SWNOVELXO Chapter 138: An Invitation to Dance
Chapter 138: An Invitation to Dance
The chamber where You Su resided was called Qinglan Hall, built right beside Jade Ring Pool.
On the lakeside of the main hall was an open courtyard, where a gentle breeze from the lake carried the sound of clinking seashells and jade ornaments hanging from the window frames. The melody they created resembled a symphony played by the wind.
Beneath the shell-and-jade wind chimes sat You Su and Ji Xueruo, each kneeling on opposite sides of a tea table. Both possessed otherworldly beauty that could captivate anyone who laid eyes on them. From the side, even the myriad rare lotus flowers framed by the pillars behind them seemed to fade into the background.
Silence lingered between them until You Su broke it by pouring a cup of tea for Ji Xueruo.
“Miss Ji suddenly visiting… shouldn’t you have given some advance notice?”
Ji Xueruo lifted her fragrant tea, took a small sip, and shot You Su a disapproving glance. “Are you implying I interrupted something?”
“Does Miss Ji still harbor some misunderstanding?”
You Su’s tone was tinged with resignation. If this Ji girl weren’t Junior Sister’s family member, he wouldn’t care what she thought.
Ji Xueruo set her teacup down with a dull thud, signaling her lingering dissatisfaction.
“If Miss Ji still doesn’t believe me, you can ask Master Yu. Both this chamber and the maidens were arranged beforehand by Master Yu.”
You Su was making one last attempt to clarify.
“Utter hypocrisy.”
Ji Xueruo gazed at You Su’s clear yet unseeing eyes, delivering her verdict. Without sparing him another glance, she turned her attention to the breathtaking Jade Ring Pool on her right, as if to cleanse her vision.
Struck by such harsh criticism, You Su felt a flicker of resentment. It was one thing to appease the bride’s family, but quite another for them to overstep their bounds.
“Unreasonable tantrums,” You Su retorted, lifting his teacup and sipping calmly. He no longer bothered to feign a subservient demeanor.
Ji Xueruo looked at the young man, not angered but amused. “You’re actually upset that I called you hypocritical? Do you think I’m still hung up on the earlier misunderstanding? That’s precisely why you’re so fake.”
You Su was momentarily taken aback. Though her words were sharp, he didn’t feel anger. Reflecting on his eighteen years of growing up amidst struggle and walking on thin ice, he realized no one except his master had ever criticized him. He wondered whether this was because he truly did his best as a blind person or because others simply pitied him.
“I am willing to hear your explanation, Miss Ji.”
Seeing You Su’s humble demeanor, Ji Xueruo softened her disdain slightly. “Master Yu, in an effort to please you, specially sought out beautiful maidens to serve you. However, these maidens admire strength and naturally develop feelings for those like you. Even if you ordered them to keep their distance, they wouldn’t fully obey. To these servants trained since childhood to please their masters, your commands merely seem like pretense. Thus, they only redouble their efforts to test your limits, leading to the earlier misunderstanding.”
You Su nodded. “Miss Ji is correct. I assumed you hadn’t thought this through in the heat of the moment.”
Ji Xueruo sneered again. “Are you secretly proud of having passed this test? Do you see yourself as a virtuous gentleman for rejecting the advances of beautiful maidens?”
“I’ve never thought that way,” You Su replied honestly, shaking his head. To him, this was simply what he should have done.
“But you didn’t need to endure this test in the first place. Yet you chose to accept it.” Ji Xueruo snorted. “A true gentleman avoids standing under crumbling walls. You knew Master Yu’s intentions in arranging these maidens, yet you still allowed them into your chambers. In my view, you’re nothing but a hypocrite.”
After pondering for a moment, You Su responded, “Miss Ji is right. I used accepting Jade Ring Pool’s hospitality as an excuse when I could have simply requested two male servants instead.”
“What good does regret do now? Your self-righteousness led you to agree, but people always have desires. When the next irresistible temptation arises, what makes you think you’ll resist then?”
“You Su has learned his lesson, but I believe Miss Ji still misunderstands me.”
“What misunderstanding?”
“First, I don’t consider myself a gentleman. Second, I already told Miss Ji—I had no choice but to enter this dangerous situation. This isn’t about hypocrisy; the real treasures are often hidden behind perilous walls.”
