Cultivation: Starting from a Mortal Bone

Directly in front of the elegant room is an open balcony, offering a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery below.

Qin Yu held onto the Princess as they sat on the balcony’s chairs. Below them, the lake resembled a sky-blue mirror, its surface shimmering with light, offering an incredibly captivating view.

However, Qin Yu, despite his keen eyesight, could not see through the lake’s surface to discern what lay at the bottom. It seemed as though some force was blocking his vision and perception.

On the lake was a tasteful boat pavilion, with a wide platform probably intended for showcasing talents by the Flower Language Building.

Their gaze shifted slightly, falling on the surrounding pavilions, where a bustling scene unfolded, filled with busy figures and vibrant activity.

Speaking of which, this Flower Language Building indeed differs somewhat from the third floor of the Carefree Pavilion.

In the building below, there were men and women; the men either pretended to be cultured or were boldly charismatic. Even when joking with the women accompanying them, there was no inappropriate or excessive behavior.

Of course, perhaps the popularity of the Festival of Flowers was overwhelming, or perhaps this was merely the superficial elegance of the Flower Language Building...

After all, based on Qin Yu’s partial understanding of Lingtian Peak, such a place revered by Ling Tributor must surely fulfill every man’s fantasy.

It could also be said to have a more vulgar side.

After all, true delight comes from embracing both elegance and vulgarity.

”Are there really members of the Elf Race?!”

Qin Yu’s gaze fell upon the opposite pavilion, where a graceful young girl was dancing. With her elegant movements, her silver hair flowed like a galaxy under moonlight, the strands gently swaying and shimmering with silver light.

Most surprising of all, a pair of transparent, butterfly-like wings adorned her back, and her ears, pointed like exquisite green leaves, adorned the sides of her cheeks.

This was the unique emblem of the Elf Race.

With her dancing, the surrounding flowers, grasses, and trees seemed to respond, swaying slightly as if in tribute.

”My husband.”

A soft voice sounded as Lin Qianqian peeled a Spirit Fruit, offering it gently with a smile to Qin Yu’s lips.

The fragrance from her delicate fingers combined with the aroma of the Spirit Fruit, creating a most pleasing atmosphere.

Little Ling’Er watched everything, noting Qin Yu’s expression of enjoyment, silently committing these actions to memory.

Brother Qin Yu not only liked mature girls but also those with wings who could dance...

Hmm.

He also liked being fed by others?

In the elegant room, the wives intermittently admired the scenery and critiqued various flowers, their laughter echoing, as though the disturbances outside had nothing to do with them.

This small world was filled with joy and warmth.

”Isn’t it supposed to be both elegance and vulgarity? Where’s the vulgarity I want?”

”Elegance? Do you think my fist is elegant?”

Suddenly, amid the noise, Qin Yu heard a familiar voice.

The sound seemed to come from the pavilion below, not far away.

Even if he hadn’t seen the person, simply hearing that rugged voice, Qin Yu could guess the identity.

After all, when he arrived, he saw a few noble characters who had attended the tributor banquet, and even such figures dared not make a fuss here. In the Imperial Capital, who else other than Lingtian Peak could be this impolite?!

Qin Yu stealthily glanced at the Empress Dowager, who was intently watching Su Xiyue and Leng Ruyu play chess. Occasionally, she nodded or furrowed her brow, seemingly immersed in the game.

The Empress Dowager was dedicated to improving her chess skills, indeed relentlessly.

”Ling’Er, you stay here and rest; I’ll be back soon.”

With the noise downstairs growing louder, Qin Yu worriedly pondered that the Empress Dowager might notice. After all, Lingtian Peak’s thunderous voice was hard to ignore.

Little Ling’Er didn’t want to part from Qin Yu initially, but after only a moment of hesitation, she obediently let go of her hand.

Seeing Qin Yu descend, the girl guarding the door immediately bent down in greeting with a troubled expression.

Only the prominent figures from the Imperial Capital could enter the top two floors; thus, even though someone was causing a disturbance upstairs, no one dared to come and spectate.

Qin Yu had no heart to appreciate the little maid’s splendor and gently knocked on the door before entering.

”Hm?”

As someone entered, Lingtian Peak immediately glanced over.

Upon realizing it wasn’t the beauty he imagined, there was a fleeting moment of displeasure, but recognizing the visitor, he soon laughed aloud, ”Brother Qin, you’re here too!”

Lingtian Peak strode forward, initially intending to pat the latter’s shoulder but eventually held back, addressing the distressed girl beside him, ”Aren’t you going to arrange something?”

”Go ahead, just arrange anything,”

Qin Yu waved his hand in indication.

Upon hearing this, the girl, as if freed from a burden, quickly withdrew.

”I want two; no, I want four. Also for Brother Qin…”

”Ling Tributor, silence.”

Qin Yu immediately interrupted, then gestured upwards.

”Hm?”

Lingtian Peak was stupefied, realizing promptly, his expression changed drastically, and he prepared to flee.

Fortunately, Qin Yu’s reflexes were quick, he held Lingtian Peak down. Even without exertion, he felt as if a truck had hit him, his arm was slightly numb.

If someone with a weaker constitution were involved, they would have been sent flying.

”Brother Qin, let me go quickly; I’ll invite you next time.”

Lingtian Peak wailed, lowering his voice, yet the volume was still audible.

”It’s not the Empress.”

Qin Yu chuckled helplessly, realizing this fellow misunderstood his intentions. However... this Ling Tributor seemed more intimidated by the Empress than he’d thought.

”Oh? So it’s not the Empress after all!”

Previously cowering, Lingtian Peak’s aura began to rise gradually.

Apparently, there was no one else besides the Great Yan Empress who could daunt him in this world.

”Qin Yu, where did you go? Hurry back up; I want you for a duel!”

At that moment, the Sound Transmission Stone in Qin Yu’s hand lit up. Immediately upon answering, the Empress Dowager’s voice emerged.

Lingtian Peak, previously brash and ready to reveal his true self, now became flustered.

That voice…

The person upstairs was the Empress Dowager?!

This elusive Empress Dowager had actually appeared at the Flower Language Building?!

And, what did she mean by wanting to have a duel with Qin Yu?

Would it be a beating?

Or…

Lingtian Peak’s pupils shrank, a wave of unprecedented surprise surged within his heart.

In his past experiences, the Empress Dowager seemed like the moon suspended above the heavens, cold and aloof, apart from interactions with the Empress and Princess, she always kept her distance with others.

Even when he visited the Empress and occasionally encountered the Empress Dowager, after bowing, he would only receive a lukewarm nod, at times even being directly ignored.

Lingtian Peak suddenly felt his already limited mental capacity was utterly inadequate.

Seeing this, Qin Yu smiled slightly, choosing not to offer further explanation.