In the inner sect of Lingyun Sect, on a mountain next to the main peak, there was a massive platform carved flat from the mountaintop.
Early in the morning, the area at the base of the mountain was already packed with people.
"Senior brother, what are you planning to buy this time?"
"Sigh, I don't have many spirit stones left. I'm just going up to look around."
"Or maybe you're just hoping to catch a glimpse of the demon sect girls?"
"Hey, you got me. I really do want to see if I can overcome my inner demons."
Laughter broke out all around.
This Skyshadow Flying Boat had a unique feature. Onboard was the Myriad Blossom Pavilion, a proper demonic sect.
Unlike other sects, this force was made up entirely of women. Most of them cultivated dual cultivation methods. Some benefited both parties, while others were more one-sided, with the female cultivator gaining more.
The pavilion didn't have a fixed base either.
It was definitely a demon sect, but no one dared to provoke them. In fact, having the Myriad Blossom Pavilion choose to open a branch in your area was seen as an honor.
Why? Because nobody could beat them.
It was said their grand elder was a mighty expert in the Void Refining stage.
So people tolerated the Myriad Blossom Pavilion. They didn't cause much destruction anyway and even helped righteous cultivators temper their hearts. No one bothered interfering.
Suddenly, a commotion broke out in the crowd. Everyone looked up.
A black dot pierced through the clouds.
It moved incredibly fast. In the blink of an eye, the massive flying boat appeared above Lingyun Sect.
A Golden Core grandmaster rose into the air and entered the flying boat. Moments later, he reappeared at the bow. With a wave of his hand, a gap opened in the sect's protective formation.
The Skyshadow Flying Boat slowly descended through the opening. Its enormous shadow covered the people and cast a dark veil over their faces.
It smoothly docked on the giant platform.
"Ansun Immortal City, here to pay our respects."
A voice echoed. Then, the Golden Core cultivator from the boat and the sect's grandmaster flew together into Lingyun Sect's main hall, with laughter trailing behind them.
On the side of the flying boat, clanking sounds rang out. The panels folded away layer by layer to reveal a wide staircase leading directly to the main deck. Visitors could enter different cabins of the boat freely depending on their needs.
Cheng Qian walked all the way up to the deck.
Every level of the ship felt like a small city.
He had truly broadened his horizons.
******
Meanwhile, Xu Luoshui walked into the third level. Inside were pavilions and towers, all kinds of structures.
Her goal today was to visit the Myriad Blossom Pavilion for a business deal.
Listening to Yu Dazhi's introduction along the way, she was still thinking, 'It's a pity this clone body can only reach the peak of the Qi Refining realm.'
If it weren't for that, joining the demonic sect wouldn't be a bad idea.
The Myriad Blossom Pavilion occupied a huge section of the boat. Every courtyard within it had a different design, and the entrance was marked by an enormous flower-shaped building.
It definitely lived up to its reputation.
"What do the two of you want from me?"
The pavilion master already knew that one was a descendant of a Golden Core cultivator, and the other was a direct disciple. On Lingyun Sect's territory, she had to show them some courtesy.
When they came looking for someone, both had clearly stated their identities. Otherwise, how could two minor Qi Refining cultivators meet the pavilion master?
"We'd like to discuss a business deal with the Myriad Blossom Pavilion. Please take a look at this."
Yu Dazhi pulled out a special edition perfume from his storage bag. This new version had a small nozzle. A light input of spiritual energy would spray it evenly, even better than the nozzles from Cheng Qian's previous life.
"And this is?"
"This is perfume. Designed specifically for female cultivators. We've developed several variants that enhance..."
Yu Dazhi explained smoothly, answering every question. After the pavilion master called some girls over to test it, it only took a short while for the effects to become clear.
The girls were very pleased, and the pavilion master immediately bought up all the stock Yu Dazhi had.
After the deal was settled, Xu Luoshui finally spoke. "You go back first. I still have something to discuss with the pavilion master."
Yu Dazhi was a bit suspicious. What else could there be? He glanced at the silk-wrapped legs of Xu Luoshui and suddenly understood.
That deal had just earned him nearly a hundred thousand spirit stones. The demonic force was definitely wealthy.
After he left, the pavilion master asked, "What else do you want to discuss?"
"I have two more business I'd like to do with you, or rather, with the Myriad Blossom Pavilion."
The pavilion master found it interesting. This was the first time someone had come to her within a sect, proposing serious business back to back.
