Chapter 675: ‘Red Skirt’ Reifeilika
After receiving the items, Lolan Hill did not immediately leave but instead began chatting with the senior sister she had just met.
The two walked through the marketplace, talking as they went.
“Where does Jialan come from?”
“I came from the Western Continent, but when I woke up, I was already in Min Ze. Some things have been forgotten,” Lolan Hill briefly recounted her past.
“Oh, right. I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m from Bai Er Continent and my name is Su Ye. I’ve recently been promoted to the inner circle.”
“Although I’m only at the fifth tier, I can still answer some basic cultivation knowledge. I’m quite free these days,” Su Ye said cheerfully.
“Thank you, Senior Sister Su Ye,” Lolan Hill indeed had many questions. After all, this senior sister was a visiting disciple, and the information she possessed was much closer to the truth than that of external cultivators.
“I heard that advancing to the fourth tier requires facing some illusions. What about the fifth tier?”
“Well, you hit the nail on the head, Jialan. I didn’t expect you to ask such a key question right away,” Su Ye said, brushing back her hair that was coiled on her shoulder, then explained in detail.
“Compared to before, cultivation now places more emphasis on one’s inner self and willpower. Even the fundamental structure of Extraordinary Core has changed.”
“The first two tiers are just differences in basic structures, but from the third tier onwards, things change.”
“At the third tier, there’s a test of wisdom. If one cannot control certain instincts, it’s hard to pass. This is easy for humans, but very difficult for demon beasts. However, if they pass this test, they become slightly smarter.”
“At the fourth tier, during advancement, there are illusions that attack. These illusions are bizarre and varied—some are tempting, others terrifying, causing great disturbance and disrupting the advancement process.”
“At the fifth tier, during advancement, there are illusions that disrupt. According to some senior aunts, it’s like facing chaotic illusions, though slightly weaker and not directly attacking. But if one’s spirit isn’t strong enough, they might faint or lose their sanity.”
“At the sixth tier, during advancement, distorted illusions attack directly, shocking one’s mind. If one’s will is not firm, they may suddenly lose control and become mentally disoriented.”
“Beyond that, I don’t know. The most powerful senior sister Jin Hua is also only at the sixth tier,” she finished, turning to look at Lolan Hill and continuing.
“But don’t underestimate Senior Sister Jin Hua. Although she’s only at the sixth tier, some seventh-tier demon beasts outside can’t match her. And even though I’ve reached the fifth tier, in a life-or-death battle, perhaps twenty of me wouldn’t be enough to defeat Senior Sister Jin Hua.”
“The reason why the visiting disciples are called so is because they consider everything thoroughly, their extraordinary positions are exquisite, and they have few weaknesses. Generally, they can easily face higher-level opponents outside.”
“For example, if I were to eliminate a sixth-tier demon beast, it would be troublesome, but only relatively so.”
“Many independent cultivators or those from unorthodox paths take shortcuts and use evil methods to advance quickly. While this can reach high tiers, there are many issues with their own strength, making them easy targets for discovery. Furthermore, taking such shortcuts usually works only once or twice, and then the possibility of further advancement is cut off,” Su Ye warned Lolan Hill not to believe in quick-fix pills or secret arts, as many were misleading.
“However, there are those who take these shortcuts and evil paths to the extreme, reaching higher tiers and then compensating for their own deficiencies. That path is the Path of the Demonic Heart. It’s a dangerous path that takes risks, but if mastered, often results in extraordinary power.”
“That’s about all I can say. The rest will become clear as you progress in your cultivation.” After saying this, Su Ye led Lolan Hill to a shop.
“Let’s buy some clothes first. The gauze robe given by Senior Sister Linyin can be worn over the top, while the inner clothing can be chosen according to your preferences.”
Afterwards, Su Ye led Lolan Hill into the shop. It was filled with fabrics and ready-made garments, with new designs. There were Eastern-style flowing feather robes, pleated long-sleeved dresses, and cultivation robes, as well as Western-style lace dresses, Gothic gowns, and black formal wear, all of which left Lolan Hill amazed.
“Reifeilika, I’m here,” Su Ye called out upon entering, as if she knew the shop owner well.
“Mm.” A calm, gentle female voice came from inside, seemingly indifferent to her arrival.
“Are you inside?” Su Ye walked forward and found the shop owner behind a wardrobe.
“As expected, you’re here drinking tea and reading books. So relaxed,” Su Ye greeted her, seeming to have momentarily forgotten about the girl outside.
Lolan Hill didn’t mind such small matters and slowly walked between the wardrobes, examining the fusion of Eastern and Western styles. The clothes combined the Western style of fitting and lace with the Eastern elegance and fluidity, giving off a peculiar charm.
A moment later, Su Ye suddenly remembered something important and smacked her forehead.
“This is Jialan. She also comes from the Western Continent. Maybe you know each other and could chat,” Su Ye pushed the girl forward.
“There’s no way we’d meet here. I’ve been here for years, how could I…”
A woman dressed in an intricate, retro gown sat by a small window. She wore a delicate headdress adorned with true red flowers and white lace, tied with a white ribbon under her fair chin. Her upper body was draped in a true red shawl with layers of red and white lace decorations, and her dress was equally elaborate, with ruffles, bows, and decorations on the hem, a kind of luxurious and intricate court gown for beauty.
This woman had golden hair and light red eyes. When she saw Lolan Hill, a hint of surprise appeared in her eyes, then she suddenly changed her tone.
“Perhaps, we do know each other.”
“What’s your name?” Her light red eyes showed a hint of interest.
“My name is Jialan,” Lolan Hill looked at the woman, feeling a sense of familiarity and warmth, similar to when she first met Tides and the Night Mistress.
“Oh, I’m Reifeilika. You can call me ‘Red Skirt’ if you like,” the woman said, pressing her slender finger to her chin and pondering slightly.
“Yes, you can call me ‘Chexin’ too,” Lolan Hill seemed to understand and replied.
“What are you talking about? I don’t understand. Is this a Western greeting? Or is it a nickname or something?” Su Ye interjected, feeling somewhat out of place.
“So Su Ye should read more books. Learning new things is always good,” Reifeilika stood up, letting the two sit down, then walked to the side to brew a pot of tea and brought it over.
Clear, slightly red tea water was poured into a cloisonné white porcelain cup, producing a slight sound. Light white mist rose, and the two smelled the aroma of the tea, which also carried a faint sweetness.
“Without any other hospitality, is red tea the only thing I can offer?”
(Copyright © Qing Sky, ongoing)
(End of Chapter)
