Zhuting Club / Conspiring and Planning?

Ling Xiaoyu, Su Xiaoxiao, and Luo Xiyan are all busy with missions at the Magic Association. They've heard that a "Magical Nightmare" has recently occurred in Linzhou City, resulting in many deaths. The Magic Association and the Ninth Bureau have already launched an investigation.

However, thinking back to what happened in the Magic Association's mission hall, she couldn't help but feel a tremor in her heart and a deep sense of admiration.

The tasks on the interface are diverse, covering all walks of life. The women are almost all-around workaholics, and they are all kind-hearted people who are worth learning from.

After quickly finishing her lunch, Ling Mengxue returned to her room without hesitation and immediately entered the dream world to cultivate.

As for that sword technique, you can figure it out yourself slowly; who knows how long it will take to master it.

"And then there's Ling Xin. I can sense that she's very strong now. She's mastered so many skills that I can't even count them all. Although I can automatically learn them too, their power has been weakened to that of Apprentice, greatly diminished..."

[Master, you must cultivate diligently. There Xi He is not telling you for your own good. Only by enduring the trials and tribulations of wind and rain and undergoing long tests can a flower bloom with stunning beauty!]

Similarly, only through profound and painful trials can one grow step by step.

Xi He may have intentionally concealed some important information in the past, causing her master to repeatedly put herself in danger, but this cannot be changed; the limitations of the Law of Destiny prevent me from giving any hints.

But as long as the owner knows that all of this is beneficial to you, perhaps one day in the future you will feel fortunate.

Ling Mengxue: "..."

"Although you speak eloquently and logically, making sense to me, I still really want to chop you up~"

Chapter Ninety-Six: Ramie Court Club

When I arrived at school in the afternoon, everything was as usual.

Besides the many students preparing for the school festival, those who didn't do well on the entrance exams were also worried about how to get through Friday's parent-teacher conference.

Ling Mengxue had never seen them so anxious and worried before, and she wasn't particularly surprised that they were all so flustered this time.

They are now in their final year of high school, a crucial turning point in their lives. If they don't work harder now, they will be the ones who suffer when they get to university.

For parents of high school seniors, it's not hard to guess what will happen after the parent-teacher meeting if they know their child is not doing well academically and is not taking things seriously.

Especially at noon, I practiced that sword technique in the Starry Dream Realm. I practiced for half a day, but I didn't even get the progress bar to go up by one percent.

That's just... outrageous!

After school, Liu Yinxuan gave a last-minute announcement about the arrangements for the school festival and some details about the parent-teacher meeting. Finally, the students were able to go home and find their mothers.

Just as they were about to leave, this young master Shangguan came looking for them again.

"Ling, please wait a moment. My sister would like to meet you. Do you have some time?"

"No."

"??"

Shangguan Li was surprised that Ling Mengxue answered so readily, but she still patiently explained.

"Ling, don't be in such a hurry to refuse. You can do it anytime these next few days. My sister, Shangguan Tao, is the captain of Miracle Idols. You must have heard of her, right?"

"I don't know him."

"It doesn't matter if we don't know each other, we'll know each other once we've met, right?"

"Did she need something from me?"

Ling Mengxue thought for a moment. Although the two had never met and she didn't know why the other party wanted to contact her, she still decided to ask politely, so that at least the other party wouldn't say anything if she refused.

If we just leave it like this, it might keep bothering us, and that would probably drive us crazy.

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Li was taken aback. Only then did he recall that his sister had only asked him to make an appointment, without specifying what it was for.

Seeing his bewildered and helpless look, Ling Mengxue was speechless and had no words to complain.

"Sorry, if there's nothing else, I'll be going now."

Shangguan Li: "..."

Only when the person had walked far away and could no longer be seen did Shangguan Li finally wake up from her dream.

It was definitely my sister's fault; she didn't say anything and just tried to arrange a meeting with him.

How could such a beautiful girl so easily accept an invitation from someone, especially a stranger?

If it were Shangguan Li herself, she wouldn't have agreed so easily.

