Cultivation: Starting from a Mortal Bone

Qin Yu’s expression remained calm, without the slightest ripple.

Such a fruit that could be grasped in one hand was nothing compared to the Great Phoenix. Even the four palace maids, including Lan Shi, were not inferior, so he naturally appeared composed.

However, the water curtain in front of him took Qin Yu by surprise. He never expected that there was more than met the eye here.

"Tributor, please."

Bai Yaoyin waved her hand, and the water curtain parted to form a gap.

Qin Yu stepped through with large strides, and his view suddenly broadened. The surrounding scene seemed like a world apart, undergoing an earth-shattering transformation.

The noise of the outside world seemed to be gently wiped away by some mysterious force, replaced by the melodious sound of a qin, which slowly restored peace to one’s heart.

The arrangement here was devoid of the mundane world, with pavilions standing in great numbers, scattered in an orderly fashion, each like a small courtyard in a paradise outside this world.

Obviously, this place was meticulously prepared by the Carefree Pavilion, exclusively meant for entertaining those guests of high status.

In terms of privacy, scenic beauty, and that transcendent quality, this place was truly unparalleled.

It’s quite telling that in the most prosperous area of the Imperial Capital, the Carefree Pavilion managed to carve out such a celestial paradise.

Bai Yaoyin led Qin Yu into the elegant pavilion courtyard marked "Tian Er".

The interior of the room was simple yet elegant, exuding a hint of luxury.

Even the chair was meticulously crafted from top-quality jade and carefully covered with soft, delicate fur, offering an excellent tactile sensation upon sitting, with a faint Spiritual Qi flowing into the body, clearly not an ordinary object.

"Tributor, this is my Sound Transmission Jade Order. If you have anything to instruct in the future, feel free to send me a message."

Bai Yaoyin handed over a white jade token, her exquisite face adorned with a tantalizing smile, accompanied by two adorable dimples that made one’s heart flutter, making them want to push her down and teach her a lesson.

"One does not accept rewards without merit; this isn’t an ordinary Sound Transmission Order, is it?"

Qin Yu glanced at it but did not reach out to take it.

"Tributor, you’re truly perceptive."

A trace of astonishment flickered in Bai Yaoyin’s eyes. This newly appointed young tributor was surprisingly meticulous in thought.

However, her curiosity only grew stronger.

This young man, who appeared not to be extraordinary in any external way, for what reason was he chosen as a tributor by the Great Yan Empress?

The Carefree Pavilion had already used numerous connections and resources, yet still couldn’t find any information about Qin Yu.

She had a mind to explore further but feared angering the Great Yan Empress.

This Empress, even the great clan behind her, was extremely wary of. If anything truly happened, the clan might not fall out with the Great Yan Empress for her sake.

Only...

Lure this newly appointed tributor to reveal himself.

"This is our Carefree Pavilion’s Guest Minister Order. I sincerely represent the Carefree Pavilion in wanting to befriend the Tributor."

Bai Yaoyin’s voice was soft, with a pitiful expression as if her good intentions were misunderstood, causing her great grievance.

"Guest Minister?"

Qin Yu slightly frowned.

After all, he was a Royal Court Tributor of the Great Yan. Coming to the Carefree Pavilion to be a guest minister didn’t seem appropriate, right?!

"Tributor, please don’t misunderstand. Being a Guest Minister of the Carefree Pavilion is different from being a Guest Minister of the Royal Court."

Worried about being misunderstood, Bai Yaoyin quickly explained, "The Guest Minister of the Carefree Pavilion is merely a guest position. In reality, you don’t have to do anything or be bound by any constraints. On the contrary, you can receive a generous amount of cultivation resources from our Carefree Pavilion every year."

"Oh? So, you’re saying it’s just free benefits?"

Qin Yu didn’t believe such a good deal existed.

It’s easy to see that the Carefree Pavilion could stand firm among the Nine Immortal Countries because there must be a powerful force backing them.

Would they grant such benefits gratuitously?!

"You’re joking, Tributor. It’s just an investment from the Carefree Pavilion."

Bai Yaoyin gave a faint smile.

Then she took the initiative to sit beside Qin Yu, her breath as fragrant as orchids, her body intentionally leaning closer.

Qin Yu was not reserved. He gently wrapped his arm around her slender waist, keenly observing that the woman’s body tensed slightly, and her smile froze for a moment.

It seemed that this Chief Steward Bai wasn’t as enchanting as she appeared on the surface.

Could she not handle such a degree of contact?!

However, Qin Yu did understand the investment Bai Yaoyin mentioned.

Although on the surface, being a guest minister of the Carefree Pavilion seemed unrestrained, bringing various benefits, including cultivation resources...

But as the saying goes, ’One loses one’s freedom by accepting favors.’ If the Carefree Pavilion ever faced a crisis, how could a guest minister stand idly by?

It’s not just the Carefree Pavilion; many great forces in the Imperial Capital employ similar methods to win over powerful individuals.

"Chief Steward Bai, I don’t mind being friends with you, but I think I’ll pass on the title of guest minister."

Qin Yu’s fingers gently caressed, feeling the delicate skin beneath even through the fine clothes, as if with a slight pinch, it would yield moisture.

Debts of favor are the hardest to repay.

He would rather spend some spirit stones here than owe a favor for a trivial thing.

"I understand, young lady. Could you at least accept this Sound Transmission Stone, Tributor?"

Bai Yaoyin understood his concern and did not insist. She sighed softly and offered a fine Sound Transmission Stone instead.

The Sound Transmission Stone bore no inscription but was uniquely Bai Yaoyin’s.

This time, Qin Yu did not refuse.

"Today, Yaoyin was indeed abrupt. It’s just that I’ve long wanted to befriend you, Tributor. I hope you won’t hold it against this young lady."

"Tributor, please rest for now. Next time, Yaoyin will go into detail with you."

With that, Bai Yaoyin gracefully took the teapot, pouring Qin Yu a cup of tea, taking the opportunity to withdraw, her tender cheeks still tinged with a hint of blush.

Qin Yu, seeing this, did not press further.

He could see that Bai Yaoyin was not a frivolous person; her natural reactions during earlier interactions revealed that.

Before long, several dozen stunning beauties lined up and gracefully approached.

Among them, even those slightly older were barely over twenty, and the youngest were just in their early teens, full of youthful exuberance and breathtaking beauty.

If placed in the mundane world, they would undoubtedly be goddess-level figures, admired by thousands.

However, in this Carefree Pavilion of the Imperial Capital, they were merely attendants.

Yet, what truly tugged at Qin Yu’s heartstrings was not their extraordinary beauty or the myriad charms as they lightly disrobed, but a few unique figures among them.

A young girl, her ears like those of an elf, small and agile, resembling cat ears and exuding a hint of playfulness.

Another maiden, with a fluffy fox tail trailing behind her, swaying gently with her steps, adding to her allure...

The wicked Carefree Pavilion, it really devours you whole!

Such trials—what man can withstand them?!