A Match Made in Heaven; Wangshu's Resolve

Lotus Peak, Lotus Birth Pool.

The mist still lingered above the pool, obscuring the stunning figure of the mountain goddess. Only the iridescent light pierced through the mist, casting a dreamlike glow.

At this moment, He Shutong sat cross-legged in the water, the cold autumn wind blowing her black hair, revealing a face that made people's hearts flutter.

She is like a beautiful and pure lotus flower growing in Lotus Birth Pool, untouched by anything in the world.

Suddenly, He Shutong opened her clear eyes, and a seven-colored light flashed in her eyes before disappearing in an instant.

"Has the first step been completed?"

A gentle, watery voice rang out, and a beautiful woman in a green cheongsam appeared on the shore.

Looking at the Lotus Sword Venerable in the hazy light, even she, a peerless female immortal, felt a slight sense of inferiority. She felt that a true goddess should probably look like the person before her.

"Yes, it went smoothly."

He Shutong stretched out her soft hand and gently pressed it against the center of her full breasts, the source of the iridescent light emanating from her body. This new Lotus Root Heart was reshaping her body.

"Very good. Now all we need to do is wait quietly. You first attained Comprehending the Dao at the Jade Ring Pool, which took a full twenty-five years. This time, who knows how long it will take..."

The Destiny Item has been successfully incorporated into the body and has officially begun to connect with it, which means that the process of fusing with the Destiny Item has officially started on the right track, and there is no need to worry about anything except time.

"I have a feeling it won't be long."

He Shutong gently closed her eyes, sensing her body in a state of deep meditation.

"The Thousand Year Black God Flower might give you a head start."

A black flower emitting a bitter fragrance suddenly appeared in the Third Elder's hand, faintly glowing like thick ink. This black light did not evoke evil; instead, it conveyed a sense of weight and profundity.

"No need to refuse. This flower has already been picked, and it would be a waste not to use it. Just leave it here with you."

As she finished speaking, the strange black flower floated lightly into the mist and finally settled in the crack of the jade behind He Shutong.

"Thanks..."

He Shutong inhaled the calming, slightly bitter fragrance in the air and whispered his thanks to the Third Elder.

The Third Elder smiled charmingly, secretly thinking that her efforts had been quite effective. Although the "thank you" was brief and lacked any self-reference or address, it was not impolite at all; on the contrary, it showed that Lotus Sword Venerable was very friendly towards her.

She accepted the thanks without hesitation, and then said:

"On another level, you've undergone an extra transformation compared to others. Whether it will be as powerful as the first time remains to be seen, but it will ultimately be beneficial. This damage to your spiritual platform might even be considered a blessing in disguise for you."

The Third Elder, having been through it all, knew the vast difference between the Feather Transformation Realm and the Void Glimpse Realm. The existence of Destiny Item grants those who enter the Void Realm the qualification to connect with heaven and earth, thereby receiving the baptism of the Heavenly Dao, undergoing a complete transformation, and being reborn. He Shutong, however, will experience this process twice, which will undoubtedly elevate this already renowned female sword immortal to an even higher level.

"I've actually turned misfortune into a blessing in disguise."

He Shutong's lips curled slightly, and what floated into her mind was that clear-headed, black-clad boy.

The Third Elder paused, clearly realizing the meaning behind He Shutong's words:

"Alas, I wonder whether he turned misfortune into a blessing or misfortune into a curse..."

He Shutong suddenly frowned and asked:

What happened to You Su?

The Third Elder sighed softly. As You Su's master, Lotus Sword Venerable could only be trapped here, constantly Comprehending the Dao, completely unaware of his disciple's situation. But whether it was a divine child or something else, the first thing that needed to be done was Lotus Sword Venerable's approval.

After a moment's thought, she decided to explain to He Shutong in detail what You Su was about to face.

You Su had no choice but to reluctantly cook another plate of stir-fried pork with chili peppers.

As the saying goes, "Without bamboo, one becomes vulgar; without meat, one becomes thin." To be neither vulgar nor thin, try stir-fried pork with green peppers.

This stir-fried green peppers with pork, without any meat, would be tasteless to anyone.

After a hearty meal, Ji Lingruo volunteered to wash the dishes. It wasn't out of a sudden pang of conscience, but rather because You Su had told her:

"Junior Sister, the Third Elder isn't actually that approachable. Her attitude towards you is because she favors you. You just declined her invitation, so you'll have to behave more obediently and sensibly from now on. Let's start with washing the dishes. The Third Elder might come out at any time, so you should wash them as carefully and slowly as possible, ideally letting her see you washing her dishes by hand."

Upon Ji Lingruo quickly nodded and began clearing the table. She was always extremely good at putting on a show, as she loved to be lazy.

You Su lay on his newly purchased recliner, leisurely basking in the equally leisurely autumn sun. Wangshu Fairy sat upright beside him, her white fox fur gleaming slightly in the sunlight.

"Senior brother, I've washed these dishes and chopsticks of the Third Elder so many times they're practically worn raw, do you still want to wash them?" Ji Lingruo shook her pretty hands, which were already swollen from being soaked in water.