Ji Xueruo glanced at You Su, recalling her subtle warning to him as ‘Mister Xu’ the previous night. The mysterious transformation of Little Yu, the fisherwoman near sacred Jade Ring Pool, coupled with unsettling rumors, made her suspect a connection between Jade Ring Pool and the eerie changes in Little Yu—changes You Su might also be investigating. Her intention had been to hint at danger so Mister Xu would retreat, but he refused. At the time, she thought it was mere stubbornness, but hearing You Su say it again made her realize this youth wasn’t simple.
“So you deliberately gave those sisters hope of getting close to you, using them to learn more about the enigmatic Jade Ring Pool?”
“Does Miss Ji really think she can extract anything meaningful from someone as cunning as Master Yu? The fact that Jade Ring Pool isn’t so simple—wasn’t that revealed to me by Miss Ji herself?”
Ji Xueruo fell silent, her haughty expression softening. She wasn’t sure whether to commend You Su’s sharp mind or lament her foolish sister’s predicament. How could my sister Lingruo, betrothed to this senior brother, possibly outwit him…
“Are you willing to use your body as bait?”
“Without good bait, how can one catch the big fish in Jade Ring Pool? You Su isn’t afraid of being ogled by two maids, but he fears wasting time here without gaining what he seeks.”
Ji Xueruo raised her teacup again, sipping while inwardly marveling at You Su’s resolve. “So you blame me for hindering your plans.”
“No, I’m grateful to Miss Ji for advancing my plans.”
Indeed, Ji Xueruo’s interference had only deepened the twin sisters’ infatuation with You Su.
A faint smile spread across You Su’s lips, making him appear harmless and warm.
To Ji Xueruo, however, he seemed like a sinister entity clad in a flawless human disguise.
“Ordinary maids—they’re gifts meant for foreign guests. What secrets could they possibly know?”
You Su was surprised. “Has Miss Ji already questioned the four green youths in her own quarters?”
Ji Xueruo understood You Su’s emphasis on her four handsome servants—it was retaliation for her earlier criticism of his female attendants. Silently cursing his pettiness, she turned toward the lake breeze blowing in.
Strands of her dark hair fluttered like willow branches, her domineering aura replaced by an unassailable nobility. “Do you think you’re the only one with brains? Unfortunately, they couldn’t tell me much either. Their words were almost identical to common rumors.”
“How did Miss Ji manage it?” You Su asked curiously.
“Certainly not through your despicable method of selling your looks.”
Ji Xueruo glanced at You Su, recalling how she’d used secret techniques to make the four youths answer truthfully. Compared to You Su’s approach, her methods weren’t exactly noble either.
“You Su lacks strength and means, so he resorts to such tactics.”
“Immoral,” Ji Xueruo sneered.
You Su smoothed away his embarrassment, adjusted his collar, and smiled. “Miss Ji suddenly visiting Qinglan Hall—what brings you here?”
Ji Xueruo showed a trace of awkwardness. Her purpose had been simple: catching adulterers. After knocking out the four eager male servants preparing to serve her, she rushed over, fearing the worst. Fortunately, the situation wasn’t as dire as she imagined.
“Nothing special. I was wandering around and heard a woman cry for help, so I came to intervene.”
You Su remained noncommittal, cutting to the chase: “So, Miss Ji, what exactly is your relationship with my Junior Sister?”
“What’s it to you?”
Ji Xueruo stood up, avoiding a direct answer. Instead, she countered, “Why are you here at Jade Ring Pool?”
Though she refused to admit her identity, You Su had already guessed most of it.
“The Lotus Root Heart.”
“You’re also here for the Lotus Root Heart?” Ji Xueruo exclaimed in surprise. “It’s a sacred healing herb. Are you injured?”
“It’s just a task assigned by the Emerald Glorious Venerable of Mystic Firmament Sect.” You Su wouldn’t reveal the truth about Master’s wife being injured.
“Fine, keep your secrets. A mere mission isn’t worth traveling all this way. Luckily, there’s more than one Lotus Root Heart; otherwise, I wouldn’t let you have it.”
Ji Xueruo wasn’t fooled by such shallow lies. With graceful steps, she moved toward the door, her tall figure exuding confidence. “I’m staying next door at Zilan Hall. Be careful—your actions are visible to me.”
As she stepped outside, she left behind a parting remark that sounded threatening but was actually a signal. You Su understood: if anything happened, he could count on Miss Ji’s assistance.
