The most important thing is that Yu Mingzhen has agreed to her request for the Lotus Heart. The cost is not difficult either; she only needs to exchange it with the Snake Ancestor’s blood from the Snake Blood Pool. To humans, the Snake Ancestor’s blood is far less mystical, so this deal is only beneficial for her Snake Race.

As long as she obtains the Lotus Heart, she can complete the task issued by the Golden Roc Race of the Star Shining Divine Mountain in the East Japan Continent and become a guest of honor of the Golden Roc Race. With the support of the powerful Golden Roc Race in the Divine Mountain, it would greatly aid the Snake Race’s future return to the Star Shining Divine Mountain.

Ji Xueruo’s emotions were surging; she seemed to see that day of the Snake Race’s revival when they once again set foot on the land of the Divine Mountain, with endless splendor.

The water in the bath covered her delicate collarbone, and amidst the shimmering light, her alluring body was faintly visible underwater. This soft, flawless body looked even more enticing in the misty steam.

"Miss Ji, I’m here to add herbs for you."

The maid in a green dress, carrying a basket of various herbs, was Yuqing, the highest-ranking among the four maids.

Ji Xueruo nodded in agreement, and Yuqing carefully added the herbs into the water one by one. Even the fire stones under the bath seemed to gain more potency, giving the broth a warm and comfortable feeling.

Yuqing knew that this mistress was not easy to serve and was very aloof. After finishing what she needed to do, she intended to leave respectfully, but the cold and noble girl stopped her.

"Was there no invitation from Yu Mingzhen for tonight’s banquet?"

Yuqing was momentarily surprised but quickly replied with a smile:

"Do not worry, Miss Ji. If there’s an invitation from the Young Master, I would let you know right away."

"Hmm, thank you."

Ji Xueruo said casually, but to Yuqing, it seemed like she was trying to hide her disappointment at not receiving an invitation.

Yuqing thought to herself, indeed, her master’s charm was extraordinary, enough to make this girl, cold as an iceberg, lose some of her aloofness. She imagined the scene of the two standing together, the talented gentleman and the beautiful lady, truly a perfect pair.

She somehow mustered up the courage to cautiously probe:

"Miss Ji, what kind of person do you think our Young Master is?"

Ji Xueruo did not reprimand the maid’s overstepping. Her face was hidden behind the steaming mist, and after pondering for a while, she sincerely commented:

"Like jade among men, unparalleled in the world. Yu Mingzhen is perfect in appearance, accomplished in both literature and martial arts. If it weren’t for Jade Ring Pool’s seclusion, he would definitely be renowned across Zhongyuan Continent."

"That’s quite a high praise."

Yuqing thought of her Young Master with his seemingly reincarnated immortal grace, feeling honored by Ji Xueruo’s compliment. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"These are my honest words. Anyone else who sees him would say the same."

Yuqing smiled gently, "If the Young Master heard that Miss Ji thinks this highly of him, he would surely be pleased."

But Ji Xueruo’s face turned red with embarrassment. She anxiously sat up, and water poured from her collarbone.

"Please, don’t tell your Young Master..."

Is she shy...?

Yuqing’s smile grew wider. As mammy had said, even the noblest horses of Beiao Grassland eventually find someone who can tame them. If not yet, it’s just because they’ve not met the right person.

"Rest assured, Miss Ji, I know my limits."

Yuqing certainly wouldn’t go around blabbing these inner secrets; Miss Ji is now her mistress, who with just a word could easily demand her life.

Besides, she was thrilled to have someone else recognize her Young Master’s extraordinary nature, definitely not intending to tease Miss Ji.

"Hmm... these are just casual conversations, they mean nothing." Ji Xueruo lowered her head, her expression becoming even less clear.

Yuqing gave a knowing smile and intended to leave, but she felt that her relationship with Miss Ji had grown closer. She decided to strike while the iron was hot and asked:

"Miss Ji must be tired; would you like me to massage your shoulders?"

Ji Xueruo hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded.

Yuqing’s heart leaped with joy. Just yesterday, Miss Ji was bathing and didn’t even let her in, but now she allowed her to touch her. Probably it’s all thanks to the Young Master, making this cold girl begin to let go of her prejudices against Jade Ring Pool...

Kneeling behind Ji Xueruo, Yuqing had advanced skills, using her Meridian Passage Realm cultivation of Profound Qi in her shoulder massage, providing an incredibly comfortable experience.

But from the front, where Yuqing couldn’t see, the previously shy Ji Xueruo had already returned to her usual self, her eyes clear and sharp like a venomous snake hidden in the foliage, ready to strike.

This place of Jade Ring Pool—its mountains, its waters, its people, its food, its clothing, its dwellings—is all beautiful like an ephemeral bubble.

And everyone here tells her to just enjoy the beauty of Jade Ring Pool, hoping she would fall into this dream and never wake up.

But that strange Xiaoyu hidden by Mr. Yu in the fish cellar is like a stubborn hangnail on her finger, preventing her from indulging.

She has traveled a long way across mountains and rivers to get here. Her sister is already capable of standing on her own, so she cannot easily turn back.

No matter what, she is determined to obtain the Lotus Heart.

...

This is her third day at Jade Ring Pool.

The weather at Jade Ring Pool seems to be perpetually good, with unchanging bright sunshine, a favor granted by the sky to this enchanting spot.

A small boat glided over the water of Jade Ring Pool, Ji Xueruo sitting at its stern, the dazzling multicolored lotus flowers almost within reach. She didn’t rashly stretch out her hand, remaining calm like a black lotus.