Drunken Immortal Tower, Flying Cloud Pavilion.
The private room was quiet and secluded. The window was half open, and wisps of cloud vapor drifted in, condensing into fine dew along the rim of the celadon cups.
Flowing clouds unfurled and curled beneath their feet. Lowering their eyes, they could see the countless lights of Moon Gazing City’s homes, faintly rising and falling in the distance.
Creak—
Shen Yun pushed open the door and led everyone in, one after another.
Lu Guanqi, seated at the banquet, lifted his sharp brows and immediately laughed. "Brother Yun, you came at just the right time... oh?! Senior Yuanshan is here too. Please, take the seat of honor."
The crowd stood on no ceremony and took their seats one after another.
After the maid served tea and shut the door behind her, Shen Yun slowly raised a hand and gestured to the woman beside him in the moon-white dress. In a warm voice, he said, "This is my younger sister, Qingruo."
Shen Qingruo lowered her brows and eyes, her voice clear and cool, like jade pearls falling onto a plate. "Shen Qingruo greets you all."
Lu Guanqi set down his teacup and nodded. "Miss Qingruo."
Ouyang Yuanshan was first startled, then stroked his beard and laughed brightly. "Good, good! She is indeed brimming with spiritual grace."
His eyes were shrewd with age. Seeing that the two had an extraordinary relationship, he gave them ample face.
Ouyang Qinghe also looked over with a smile, her tone friendly to just the right degree. "Miss Qingruo, from now on, please offer me much guidance."
"Thank you."
Shen Qingruo was poised and at ease. Using tea in place of wine, she raised her cup in toast to everyone.
For a time, the atmosphere turned warm, with laughter and conversation