Chapter 76: Chapter 68: How I’ve Missed You, Sister Dieyi

The man in the brocade robe was named Wang He, the third young master of the Wang Family of Anyang City. His father was a former student of her grandfather.

As soon as she arrived in Anyang City, Wang He had received the news and come to welcome her. From his attitude, it was clear he was trying to curry favor with her.

This made Zhao Dieyi a little uncomfortable, but out of politeness, she didn’t say much.

"The Drunken Immortal Residence?"

"The banquets at the Drunken Immortal Residence aren’t cheap at all. I heard it’s backed by the Changlong Business Alliance and has a deep foundation, with branches in almost every major ancient city in the Nine Provinces."

"Even a standard private room isn’t something an ordinary person can book. They have Arrays inscribed by Array Masters, and the cultivation speed inside is no worse than some of the most expensive Cultivation Chambers."

"I heard some private rooms even have carvings left behind by ancient masters. If your comprehension is good enough, you might even be able to grasp a Supreme Skill or Cultivation Technique."

Upon hearing this, the eyes of the Jasper Pool Sect disciples all lit up.

Many of the female disciples’ eyes sparkled as they looked at the approaching Wang He.

Seeing this, Wang He’s smile widened as he explained, "My father is on good personal terms with the manager of Anyang City’s Drunken Immortal Residence. He’s hosted guests and friends in the Celestial Building there before."

"It’s only thanks to my father that I was able to book a private room."

Although he sounded humble, he couldn’t hide the pride in his words.

The Drunken Immortal Residence was extremely famous throughout the entire Nine Provinces.

Its name alone hinted at its nature.

The ingredients used at the Drunken Immortal Residence were all taken from Exotic Beasts and Rare Birds, specifically their most essential parts.

Specialized chefs would refine away the impurities, so even mortals could eat the food without fear of bursting from the potent energy.

It was both a meal and a medicinal feast, capable of aiding cultivators in their practice, comprehension, and many other wondrous ways.

Moreover, the Drunken Immortal Residence had a limited number of reservations each day.

Even highly respected senior cultivators had to make arrangements in advance for the ingredients to be prepared.

Although Wang He was the third young master of the Wang Family, he had only been to the Drunken Immortal Residence a handful of times.

This time, his father had personally stepped in, intending for him to get closer to Zhao Dieyi, and had spent a great number of Spirit Stones and treasures to book a private room in the Celestial Building.

With a smile, Wang He led the way, guiding the disciples of the Jasper Pool Sect toward the Drunken Immortal Residence with elegant conversation and a warm smile.

Zhao Dieyi remained expressionless, trailing a few steps behind the group.

Behind her, Chu Chan walked in silence. She occasionally pursed her red lips, her fair hand clutching the sleeve of her dress, her heart clearly in turmoil.

’I heard... a single ordinary Spiritual Delicacy at the Drunken Immortal Residence costs hundreds of Spirit Stones. Even the Elders in the sect wouldn’t spend so extravagantly.’

’Hundreds of Spirit Stones... that’s enough for me to cultivate for several months.’

’The few hundred Spirit Stones I’ve saved by pinching every penny probably aren’t even enough to get me in the door of the Drunken Immortal Residence.’

’Besides, I have to save some Spirit Stones and Elixir Pills to send to my younger brother to help him start on the path of cultivation.’

’For these disciples from prominent families, a casual splurge means hundreds, even thousands of Spirit Stones...’

’I’ve already worked so hard, cultivating diligently without rest, yet my cultivation level keeps falling further behind the other junior sisters. Is it really impossible for someone from a Lower-Class Family to succeed?’

’If only I had the same resources and background as them...’

Her fair hand clenched into a fist, turning pale from the force, before slowly unclenching in a gesture of utter helplessness.

The immense chasm between their statuses and backgrounds made her feel powerless, as if she were suffocating.

They were all Outer Sect disciples of the Jasper Pool Sect, yet the poorest of her junior sisters came from at least a Cultivation Family, their clans wealthy and prosperous.

Only she was impoverished. Though her ancestors had also been a Cultivation Family, by her grandfather’s generation, it had already fallen into decline.

By her generation, things were even worse. Her parents had died young due to an accident.

As a child, she had to care for her simple-minded younger brother and an old servant, barely managing to hold on to what was left of their family estate.

Fortunately, she was talented. Determined to change her fate, she sold off what remained of her ancestral estate and resolutely set off on the path to seek the Dao at the Jasper Pool Sect.

"Junior Sister Chu Chan, I heard your ancestral home is in Anyang City. I wonder if you have time to show us junior sisters around and treat us to a cup of tea?"

Just then, a voice tinged with amusement came from ahead.

A female disciple with an outstanding appearance, a vermilion dot on her brow, and a rather alluring air stopped and turned to look back at Chu Chan, who was lagging behind the group.