You Su took a sip of fragrant tea and said sadly:

"I only said to let her see you washing her dishes, not that you have to keep washing until she sees you. Why don't you just leave the dirty dishes in the pot and wash them when the Third Elder comes out?"

Upon Ji Lingruo's eyebrows shot up in anger. "Then why didn't you remind me earlier when I was washing all this time!"

You Su shook his head and sighed softly, often feeling helpless about his junior sister's mind.

Even doing superficial work requires skill, doesn't it?

"Senior brother is blind, how would he know what you've been washing?" You Su said matter-of-factly.

"You did it on purpose!"

Ji Lingruo embarrassed and annoyed, scooped up a handful of dishwater from the pot and splashed it at You Su outside the kitchen.

Unfortunately, the distance was too great, and apart from a few drops of water, it couldn't reach You Su at all. Even those few drops of water were easily cut off by Wangshu Fairy with a swing of her sword.

Seeing that the masked woman was still protecting You Su, Ji Lingruo stomped her foot in anger:

"You're all ganging up on me!"

"Who bullied Xiao Ling Lingruo?"

The Third Elder's familiar, charming voice carried an air of utmost seriousness and authority.

The beautiful woman walked over with graceful steps, her eyes fixed coldly on You Su, who was lying there leisurely.

You Su quickly stood up and bowed, then, along with the two women, greeted, "Third Elder."

The Third Elder glanced around and immediately noticed that Ji Lingruo was still holding the bowl with the special emerald mark on it. Water droplets still clung to the bowl, which had been washed so thoroughly that it looked newer than a brand new bowl.

She hurried to Ji Lingruo's side, and in the girl's astonished gaze, grasped Ji Lingruo's still-wet hand, then gently stroked it, saying with heartache:

"Did You Su ask you to wash the dishes?"

"Ah? No, no." How could Ji Lingruo really frame her senior brother?

"Third Elder, it was Junior Sister who said she was worried I wouldn't wash them properly and wanted to wash your dishes herself. That's why she insisted on washing them herself, and she's washed them so many times already. We told her to stop washing them, but she wouldn't listen and insisted on washing them thoroughly." You Su reacted quickly and immediately explained for Ji Lingruo.

Upon hearing this, the Third Elder's face immediately lit up with a smile. Even though she could easily see through the girl's affectation, in the eyes of someone who already admired the girl, even her deliberate pretense was adorable.

"Lingruo kind." The Third Elder placed his hands on Ji Lingruo's hands. "From now on, let your senior brother do these dirty and tiring jobs. He's the only man on this peak. If he doesn't do it, who will? You're the Second Young Lady of the Snake Clan. The Xuanxiao Sect didn't accept you as a disciple so you could wash dishes."

I'm shivering and cold. When will we men be able to stand up for ourselves?

You Su was speechless, never expecting that his junior sister's attempt to please him would come at the cost of his life.

"Lingruo has remembered."

Seeing that someone was backing her up, Ji Lingruo glanced at You Su, who looked like a lackey, and smirked arrogantly.

As long as the Third Elder is on her side, how could she possibly fail to deal with her senior brother?

"If everyone in the Xuanxiao Sect were as obedient as you, that would be wonderful."

The Third Elder didn't hold back her admiration. She reached out her right hand to the jade gourd at her waist, and a miniature jade gourd appeared in her hand, which she then placed into Ji Lingruo's palm.

"Please accept this bottle of Hundred Flower Dew; consider it a gift from the Third Elder. Mix a drop into your spring water every morning and drink it; it will not only refine your Root Bone but also preserve your youthful appearance."

"This... I can't accept this," Ji Lingruo hurriedly declined.

"If you don't accept me, does that mean you don't acknowledge me as the Third Elder?" the Third Elder retorted, feigning anger.

Ji Lingruo, but it was only after You Su spoke up that she reluctantly accepted it.

You Su chuckled inwardly. His junior sister was quite adept at playing hard to get. However, his purpose in having her put on this act was simply to extract some gold coins from the Third Elder.

The Third Elder held Ji Lingruo's delicate little hand with obvious affection until she noticed the girl's embarrassed expression. She then turned her face cold and looked at You Su, taking out a dark brown transparent amber from her bosom.

Within the amber, a vibrant crimson flower teems with life, exuding an ethereal charm.

"I've already taken care of preserving the Crimson Immortal Flower you took last time. Here you go."

The Third Elder casually tossed the Crimson Immortal Flower to You Su.

You Su reached out and took it. As soon as she held it, she felt the scorching energy emanating from the Crimson Immortal Flower through the amber, but miraculously, it didn't feel hot to the touch.

"Thank you, Third Elder," You Su said sincerely.

The Third Elder nodded slightly. "The three of you, go find your master one by one. Try to keep it short and don't bother her for too long."

You Su was slightly taken aback, but then agreed.

You Su felt as if the Third Elder had spoken the admonition, "I've bothered you for too long," to him in a way that seemed to be directed at him privately.

