Tan Yin raised her head and saw that the two celestial guards, who had been patrolling earlier, now stood on either side of her, glaring down from above. She paused and patiently explained, “This is a celestial-grade lotus. It won’t wither so easily. Each flower has exactly eighty-one petals. It’s impossible for a mere mortal to tear it off—the roots are stronger than iron wire, and the seeds are extremely hard…”
The bronze halberds pressed closer to her neck, and the guards coldly ordered, “Get up! Leave immediately!”
Tan Yin had no choice but to rise and dust off her clothes. Suddenly, a melodious and enchanting birdcall sounded from above, followed by a shower of fine golden light. Suspended in the air was a magnificent Elysium bird, its feathers as white as snow, with several long golden tail feathers swaying gracefully, exuding an extraordinary aura.
On the bird’s back reclined a man dressed in black robes, with intricate gold embroidery around the collar and sleeves—luxurious and grand. He looked down with curiosity and, after a moment, smiled and spoke, “What’s going on here?” His voice was gentle but carried a hint of casual frivolity.
The two guards immediately dropped their halberds and knelt on the ground, their voices full of respect, “Greetings, Your Highness, Grand Monk.”
At the mention of the “Grand Monk,” the young women in the courtyard let out soft gasps. Was this the renowned Grand Monk of the Youhu clan, a figure of immense status?
The monks of the Youhu clan were unlike the monks of the mortal world. All the clan’s ceremonies and rituals were led by the monks, and aside from the elders, the monks held the highest status within the clan. The title “Grand Monk” didn’t refer to a name but rather to the position of the highest-ranking monk among the Youhu clan.
The man in black robes floated gently to the ground, his garments fluttering as he clasped his hands together in a formal greeting toward the young women. His tone, though slightly flippant, was soft as he asked, “Why are so many sisters gathered here?”
…Sisters?
The young women, covered in sweat, were taken aback. The bolder ones sneaked glances at him. His long black hair was casually tied up, and although his clothing was lavish, it somehow appeared informal on him. It was said that immortals were all extraordinarily beautiful, like the man in purple under the trees. At the very least, they should have a refined appearance. But this immortal’s looks… Ahem. He was rather forgettable, even less striking than the two guards beside him.
The girls were secretly a bit disappointed.
Tan Yin silently observed him from head to toe and back again, finally noticing his left hand. Despite the blazing summer heat, he wore a black silk glove on that hand. Her eyes narrowed—there was no mistake. This was the person she had been seeking. The Grand Monk of the Youhu clan? What kind of monk kept such long hair?
Yuan Zhong smiled as he surveyed the young women, each one as delicate as a lotus flower, with willowy figures. Among them were even a few truly stunning beauties, quite pleasing to the eye. As he looked, his gaze fell on Tan Yin, and upon seeing the worn gold-embroidered pouch hanging at her waist, his brow slightly arched—was that a Qiankun pouch (legendary pouches capable of holding anything)?
He averted his gaze and asked with a smile, “You still haven’t told me, what are all these sisters doing in the Zifang Courtyard?”
A guard answered, “In response to the Grand Monk, these are the young daughters of good families, selected by Lord Tang Hua from Yuan City. A few days ago, several maids and workers over the age of twenty-two were released, and as Lord Tang Hua found himself short-staffed, he selected this group for consideration.”
Yuan Zhong teased with a smirk, “Tang Hua has so much official business, yet he still remembers this? Truly, old habits die hard.”
Before he could finish, the man in purple under the trees spoke up in irritation, “Why don’t you check your own face and see if it’s grown thicker again?”
As he said this, Lord Tang Hua approached with his two stunning maids. His elegance and handsomeness immediately put the Grand Monk to shame, almost as if even his hair were glowing. The girls were practically swooning—this was what an immortal should be like!
Yuan Zhong did, in fact, touch his own face and said earnestly, “It does seem to have thickened a bit.”
Tang Hua could only smile wryly. It was impossible to have a serious conversation with this man. In fact, no one in the clan had ever managed a proper conversation with the Grand Monk. He always joked and interrupted, often telling chilling jokes that made people uncomfortable.
“I need to continue selecting my maids. If you have business, then go, and if not, please leave anyway,” Tang Hua said bluntly, trying to send him off.
Yuan Zhong lazily propped his chin in his hand, grinning, “I happen to be in need of a capable maid myself. Let me pick one first.”
With that, his eyes roamed over the girls, one by one. Each girl he looked at quickly lowered her head, wishing to shrink into a ball.
Yuan Zhong sauntered past, grinning as he inspected each one. Only Tan Yin stared blankly at him. He stopped in front of her, suddenly raised his hand, and lightly tapped her forehead with a playful finger. “You’ll do.”
Amidst the soft sighs of relief from the others, Tan Yin’s calm voice rang out with a trace of surprise, “My name is Ji Tan Yin. I am seventeen years old. It is an honor to serve Your Highness, the Grand Monk.”
Tang Hua gazed thoughtfully at Yuan Zhong. This man, usually lazy and carefree, with his unique status, had never required a maid before. Yet now he had taken the initiative to choose one, which was highly unusual. He had much broader experience than Tanghua himself, so he must have noticed something unusual about this girl. Could it be that the pouch at her waist was indeed the legendary Qiankun pouch?
How could such a rare and priceless treasure be casually carried by a mortal woman? Who was she? The Youhu clan had many enemies; could she have come with ill intent?
Yuan Zhong suddenly turned and glanced at him, and Tang Hua immediately understood—it was time to investigate the girl’s true identity.
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