As soon as she spoke, the other female disciples also stopped and looked at Chu Chan in surprise.

Even Zhao Dieyi was a little surprised; she hadn’t known this junior sister’s ancestral home was in Anyang City.

An unnatural expression crossed Chu Chan’s face, but she still managed a forced smile. "You jest, Senior Sister Chen. My ancestral home was sold off long ago. I’m afraid there’s nothing left but a few bricks and broken tiles now, so I won’t be able to host you all."

In the Jasper Pool Sect, many disciples considered her the number one beauty of the Outer Sect.

The female disciple before her was named Chen Ning, and gossips had dubbed her the second most beautiful in the Outer Sect.

Because of this, she was always at odds with Chu Chan, never passing up an opportunity to mock and ridicule her.

Chu Chan was long used to this. She knew Chen Ning was just using this as an excuse to belittle her origins in front of everyone.

"Oh? This junior sister’s ancestral home is in Anyang City?"

Wang He, who was walking at the front, was also slightly surprised. He then asked with a smile.

In truth, he had noticed her earlier. Although this female disciple wore no makeup or accessories, her natural beauty, like a lotus emerging from clear water, was all the more breathtaking and unforgettable.

If Zhao Dieyi hadn’t been there, he probably would have gone up to her, made some kind inquiries, and found an excuse to get closer.

Chu Chan forced another smile and replied, "Replying to you, Senior Brother, I did indeed live here with my parents when I was young."

Seeing her increasingly delicate and pitiable appearance, the smile on Wang He’s face grew even warmer.

Only the disciple named Chen Ning snorted coldly, unable to stand Chu Chan’s feigned, delicate act.

The front of the Drunken Immortal Residence was unusually quiet today, with hardly any cultivators or other beings in sight.

Through the swirling clouds and mist, one could glimpse the scene within: a dense array of pavilions and palaces stretching out one after another, presenting a magnificent sight.

In the deepest parts, mist drifted about, silver waterfalls cascaded down, and rosy light steamed upwards.

Numerous halls floated in the air, just like a true celestial paradise.

Who would have thought this place was a restaurant? It would be no exaggeration to say it was a piece of the Nine Heavens Immortal Palace that had fallen to the mortal world.

It was the first time the disciples of the Jasper Pool Sect had seen such a sight, and every one of them was shocked and amazed.

Wang He felt even more proud. Led by an attendant, he guided the group toward the Celestial Building.

...

"Young Master, I was not aware of your sudden arrival. Otherwise, the Drunken Immortal Residence would not have accepted any other guests today."

At that same moment, on the highest floor of the Celestial Building, in a private room wreathed in clouds and mist, lavishly decorated like a paradise on earth.

A portly middle-aged man stood beside Jiang Lan, bowing with a respectful, fawning smile.

The Celestial Building was shaped like a pagoda, with each floor stacked upon the last. Stairs of white jade and ancient wood connected them. The middle section was open, and the higher one went, the better the panoramic view of the scenery below.

"It’s fine. I just happened to be passing by."

Jiang Lan waved his hand dismissively and leaned against the railing, his gaze fixed with great interest on the group entering below.

’In the original plot, the descendant of Purple Mist True Monarch’s benefactor met the protagonist, Lin Fan, right here.’

’Now that Lin Fan is dead, this part of the plot doesn’t seem to have changed much. However, if there is one change, it’s the appearance of Zhao Dieyi.’

’In the original story, she wasn’t supposed to be here.’

’Lin Fan was supposed to play the hero and save a different damsel in distress.’

Soon, several graceful and beautiful women entered the private room, carrying special vessels and presenting a variety of dishes and drinks one by one.

A rosy light suffused the air around them, forming a hazy mist interwoven with an astonishing amount of Spiritual Energy.

"Young Master..."

Su Qinghan’s voice brought Jiang Lan back from his thoughts.

He glanced at her and said casually, "I’m going down to see an old friend."

With that, he ignored Su Qinghan’s surprise, casually took out a paper fan embroidered with the Hundred Beauties Painting, and snapped it open. Then, he leisurely walked out.

The guards waiting outside the private room saw this and followed him.

"Sister Dieyi, it’s been many days. I’ve missed you dearly."

"Why did you leave Yu Yi City in such a rush that day? You didn’t even stay a little while. I imagine Elder Zhao isn’t by your side today, is he?"

Halfway there, Jiang Lan’s light, laughing voice echoed through the jade corridors and stairways.

Not far away, Zhao Dieyi, who was being led by Wang He toward one of the private rooms, froze when she heard his words.

Then, she looked over and saw a dignified young nobleman in flowing white robes, waving a folding fan and approaching her at a leisurely pace with a smile on his lips.

With a great CLATTER, the guards behind him quickly moved to surround them.