Chapter 661

Chapter 661 – Farewell at the Long Pavilion

Two weeks later, inside the elf shop.

Lolan Hill sat in the shop wearing an elegant elven dress. The dress was predominantly white with off-shoulder sleeves and a neckline that transitioned from light green to light red, adorned with floral lace. The cuffs and hem of the dress were decorated with intricate golden leaf patterns, while below the collar and shoulders, there was a thin transparent chiffon overlay, giving it a dreamy and ethereal aura.

The belt was a gradient of light green, encircling the slender waist of the young lady with a simple bow on the side, creating a light and airy feel.

“Reese looks so beautiful in this outfit,” Aitexi clapped happily, looking at the shy girl sitting at the table.

“There’s no need to be so bashful. Everyone really likes Reese,” she added.

“Yes~” After Aitexi finished speaking, the maids behind her responded in unison, followed by various laughter.

After meeting Aitexi, Lolan Hill came over several more times. She first experimented with catalyzing the holy tree seed, then tried other plants.

Although Lolan Hill’s current strength wasn’t enough to catalyze the holy tree seed, she succeeded easily with other plants, resulting in the production of fruit.

[Yellow Jade Fruit] (Bronze Level, Rare): A fruit commonly grown by the elves, which can replenish many nutrients, reduce heart fire, and make one’s thoughts clearer.

In such a short time, Lolan Hill, who was still at Sequence 2, achieved these results, truly surprising Aitexi. Then, she pulled Lolan Hill aside and asked the elf maids in the shop to measure her figure.

Days later, this slightly luxurious elven dress was made.

“As expected, pretty girls should wear pretty clothes; it would be a waste otherwise,” Aitexi nodded in satisfaction.

Taking advantage of the early morning when there were few customers, the maids played around for a while before gradually dispersing.

“Little Reese, I’ve already inquired about the matter I promised to help you with. This afternoon, a representative from a faction will come over. You just need to chat with her, and you’ll be able to join the sect.”

“Is it really that easy? Aren’t there many assessments?” Lolan Hill raised her head.

“Well, naturally, my influence is quite significant. Haha, don’t joke around. In fact, you’re already very outstanding, so there’s no need to worry about others not valuing you.”

“Seriously, if our elves had factions in the Eastern Dragon Continent, we’d definitely recruit you. We wouldn’t let talent go to waste.”

“But this election has produced many capable individuals, which deeply surprised me,” Aitexi paused briefly before continuing.

“Do you know, every year a few exceptionally talented individuals emerge, given the large population base. But this year feels like there are even more. Like you, Ying Canxiao, Wu Xingkui, and Huang Gu. Usually, only one or two would stand out, but this time four have emerged.”

“Speaking of Ying Canxiao, he’s certainly made up his mind,” Aitexi said, referring to Ying Canxiao as a child, which created a peculiar contrast with her youthful appearance.

“He was originally the grandson of the former master of the Black Robe Palace. Though gifted, joining the Wild Goose Sect as a core disciple was risky. Core disciples in major sects are usually limited in number, mostly inner disciples.”

“But his actions during the banquet that night were akin to presenting a token of loyalty.”

Aitexi recounted the process she heard from Erin, and Lolan Hill listened intently to the gossip about the Eastern Continent’s sects.

“If I were a representative of the Wild Goose Sect, encountering such a scenario, I’d likely take him on as a disciple and cultivate him as a core disciple.”

“Do you know why? Because this sets a good example and puts pressure on the other three sects.”

“You see, the most outstanding genius among the Seven Thunders, and a descendant of the Black Robe Palace, has joined the Wild Goose Sect. This suggests that the Wild Goose Sect surpasses the other three sects significantly, setting a trend.”

“And indeed, recently, many new members have actively reached out to the Wild Goose Sect, becoming its disciples.”

“But doing so makes him quite hated,” Lolan Hill analyzed.

“Yes, his existence is like a living signboard, indicating the Black Robe Palace’s decline.”

“Being despised by the Black Robe Palace, the other two sects won’t have much goodwill towards him either.”

“Originally, a small matter like joining a sect has become a big deal, causing a stir. But this is also his clever move.” Aitexi raised her finger.

