The Stocking Empire; Returning Home in Glory

The winter sky was clear and cloudless.

Sunlight filtered through the thin veil of the sky, bathing the earth in warmth and tranquility.

Ji Lingruo sat at the small stone table, idly playing Go with Wangshu Fairy.

With her chess skills, she was no match for Wangshu Fairy at all, and almost always lost. But her real intention was not the chessboard; her gaze was not actually on the chessboard, but lingered under the stone table.

Today, Wangshu Fairy was no longer dressed in pure white. She was wrapped in a white Snow Fox Fur and wore a light blue ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) that Ji Lingruo had matched for her. However, this dress was shorter than her usual dress, and when she sat down, her entire calves were exposed.

But her snow-white skin was not exposed, because she was wearing white stockings she had bought from the Qianhua Pavilion. The white silk clung tightly to the curves of her calves, making them long and graceful, and the delicate stockings shimmered slightly, like a pastry made of pure snow.

Color, aroma and taste...

Ji Lingruo found herself watching with endless delight, secretly relieved that You Su couldn't see her, otherwise she didn't know what that kid might do.

Well...

Ji Lingruo sighed softly, having been so engrossed in looking at the ice cream that she had let her senior sister get a double triple again.

She could have stared straight at it, but she chose to cover it up with a game of Gomoku.

After all, we need to do something to relieve the boredom on this dull mountaintop.

A few days ago, I was able to force myself to practice swordsmanship properly, but as time went on, I started thinking about why the blind man hadn't returned yet, and my mind was filled with worry for him, so I couldn't concentrate on my sword practice at all.

She couldn't even concentrate on sword practice, let alone meditation. Ever since Ji Lingruo experienced the benefits of dual cultivation, she rarely meditated.

Even when practicing martial arts, she secretly and diligently studied the cheating manual given to her by the Book Mountain Pavilion, so that she could completely 'trample him under her feet' when You Su returned...

"Senior sister, you're the Goddess of the Evil Warding Department, do you have any information?"

The girl in the green jacket lost another game and, too lazy to tidy up the chess pieces, turned her attention to the aloof Fairy dressed in pure white.

Wangshu Fairy blinked her clear blue eyes and shook her head.

"Sigh, I'm not worried about my senior brother's life, I'm just afraid he'll be out there having affairs again."

Ji Lingruo pouted her pink lips, her worried and resentful expression quite adorable.

While Wangshu Fairy might not be considered a scholar of great learning, she was certainly much more 'cultured' than before, and she understood the meaning of the word:

"Junior brother wouldn't do that. If he did, it would be another woman who approached him," Wangshu Fairy sincerely defended You Su.

Ji Lingruo rolled her eyes playfully, thinking to herself, "Aren't you the same?"

When we first met in Chuyun City, I thought you were someone to be avoided, but it turns out you're just naive and easily fooled.

"Junior Sister, are you thinking about me?" Wangshu Fairy looked into Ji Lingruo, watery eyes.

"Huh? No, no, no."

Ji Lingruo secretly felt that her senior sister's special ability was truly terrifying; she could see right through everything Ji Lingruo thought. How could she possibly compete in palace intrigue with someone like that?

No, we must win them over!

So she coaxed him:

"Senior sister, look, although senior brother doesn't flirt, the flowers and plants still come to him. It's like a great fortuitous opportunity that everyone wants to grab, right? But this fortuitous opportunity is already mine... ours, so how can we just give it away? Don't you agree with me?"

Wangshu Fairy reached out and tapped the chin of her Rabbit Mask, nodding as she said:

"That's right."

Ji Lingruo she knew the child was teachable:

"That's it. So any woman who tries to steal our fortuitous opportunity is a rival. We must be wary of our rivals and protect our own fortuitous opportunity, right?"

"That's right!" Wangshu Fairy nodded emphatically. "When my junior brother returns, I'll lock him in his room and forbid him from going anywhere. I'll exorcise any evil spirits, and if he's hungry, my junior sister will bring him food. That way, no one will be able to steal our fortuitous opportunity."

Ji Lingruo looked at Wangshu in astonishment, unsure whether this was a hidden yandere trait of this pure girl or just a childish, innocent joke.

"Ahem, let's discuss this further... The situation isn't that serious yet. For now, we just need to prevent him from having contact with women other than the two of us."

"Hmm." Wangshu nodded, then said, "The Third Elder has arrived."

Ji Lingruo quickly turned around and saw a mature woman in a green dress flying through the clouds. Her hair was lightly gathered and flowing. She seemed to be very excited, her cheeks flushed, and her mature charm was overwhelming.

This esteemed Third Elder, of course, also arrived via a cloud ladder. After all, who would choose to walk if they could fly?

