'WHERE IS HE!', Bonebreaker screamed inwardly as he scanned his surroundings, realizing that several cultivators had encircled him, their swords aimed menacingly in his direction. Trembling, he raised his hands in fear and stammered, "S-seniors, I-I am a servant of Young Master Rui Ke"
At most, he was aware that the young master was Rui Ke of the Wei family, which led him to explain the ongoing situation. As he glanced back at his three companions, he noticed the woman who had come with them remained quietly unnoticed. Everyone's attention was solely on the four servants.
"Huh?" A large man in a robe moved forward, rubbing his brow after the name rang out multiple times. Approaching Bonebreaker with a fierce glare, he lifted his finger to press against his forehead, seemingly puzzled or working his jaw in frustration. "Rui Ke? Who is this Rui Ke?"
[ Ask your Mother <( ̄) ̄)> ]
"What is happening here?" Suddenly, a surge of orange light illuminated the surroundings as a figure appeared, shrouded in a dark robe with orange accents.
All eyes quickly turned towards him, though his presence was barely felt. Before they could fully grasp that their senses were failing to capture him, the first detail that struck them was his face, obscured by a black mask. His eyes seemed to hold a profound depth, capable of pulling anyone who dared to gaze into them.
But even without revealing his complete face, the lower half was already far enough for many of them to feel their bodies stuck in their positions.
"I-immortal?" Overwhelmed by instinct, a voice, softer than a whisper, broke the stillness around them. In the absence of sound, it became clear to everyone, as all eyes were glued to the man most deserving of their attention.
The striking sight of the man, with his hands resting behind him, moved gracefully with the black robe, creating a majestic appearance that highlighted his noble figure. His robust physique and attractive face drew the attention of the onlookers, until one of the men stepped forward, leaving the female disciples behind, who could only gawk at Ryuk.
The man approached, fists clenched together, and offered a respectful greeting, "Apologies, young master, but may we know what pleasure we have in your presence here?"
"No," Ryuk stated firmly as he moved forward, extending his hand into the void that had once been merely empty for the spectators. Suddenly, like a sprinkle of stars, a white dress danced gracefully, reminiscent of butterfly wings, unveiling a woman enveloped in that ethereal garment.
Her flawless skin and radiant face highlighted her beauty, with golden pupils fixed intently on the man, while a small curve of her lips blossomed into a smile.
.
.
In the heart of the region, atop the tallest mountain, lay the grand palace of the Wei family. This impressive complex was encircled by numerous pagodas and wooden structures, serving the distinguished members of the Wei family and sprawling across a vast expanse that could easily be mistaken for a small town.
The whole mountain was flattened from above, and cut in a way that the paths were made of cobblestones, and a well-structured town planning was evident due to proper isolation and other hygienic considerations.
Birds chirped even at this height of the mountain due to the dense amount of spiritual energy present, making the atmosphere comfortable enough for any normal human to breathe pure air.
Mixing with that chirping were the footsteps of a woman wearing a simple robe, revealing her identity as a maid of the main palace. She moved calmly before halting outside a door within an wooden architecture that was nothing less than a mansion. After knocking on the door as requested, she asked, "May I enter, My Lady?"
"Come in," a gentle yet calming voice beckoned from inside as the maid swung open the door, exposing a woman seated at a table, encircled by two or three other maids who were tending to her hair and adjusting her attire. Dressed in her nightgown, she seemed otherworldly, illuminated by the soft light that kissed her skin, which resembled polished jade.
"My Lady, the patriarch has requested your presence in the hall," the maid said, bowing as she delivered the message for her to come into the main palace.
"Why?" Yao Lian glanced towards the maid, narrowing her gaze before gesturing for others to stop, as she could only think about the reason for the patriarch calling her inside the hall, likely regarding her getting the position for the trial of the Immortal Phoenix.
"My Lady, it appears that two immortals have arrived inside the main palace." While the maid wasn't fully informed about why her mistress was being summoned by the patriarch, she sensed it had to do with the immortal couple that had just entered the palace.
"I see, wait outside," Yao Lian ordered, before thinking, 'Let's deal with him after the trial.' She stood, putting aside the thought of dealing with the man who had killed her aunt while also talking to her last night. She made her way towards the bath, ordering, "Prepare my clothes."
Realistically, following her participation in the trial, she would have enough time to address the situation with that unknown individual.
"As you direct, My Lady." After listening to her orders, the maids leapt into action, and a couple of them accompanied her into the bath.