As the spatial fluctuations slowly subsided, Mo Lin and his group returned from the secluded valley outside the Demon Flame Space to the core region of the Primordial Chaos Realm—the secluded paradise that belonged solely to them, Mo Garden.
The garden remained steeped in spiritual energy, alive with birdsong and fragrant blossoms. Warm sunlight filtered through the sparse branches and leaves of the Spirit Wood, scattering dappled flecks of light. In the distance, Yun Yun could vaguely be seen playing the zither in a pavilion; Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin were busy in the medicinal garden; Ya Fei sat at a stone table with Han Yue, speaking in low voices; Nalan Yanran practiced her swordsmanship nearby, sword light flashing and flowing; while Cao Ying and Dan Chen stood side by side beneath a flower trellis, seemingly discussing some pill formula. The scene was peaceful and tranquil, yet made all the more lively by the addition of several lovely figures.
However, when Mo Lin appeared, accompanied not only by Cai Lin and Zi Yan, who had gone with him, but also by a peerless beauty in an elegant pale-green dress, graceful and pure as a lotus, the garden's tranquility was instantly shattered.
Several gazes turned toward them almost at once, carrying surprise, curiosity, scrutiny, and a hint of knowing amusement. The beauties scattered throughout the garden also stopped what they were doing, as though by unspoken agreement, and focused on the entrance.
Although Xiao Xun'er had long prepared herself mentally, she still could not help feeling somewhat nervous when she truly faced these eight women, each beautiful in her own way yet all equally breathtaking.
She instinctively straightened her back slightly. Her face maintained the calm elegance expected of a young lady of the Ancient Clan, but her jade-like hand