"It seems I can only talk to Taozi when I get back. But they don't know each other. Why would Taozi want to talk to her? And Taozi seems to know her name. Did she hear something and want to bring her into the idol group?"

Shangguan Li was completely baffled, but he didn't dwell on it. He figured he could explain it to Taozi later, and then it wouldn't be his problem anymore.

He was rejected even on his first invitation, so he didn't want to embarrass himself and just wanted to be a quiet kid from an ordinary family.

Although Shangguan Li and Shangguan Tao are siblings, their relationship isn't actually that close. They're not from the same clan and are only cousins. They grew up under the same roof and only help each other out when they can.

Central Garden Community

In a residential building

"Sister, are you free on Friday?"

After the call connected, Ling Mengxue asked a question immediately.

She had just heard that Xi Yan and Su Xiaoxiao had many tasks and might not be able to come back for the next few days.

On the other end of the phone, Ling Xiaoyu didn't answer directly, but remained silent for a moment before speaking softly.

"Hmm?? Don't say anything yet, let me guess first~ Is the school planning a parent-teacher conference and you need my help?"

Ling Mengxue was taken aback. "... Sister is so busy right now. If you can't go, I'll just tell the teacher. At most, I'll call to check on things. It's not a big problem."

This parent-teacher meeting is quite important. Unless there are special circumstances, everyone should notify their parents or other elders in the family to attend.

Of course, as a school that is essentially a minor aristocratic institution, it also includes some important figures who are likely too busy to participate directly. Therefore, sending a representative as a token gesture is not something the school will pursue.

After all, there are major shareholders who have funded the school's fundraising efforts, and even sons and daughters of important figures at the municipal or provincial levels. Even if the principal came, it wouldn't make a difference.

Of course, this is just one or two isolated cases; otherwise, would there even be any need for parent-teacher conferences?

Ling Mengxue's parents used to live far away, so Ling Xiaoyu always attended on her behalf, and the teacher didn't pursue the matter.

But things are different now. Ling Xiaoyu is now the president of the Magic Association, and she's so busy that you can hardly see her. Who knows if she'll have any free time?

Therefore, she only inquired with a sliver of hope.

"What are you saying? You have to make time for your younger sister, no matter how busy you are. This is her top priority. As her older sister, I should at least care about her studies, right?"

And also, if my sister finds out you're not studying hard, you know what will happen—next time you come home I'll give you a good spanking!

Ling Mengxue: "..."

"I'll hang up now. There's still food in the fridge, remember to eat on time."

"Okay, take care, dear sister."

"You're so cheeky!"

At the same time

Ramie Court Club

A private estate located in a secluded suburb on the Qinghe Lake.

The manor is surrounded by birdsong and fragrant flowers, with trees all around. Some of the walls are covered with traces of ivy, and the bluestone slabs underfoot have been polished by time, giving it a rustic and weathered feel.

The vermilion gate, flanked by two majestic stone lions, exudes a solemnity in its antiquity, its former glory needing no further explanation.

Most importantly, there were rows of beautiful women from Jiangnan dressed in plain cheongsams, exuding a Qingya charm.

The owner of the club was a high school girl who looked only seventeen or eighteen years old. She had an otherworldly beauty and a fresh temperament. She was as quiet as a flower, yet lively and lovely, like a lotus rising from the mud, untainted by its surroundings.

The girl's eyes were clear and bright, her smile sweet and gentle, as transparent as ice and as pure as jade. Her simple dress accentuated her delicate skin, which was as white as snow. Her face, lightly made up, was both endearing and refreshing.

At that moment, a Bugatti LVN supercar pulled up in front of the club, and two stunningly beautiful young women with both elegance and beauty stepped out.

Upon seeing the newcomers, the girl waved and greeted them, "Sister Peach, Ke Yue, you're so slow!"

The two walked forward, Shangguan Tao reached out and pinched her delicate, fair face without saying a word.

"Mo Mo, did you have something urgent to do today? You actually left the two of us behind and ran back by yourself? Is there something we can't know?"

The gentle touch caressed her face, as if you could squeeze water from it, and it felt like your heart was being torn apart.

Chapter Ninety-Seven: Conspiracy and Decision-Making?

