Chapter 676: Firefly Path
Lolan Hill and Su Ye sat at a small table, while Lefi Lika served them both hot tea before taking her seat again.
“Su Ye brought Jialan today to buy clothes?” She placed the book she was holding on her lap and looked at the two of them.
“Yes, Jialan just arrived today and received something from Uncle Lianyin,” Su Ye briefly explained.
“If it’s ordinary clothes, I have plenty here; you can pick whatever you like.”
“But if you need clothes with some ‘special’ effects, then we’ll need some special materials.”
“Your autumn tea apricot flower dress is almost ready; come back in three days to pick it up.”
“Really? Thank you so much, Lefi Lika,” Su Ye said with a delighted expression. This was a custom-made dress of gold quality or above, both beautiful and practical.
Even though she was already an inner disciple, the girl never slackened in her pursuit of beauty, and clothes that were both attractive and functional were highly favored among the disciples.
“Rest assured, I won’t forget. Now, let’s talk more with Jialan.”
“Oh, do people from your West Continent always speak so bluntly? It makes me feel quite sad,” Su Ye feigned sadness, but her expression showed she didn’t really mind such trivial matters.
“Haha, go ahead and chat. It seems like you’ve found an old acquaintance; I won’t disturb you. Also, remember to ask Lefi Lika to make you clothes later; her schedule is quite tight.”
“I’ll take my leave now. If you have time, Jialan, come to the market and visit me. I’ll be on duty here recently,” Su Ye winked at the young lady and then left the shop.
There was no need to worry about Lefi Lika corrupting Jialan; this blonde woman had been here for a long time. According to Uncle Lianyin, Lefi Lika might even be older than him.
After Su Ye left, the shop became much quieter, and the evening breeze occasionally swept through the room.
“Jialan must have guessed my identity,” she lifted a porcelain teacup and took a sip, looking at the tranquil black-haired girl in front of her.
“Senior, are you also a witch?”
“You’re quite clever, aren’t you?”
“It’s been many years since I last left the East Continent. I didn’t expect to meet another witch from the West Continent. When did you awaken?”
“This, it was… about 18 years ago.” Lolan Hill counted the years in her heart, surprised by the passage of time.
“Then you’re still very young.” Lefi Lika looked out the window at the setting sun, its golden afterglow falling upon her, turning her fair skin and crimson dress into one color.
“The last time I returned west was centuries ago. I got used to living in the East Continent and didn’t want to wander around anymore.”
“After the Mercury Dynasty was established, they sent people eastward to support the East, so I came along.”
As they conversed, the sun gradually set, filling the sky with twilight until the room grew dim.
“Well, let’s stop here. It’s been a while since I’ve chatted with another witch, and I talked too much without realizing it,” Lefi Lika shook her head, looking at the cold teapot.
“Jialan, or should I say Lacy, you can pick out any clothes you like. Consider it a gift from me.”
“As a senior, I should take care of juniors like you. If you have any questions or things you’d like to know, feel free to come to me.”
After saying this, Lefi Lika led Lolan Hill to the front hall and rang a wind chime, causing the crystal pendants hanging from the ceiling to emit a soft glow, illuminating the room.
“If you have suitable extraordinary materials, bring them to me. I can make high-quality clothes for you.”
“If you want to learn this craft, I can teach you. My nickname is the Crimson Dress Witch.”
“Don’t be so polite. Go ahead and choose, as a witch, I don’t lack money.”
The young lady looked at the luxurious dresses hanging in front of her, including Bavarian-style dresses, Eastern-style blue-bordered moon white dresses, fitted black lace dresses, and flowing stream dresses. The variety was dazzling, making it hard to choose.
“Why not try this one? This dress is made of Ha Tian Xia fabric, which won’t hinder your movements even during combat.”
Lefi Lika clapped her hands, and a dress floated down from the wardrobe, suspended in the air, radiating a light red glow, with threads emitting a faint magic aura.
[Ha Tian Xia Feather Dress] (Gold Quality, Perfect): Made from Western Sea silk dyed with secret techniques, infused with magical gold threads that enhance its properties, forming intricate arrays for excellent protection and auxiliary effects. [Flight Lv.4][Radiance Lv.3][Durability Lv.3]
Flight: Allows for flight creation, with speed and effectiveness depending on the level.
Radiance: Absorbs mana during the day, with peak efficiency at dawn or dusk.
Durability: Increased resistance to damage.
“This one will do. Though I’ve kept it for a long time, it fits you perfectly. Unlike others, it doesn’t feel like a treasure gathering dust.”
Lefi Lika placed the dress on Lolan Hill’s shoulders, adjusted it slightly, and with a flick of her fingers, the dress changed slightly to better fit Lolan Hill’s figure.
Seeing this familiar scene, Lolan Hill suddenly remembered the witch she had met once.
“Do you know Services?” she asked, referring to the gemstone witch she met at Emanas when she first enrolled.
“Yes, she used to learn how to make clothes from me. She loved adorning dresses with various gems, creating a sparkling effect.”
It seemed Lefi Lika was quite senior, Lolan Hill thought.
They continued chatting, and Lefi Lika wanted to give her a few extraordinary dresses, but Lolan Hill politely declined, saying such gifts were too valuable, and collecting the materials was difficult. Besides, she couldn’t wear so many clothes. Seeing her refusal, Lefi Lika packed a few ordinary clothes instead, but they were still made of good material.
“Well, let’s call it a day. I shouldn’t keep you any longer; otherwise, it will get dark, and the mountain path won’t be easy to walk on,” Lefi Lika said, looking at the now blue-violet sky.
“Thank you, Senior Lefi Lika. I’ll take my leave now,” Lolan Hill said, holding her things and waving goodbye.
After bidding farewell, Lolan Hill walked out of the shop. The market had become much quieter. There weren’t many inner and outer disciples, and they were usually busy with cultivation. Few would venture out at night.
The evening forest was quite dark, but fortunately, stone lanterns were placed every twenty meters or so along the path, shining with a faint yellow light, providing a sense of security.
The white cobblestones stood out in the darkness. Lolan Hill walked on them, heading toward her residence.
A gentle night breeze blew, carrying a few withered leaves. In the woods beside the road, crickets chirped, and occasionally, the low croak of frogs could be heard.
Unfortunately, there was no moon tonight. Lolan Hill gazed at the lanterns lighting the path deep into the forest, feeling a sense of wonder. She turned a corner and passed by a small courtyard where laughter and the sound of cups clinking could be heard. It seemed a few acquaintances were drinking and chatting.
Curious, Lolan Hill listened, and they seemed to be talking about their recent trip to Luo Capital, describing its prosperity and splendor, which was unimaginable to outsiders.
Though she listened, the footsteps of the young lady did not stop, and the sounds in the courtyard gradually faded away.
I’ll visit Luo Capital another time when I have the chance. For now, I should focus on laying a solid foundation, she encouraged herself and continued forward.
The bamboo groves and forest grew increasingly quiet. A tiny blue and white firefly appeared in front of Lolan Hill. She looked at the little insect, whose abdomen emitted a glow, illuminating its thin wings as it slowly flew through the air.
Unknown to her, many glowing fireflies had appeared in the forest. These tiny lights flickered and drifted through the trees, transforming the dark forest into a beautiful scene, as if in a dream.
Walking on this illuminated path, a sense of tranquility and nostalgia filled her heart, reminiscent of the joyous moments of running through rural paths in her childhood.
(End of Chapter)