Ji Lingruo glanced at the Third Elder and immediately knew why he was excited.

It's clear that the design she submitted to the other party has already yielded results.

"Third Elder."

The two girls greeted each other at the same time. The Third Elder was always easygoing and tolerant towards women, and they were used to not bowing to him.

"They're all here, that's good."

The Third Elder's alluring eyes scanned the two women's figures and faces, paying particular attention to their distinctive feet hidden behind their jackets and skirts, which greatly pleased him.

Ji Lingruo she noticed the scrutinizing gaze, but when she thought that the other party would be her long-term partner in the future, she let the Third Elder look at her.

"Third Elder... is it ready?" Ji Lingruo asked tentatively.

The Third Elder smiled charmingly and took out a stack of silk from his bulging chest.

"Thanks to my unwavering dedication to research, I have finally... succeeded!"

She lifted the silk ribbon, and it cascaded down like water.

Under the warm winter sun, the black stockings shimmered subtly, revealing a delicate fibrous texture that made them appear even smoother and more refined.

Ji Lingruo's beautiful eyes widened instantly, sparkling with admiration. She couldn't resist touching it directly, finding it incredibly smooth to the touch.

Judging solely by the craftsmanship of these black stockings, they are by no means inferior to the rare items purchased from the Qianhua Pavilion.

"The Third Elder is amazing!"

The Third Elder was quite pleased with Ji Lingruo's praise, saying, "The skills of the chief of the Qianhua Pavilion are nothing special. It'll be a piece of cake to replicate her."

Of course, she was just bravado; having the stock in hand, she only needed to work backwards to figure it out. Not only her, but all the female disciples on Bihua Peak also enthusiastically studied it with her, and after several days, they finally understood the manufacturing process of the stockings.

"The stockings used by the Qianhua Pavilion are made of Snow Silkworm Silk, which lacks elasticity and is not suitable for most people. They are merely a useless feature, offering only a cooling sensation. But the stockings made by Bihua Peak are made of plant silk, which is not only inexpensive but also has good elasticity, making them suitable for the vast majority of women's figures. You won't feel bad if they get damaged."

The vast majority of these women, of course, included the Third Elder himself.

She wouldn't mention that the stockings Ji Lingruo given her from the Qianhua Pavilion were actually quite tight on her... especially the top of the stockings, which were so tight that her thigh flesh was spilling out... and after wearing them for a day, the stockings on the inside of her thighs even tore open, which was really unsightly.

That's when she devised a way to solve the stretch problem for her fuller-figured female colleagues.

But actually, even with these modified stockings, they still feel constricting against her skin...

"Doesn't this mean... that the stockings you made, Third Elder, might be mass-produced?!" Ji Lingruo asked incredulously.

"Of course."

The Third Elder was very confident; she could name at least five kinds of plants that could be made into stockings.

"I've come to discuss this matter with you. Didn't you say you had many more ingenious ideas? I plan to open a clothing store, just like I sell wine, so that more women can wear novel and unique clothes. You and I, Bihua Peak, will cooperate; you provide the designs, and we'll be responsible for the execution. Let's see if Qianhua Pavilion will still dare to sell at such high prices in the future!"

"Great! We're sure to become a sensation across the entire world!"

Ji Lingruo hadn't expected that the Third Elder would actually succeed in making it. Originally, she had only approached the Third Elder with a try-it-out mentality, thinking that it would be good enough if she could be self-sufficient. But now she discovered that it could be mass-produced, and she had clearly seen a great opportunity to expand and strengthen the business.

It's common knowledge that women's money is the easiest to earn.

They are absolutely willing to go to great lengths to become beautiful.

By then, what's the point of writing books when you're broke?

By then, she will have amassed a fortune and be able to lead the snake clan to prosperity, making them one of the wealthiest tribes in the region. With ample financial support, her sister will be able to lead the snake clan towards a greater revival!

"So, Lingruo, you've agreed?"

The Third Elder was also looking forward to it. She had been on the mountaintop for so long and was incredibly bored. Now that such a fun opportunity was presented to her, she was definitely eager to try it out.

"Uh-huh!"

Ji Lingruo, she didn't really have to rack her brains for clever ideas; You Su had plenty of mischievous schemes. She loved this kind of easy and profitable deal, so how could she possibly refuse?

"Great! You don't need any initial investment to open the shop, just provide the design, and I'll share the profits with you!"

"Thank you, Third Elder!"

Although the specific profit-sharing ratio was not directly determined, Ji Lingruo knew that the generous Third Elder would certainly not treat her unfairly.

The two chatted enthusiastically about their future, while the ever-silent Wangshu Fairy seemed rather lonely on the side.

"Can I... join too?"

The Fairy with blue eyes and white silk stockings asked cautiously.

