Lord Xuanshan

The palace complex beneath Weiyu Mountain did not look large from the outside, seeming to consist only of the area enclosed at the Foot of the Mountain. But once they truly entered, they discovered it was enormous, layer upon layer, seven levels in all.

The first level mainly consisted of mountain-gate corridors; the second, flower beds and lawns; the third, stone hills, ponds, and waterside pavilions; the fourth, terraces, towers, and lofted halls; the fifth, secluded groves of pines and bamboo; the sixth, little bridges and clear springs; and the seventh, cascading waterfalls and stone caves. Every level covered vast ground and housed many spirit birds and beasts.

There were sika deer lingering beside the corridors, squirrels and apes leaping through the woods, sheep and rabbits grazing on the lawns, colorful koi swimming in the ponds, white foxes gazing out from railings, and packs of wolves running through the forest. Peacocks and egrets occasionally flew overhead. It was truly enough to dazzle the eye.

"These are nothing. There are black-spotted tigers and golden coin leopards in the Grotto-Heaven too. They're spiritually aware. I've ridden both. The black-spotted tiger was quite comfortable to ride, but not the golden coin leopard. It jolted too much." Seeing that Liu Xiaolou was rather interested in these spirit birds and beasts, Ninth Mistress said a little more.

"Does Weiyu Sect sell deer and rabbits?" Liu Xiaolou could not help asking.

"They are not for sale, but they are occasionally gifted to those with affinity," Ninth Mistress answered.

"How many spirit stones does it take to form such affinity?"

"No number of spirit stones has anything to do with affinity!"

"Then that is quite regrettable."

"Isn't Big White and Little Black on Qianzhu Ridge enough for you?"

"Those two beasts are sharper than I am. Dealing