alchemy Room, where their eyes met even closer than now...

But this time, there was no reason to blame himself, right?

As a disciple, wasn’t it rational to express respect for his Mistress by following behind her?!

"Oh!"

Despite his thoughts, he had to adhere to Mistress’ words, so Qin Yu responded, quickening his steps to walk alongside Yin Qinghe.

Thus, the three walked side by side.

Qin Yu noticed that even Little Senior Sister had dressed up meticulously.

Though the small lotus wasn’t as maturely bloomed as the large one, the bustling display of both large and small lotus, a blend of pure and charming allure, each having its eye-catching appeal.

Moreover, compared to Yin Qinghe, Zhao Mengli merely smiled shyly, not displeased when catching Qin Yu’s gaze, her innocent and playful laughter, accompanied by her jade fingers fiddling with her black hair, betrayed her startled but coyly excited heart.

Qin Yu’s eyes trembled.

Over the past month, his relationship with Little Senior Sister had grown closer.

Initially, Zhao Mengli was downhearted, so with his abundance of knowledge, he shared stories to amuse her.

As days passed, spending time in the same room, cultivating and alchemy together, inevitably led to feelings developing.

Yin Qinghe walked between them, having long noticed their flirtatious exchanges.

In the past, they knew to hide a bit when she entered the Alchemy Room, but now they had become increasingly bold!

So she reminded them, "Li’Er, watch where you’re going! Hold the Jade Box properly, it’s a significant gift for the City Lord!"

Only then did Qin Yu realize that Mistress was attending the City Lord’s birthday.

However, why bring him along?

He wondered, as he considered himself merely a minor figure.

Yin Qinghe also glanced at him: "It’s not just for the birthday celebration, but also to attend the City Lord’s birthday feast!"

Qin Yu was surprised, the City Lord was indeed a significant figure governing all of Lin Xian City.

Moreover, it was said he had the backing of the Immortal Sect and served as the Outer Sect Steward of the sect!

In terms of cultivation and background, he was undeniably the foremost in Lin Xian City.

Yin Qinghe further instructed Qin Yu: "Once at the City Lord’s Mansion, act according to my cues at the banquet, and be sure not to act inappropriately!"

Those eligible to attend the City Lord’s banquet were no doubt the city’s major powers, and she had even heard that prominent figures from the Immortal Sect had recently visited the City Lord’s Mansion...

The three headed towards the grand and majestic City Lord’s Mansion, which was bustling with preparations for the birthday banquet.

Meanwhile, City Lord Lu Xunzhou, with his hands behind his back, paced thoughtfully, his brows slightly furrowed in contemplation.

"To find someone with excellent Root Bone and talent for the Immortal Sect, where could I possibly search..."

"The girl left by Alchemist Zhao? She might not suffice, and Cheng Hua... stands no chance."

Lu Xunzhou’s worries stemmed from the orders given by the Immortal Sect a few days ago.

There were two tasks.

One was to recruit talented geniuses, whether cultivators or alchemists.

The second was to search for various Treasures of Heaven and Earth, especially those related to healing injuries.

Although accomplishing these would earn significant rewards from the Immortal Sect, perhaps even offering him a chance to return to the Immortal Sect, which was beyond what the small Lin Xian City could offer.

But neither task was easy!

While Lin Xian City had many cultivators, few could catch the Immortal Sect’s eye.

As for the Alchemy Dao, there hadn’t been a capable alchemist in Lin Xian City since Alchemist Zhao’s incident!

The few remaining could only be described as mediocre, capable of concocting elixirs, but with poor quality and success rate...

This was why, despite his humble beginnings, Alchemist Zhao was highly regarded by Lin Xian City’s elite.

And as for the heavenly treasures needed by the Immortal Sect, they were extremely rare and hard to find, something he only heard of as a city lord from the Immortal Sect background but never seen himself.

Yet, these tasks, coupled with some news he had heard, made Lu Xunzhou sense something unusual.

The need for healing injuries indicated that someone in the Immortal Sect was wounded!

Moreover, the status was undoubtedly high!

Otherwise, such orders wouldn’t have been issued, seeking Treasures of Heaven and Earth.

Additionally, the recruitment of talents.

"To compete for that Secret Realm, the Immortal Sect suffered significant losses this time..."

Lu Xunzhou couldn’t help but be startled. If even an Outer Sect Steward like him could detect something amiss, it was hard to imagine the extent of the commotion among the major Immortal Sects.

Shaking his head, Lu Xunzhou felt comforted. Although his future as a City Lord seemed lackluster, at least his days were stable and enjoyable.

Qin Yu followed Yin Qinghe to the City Lord’s Mansion.

All around them, those attending the banquet and offering gifts were notable figures in the city.

Yin Qinghe exuded an elegant demeanor, socially adept, revealing the broad network held by Danxin Herb Hall.