The two were interrupted by the voice and realized that they had neglected Wangshu Fairy, and both felt a little guilty.

"Little Wangshu wants to play with us too, right?"

The Third Elder was naturally delighted with this; she wished she could build a vast stocking empire filled with beautiful female employees, and she would be the 'emperor'.

Wangshu Fairy nodded. "If I join, will I be able to earn a lot of Spirit Stone?"

"Of course, once we make a name for ourselves, Spirit Stone will flow into our pockets like water!"

Ji Lingruo couldn't bear to see Wangshu isolated; it would be so nice if her lonely senior sister could join them in the lively atmosphere...

"Does Senior Sister really want to make money?"

"Mmm. That way, when we go out shopping or eating, my junior brother won't always have to pay. I want to spend money on him too."

The Third Elder and Ji Lingruo exchanged a glance upon hearing this, and each gave a slight smirk.

"Senior sister, actually I paid too..."

"Little Wangshu, have you forgotten who bought all these clothes for you before?"

"Oh, then I'd like to spend money on you too," Wangshu said obediently.

Both women smiled with relief.

"Letting Xiao Wangshu join is fine, but what can you do? Your hands are for wielding swords, I can't let you stoop to being a seamstress; you don't understand research and development, and you have no design skills..."

The Third Elder muttered to himself, stroking his delicate chin as he paced back and forth, deep in thought...

She suddenly caught sight of Wangshu's white silk-clad feet, and her eyes lit up instantly. She clapped her hands and exclaimed:

"Got it!"

Wangshu quickly blinked her blue eyes and looked hopefully at the beautiful woman.

"I've noticed that Qianhua Pavilion always hangs up its signboard with portraits of famous Fairy wearing its clothes, using this to set trends. How about Little Wangshu becomes the head signboard of my Bihua Pavilion?!"

The Third Elder was very excited, his gaze lingering on Wangshu's white silk-clad feet.

"Xiao Wangshu's legs have not an ounce of excess fat; their curves are smooth yet powerful, making them a perfect work of art! Legs like these can handle any stocking! Moreover, Xiao Wangshu doesn't show her face, which better showcases how different stockings flatter the figure. With you as our brand, how could Bihua Pavilion not be a hit?"

Ji Lingruo wholeheartedly agreed with the Third Elder's assessment. She couldn't believe anyone could look at her senior sister's white silk-clad feet without admiring them, and echoed:

"That's absolutely right! Although Senior Sister doesn't show herself often, her reputation has already spread far and wide, far surpassing those others listed in the Qianhua Pavilion! The publicity effect is definitely excellent!"

Wangshu was stunned for a moment, then said foolishly, "Is it enough to dress like this and have someone draw a portrait of me?"

"That's right! Senior Sister is an elegant Fairy in everyone's eyes, so she should dress so appropriately and beautifully, and then inadvertently reveal a glimpse of stockings, subtle yet alluring, beautiful without being gaudy. That's enough!"

Ji Lingruo certainly wouldn't change her senior sister's conservative style of dress. Her senior sister could still make it onto the Heavenly Immortal Ranking without showing her face, which shows that her beauty didn't need to rely on revealing herself to attract attention.

"I happen to know a female painter whose skills are beyond compare. I've already anticipated that after the Bihua Pavilion becomes famous, Xiao Wangshu, you'll unintentionally offend quite a few beautiful Fairy."

The implication is that Wangshu Fairy will continue to rise in the Heavenly Immortal Ranking.

The Third Elder found it amusing; to rank so high without even showing her face, it was no wonder that so many Fairy ranked below Xiao Wangshu were furious.

However, what she said is not wrong. If Bihua Pavilion develops well, it will be a mutually beneficial process.

"Of course, this depends on your willingness, Wangshu. Your portrait might be seen by many people," the Third Elder kindly reminded him.

Wangshu Fairy rarely appears in public, but her portrait has long been known throughout the world. To use it as a signboard for the Bihua Pavilion is simply to adorn the portrait with a pair of stockings.

Even so, the individual's consent is still required.

Wangshu Fairy pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked:

Are they all curious about what I look like?

The Third Elder was taken aback by what he heard; the "them" the girl was referring to were, of course, the mortals.

"Indeed, many people are curious. If you become the leading lady of my Bihua Pavilion, and things get popular, even more people will be curious... If you don't want that, I'll find you another job..."

"No."

The Wangshu Fairy smiled, her eyebrows curving upwards.

"I agree."

The Third Elder repeatedly confirmed the matter in disbelief, but Wangshu Fairy remained firm in her decision, stating that it was just a portrait and not her True Person being watched by so many people.

The Third Elder was very pleased, thinking that Xiao Wangshu had grown up and was finally no longer so shy.

But that's not the case. This innocent girl, living in her own little world, was simply disgusted by those prying, strange looks.