Looking at Shangguan Tao's gentle face, Shu Momo shook her head abruptly and instead invited her inside.

Even before the three entered, maids were already carrying over several prayer cushions.

The rooms in the clubhouse are exquisite, mostly decorated in a simple and elegant style.

In the center was an ebony table and an expensive tea set, the porcelain bowls engraved with intricate patterns, clearly a masterpiece.

The three of them chatted slowly, while Shu Momo knelt behind the table, skillfully brewing tea. Her slender, white wrists made even the white porcelain appear dull in comparison.

If you hadn't seen it with your own eyes, probably not many people would know that this seemingly innocent and adorable girl is actually a top-notch "tea ceremony master" in the industry!

As a member of a large family with a history spanning hundreds of years, Shangguan Tao's profound self-cultivation and character are well demonstrated at this time.

"The unique and exquisite Phoenix Honey Orchid from Linzhuo, paired with Nongfu Spring water, Jun porcelain teaware crafted by a master from Heavenly Porcelain Town, and the highly professional tea-brewing techniques of top tea master Shu Momo, creates a tea with a subtle aroma and unique charm!"

Shu Momo raised her eyebrows, pouted, and glanced at Shangguan Tao, "Sister Tao, you're making me feel so bad again."

Shangguan Tao smiled, then shook her head with a sigh.

Lan Keyue was left standing there, somewhat speechless, and slowly said, "Stop showing off. Boys like to show off, why do you guys like it so much too? This kind of thing doesn't suit elegant beauties like us."

Puff--!!

Shangguan Tao couldn't help but chuckle, but quickly composed herself, finally regaining some seriousness. She then glanced at her subtly, "Ke Yue, my brother has already spoken to Ling Mengxue, but it seems she hasn't agreed yet."

"Is that the amazing Astral Mark Girl? With just a little trick, she'll have to surrender obediently, won't she?" Shu Momo looked up and smiled, appearing like an innocent little girl.

Lan Keyue was silent for a moment, then a glint of light flashed in her eyes. "If all else fails, I'll ask my sister for help. They're classmates, so they should know each other pretty well. I don't think there will be any problems."

"I should have known better. Your brother is a guy; how could that beautiful girl just go with him so easily? With such low vigilance, she's definitely not worthy to be my opponent."

"..."

"..."

Seeing Lan Keyue's serious expression, the two sighed inwardly.

Who's the one who likes to put on an act? Always trying to appear so capable.

But upon hearing the rest, Shu Momo's eyes lit up. "She's beautiful! How beautiful? Maybe we can recruit her into our camp?"

"..." Shangguan Tao smiled wryly and rubbed her forehead upon hearing this. "Mo Mo, we are mages, and she is Astral Mark Executor. If we bring her in, won't that just lead to constant infighting? Besides, do you think she would agree? She'd be lucky if she didn't kill you and steal your points~"

"Hmm..."

"How about this, we'll lure her over to test her skills, and then..."

After saying that, Shangguan Tao gave another meaningful look and smiled wickedly.

In an instant, Shu Momo and Lan Keyue felt their minds clear and nodded simultaneously.

For several days in a row, Ling Mengxue went to class as usual, but every time school ended, Shangguan Li would pretend to be very embarrassed and come up to talk to her.

The reason was the same as before: his younger sister wanted to see her, and according to Shangguan Li's instructions, he was only responsible for relaying the message.

If it doesn't work the first time, try again; if it doesn't work the second time, try a third time. If this continues, any normal person would get annoyed.

Finally, a boy who had a crush on Ling Mengxue couldn't stand it anymore and got up to walk towards Shangguan Li.

"Hey Shangguan, it's obvious they don't want to talk to you. Why are you still so stubborn? You can't just use your family background to coerce them, can you?"

Seeing this, someone nearby stepped forward and quickly grabbed his clothes, saying, "Hey! Are you crazy? You could ruin your family!"

The man ignored him completely, pried his brother's hand off with his other hand, and stared straight at Shangguan Li. "I'm just telling the truth. And even if my family is destroyed, I will never bow down to evil forces!"