Hall of the Rainbow Cloud Sect
The sect leader had just finished a meeting with the other elders. The atmosphere was still filled with an official and serious aura, but suddenly, a soft green light streaked through the air, drawing the attention of everyone present.
A beautiful girl appeared in the middle of the hall, wearing a long green robe with a thin veil covering part of her face. She walked gracefully toward the leaders with steps light yet firm.
"Greetings, Uncle… Sect Leader," she said politely, though with a hint of playful tone. Her melodious voice echoed in the otherwise silent hall.
The sect leader turned, gazing at the girl. His face was calm, yet he caught the joy and liveliness radiating from Xuan Ying'er. For some time, he had seen his niece often wandering outside the city, free from the sect's strict rules—and that secretly eased his heart.
He sighed deeply before speaking in a soft yet firm tone:
"No need to be so formal, Ying'er. Tomorrow, in the Blue Sky Empire, there will be a grand auction of precious stones. They say the stones were collected from forbidden lands, and some are not even from this continent. Go, represent our sect."
Xuan Ying'er bowed slightly, her eyes gleaming with focus. With a subtle gesture, she signaled her uncle to provide additional funds for her needs. The sect leader simply nodded, understanding her meaning without words.
"Yes, Uncle," Ying'er murmured lightly, then she bowed and turned around. With graceful steps, she left the hall, making her way toward her residence.
Once there, she closed her chamber door and allowed herself to rest. A faint smile lingered on her face, a sign of quiet satisfaction that today's mission had gone just as planned.
After sunset, the sky gradually darkened into deep purple as the stars began to scatter their faint light. Bai Tian slowly made his way to Moonlight Hill, carefully scanning the surroundings.
But the hill was empty. There were no signs of movement, no sound of the light footsteps he usually followed when he was with Xuan Ying'er. Only the night wind stirred gently, rustling the leaves and wildflowers nearby.
Bai Tian swallowed hard, unease creeping into his heart. He glanced around once more, his fingers tightening in the pocket of his servant's robe.
Suddenly, his communication device rang, breaking the silence of the night. A faint green glow flickered across its surface, indicating a new message had arrived. With trembling hands, he lifted it and read the words from Xuan Ying'er : Little dog… tomorrow, come before sunrise… we will head to the Blue Sky Empire's capital.
Bai Tian looked up at the dark sky, tension pressing down heavier. Curiosity mingled with worry as he lowered his head briefly, then nodded to himself and returned to his quarters.
That morning, before the sun fully rose,
Bai Tian had already arrived at pavilion of dream, Cold air and a thin mist hung over the waters, creating an almost magical atmosphere.
Xuan Ying'er was already waiting, dressed neatly in a soft green robe that highlighted both her grace and the authority of a sect's daughter. Her eyes were bright, as if ready to face the vast world awaiting her today.
Without delay, the two boarded the sect's ship, gliding slowly across the water's surface that mirrored the newborn rays of dawn.
Throughout the journey, Bai Tian noticed various transformation vessels from other sects heading to the auction in the Blue Sky Empire. Some looked magnificent, others complex, radiating immense power. Each one reflected the strength and sophistication of their sect.
Xuan Ying'er stood at the bow, her hair fluttering in the morning wind, eyes fixed on the vast horizon. She then gently sat on the deck's edge, savoring the scenery like a young girl truly freed from the burdens of the world.
Behind her, Bai Tian stood straight, still dressed in women's clothing. His head bowed slightly, his eyes carefully watching the young lady, holding back a storm of feelings he could never express. Every movement of Ying'er was so light and graceful, while he remained at a distance, bound to his role as her obedient servant.
The morning breeze whispered softly, stirring their robes and hair, creating a quiet scene—peaceful yet charged with unspoken tension. Under the first rays of sunlight, their journey to the grand auction felt like the beginning of an unpredictable story.
Not far ahead, several other ships emerged from the morning mist. On their decks, cheerful faces appeared—familiar to Bai Tian as Xuan Ying'er's friends: Li Hua, a silver-haired girl, smiled and waved while adjusting the sail so it would not flap too wildly in the wind. Jing Yue, a young man with a serious aura, gazed at the horizon, but still offered a respectful nod. Feng Ling, a lively little girl always laughing, hopped around the deck, pointing excitedly at something in the distance.
Xuan Ying'er returned their greetings with a soft laugh, graceful yet full of warmth.
Bai Tian quickly lowered his gaze, feeling the curious stares of Ying'er's friends directed at him—the supposed female servant by her side. He could sense hushed whispers and exchanged glances, but Bai Tian remained silent, keeping a serious face so as not to attract more attention.
The friends soon resumed chatting merrily on their own ships, while Xuan Ying'er kept gazing at the horizon, enjoying the morning breeze, occasionally flashing a small smile toward Bai Tian.
The atmosphere grew light and cheerful, but beneath the lively interactions, Bai Tian felt a subtle tension—being among Ying'er's friends, he had to stay alert, upholding his dignity and his disguise as a servant.
After a long voyage, the sect's ship slowly docked at the capital port of the Blue Sky Empire. The city looked magnificent, with tall buildings crowned by sky-blue rooftops reflecting the morning sun. From a glance, one could already feel the aura of grandeur and authority—every corner of the city radiated an untouchable majesty.
Xuan Ying'er stepped lightly off the ship, her eyes sweeping the busy surroundings with a faint smile. She paused briefly on the pier, admiring the bustling scene of merchants, sect members, and guards moving about.
Bai Tian followed behind her, his steps disciplined and cautious. The women's clothing he wore now felt heavier under the many stares beginning to notice him. He lowered his head slightly, bearing both embarrassment and vigilance against the intrigue-ridden environment.
"This city is as crowded as always," Xuan Ying'er remarked as she walked ahead, her hair flowing in the morning breeze. Her hands swayed gracefully, her steps so fluid it was as if the entire city were her stage. She glanced briefly at Bai Tian.
"The auction will last two days. Let's find lodging first," she said with a faint smile, her eyes glimmering with hidden plans only she knew.
Bai Tian nodded, bowing slightly, still following the young lady's lead. Amid the busy capital streets, they eventually arrived at a rather luxurious inn. Xuan Ying'er entered confidently, followed by Bai Tian—now dressed as a man.
"Two best rooms," Xuan Ying'er said lightly but firmly.
The innkeeper looked at them for a moment, then shook his head.
"Only one best room left. The others are all taken."
Xuan Ying'er furrowed her brows briefly, but showed no anger. She merely offered a thin smile, then nodded in acceptance.
They proceeded to the room that was available. When the door opened, they were met with a chamber adorned with fresh flowers, soft candlelight adding warmth—clearly a room meant for couples.
Bai Tian lowered his head for a moment, unfazed, then immediately stepped inside to inspect the safety of the room. His hands checked every corner, ensuring nothing suspicious could endanger them.
Once certain it was safe, he bowed slightly to signal Xuan Ying'er, and the two left the room once more, ready to face the grand auction awaiting them in the Blue Sky Empire's capital.
That morning, the city grew ever livelier, filled with merchants, sect representatives, and guests from across the continent. Bai Tian observed the bustling crowd cautiously, while Xuan Ying'er walked ahead with light steps, her eyes sparkling with anticipation and excitement.