Chapter 145: The Charming Mu Ruoyi
Cheng Hong Ling followed the female disciple into Shuiyu Valley. As the rumors suggested, there wasn’t a single male in sight. All she heard were melodic feminine voices, and the environment was exceptionally clean, as if the air itself was filled with a pink aura.
Qi Huang looked around curiously and was quickly mesmerized. Because there were no men, the women here behaved and dressed unusually boldly. Some were even bathing naked in hot springs by the roadside, completely unguarded – it was simply paradise.
It wasn’t just Qi Huang. Since Shuiyu Valley gathered outstanding female cultivators from all over the Xihui Dynasty, it was a coveted paradise for many male cultivators, even in the cultivation world where women were scarce.
Compared to Qi Huang, the main body was much calmer, as she was, after all, a normal woman.
Passing exquisite pavilions and towers, the female disciple led Cheng Hong Ling to the entrance of a separate side hall and introduced it as the Holy Maiden’s residence.
Qi Huang wasn’t surprised. The Holy Maiden, the future Valley Master of Shuiyu Valley, naturally received special treatment.
Cheng Hong Ling took a breath and gently knocked on the door.
“Please come in!”
A female voice immediately came from inside. Unlike the clear voices of ordinary women, hers had a hint of magnetism, giving a sense of maturity and stability, a feeling of safety usually associated with men.
Upon receiving permission, Cheng Hong Ling pushed the door open. The sight that greeted her was a spacious living room. The furniture was in warm tones, surrounded by many shade-loving green plants. Famous calligraphy and paintings hung on the walls, and there was nothing else. It was indeed an elegant dwelling.
“You are Junior Sister Cheng from the HongHua Sect, aren’t you?”
Just then, the pearl curtain in the side room was lifted, and a tall figure walked out.
Qi Huang’s eyes widened instantly. The Holy Maiden of Shuiyu Valley before her had an impact on her that was almost as profound as Cheng Hong Ling’s had been. It wasn’t due to beauty. Honestly speaking, in terms of facial features, this Holy Maiden was definitely not as delicate and petite as the main body. But it was precisely that chiseled, dignified bearing on a typical moon-shaped face of a mature woman, coupled with light makeup and vibrant red lips, that exuded a wave of mature charm.
That was secondary. The most important thing was her figure. If Cheng Hong Ling’s figure was in perfect proportion, then this woman was a masterpiece. She wore a thin, green, chest-high ruqun, which squeezed her breasts into a bottomless valley. A white, semi-transparent gauze dress was draped over her shoulders, revealing her fragrant shoulders. Her fair skin wasn’t the rosy pink of a young girl, but it aroused a desire for conquest. Her entire graceful body swayed like a bowl filled with water with her dignified steps, threatening to spill over at any moment.
‘Is this the most beautiful woman in the Xihui Dynasty’s cultivation world? No wonder after over ten years, no one has been able to shake her position.’
Qi Huang thought foolishly. At this moment, she was certain of one thing: if Cheng Hong Ling hadn’t appeared, Mu Ruoyi would have carried the title of “most beautiful woman in the cultivation world” to her grave.
To put it this way, if Cheng Hong Ling was a perfect ten, then Mu Ruoyi was also a ten, at least for now. Because Cheng Hong Ling was still young, although her looks were slightly superior, she lacked the same impactful charm and figure as the other woman.
“You… you are Senior Sister Mu, right?”
Cheng Hong Ling, despite being a woman herself, was momentarily stunned, but quickly composed herself. Firstly, she was female, and secondly, her appearance was just as good as the other’s. After years of observation, she had developed a strong immunity.
“Junior Sister Cheng’s reputation precedes her; I have heard much about you. Meeting you today confirms it.”
Upon clearly seeing Cheng Hong Ling’s appearance, Mu Ruoyi slightly parted her bright red lips.
“Senior Sister Mu praises me too highly. My humble appearance can hardly enter the eyes of the most beautiful woman in the Xihui Dynasty’s cultivation world.”
Cheng Hong Ling responded with neither humility nor arrogance, patiently handling the situation.
“Hehe, if I said this to others, it would indeed be mere politeness. But to you, it’s the absolute truth. The fact that I can still hold the position of the most beautiful woman in the Xihui Dynasty’s cultivation world today is thanks to your low profile.”
Mu Ruoyi again opened her red lips and praised her, even calling herself “sister,” showing genuine admiration from the heart.
‘Low profile? My main body comes from a den of rats like Huang Tian Prefecture, and our reputation is already bad. With the Immortal Alliance’s wrongdoings, we can’t even get a spot for Prefecture-level Immortal Seeds anymore. It would be a miracle if I could be high-profile.’
Qi Huang scanned the other woman with undisguised eyes, inwardly grumbling.
“Don’t worry, with my background, I’m destined not to snatch your title as the most beautiful woman. You can rest assured.”
Cheng Hong Ling said with a hint of self-deprecation, acknowledging her own limitations stemming from her origin in Huang Tian Prefecture, a significant stain that would prevent her from gaining recognition from those with higher social standing, no matter how beautiful she was.