After giving the instructions, the Third Elder looked at Ji Lingruo and Wangshu Fairy with a smile again:

"Then you should hurry on your way, don't keep your master waiting too long. Xiao Ling Lingruo, Little Wangshu, the Third Elder will come to see you again next time."

"Okay, goodbye Third Elder," Ji Lingruo said obediently.

Wangshu Fairy softly echoed her sentiment and then walked alone into the fairy forest behind the courtyard.

"Master."

The Wangshu Fairy, dressed in pure white, stood gracefully by the Lotus Birth Pool.

He Shutong looked at her eldest disciple, who was like a daughter to her, and said gently:

"It seems you really like this white fox fur coat. Before, if I hadn't reminded you to wear more clothes when it got cold, you wouldn't have bothered to put them on at all. But you were already wearing this white fox fur coat when your junior brother returned last time. You've been wearing it ever since?"

"Um."

The simple reply left He Shutong speechless, like a taciturn mother who wanted to be close to her daughter but didn't know where to begin when faced with her daughter's growing indifference.

It's difficult to get Wangshu to speak voluntarily; she has to find topics to talk about herself.

"Was it... given to you by the Third Elder?"

"It was a gift from my junior brother." Wangshu gently stroked the fur on the fox fur coat, her blue eyes shining.

"You Su?" He Shutong was slightly surprised. "How could he afford such expensive clothes?"

"It was a gift from the Eleventh Elder to my junior brother, who then gave it to me."

He Shutong then realized and smiled, "He has always been extremely good to those around him."

Wangshu Fairy nodded emphatically, "My junior brother is very good to me. Master, I have a question to ask."

"Ask away if you want."

He Shutong couldn't Wangshu Fairy to ask more questions; she enjoyed the feeling of being needed by her disciple.

What does "perfect match" mean?

"A perfect match?"

He Shutong pondered for a moment before realizing which two words they were. She unconsciously furrowed her brow, like a strict mother discovering her young daughter's budding romantic feelings, and asked sternly, "Why are you asking this?"

Wangshu Fairy keenly sensed the subtle solemnity in the air. She paused for a moment, a rare occurrence, and tentatively asked:

"Can't I ask this question?"

He Shutong couldn't bear to refuse Wangshu, "It's not impossible... Where did you learn about these two words?"

"Here's the congratulatory invitation," Wangshu said honestly.

"A congratulatory invitation? Has any elder of the Xuanxiao Sect recently tied the knot with dao companion?"

The marriage of a Daoist dao companion is a major event. Even though it was known that Lotus Sword Venerable would not attend the banquet, the proper etiquette still had to be observed. Therefore, many congratulatory invitations were sent to Lotus Peak every year. He Shutong naturally thought that a fellow Daoist had found dao companion, since the phrase "a match made in heaven" often appeared on wedding invitations.

"Elder He has found a second dao companion, a female disciple from the Spiritual Treasure Sect," Wangshu Fairy replied truthfully, bowing her head slightly. This matter did indeed cause quite a stir in the Xuanxiao Sect, and it was only mentioned when the Third Elder chatted with Wangshu.

"Elder He? He must be one of the junior elders of the auditorium, right? He's not young at all..."

He Shutong didn't think much of it, only marveling that such an old man could still find a second dao companion and feel a renewed sense of vitality. It was probably this situation of an old man marrying a young man that made Wangshu unable to understand the meaning of this 'perfect match'.

He Shutong explained:

"A perfect match refers to a good spouse; in the context of cultivators, it means a suitable dao companion. If Elder He and that young Spiritual Treasure Sect disciple are truly in love, then calling them a perfect match wouldn't be inappropriate. As long as they truly love each other and can support one another, regardless of age or status, they can be called a perfect match."

Wangshu Fairy's pure white eyelashes trembled slightly:

"Dao companion... does that mean someone you cultivate with?"

"That was indeed the meaning before, but now 'fellow Daoist' and 'dao companion partner' are distinguished. 'Dao companion' is still more often used to refer to a couple who cultivate together."

The girl in the white dress had never felt her heart pounding so hard. She clutched a tuft of white fox fur tightly to her hand, her eyes flickering with a mixture of light and shadow.

He Shutong Wangshu Fairy, still somewhat bewildered by the situation, was discussing matters of love and sex with her innocent disciple for the first time in all these years. She smiled and said:

"After Wangshu, she can find a dao companion to accompany her, so that the path of immortality will not be lonely."

"Um..."

Wangshu Fairy nodded gently, then raised her head, her eyes shining brightly. She reached out and gently placed her hand on the edge where the Rabbit Mask met her jade-like neck, and said to He Shutong:

"Master, I want to take it off."

He Shutong was stunned for a long time, then smiled warmly:

Find the person you want to be, and just go for it!

"Um!"

Wangshu Fairy nodded emphatically.

"Alright, go back now. Get along well with your junior brother and take good care of him. If you have any further questions, come in and find your master."

He Shutong rarely spoke so much with Wangshu, and their conversation was no longer as cold and efficient as before. This feeling of genuinely getting closer to her disciple made her feel warmer than ever before.

This chapter was indeed filler, I'm sorry. I'll speed things up and get to the main story the day after tomorrow. I promise.