Chapter 476 - 249: The Empire of Stockings; Returning in Glory
Ji Lingruo agreed with the Third Elder’s evaluation. She couldn’t believe anyone could look at Her Senior Sister’s white silk feet without admiration, and she echoed:
"Absolutely right! Although Senior Sister rarely shows her face, her beauty has long been known far and wide, and her reputation far surpasses many hanging in Qianhua Pavilion! The publicity effects would definitely be great!"
Wangshu was taken aback and said blankly, "Just dressed like this, and letting others draw a portrait of me, that’s enough?"
"Exactly! Senior Sister is the graceful fairy in everyone’s mind. She should be dressed just so, gracefully and attractively, inadvertently revealing a section of silk stockings, beautiful but not gaudy. That’s more than enough!"
Ji Lingruo certainly wouldn’t change Senior Sister’s conservative dressing style. Senior Sister could make it onto the Celestial Immortal List without showing her face, which proves her beauty doesn’t need to rely on exposure to capture attention.
"I happen to know a female painter with unparalleled skills. I’ve already thought about it; after Bihua Pavilion becomes famous, Little Wangshu will inevitably unintentionally offend quite a few beautiful fairies."
The implication is that Fairy Wangshu would continue advancing in the rankings of the Celestial Immortal List.
The Third Elder secretly found it amusing; not showing her face yet ranking near the top, it’s no wonder so many fairies ranked below Little Wangshu are exasperated.
However, she didn’t argue; if Bihua Pavilion develops well, then that’s a reciprocal accomplishment.
"Of course, Little Wangshu, you need to be willing. Your portrait might be seen by many people." The Third Elder kindly reminded her.
Fairy Wangshu rarely showed her face, but her portrait had already spread across the Five Continents, and the endorsement for Bihua Pavilion is merely to adorn the portrait with a pair of silk stockings.
But even so, she still needed the individual’s consent.
Fairy Wangshu pondered for a moment and suddenly asked:
"Are they all curious about what I look like?"
The Third Elder was taken aback by her words. The ’they’ in the young girl’s words obviously referred to everyone.
"Indeed, many are curious. If you become the marquee face of my Bihua Pavilion and it gains popularity, even more people will be curious... If you don’t want to, I’ll think of another job for you..."
"No."
Fairy Wangshu smiled with a twinkle in her eyes.
"I agree."
The Third Elder repeatedly confirmed in disbelief, but Fairy Wangshu was quite adamant about her decision, expressing that it’s just a portrait; it’s not like her real self will be ogled by so many people.
The Third Elder was relieved, thinking Little Wangshu had matured, finally no longer so timid.
But the truth was quite different; the pure girl living in her own small world merely felt disgusted by those prying eyes.
She also had a stubborn side; the more they wanted to see, the more she wouldn’t let them, teasing their curiosity to the extreme. And she knew, there was only one person in this world not interested in seeing beneath her mask—her blind Junior Brother.
Junior Brother is the best...
Mmm, this also strengthened the girl’s resolve to earn money.
Under the surprised gazes of the two girls, the chief spokesperson for Bihua Pavilion was finalized.
And just like that, technology, design, productivity, raw materials, capital, spokesperson... All the necessary elements for a successful clothing shop were ready; the rest was up to time.
...
Tiao Yaoyao had a cheerful disposition and was excellent at enlivening the atmosphere; being the maid of Hua Jing’s head made her seem carefree, yet she actually was quite adept at measuring the occasion.
With her here, those flying journeys wouldn’t appear dull.
On the other hand, He Kongyue, known for being easy to get along with, did not share the same jovial rapport with You Su and Tiao Yaoyao.
You Su speculated it might be because Mr. He was with the World Purification Sect, as he was refused entry by the Exorcism Bureau, hence held a natural distance towards its members.
Soon they would return to Return God Mountain; You Su had no desire to report first to the Exorcism Bureau, only wanting to go back to Lotus Peak.
So he took the opportunity to share Mr. Chengying’s story with Tiao Yaoyao and He Kongyue, reporting the journey’s happenings to Tiao Yaoyao, while omitting details about the True Lord and the World Purification Sect, and altering the account of Mr. Chengying’s victory over the Heart Demon.
The two listened to Mr. Chengying’s story and lamented its misfortunate.
Mr. Chengying had already achieved fame, yet the blemish from her youth remained a constant thorn in her side, leading her to be tempted by the Master of Dreams and fall into subsequent chaos.
"If a person harbors a Heart Demon, it’s easier for them to be seduced by the evil of Dream Masters. Hence, for the sake of one’s path and safety, it’s best to keep one’s mind clear."
Tiao Yaoyao stuck out her forefinger, her youthful face uttering worldly-wise words.
She might be the one most entitled to speak on the matter, being always carefree in her actions—how else could she end up mistakenly finding Spirit Void Mountain Range...
You Su concurred with her sentiments, nodding frequently.
He Kongyue was shocked and lost in thought, unnoticed by others.
Mr. Chengying’s saga didn’t seem to hold further profound inquiries beyond this reflection; the Exorcism Bureau had more bizarre speculations about the ordeal’s truth, but it appeared all stemmed from the Master of Dreams simply taking a glance at Mr. Chengying.
You Su couldn’t help but grieve; such a powerful Evil God, and there were three of them... Could he truly vanquish them?
After three days, You Su finally inhaled the familiar air.
They first safely escorted He Kongyue home, and only then did You Su realize this young master was secretly venturing without his family’s knowledge.
Luckily, he did not return empty-handed; the Shadow Concealment Skill bestowed upon him by Mr. Chengying was indeed an invaluable skill.
He Kongyue hosted You Su and Tiao Yaoyao warmly, with You Su even specially taking a bath at He Mansion. He Kongyue gifted him an exquisite attire, claiming it came from an untouched stock in his wardrobe, which You Su graciously accepted.
He understood the principle of returning gloriously.
If he donned ragged clothes on his return to the sect, it might cause them worry.
He indeed had many queries to pose to He Kongyue, but held back due to Tiao Yaoyao’s presence, discreetly arranging to communicate with He Kongyue via the Xuanji Order.
Afterward, You Su ascended the Divine Mountain with Tiao Yaoyao.
Tiao Yaoyao returned to the Exorcism Bureau first to make her report, leaving You Su alone heading back to Lotus Peak.
He moved swiftly, responding briefly to greetings from others.
He stood on the cloud ladder, letting his imagination wander—how would his Junior and Senior Sister welcome him back?
Would his Junior Sister rush over into his arms?
Would his Senior Sister come over and gently hold his hand?
As the cloud ladder ascended, his smile grew bolder...
Yet none of the scenarios he envisioned occurred; no one came to greet him.
You Su then recalled that the cloud ladder earlier had stopped at the foot of the mountain, indicating someone had taken it down.
What could have prompted both his Junior and Senior Sister to go out together?
If not for a meal, these two could remain atop the mountain indefinitely.
Why was it that upon his return, he stumbled upon this opportune moment?
What were they occupied with?
You Su was utterly baffled.
Nonetheless, You Su did not feel overly disappointed, for he knew no matter how empty Lotus Peak became, there would always be a woman awaiting him.
So he slowly made his way into the fairy forest at the back of the courtyard...