She also had her stubborn side; the more they wanted to see, the less she would let them, the more curious they became. And she knew that there was only one person in the world who wasn't interested in the face behind her mask, and that was her blind junior brother.

My junior brother is the best...

Yes, this further strengthened the girl's determination to make money.

Amidst the two women's delighted gazes, the chief spokesperson for the Bihua Pavilion was finalized.

And so, technology, design, productivity, raw materials, capital, spokespeople...

Everything needed for a wildly successful clothing store is in place; all that's left is time.

Tao Yaoyao is naturally outgoing and good at creating a lively atmosphere; as the personal maid of the Hua Jing, First Seat, she is actually quite good at maintaining appropriate boundaries despite her seemingly carefree nature.

With her around, the time spent traveling by plane didn't feel so boring.

On the contrary, He Kongyue, who is known for being easy to get along with, is far less harmonious than You Su and Tao Yaoyao.

You Su guessed that perhaps it was because Brother He was a member of the Purification Sect, and because he was rejected by the Evil Warding Department, he naturally felt distant from the people of the Evil Warding Department.

He was about to return to the sacred mountain, and You Su didn't want to go to the Evil Warding Department to report first; he just wanted to return to Lotus Peak.

So he took the opportunity to tell Tao Yaoyao and He Kongyue the story of Cheng Ying Venerable, and also reported the course of his trip to Tao Yaoyao. Of course, he deleted and changed some information about Allah and the Purification Sect, and modified the process of Cheng Ying Venerable turning defeat into victory and overcoming his inner demons.

After hearing the story of Cheng Ying Venerable, both of them sighed with regret.

Although Cheng Ying Venerable had achieved great success, the stain of her childhood remained a thorn in her heart that she could never erase. This led to her being bewitched by the Lord of Dreams and falling into the chaos that followed.

"If a person has inner demons, they are particularly susceptible to being bewitched by evil spirits Dream Master Type. Therefore, whether for one's own Dao Path or for safety, it is best to keep one's thoughts clear and unobstructed."

Tao Yaoyao extended her index finger and spoke in a mature-sounding tone with a face that still looked childish.

She was probably the most qualified person to speak there, after all, she had always acted on her own whims, otherwise how could she have gotten the Lingxu Mountain Range wrong...?

You Su agreed wholeheartedly, nodding frequently.

He Kongyue hesitated in surprise, as if lost in thought, but no one noticed.

Aside from this reflection, the story of Cheng Ying Venerable seems to offer nothing more worthy of in-depth exploration. The Evil Warding Department originally had more bizarre speculations about the truth of the matter, but it seems that everything was caused by the Lord of Dreams glancing at Cheng Ying Venerable.

You Su couldn't help but sigh, "Such powerful Evil God, and three of them at that, could I really kill them all...?"

After three days, You Su finally smelled the familiar air.

They first safely escorted He Kongyue back to his residence, and only then did You Su learn that this young master had been keeping his adventure a secret from his family.

Fortunately, he did not return empty-handed; the Shadow Concealment Technique bestowed upon him by Cheng Ying Venerable was a rare and profound Technique Method.

He Kongyue warmly welcomed You Su and Tao Yaoyao, You Su even took a bath at the He Manor. He Kongyue presented him with a set of expensive clothes, saying that he had never worn any extras in his wardrobe, You Su did not refuse.

He understood the importance of returning home in glory.

If I were to return to the clan in tattered clothes, it would likely cause them concern.

He actually had many questions he wanted to ask He Kongyue, but since Tao Yaoyao was still there, he had to give up and secretly arranged to communicate with He Kongyue using the Xuanji Token.

Afterwards, You Su followed Tao Yaoyao up the sacred mountain.

Tao Yaoyao returned to the Evil Warding Department to report immediately, while You Su returned to Lotus Peak alone.

He walked quickly, offering only brief responses to greetings.

Standing on the cloud ladder, he couldn't help but imagine how his junior sisters and senior sisters would welcome him back to the peak.

Will his junior sister rush over and throw herself into his arms?

Will his senior sister lean over and gently take his hand?

As the ladder rose higher, his smile grew increasingly lewd...

But none of the scenarios he imagined came to pass; no one came to greet him.

You Su then remembered that the cloud ladder had just stopped at the foot of the mountain, which meant that someone had used it to go down the mountain.

What could possibly lead a junior sister and senior sister to go out together?

If they didn't need to go out for meals, these two could stay on the mountain forever.

How come I only came back at this time?

What were they busy with?

You Su was completely baffled.

However, You Su didn't feel too disappointed, because he knew that no matter how empty Lotus Peak was, there would always be a woman waiting for him.

So he slowly stepped into the fairy forest behind the courtyard...