The girl wore a pomegranate-red ruqun patterned with water caltrops, a silk stole draped around her shoulders. The floral crown on her head shone with splendid colors, flickering softly in the candlelight.
She was like a bright spring brook, bringing a sense of vigorous life wherever she passed, clear of heart and radiant as jade.
Peach blossoms reflected in her face, dark tresses tilted amid mist-
For no reason, these lines suddenly flitted through Chen Heng's mind.
He shook his head slightly, then smiled and extended a hand, inviting Qiao Rui to sit.
Then a procession of serving women entered with graceful steps, and before long, platters of fruit, vegetables, immortal wine, pills, and rare delicacies were brought out.
"It has been several years since we last met, Junior Sister Qiao, and your cultivation has advanced considerably. Congratulations.
"You have reached the Purple Mansion, Third Layer, the soul-swapping and spirit-dispelling realm. From now on, old flaws are severed, and you are clear and lucid within and without. I really ought to give you a congratulatory gift."
Chen Heng raised his cup in a distant toast and spoke with a slight smile to Qiao Rui, seated not far away.
To transcend meant to rise beyond the mortal body and enter the ranks of the sacred.
To shed meant to cast off the mundane flesh and become a divine being.
After attaining "transcending form and shedding shape" at the second layer of Purple Mansion, another step forward brought one to the "soul-swapping and spirit-dispelling" realm Qiao Rui now occupied.
At this realm, a cultivator's Origin Spirit had become wondrous and supremely true. Even without taking life-extending pills or spiritual medicines, they could live a full three hundred years.
They had also taken a small step closer to that world of great freedom,