On the top floor of the House of Paradise, there was a balcony that overlooked the central courtyard. Currently, two important people were having a casual lunch while watching the mildly chaotic scene below where groups of candidates were being herded here and there. These two people were important because they each had a status similar to the madam. They were also disciples of the lord immortal.
Wu Qianyu wore a dress of pure white made from the finest fabrics, a mixture of silk and cotton that was both smooth to the touch and warm against the chilly breeze of spring. Her hair was tied up in several elegant knots. She wore very little jewelry, only a pair of simple earrings and some hairpins. Her appearance was simplistic but it still exuded a sense of cool nobility.
Peng Lingxi sat on the opposite side of the table. Her complexion was ruddy from long days under the desert sun. Her hair was neatly tied in a ponytail but it seemed a little dusty. She wore no makeup or jewelry and a simple gray outfit that was more fitting for commoners. She could have been mistaken for a peasant girl if it were not for her beautiful face.
Sitting in close proximity, the difference was clear. Wu Qianyu was beautiful, but in common sense. She was beautiful because of her demeanor and her status. If an ordinary mortal, she could only be considered most outstanding within a small town. Peng Lingxi was one of those great beauties that came around once in a generation, someone who could easily claim to be the champion of a province, the devil in the hearts of countless admirers.
Her face was long and slender. She had a pair of perfect lips with a naturally red hue. Her eyebrows were curved like crescent moon sabers and her eyes turned into half-moons when she smiled. She was the most beautiful woman who could also play the most handsome man. It was perfection, a gift from the heavens.
Wu Qianyu stared at this stunning face throughout the meal. It was a surprise when Peng Lingxi came back early from the southern desert. It was an even greater surprise when she requested to have lunch together.
Given her appearance, it wasn't surprising that Chen Wentian would be attracted to her. It would be difficult for most men to resist. However, it was somewhat hard to believe that Peng Lingxi had fallen in love with Chen Wentian all those years ago. Even after hearing the story, Wu Qianyu wasn't sure what to make of it. She was a person who had ignored love all of her adult life until recently. She had ignored all kinds of men as well as their advances. The concept of falling in love at first sight was difficult to understand.
Wu Qianyu put down her chopsticks and wiped her lips with a napkin, "Sister Lingxi, I hope you don't mind the locale. Sister Qingcheng's house is the closest place where everyone can gather."
Peng Lingxi smiled, "It's alright. I don't mind. It is human nature, after all. Although, I wonder if master also enjoys such things."
"Naturally no." Wu Qianyu replied quickly, "It was only a business out of necessity. Have you heard about the Bright Moon Kingdom…"
She briefly retold the story of the province before Chen Wentian came here. It was a harsh place for commoners where their wives and daughters could be kidnapped to the serve unsatiable appetite of the capital city. The House of Paradise was meant to right the wrongs of the past and give those women who were willing a place to safely practice their trade.
Wu Qianyu continued, "I want to emphasize that master has not once looked in interest at the offerings of the House of Paradise. Also, he has never touched the girls that worked as servants and gardeners within Ten Thousand Flower Valley."
Peng Lingxi took a sip of wine and rolled the cup in her hand, "I thought that was the case. Chen Wentian isn't that type of person but it is good to hear it from you."
"Were you not worried?" Wu Qianyu asked.
"Not worried. How about you, Sister Qianyu? Were you worried?"
Wu Qianyu wanted to reply just as quickly and with the same conviction. However, that would be a lie as she had been worried. She had gradually fallen for her master. So, it was natural to worry.
Peng Lingxi smiled again, "I also think the House of Paradise is a good thing. I understand the needs of men. I also understand the difficulties of being a woman."
"You are quite open-minded." Wu Qianyu replied, "But there are many who aren't so. Our master isn't exactly the most popular person among the immortal community. They look down on the House of Paradise and slight him for his preferences in disciples, namely us."
Peng Lingxi laughed lightly, "They are jealous, of his good fortune and also his abilities. Tell me, Sister Qianyu, have you ever been jealous?"
Wu Qianyu stared at her counterpart, unsure of what to say. It wasn't far from the truth to say that she was jealous. She was a person with real emotions. It was natural for her to feel some negative things when her beloved was surrounded by so many great beauties.
She was a person who had suffered many pains in her past. She had clung onto her master as he was her only lifeline. And when he treated her so well, with so much compassion, she couldn't help but fall for him, fall so deeply that she became afraid. Would their love continue? Would his attitude change in the future? He was her only support. If he was gone, she wouldn't know what to do.
Peng Lingxi observed her counterpart and the minute expression flitting across her face. There was doubt, worry, as well as defiance. Wu Qianyu was a strong woman on the outside. But inside, perhaps not so much.
"Sister Qianyu, you love master very much."
It wasn't a question and Wu Qianyu didn't deny it. She nodded slowly, eyeing Peng Lingxi carefully.
"You two have been through many experiences so is natural to have those feelings. I have to admit that I am envious. I love him too but our memories together can be counted on one hand. But I don't feel jealous of you or the other disciples. I am also not afraid of whether or not he will love me back."
"How can you…" Wu Qianyu began but Peng Lingxi cut her off with a wave.
"Sister Qianyu, we are cultivators. We are not women who look after the home and raise the kids. I use my love for him as my reason to get stronger. I want to be strong enough to fight for him and to fight for his love. With a sword in hand, I will walk the path so that I can stand by his side in the future. If you have this conviction, then you won't be afraid, you won't be jealous of others."
"Is that your conviction? Is that your way of the sword?"
"It is. Would you like to see it?"
There was a long pause as the two women considered each other. Both of them were around the same age. It could be said that Peng Lingxi's mentality was superior. She had far more real-life experiences as the core disciple of a top sect. But Wu Qianyu's emotions were far deeper and more powerful. Happiness, pain, love, and loss; all of them were her sources of strength.
In a flash, the Purple Jade Sword within its scabbard appeared at Wu Qianyu's waist. The sword carried on Peng Lingxi's back popped out of its sheath in response.
"Sister Lingxi, please instruct me."
"Sister Qianyu, please."
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