“Because if he didn’t do this, even if he joined the Wild Goose Sect, he would just be treated as an ordinary inner disciple, given how many geniuses there are in major sects.”

.“Now that we have incurred hatred, we are also firmly bound to the Yanhang Gate. This way, the sect will be willing to invest resources in his cultivation.”

“So, this child is very decisive,” said Aitexi as she picked up the water pitcher beside her, pouring cold orange juice for both herself and Lolan Hill, dispelling the summer heat.

“That’s true,” Lolan Hill responded, holding the cup and taking a small sip.

“If you were in Can Xiao Ying’s position, would you do the same?” Aitexi suddenly asked.

“I probably wouldn’t. I don’t really like conflicts,” Lolan Hill replied. Despite now possessing much power, she had always been someone who tried to avoid confrontations since childhood.

“Good girl, little Lacy,” Aitexi whispered softly.

“But life isn’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes, one must fight when they should,” Aitexi worried about the cute girl being bullied.

“I understand,” Lolan Hill blinked. Although she leaned towards kindness, she wasn’t ignorant. She would take action when necessary.

If the opponent truly deserved it, she wouldn’t hesitate to wield a deadly weapon. The more she understood life’s hardships, the less she could tolerate disgusting and bullying scenes. It was just that her usual demeanor made people hard to believe she could make such decisions.

Thinking back to those days in Hope Lane, even until Edli’s death, she found it unbelievable that this girl could be so decisive and unwavering.

“Alright, alright, let’s not talk about this anymore. Today, accompany me to the backyard to practice swordplay,” Aitexi raised her cup and drank the cool juice.

— — —

That afternoon, on the third floor of the elf shop.

A woman in her thirties to forties sat at the table, wearing a yellow dress like fallen leaves. A golden hairpin adorned her hair at the back, resembling a bird with pearls hanging from its beak.

This woman sat in front of Lolan Hill, with a deep red flower pinned to her right lapel. The petals were long and slightly curved, emitting a faint fragrance.

The woman quietly observed Lolan Hill. They sat facing each other in silence for several minutes.

“Yes, you’re suitable. You’ve passed.” After a long while, the woman spoke.

Oh, so this is how the assessment ends? Lolan Hill was slightly surprised.

“Since you’re the right person, I’ll tell you our faction’s name. My name is Chi Wu, from the Huilu Continent, the Zhuo Ri Xiang Yu Sect.”

“However, passing the test is just the beginning. If you want to become a core member of the sect, it depends on your own efforts,” she quickly explained after making up her mind.

“Our sect was founded by the immortal Red Elm, who once crossed the West with the Yellow Bird. Later, he returned and passed down the teachings. Our main practices include Hidden Dragon, Nine Hells, and Heaven Blocking. Throughout history, some have even ascended the nine-tier ladder.”

“This is the Huangzhi token. Keep it with you. Travel west alone for a thousand miles. Once you enter the Huilu Continent, someone will guide you. If you haven’t arrived before the winter solstice, then it means there’s no destiny.”

“That’s all for today,” she stood up, removed the flower from her collar, and placed it on the table.

“This red fiber flower is a gift for you,” she then left gracefully, her figure like smoke.

Lolan Hill wanted to say something but didn’t know what. Seeing the woman descend the stairs, she remained standing for a while before sitting back down.

She looked at the two items on the table.

[Huangzhi Token] (Silver Rank, Excellent): Made by the Zhuo Ri Xiang Yu Sect, used to test new members. It can be sensed by sect disciples and has some protective properties, causing minor damage to ghosts.

[Ghostly Red Fiber Flower] (Gold Rank, Rare): Used to soothe spirits. It benefits those who practice the Necromancer Sequence, nourishing the soul and calming the mind.

The girl recalled the scene. The woman was impressive, reaching Sequence 6 in this changing world, almost among the top few in the world. Only a few Sequence 7 individuals could surpass her.

As Lolan Hill examined the red fiber flower, footsteps echoed from the nearby stairs, slow and light.

“Little Lacy, congratulations,” Aitexi seemed to know the result and happily walked over.

“Ah, I didn’t expect Lady Chi Wu to give this to you too,” she looked at the flower on the table.

Red Flowers.

