The weather was beautiful today. Sunlight shone brightly overhead, while the bamboo grove below was lush and green. A gentle breeze drifted through, carrying the curling smoke from farmhouses, and emerald bamboo leaves swayed slowly in the wind. Everywhere the eye could see was filled with poetic beauty.
Of course, to certain people with discerning eyes, it was no mere poetic beauty. It held the meaning of the Dao—the Dao of nature.
Mo Caihuan had indeed chosen a fine place. It was no heavenly grotto or blessed land, and it had little spiritual energy, let alone a spiritual spring. But it was far from the bustle and clamor of the city and the villages, making it a good place for quiet cultivation.
Even the finest places, however, were not free from trouble...
And today was no exception.
It was not yet noon when Miss Zhao and Xiao Cui'er, who had arranged to meet again when they parted yesterday, arrived together once more. As soon as they reached the place, they began softly calling Mo Caihuan's name from outside the formation.
"Miss Zhao!"
"Little Sister Cui'er!"
"Come with me. It's not convenient to talk here. A few days ago, I had someone build a bamboo pavilion up ahead and prepare some tea and pastries. Let's go there and talk."
This time, though, Mo Caihuan did not appear from within the formation. She emerged directly from the bamboo grove behind them instead, then led the two slightly surprised women to a simple but rather elegant pavilion nearby. There, they took their seats, with the host and guests arranged in order.
It was obvious Mo Caihuan had been waiting for them for quite a while. She had even prepared the tea and pastries in advance, just waiting for the two to arrive.
"Wonderful!"