Another Cliché Cultivation Story

On the roof of East Solitude Inn, overlooking the city, Ji Xian was lying down casually using his arms as a pillow with his eyes half closed while Xia Lihua was standing next to him.

The sky had darkened and there was no sign of a moon. The myriad stars hung above illuminating the island. The two shared the spectacle as they appreciate the view in silence.

…

“This world reminds me a lot of Mortal Haven.”

Xia Lihua’s calm, soothing voice entered Ji Xian’s ears.

He turned and her beautiful figure entered his sight. Under the starlight, the white Hanfu perfectly accentuates her curves which are usually hidden. He shifted his body and made himself more comfortable while he admire her figure.

“Is that right?.” Ji Xian asked.

“Yes… So do you have any plans?” Feeling his gaze, her lips curved into a confident smile as she ran her hand through her hair, brushing it back.

He gave it a thought before saying, “Not really, but that floating mountain above the city looks interesting. I think I'll take a look within the next couple of days. After that, well, Guo Xinyi seems interested in you, so I’m sure she will invite you to the Ardent Yin Sect after the competition. I hear it's a Sect made up entirely of girls, I’m definitely looking forward to...cough... never mind."

A terrifying pressure suddenly descended upon Ji Xian mid-way through his sentence with hints of killing intent.

This immense pressure would bring even a Holy realm expert down to his knees!

Ji Xian was unaffected, he yawned and casually said, “Someone will notice if you don’t stop.”

“Hmph!”

Xia Lihua withdrew her pressure while giving him a look of warning.

He shook his head, “Looks like someone did notice, come on, we’ll take a stroll around the city.”

He stood up and brushed the dust off his robe a couple of times before disappearing with Xia Lihua.

Just after they left, a burly man with a thick beard suddenly appeared at the spot Xia Lihua was standing.

A frown appeared on this person’s face after he carefully searched the area.

“What was that pressure? It was so strong.”

“…Was it someone from that World? That shouldn’t be possible with the Arcane Mountain guarding the formation, unless…” The man quietly contemplated before bitterly shaking his head.

After a big sigh, he left, flying towards the mountain floating above the city unaware that a pair of eyes were focused on him.

At a restaurant just a block away from East Solitude Inn, a dark crimson-haired young woman with a petite figure was looking outside a window. Her gaze followed the burly figure as he left before looking back at the rooftop. A thoughtful expression appeared on her beautiful face.

“My Lady, it’s almost time for the auction.” A voice sounded out.

The woman nodded and left with a group of people.

Solitude City remained active even at night. Cultivators often meditate and required little sleep. At the Essence realm, a few hours of meditation can allow one to forego sleep entirely. Day or night makes little difference.

Ji Xian and Xia Lihua were currently standing in front of a tall building. A large sign hung above the door that reads Solitude Auction House. Ji Xian has returned to being a servant once more while Xia Lihua was still the center of attention where ever she goes.

As people walked passed her to enter the pavilion, they couldn’t help but steal a few more glances.

“What are we doing here?” She asked.

“Auctions always provide interesting moments.”

“Like wh-“

“Excuse me, Miss?” A voice suddenly interrupted her.

Xia Lihua turned and saw Ouyang Ming coming towards her, following behind him are the disciples of the Serene Yang Sect. Hong Tian was also present, she quietly observed Ji Xian. it was unknown if it was intentional, but the disciples surrounded her like they were bodyguards.

“Miss Xia, we meet again.” Ouyang Ming's eyes brightened.

“I've met you outside the gate. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ouyang Ming, a Chosen of the Serene Yang Sect.”

Xia Lihua briefly glanced at Ji Xian wondering if this was the interesting moment he was talking about.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Are you here for the auction? You can join us if you like.” Said Ouyang Ming with a hopeful expression.

“I-“

“Senior Xia?”

Before Xia Lihua can give a reply, a voice sounded out and interrupted her again. Bing Yi, along with the rest of the disciples of the Ardent Yin Sect has arrived.

“Senior Xia, we were looking for you back at the inn but you weren’t there. The disciples weren’t tired so we wanted to take a look around the city. We heard about the auction so we wanted to invite you to come along.”

Bing Yi glanced at Ouyang Ming. She frowned and with contempt, said, “What do you want? Get lost.”

“I.. uh, well..”

Bing Yi ignored Ouyang Ming.

“Let's head in, Senior Xia.”

Ouyang Ming stood there alone and embarrassed as he watched Xia Lihua follow Bing Yi into the pavilion. His calm demeanor had vanished when he saw Bing Yi, a bad memory suddenly resurfaced in his mind.

Hong Tian softly smiled after seeing his red face and said, “Let us enter as well.”

The second Bing Yi walked through the doors, someone instantly recognized her. An adorable little girl with pigtails, who looked to be eight years old, wearing a blue dress with the word Solitude visibly seen on her sleeve ran towards the group.

“Sister Bing Yi! You’re here as well.”

Bing Yi spread her arms and hugged the little girl.

“Roulan, you’re getting so big.”

“Does your father, Senior Lin, know you’re here, or did you sneak out again?” Asked Bing Yi.

"…"

A guilty expression appeared on the little girl. Her eyes darted left and right before smiling mischievously.

“Sister Bing Yi, there are a lot of people here tonight, I can get you and your group a VIP room if you…”

“You brat! Are you bribing me? Do I even need you to get a room for us?” Bing Yi scolded, but her heart softened after seeing Roulan's sad expression.

“Go and get us a room, after the auction I’ll send you back to your father.”

Roulan laughed cheerfully and happily ran off, returning after a short while. She gestured for Bing Yi to follow her.

As the group follows the little girl, Ji Xian can hear discussions around him.

“So who was that person who yelled at the Serene Yang Sect at the entrance?”

“No one knows, whoever it is, that person’s got some guts for offending a top sect.”

“Look, it’s Lin Roulan! Is the Lord of Solitude City attending the auction as well?”

“If Lord Lin is attending, then there must be some good stuff in this auction!”

He chuckled silently and continued walking along with the group. They stopped at the third floor, entering a large room that can easily accommodate them.

Bing Yi respectfully gestured to Xia Lihua to sit beside her before sitting in her seat. Lin Roulan noticed this and examined Xia Lihua. Her big eyes sparkled adorably.

“Big sister, you’re so beautiful.”

Xia Lihua smiled and caressed Roulan's cheeks. She said, “So are you, my name is Xia Lihua.”

“Come, you can sit next to me.”

Ji Xian was planning to sit in that seat but ended up sitting next to Lin Roulan instead. This drew some odd looks from the disciples of the Ardent Yin Sect. They glanced at each other but decided to stay silent since he was the servant of Xia Lihua.

His odd appearance caused Lin Roulan to curiously look at him. They briefly exchanged eye contact.

The little girl felt like she was staring into a black hole, a cold endless darkness, but at the end of that darkness was a light. It seems so bright...

Before she can take a good look, Ji Xian looked away.

The little girl’s breathing sped up and was unsure how to feel. The phenomenon didn’t make her afraid, only curious. As the auction begins, she occasionally glances at Ji Xian.