  ”This must be carefully preserved; it will be greatly beneficial when you advance to Sequence 5. It can help you resist those confusing phantoms,” Aitexi pressed her finger against her chin, recalling the effects of the flowers.

  ”It seems quite suitable for refining medicinal pills. We should find a master from the Wanzihong Valley to do it; otherwise, it might easily go to waste.”

  ”Alright, Lacy. Let’s celebrate today.” With that, Aitexi descended the stairs and began calling out to the other maids.

  Outside the Elven shop, in the carriage.

  Erin and the yellow-robed woman sat inside the carriage as the wheels slowly turned, heading towards the outskirts of the city.

  ”How is that child?” Erin looked at the woman in front of her, noticing the absence of the red thread flower on her collar, knowing that Lolan Hill had passed.

  ”She has a good foundation and a calm temperament, not shallow or hasty.” Then she paused.

  ”Mm, what about the other aspects?” Erin asked curiously.

  ”How could I tell everything after just sitting with her for a while?” The yellow-robed woman glanced at her and spoke softly.

  ”You Easterners overthink the Nine Yin Path. This path cannot read minds or see one’s future achievements at a glance.”

  ”In fact, most disciples in their early stages are unpredictable. People’s hearts are like transparent stones, unseen by anyone, even themselves.”

  ”Enough, I won’t discuss these Eastern notions of introspection and ideals with you,” Erin shook her head, a faint smile on her face.

  ”Just seeing you here makes me feel at ease.”

  Chiwu picked up the tea on the table and slowly took a sip, his brows slightly relaxing before setting it down.

  ”So much has happened over the years. Unconsciously, twenty years have passed since we met,” she said gently, looking at the still youthful ice elf in front of her, remembering the night they spent together crossing the Luminescent Sea.

  ”I never imagined that the spoiled little ice elf lady would adapt to a simple life now.”

  ”That’s life. Though simple, I like this peace and tranquility. Sitting on the roof every day watching the sun set is a joy.”

  The two continued their conversation until the carriage left the city.

  ”Let’s stop here. After leaving the city, the other four factions won’t detect any traces,” Chiwu looked at Erin standing beside her on the road by the pavilion.

  ”Alright, see you later,” Erin waved.

  Chiwu nodded slightly and took out a small gourd from her sleeve. After opening the lid, a bird-like phantom materialized beside her and condensed into a yellow crane.

  Mounting the yellow crane, Chiwu gradually transformed into a distant black dot and disappeared into the distance.

  ———

  After receiving the two items from Chiwu, Lolan Hill also intensified her practice. She often came to the shop to exchange cultivation experiences with Aitexi.

  Meanwhile, other geniuses in the Great Selection chose their factions.

  Ying Canxiao joined the Yanhang Gate, Huang Gu entered the Yonglei Mansion, Wu Xingkui was preparing to go to Ruolan Continent where there was a hidden upper faction, and Tang Nanlian packed her luggage, ready to head to the Qinglu Plain in Muching Continent.

  On the day of parting, several people who had met at the banquet gathered again, but this time there were fewer, only about ten people.

  Inside the pavilion on the half-slope outside the city, a banquet was set up with a small red pot simmering in the middle.

  ”Jialan sister,” Tang Nanlian sat next to Lolan Hill, expressing her hopes and concerns for the future. She hoped to shine brightly at Qinglu Plain and worried about not being recognized after climbing the mountain, unable to enter the sect.

  ”Give it a try; there will always be a way,” Lolan Hill comforted Tang Nanlian, then looked at the others at the table.

  Huang Gu remained silent, not because he was introverted, but because he didn’t know what to say, so he ate and drank freely, appearing very carefree.

  Wu Xingkui raised his cup, gazing at the bright blue sky outside the pavilion, reciting softly, lost in thought about new verses.

  Ying Canxiao sat alone on one side of the table, no one on either side, drinking slowly, his gaze fixed on the delicacies on the plate, but his thoughts seemed elsewhere.

  ”After this departure, who knows when we will meet again. With this drink, I bid farewell to all my friends, wishing them a smooth journey,” Lan Yuanqing stood slowly, saying farewell, and everyone else rose as well.

  In the joy of the banquet, these youths around 18 years old parted ways, each heading towards their own futures and destinies.

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