Yang Lingrui recalled the earlier situation while Zhu Xuan carefully observed his features.

“This young man’s true appearance far surpasses the portrait. Though the painting captured his face, it couldn’t replicate this transcendent aura. No wonder Miss Hua took interest,” Zhu Xuan thought privately.

When comprehension dawned in Yang Lingrui’s eyes, Zhu Xuan smiled. “Did you remember?”

After feigning contemplation, Yang Lingrui answered, “There was an incident involving the Feng family’s young lady purchasing talismans at the marketplace?”

“Precisely. We’ve found the right person. Follow me.”

“I’ll trouble you to lead the way, senior.”

Trailing behind Zhu Xuan, Yang Lingrui’s mind whirled with calculations.

If the Feng family aligned with the dynasty like the He family did, revealing his identity might secure cooperation in Mayfly Treasure Land. Neutrality like the Su family’s would also be acceptable – the He family’s letter of recommendation should prevent hostility from fence-sitting clans.

The true danger lay in the Feng family supporting a sect. In that case, maintaining his disguise became vital.

During the dozen breaths it took to reach the Feng family camp, Yang Lingrui formulated three contingency plans.

“Miss Yue, Miss Hua, our guest has arrived,” Zhu Xuan announced through the door.

Peering past him, Yang Lingrui spotted a black-robed cultivator hovering three feet above the camp roof. Swirling true essence emanated from the meditating figure, its mere presence pressing like physical weight against Yang Lingrui’s chest.

The imposing aura of a Condensing Essence cultivator!

“How enviable that noble heirs get such powerful escorts,” Yang Lingrui mused, fists tightening inside his sleeves. When he attained Condensing Essence, Yang family juniors would enjoy similar protection.

Inside the camp:

“Elder sister, he’s even handsomer in person!” Feng Linghua trilled. The plain-faced cultivator from the marketplace now wore a delicate pink dress accentuating her slender figure, every movement radiating youthful vitality.

Yang Lingrui hadn’t recognized her earlier due to her disguise. Her listener – the frosty cultivator seated centrally – was her elder sister Feng Lingyue.

The sisters shared similar features despite their five-year age gap. Feng Lingyue had reached the sixth level of Gathering Qi, while Feng Linghua remained at the fourth.

However, Feng Lingyue’s temperament starkly contrasted with her lively sister Feng Linghua’s playful nature, embodying an icy and aloof demeanor.

Clad entirely in plain white with frost-pale features, she resembled the distant moon’s cold glow.

Feng Lingyue’s brow twitched as she watched her sister circle around her, her eyes showing faint helplessness.

“Fine, fine. I’ve already sent Zhu Xuan to summon him,” she told Feng Linghua, though privately scheming.

According to Feng family rules, none could leave home before reaching mid-stage gathering energy. Thus Feng Linghua’s furthest venture had been to their Listening Snow Villa near Qiulu City.

Having recently broken through to fourth-level Gathering Qi, the girl now met the threshold for travel.

This maiden journey made everything new to Feng Linghua, who constantly begged for trinkets.

Common spiritual treasures posed no issue—their family’s wealth allowed easy indulgence. But days earlier, Feng Linghua had sneaked disguised into the marketplace.

Since returning, she’d acted distracted. When pressed, she confessed meeting someone who’d captured her heart!

Feng Lingyue’s mind blanked momentarily.

“Foolish girl!

We could buy any luxury, yet you lose your heart to some marketplace stranger?”

She deemed this infatuation mere naivety from sheltered living.

“Qiulu’s noble sons are all handsome talents you’ve met. What extraordinary appearance could exist in this backwater?”

Moreover, the man traded goods instead of spending spiritual crystals—clearly no aristocrat.

Feng Lingyue resolved to shatter this illusion. Hearing Zhu Xuan’s approach, Feng Linghua fidgeted nervously.

“Sit properly!” Feng Lingyue chided before coolly commanding, “Let him enter.”

Outside, Yang Lingrui steadied himself and pushed open the door.

Before fully entering, Feng Lingyue assessed him:

“Fifth level Gathering Qi—passable.

Steady breathing denotes proper cultivation.

No spiritual resonance confirms his common origins.”

Confidence surged—until she saw his face.

Her thoughts stuttered.

“Am I hallucinating? This… this can’t be real!”

Yang Lingrui’s striking features froze her prepared speeches.

Approaching, he noticed the odd scene:

The younger sister peeked shyly while the elder stared unabashedly.

Baffled but composed, he clasped hands respectfully.

“Willow Leaf Lin Yu pays respects to both ladies.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep