Chapter 13: She Has Me in Her Heart
Chu Xuan could tell that the woman who called herself "Baihua" likely had a good relationship with his master, otherwise she wouldn’t dare to call her sister.
Ming Yu listened without immediately agreeing but just closed her eyes.
Lady Baihua felt a bit nervous seeing this; though they had known each other for a long time, she couldn’t claim to understand the other’s thoughts entirely.
The Baihua Banquet at her home would be widely inviting many female cultivators from the cultivation world to attend; being able to invite such a top figure as the Primordial Monarch Taixu would surely be a great honor.
Furthermore, when other cultivators heard that the Monarch would attend, their interest in participating would naturally increase, making it much easier to host an unprecedented grand event.
Thus, Taixu was the first person Baihua invited, and she personally came, showing great sincerity.
After pondering, Ming Yu opened her eyes again and simply said, "We’ll talk about it then."
She didn’t say yes, nor did she say no. Lady Baihua felt a bit disappointed, but it was much better than being outright refused; there would be opportunities later.
So she wisely did not press further, only smiled and said, "Thank you, sister."
Saying that, Baihua took out a beautifully decorated gift box from her sleeve, "I came in a hurry this time and have prepared a small gift, and I hope sister will accept it."
She deliberately did not mention the other precious magical treasures and elixirs in the box, only stating:
"Inside is a jar of [Moon Dew Baihua Paste], a meticulously refined product using the essence of the moon and the spirit of a hundred flowers, very effective for nourishing beauty and smoothing skin. If sister is interested, give it a try."
Although in Baihua’s impression, the Primordial Monarch Taixu was not interested in these common female cultivator favorites, it was her unique formula and handmade, showing sincerity.
Ming Yu slightly raised her eyelids, gesturing for Chu Xuan to step forward and accept it.
Upon seeing this, Lady Baihua’s smile widened a bit; in social relations, as long as the gift is accepted, it means goodwill is acknowledged.
Chu Xuan secretly grumbled: You high-level female cultivators, each one’s skin is better than the last, unafraid of wind and sun, do you really need these things?
Of course, he, forever a straightforward man, would never understand the inherent female desire for beauty—who wouldn’t want to be prettier?
When Chu Xuan returned to his place, Lady Baihua looked at him with curiosity, "Sister, may I ask who this is?"
"A newly accepted disciple," Ming Yu did not conceal.
Baihua felt more surprised, the Primordial Monarch Taixu has actually accepted a disciple? And a male one, making it even more inconceivable.
It’s known that this Monarch has always been solitary, indifferent in nature, dedicated to pursuing the Dao, and usually without even a maid in the cave residence; unexpectedly, suddenly a disciple is accepted.
Could it be that this person has exceptional talent, even moving the Monarch’s heart to appreciate abilities?
Lady Baihua scrutinized him intently; though unable to fully confirm, he indeed seemed like a promising candidate.
Though aware, Baihua didn’t plan to spread the news; she knew the Primordial Monarch Taixu always acted low-key, naturally not wanting to cause trouble for her.
The two continued chatting, mostly gossip about incidents across the cultivation world, mainly Baihua speaking, Ming Yu listening, occasionally nodding, not appearing bored.
Seeing such a master, Chu Xuan suddenly recalled since the first meeting, she always had such a personality.
In recent years of interaction, it made Chu Xuan feel like the master was gradually becoming gentle; now it seemed it was just because he was special.
This secretly delighted Chu Xuan, she indeed holds me dear in her heart.
...
After a round of conversation, both host and guest were pleased, and Lady Baihua didn’t linger, voluntarily saying goodbye.
"Well, sister, I’ll take my leave for now; next time I have new novelties, I’ll bring them for you."
Ming Yu nodded and signaled her disciple to escort the guest out.
During this process, Lady Baihua constantly observed Chu Xuan, once leaving the main hall, she amiably asked:
"How should I address you, fellow Daoist?"
He clasped his hands in response, "Senior, you’re too kind; I dare not call myself a fellow Daoist. The junior’s name is Chu Xuan."
Baihua nodded, "Then I will presumptuously call you virtuous nephew."
"Young and able to receive the Monarch’s favor, Chu Virtuous Nephew, surely your mind and talent are top-notch in the world. But I wonder, do you have other exceptional qualities?"
She was an adept social figure, skilled in all aspects of interactions, and naturally seized the chance to forge a connection upon the rare acceptance of a disciple by Taixu.
Upon hearing this, Chu Xuan couldn’t help but think astray, though outwardly he politely navigated the conversation.
At that moment, the Ice Soul Snow Mink came out of nowhere, rushing into Chu Xuan’s arms.
Observing this, Lady Baihua chuckled, taking out a purple fruit resembling a peach, with the mink quickly reaching out to grab and slowly savor it, appearing not to be receiving "bribes" for the first time.
Then, Baihua removed a jade bracelet from her right wrist and handed it to Chu Xuan.
"I didn’t anticipate the Monarch had accepted a disciple, thus came unprepared; this little jade bracelet serves as a meeting gift for you, hoping you will not mind."
This bracelet was quite a high-tier protective magical treasure; Baihua hadn’t originally planned to give it away.
Yet after considering the items in her storage, either their value was too low, unfitting the status of the Monarch’s sole disciple, or their value was too high, exceeding "meeting gift" norms.
Thus, after several internal reflections, she removed this carried bracelet to present, signifying sincerity.
Chu Xuan naturally dared not accept it, hurriedly waving his hand, "Senior, you’re too gracious; one cannot receive such without merit, juniors must not accept this item."
"Ah, I have known your master for hundreds of years, still uncertain of her character?"
"Feel free to accept; she won’t blame you."
"Let’s do this, I’ll be your guarantee, should the Monarch blame you, you can place it all on me."
Seeing Baihua’s sincere tone, with words spoken to this extent, Chu Xuan hesitated, feeling further refusal seemed hypocritical, took it.
"Thank you, senior."
As the saying goes, "Grateful for meals eaten, hands short taking gifts," upon receiving such "bribes," Chu Xuan knew Baihua’s intention was to delay departure speed, to slowly chat and build rapport, yet he hesitated to hurry her.
After a round of conversation, although cautious with confidentiality, Chu Xuan spoke of some insignificant basic info, such as age and place of origin.
Upon nearly exiting the cave residence, noticing the young man’s extremely reserved demeanor, Lady Baihua couldn’t help but cover her mouth and laugh, "Little one, I’m not going to eat you, why so tense?"
"And I’ve told you the location, in the future, if you have free time, often visit my valley, and I’ll entertain you well on behalf of sister."
Chu Xuan naturally agreed heartily, watching Baihua leave riding a white crane, finally relaxing.