The Journey of Immortal Cultivation

Chapter 1004 - 550: Birthday Tribute

Until she piloted the Jade Boat back to Duling City, her face finally returned to calm, and she instructed Huangfuming, "What you saw in the woods, do not disclose."

"You recognized that man?" Huangfuming carefully examined her expression, "No, you recognized that woman!"

Ning Xiaoxian said coldly, "In a few days, you will meet that woman as well, and you will learn her identity then."

Huangfuming’s eyes flickered, "She will also attend the birthday celebration?"

"Yes!"

#####

The next two days finally passed in calmness for herself, though the entire King Jinghai Mansion was in a state of hustle and bustle, so much so that even Huangfuming had no time to find her. The birthday of the Grand Dowager of King Jinghai Mansion had officially arrived.

Ninety years old, of course, means nothing to demons and cultivators; most of the cultivators Ning Xiaoxian knows are older than this age. However, times are harsh now, and mortals living to seventy is already considered a rarity, while living to ninety with their senses intact can be called a remarkable person.

During these few days, she had also seen this old lady and could confirm that she was a genuine mortal, without any trace of evil qi, just a healthy body. Actually, everyone understood that the Grand Dowager’s birthday was merely a pretense; the true protagonist was the Mirror Sea King.

To show respect, today she wore a pink cloud brocade floating flower skirt, and the maid had styled her hair into the Feixian bun, highlighting her small and elegant face, with red and blue gemstone hairpins adorning her black hair, graceful and lovely but not ostentatious, looking fresh and gentle like a fairy.

After all, today’s main character is the Grand Dowager; she must not outshine the host with her attire.

Qingluan walked in as the maid was applying lipstick for her; this pink lipstick was Ning Xiaoxian’s own, making her lips glossy and enticing after application. When Qingluan looked up at her makeup, her eyes momentarily froze, murmuring: "If only the lord were awake to see this."

Ning Xiaoxian glanced at her expressionlessly from the mirror, making Qingluan suddenly remember there were outsiders present, and she lowered her head.

She walked leisurely with the Hidden Guards through the twisting corridors and water pavilions, finally reaching the Yuhua Hall where the birthday celebration was held.

This Yuhua Hall, although called a "hall," was actually a large water pavilion built in the center of the lake, constructed with flying eaves and painted beams, magnificent and brilliant, with even the winding bridges and railings made of translucent white jade; truly "jade columns and carved fences." Not to mention, this lake was filled with seven-colored lotuses, some in full bloom, others budding like arrows, graceful and charming.

It’s worth noting that even in the Central Southern Continent, this was the time approaching winter. Lotuses typically wither by the end of summer, yet this lake had such a large expanse of tender and beautiful blossoms, the effort to maintain them must have been immense. Only such a wealthy household would expend so much energy on ornamental items.

Furthermore, arrays that continuously cycle were set up around this large lake, transforming water vapor into milky white mist that blows toward the center of the lake. As such, the whole Yuhua Hall was shrouded in clouds, truly resembling being among the clouds, revealing the lake’s scenery only occasionally when the wind blows hard. Those walking with jade railings felt as if they entered an Immortal Realm.

As she slowly walked into the Yuhua Hall, the guests were already gathered in large numbers, bustling yet orderly, many familiar old friends meeting, shaking hands and chatting endlessly.

"Elder Ning from Hidden Stream arrives—"

This proclamation was long and loud, and she immediately sensed the sudden silence around her; numerous eyes swiftly turned her way, focusing on her.

Hidden Stream is an extremely powerful Demon Sect, just as its name implies, hidden in the Western mountain forests for tens of thousands of years, disliking dealings with humans. This was the first time the Various Immortal Sects had seen this Demon Sect’s envoy to the Mortal World. Moreover, the leading young woman was extraordinarily beautiful, without a trace of demon energy. For a moment, various gazes full of curiosity, scheming, disdain, friendliness, surprise, and other emotions scrutinized her from top to bottom.

She did not extend her Divine Thought, as doing so in a place where cultivators gathered would be extremely impolite; yet, she could still feel the scorching gazes burning her skin painfully, a slight chill rising in her heart. Clearly, the hall was full of experts, not lacking great power.

She was no longer the naïve Ameng from years ago; now representing the face of Hidden Stream, she naturally wore a smile as she walked towards the Grand Dowager Huangfu in front. She didn’t walk fast, each step exactly a foot, the pink pomegranate skirt highlighting her porcelain-like skin, her fair and slender neck, along with her pink and moist lips, truly described as flowing hairpin flowers and delicate ribbons fluttering in the wind, exuding an innate grace of elegance and composure. Looking at her, gazes turned towards her immediately filled with admiration.