"The mistress has been very pleased these past two days."
"Is it because of the person who arrived?"
"More or less," the two were about to ascend the ropes to leave when Qing Yao suddenly stepped forward, softly saying, "Two sisters, please wait."
The two maids who were speaking stopped, turned their heads, and looked over, smiling and nodding, "What is it?"
"May I ask if Madam Yaochi resides here?"
"Yes," a maid dressed in red nodded, her eyebrows raised in surprise, as if only now truly seeing them. She looked them up and down, then slowly said, "You are looking for our mistress?"
"Yes, please say Mu Qingyao has come to call on Madam Yaochi."
"If you wish to see her, then come along," the red-clad maid said neither subserviently nor arrogantly, then turned and ascended the ropes with the other maid.
The two walked on the iron ropes as if on level ground, reaching the other side in an instant and entering the valley.
Qing Yao scanned the people behind her. If climbing Mount Dangtian was something they couldn't accomplish, then these iron ropes were not too difficult for them.
They had merely been hesitant to barge in before. Since the maid had said they could enter, what harm was there in going to see her?
Perhaps these people didn't even take them seriously at all, Qing Yao smiled faintly and said elegantly.
"Let's go in. I imagine Madam Yaochi has some ability if even her lowly maids possess such exquisite Qinggong. She must have formidable skills herself."
"Yes, my lady."
Several people behind her responded in unison. Xiao Yu'er looked at the iron rope, swallowed nervously, and exclaimed, "Mother, what about me?"
"Let your Uncle Wang take you across."
As Qing Yao finished speaking, she floated onto the iron rope first. Those with Qinggong didn't find these ropes frightening at all. As long as one touched the rope and used it for leverage, it was manageable.
Liu Zun followed closely behind her, heading to the other side. Despite his tall frame, he was as light as a feather, his white robes fluttering, his dark hair dancing in the wind.
His handsome face bore the brilliance of stars and the moon, his lips as beautiful as cherry blossoms curved slightly, incredibly alluring.
Floating away on the iron rope, he seemed like an immortal banished from heaven, drawing all eyes.
On the cliff opposite, a pair of beautiful eyes were quietly emitting a light, hidden beneath the waterfall…
The group soon crossed the iron ropes and entered Yun Jian Valley. In the tranquil air, only Xiao Yu'er's cries could be heard, "Mother, I'm scared, I'm scared."
Only when the steady voice of Prince Nan'an, Murong Liu Zhao, was heard did she feel her heart settle. She suddenly opened her eyes. They were already amidst a scene of flourishing blossoms. Flowers filled their vision, colorful and vibrant, with butterflies fluttering about.
Nearby, lush green grass thrived, and in the distance, a silvery, shimmering waterfall cascaded down. In the air, a few wisps of clouds drifted freely. This was truly an otherworldly fairyland.
Madam Yaochi truly knew how to enjoy life, hiding away in such a place.
The group followed the small bluestone path forward, and soon, voices could be heard.
Several maids walked towards them, led by the red-clad maid they had met earlier. Upon seeing Qing Yao and the others, she was startled, seemingly having not expected them to cross the iron ropes so easily. She didn't know what to say for a moment.
However, the maid beside her, dressed in green, suddenly frowned and shouted.
"Who are you people? How dare you trespass into Yun Jian Valley?"
Qing Yao stood tall and graceful, calmly cupping her fists without subservience, "We have come to pay our respects to Madam Yaochi. We met this sister on the opposite bank, and she invited us over, so we have intruded."
As Qing Yao finished speaking, the green-clad maid raised her eyebrows, looking displeased at the red-clad maid.
"Sister Hong, why did you casually let people in? Madam will punish you again if she finds out."
It turned out the woman in red was called Hong'er. She was now somewhat speechless. She had only spoken casually, never expecting these people to have such formidable martial arts and enter the valley so easily.
"It's fine, Lü'er," Hong'er shook her head calmly. She had already seen that these people were no ordinary individuals. If they were determined to see the mistress, they would eventually do so. It was better to be frank.
"Please wait a moment. I will report to the mistress. If the mistress agrees to see you, you may enter. If not, please return the way you came."
"Thank you for your trouble," Qing Yao cupped her fists. As the red-clad maid turned to report to the mistress, her pendant chimed, and a rich floral fragrance wafted through the air. Those around them stood with solemn reverence, respectfully standing aside. Several maids spoke in unison.
"Miss Lian."
"Alright, what is it?" a lazy, soft voice rang out, and the person appeared as soon as the voice spoke.
Qing Yao's eyes lit up. A woman in a light yellow, thin dress stood gracefully before them. Her beautiful eyes darted about, full of spirit, her face veiled with an almost imperceptible indifference. This woman was unlike ordinary women adorned with gaudy makeup; she was elegant and pure, as bright as the morning glow.
The woman's gaze casually swept across Qing Yao's face, then fell upon Murong Liu Zun, lingering for a moment longer. She then looked at each of them in turn before turning back to the red-clad maid. The red-clad maid respectfully replied.
"Reporting to Miss, these people wish to see the mistress?"
"The mistress sees whoever wishes to see her," the woman's expression turned cold. The red-clad maid hurriedly knelt down, "This servant deserves to die."
Seeing the situation, Qing Yao quickly stepped forward, "We are the ones who wish to see Madam Yaochi. Please do not make things difficult for this Miss Hong."
"And who are you?"
This Miss Lian seemed rather arrogant, her demeanor extremely noble, her eyes casting a sideways glance at Qing Yao.
Mo Chou and Bing Xiao behind Qing Yao saw the woman's disrespect towards their mistress and immediately grew grim-faced, stepping forward as if about to erupt in anger.
Qing Yao raised a hand, stopping the movements of the two. They were here to seek a favor today, so they should try to be more amiable. They should not cause conflict unless absolutely necessary.
"I am Mu Qingyao. I have matters to discuss with Madam Yaochi and request your assistance in an introduction."
Miss Lian glanced at Qing Yao indifferently, her gaze then falling upon Murong Liu Zun. She said plainly, "My master has guests today. You should leave the valley."
After speaking, she turned to leave. Qing Yao's eyes darkened. So, this Miss Lian was a disciple of Madam Yaochi, no wonder she was so aloof. Her martial arts must also be profound.
However, since they had already entered, they would not leave without meeting the person. She was determined to help Liu Zun recover his powers. With that, she shifted her body, intending to block Miss Lian's path.
Little did she know that Miss Lian seemed to have eyes in the back of her head. The moment Qing Yao made a move, Miss Lian's figure flashed past, she suddenly turned and began to exchange blows with Qing Yao.
The weapon Miss Lian used was actually a lotus flower, which had been casually tucked into her waist. It lay softly against her light yellow dress, appearing as if it were embroidered.
Who knew it was actually a weapon, thin and sharp, with a button at the top of the lotus. When pressed, it shot out silver needles, making it extremely formidable.