"Go on."
"The first deal is that I'd like to sell you the formula for the perfume."
Yu Dazhi had only sold a small amount, which was far from enough to meet demand from a major force like Myriad Blossom Pavilion.
Eventually, they would try to break it down themselves and make their own version. Instead of waiting for them to get impatient with Lingyun Sect's limited supply and start reverse-engineering it, it was better to act first and sell it at a high price.
Xu Luoshui clearly recognized another use for this perfume. Adding certain enhancing ingredients was simple. It was practically made for Myriad Blossom Pavilion, so they would absolutely try to produce it on their own.
That's why, before they realized its full potential, a one-time sale was the best choice.
She handed over a jade slip with the complete recipe.
The pavilion master scanned it with her divine sense. When she saw that it included powdered "Love Pill" and how it was extracted, her eyes lit up.
"Besides Love Pill, can other things be added?"
"Of course. As long as it can be extracted, it'll work. Or you could use higher-grade spiritual flowers to create the essential oil. In theory, any kind of pill could be used."
"You're clever. I quite admire that. If you weren't a direct disciple of a Golden Core cultivator, I'd want to bring you under my wing."
The pavilion master had grasped the full value of this "perfume."
She also saw that the young cultivator before her had made the smartest move—selling early. Right now, she could still get a good deal for it. Later, once Myriad Blossom Pavilion made it a signature product, they could just say the original recipe was copied from their secret techniques.
"Thank you for the compliment, Pavilion Master. But I'm afraid I can't accept the offer."
"Alright, then tell me. How many spirit stones do you want?"
"Not so fast. I have more to offer."
Xu Luoshui took out several outfits from her storage bag, along with matching stockings.
Some were designed with this world's taste in mind—similar to 'cheongsam.' Others were styled differently from traditional sect clothing.
Clap, clap.
The pavilion master clapped her hands. A servant stepped in.
"Go bring a few girls here."
Soon, six female cultivators entered, each with a different style.
With a wave of the pavilion master's hand, the door shut.
She had already noticed the outfit on Xu Luoshui the moment she walked in. It looked like pants but not quite. The style was unlike anything seen in traditional sect attire.
There was something very unique about it.
"Each of you, pick one set and put it on."
As she spoke, she picked out a long red robe, the kind that looked like something a queen might wear.
The women didn't hesitate. Right in front of Xu Luoshui, they began changing clothes without the slightest embarrassment. Fabric rustled softly as clothes slipped off. Every figure was different, tall, short, curvy, slender, and radiated her own charm.
The pavilion master changed as well. When she finished, she waved her hand and conjured a large mirror in the air.
She stood in place and examined herself. The deep red robe paired with the silk stockings was something few could pull off. But she was not just anyone.
At that moment, she looked dignified, powerful, like a true empress.
Although… the neckline was a bit too low. It hinted at danger, like a deep abyss daring you to look.
She took a few steps forward. The robe parted naturally at the front, revealing both long legs in full. The contrast of crimson and white was enough to make anyone's heart race.
Then she glanced around at the others' outfits. Even she, an experienced cultivator, felt a small stir in her heart. She could already imagine how disciples' cultivation progress might skyrocket wearing these.
"You may go now. Try them out."
"Heavenly silkworm stockings are expensive," Xu Luoshui added. "If a guest tears them, they'll be charged 100 extra spirit stones."
The pavilion master looked at her with some surprise. She hadn't expected this young girl to be so sharp. Then, thinking of Yu Dazhi, she could guess most of what was going on.
"Charge 200. Go on."
With a grand sweep of her sleeve, she sat down across from Xu Luoshui, her presence commanding.
She was extremely satisfied with her outfit, and was even planning to craft a spiritual garment based on this style. She knew exactly how male cultivators thought.
Once they reached the Foundation Establishment stage, they cared more about whether dual cultivation could boost their strength. It was even more obvious at the Golden Core stage. Many of Myriad Blossom Pavilion's disciples hit a wall in their cultivation once they reached that level.
Just breathing in spiritual energy and circulating it through one's meridians, was that really cultivation?
But now, with these clothes and this kind of aura, she saw a glimmer of hope. The higher the cultivation level, the more effective this kind of attraction became.
Desire to dominate. Desire to conquer.
"Here are all the tailoring patterns," Xu Luoshui said. "And the dye formula for the heavenly silkworm stockings."
The pavilion master took them without looking.
"Now tell me," she said calmly. "What do you want?"