“Don’t worry, gold will shine wherever it is. Isn’t there a saying outside that people call us the ‘Twin Beauties of Moon Concealment’ of the Xihui Dynasty?”
Mu Ruoyi showed a hint of sympathy on her face and then comforted her.
“Hehe…”
Cheng Hong Ling shook her head indifferently, not caring much for such vanity.
“Let’s sit and talk. Calling me Senior Sister Mu is too formal. We are both under the Immortal Alliance, like a family. You can call me Sister Ruoyi, and I’ll call you Junior Sister Hong Ling.”
Mu Ruoyi suddenly stepped forward, affectionately took Cheng Hong Ling’s small hand, and led her towards a chair.
Cheng Hong Ling stiffened all over but still followed obediently, awkwardly replying, “Okay, Sister Ruoyi.”
Mu Ruoyi gracefully sat down, then picked up a nearby cup and politely poured Cheng Hong Ling a cup of green tea. With her bright red fingernails, her jade hand drew a seductive curve, looking incredibly alluring.
“Of course, if Junior Sister Hong Ling is still not at ease, you can join our Shuiyu Valley. Then there will be no issue with background. As for resources, you don’t have to worry at all. There’s no rule that there can only be one Holy Maiden in Shuiyu Valley.”
Mu Ruoyi’s mature face, adorned with light makeup, broke into a bright smile. Though it seemed like a casual joke, her intention was clear.
“I appreciate Sister Ruoyi’s kindness, but Hong Hua Sect has treated me well. I cannot be someone who repays kindness with ingratitude.”
Cheng Hong Ling said very seriously, using the moment of mutual flattery to state her stance.
“Alright, then I won’t force you!”
Mu Ruoyi suddenly let go of Cheng Hong Ling’s hand, her smile quickly fading. She then said, “Junior Sister Cheng, you wouldn’t visit without a reason. Since you’re not here to join Shuiyu Valley, what business do you have?”
‘Just now she was so affectionate, and now she’s changed her address. Women are indeed fickle.’
Qi Huang also felt a splash of cold water, her mind suddenly clearing up.
“To be frank, I have something I need Senior Sister Mu’s help with!”
Since she was asking for a favor, Cheng Hong Ling didn’t take it to heart and tried to soften her tone.
“Tell me about it!”
Mu Ruoyi took a sip of tea calmly, her red lips becoming even more vibrant and tempting.
“It’s like this…”
Cheng Hong Ling then explained the entire matter. As it concerned her father, she didn’t dare to conceal anything.
“What? Your father is missing?”
A look of excitement suddenly appeared on Mu Ruoyi’s pretty face, making her seem like a completely different person.
Qi Huang was stunned. She really feared that this woman would say something like “How auspicious.”
Cheng Hong Ling was also taken aback, her expression turning a bit grim. “Senior Sister Mu, you seem very excited that my father is missing? Should I set off firecrackers to celebrate?”
“Cough cough…”
Mu Ruoyi quickly coughed a few times and then explained, “Junior Sister Hong Ling has misunderstood me. I’m not excited, I’m just flustered!”
‘You were smiling the whole time!’
Qi Huang felt speechless.
“When my father went missing, there were no witnesses around, and we haven’t found any clues. I heard that the ‘Mulinglong’ cultivation technique you practice can temporarily give plants spiritual intelligence, so I wanted to ask Senior Sister Mu to help find the culprit.”
Cheng Hong Ling took a deep breath, suppressing her anger.
“That is indeed true, but Junior Sister Hong Ling might not know that every time I use the ‘Mulinglong’ technique, I have to pay a great price…”
Mu Ruoyi showed a look of difficulty on her face.
“I know. As long as you can save my father, Senior Sister Mu, just name your price.”
Cheng Hong Ling replied, gritting her teeth.
“Junior Sister Hong Ling, this matter not only concerns my personal future but also the future of Shuiyu Valley, so I cannot make the decision alone.”
Mu Ruoyi’s beautiful eyes flickered a few times as she said, “How about this, let me discuss it with the high-level figures in the valley, and then I’ll give you an answer.”
‘Is it that serious?’
Qi Huang was caught off guard.
“Then I’ll trouble Senior Sister Mu.”
Cheng Hong Ling couldn’t question it either and could only continue to implore.
Mu Ruoyi didn’t delay, and with a fragrance, she walked out. The sunlight penetrated her thin gauze dress, clearly revealing her gourd-shaped curves, which created enchanting arcs as she moved.
Qi Huang’s eyes widened, and her heart inexplicably began to race.
Just as she stepped out of the room, a foxy smile appeared on Mu Ruoyi’s mature, pretty face, and she immediately activated her movement technique and headed towards a location within the valley.
A short while later, Mu Ruoyi arrived in front of a cave dwelling and respectfully said, “Mother, excuse me for disturbing you. Cheng Hong Ling from Hong Hua Sect has arrived and wants to ask for my help.”
“What? Cheng Hong Ling is here? What does she want?”
A mature female voice came from inside the cave dwelling.
“Her father is missing, and she wants me to help find clues!”
Mu Ruoyi reported.
“Her father is missing! Hahaha, that’s great!”
A burst of undisguised laughter suddenly rang out.