Alone, You Su enjoyed the pleasant lake breeze for a moment before calling out to the hall. “Ladies, please come in.”
At his command, the two maidens entered gracefully, now dressed in exquisite robes.
They approached You Su, bowing deeply with humility, their loyalty deepening as they treated him as their devoted master.
“Master, you may call us Yu Meng and Yu Long. We’re lowly servants unworthy of the title ‘fairy.’ If the elders hear, we’ll be punished.”
“In that case, forgive me. You were startled earlier, and Miss Ji didn’t mean any harm. Allow me to apologize on her behalf.”
With that, You Su began to bow.
Yu Meng and Yu Long stepped forward, steadying his strong arms. Their faces flushed as they performed a respectful curtsy.
“Master speaks too highly of us. It was our transgression, not yours. How could we allow you to apologize? If you continue being so polite, we’ll truly be frightened.”
Inwardly, Yu Long thought, Master You Su is refined, courteous, and as gentle as jade. Though Miss Ji is stunning, her temper leaves much to be desired. She’s completely unworthy of Master You Su.
“Then we’re even. Moving forward at Jade Ring Pool, I’ll rely on you both, Miss Yu Meng and Miss Yu Long.” Smiling, You Su gestured for them to sit. “Since I’m new here and know little about Jade Ring Pool, please enlighten me. I wouldn’t want to embarrass myself during tonight’s banquet.”
The two exchanged glances, accepted his invitation, and sat down. One held the cup for You Su, while the other poured tea.
“What would Master like to know?”
You Su knew better than to rush things. “Let’s start with the masters of Jade Ring Pool…”
…
The night at Jade Ring Pool was dazzling with stars and moonlight, reflected on the lake’s surface. The entire area shimmered as though adorned with fireflies, glowing softly.
The buildings surrounding Jade Ring Pool were divided into five concentric rings based on proximity to the lake. The closer the ring, the higher the occupant’s status. For instance, Qinglan Hall, where You Su stayed, was in the prestigious second ring. Tonight’s banquet, prepared by the masters for You Su, was held in a palace named “Little Pond” located in the exclusive first ring—a place rarely visited.
Unlike the towering structures nearby, Little Pond Palace was delicate and petite, resembling a modest maiden standing by the shore. Its roof tiles gleamed crimson under the moonlight, distinct from the deep green or black hues of surrounding buildings.
Pure white birds perched neatly on the palace eaves. Their peaceful rest was disturbed by You Su and the twins’ arrival. In an instant, flocks of birds took flight, scattering feathers into the air.
You Su was led inside by attendants and seated at a designated spot.
Using his spiritual sense, You Su surveyed the surroundings. The reception hall was small, containing only two sets of tables and chairs.
According to Yu Meng and Yu Long, everyone at Jade Ring Pool shared the surname Yu. There were three Void Realm masters: Venerable Shenxi, Venerable Cuihe, and the highest-ranking Venerable Chengtao.
You Su sat upright, awaiting the host. He found it strange—it wasn’t the grand feast he expected but rather a private banquet. He wondered who would join him.
Yu Meng and Yu Long stood quietly behind him. All the attendants serving in Little Pond Palace were beautiful maidens. The silence was soon broken by melodious music akin to a bubbling spring flowing through mountains. Accompanying it was a group of dancers, fluttering like butterflies drawn to a flower-filled meadow.
Each dancer wore light, flowing dresses that revealed their long, slender legs and graceful arms. Silk ribbons danced in the air without wind, carrying a unique fragrance exclusive to women.
Even individually, each dancer rivaled Yu Meng and Yu Long in beauty. Even the greatest poets and painters of Book Immortal Peak couldn’t capture the full splendor of this scene.
Though blind, You Su could sense the divine essence in their movements. Through his spiritual perception, he felt the natural beauty unfold, as if he were witnessing the vibrant painting with his own eyes.
He became entranced.
Like a stream cascading over a cliff, the music reached its climax. Seven dancers spun rapidly, their swirling skirts and arms resembling blooming lotuses. Amidst the seven blossoms, one hidden lotus suddenly emerged from the center.
She wore a pink dress, her exposed skin pale and powdered, even her ankles and elbows matching the delicate hues of a lotus’s innermost petals.
“Master You Su, may I… invite you to dance with me?”
The maiden approached with elegance, extending her hand with a radiant smile.
You Su sensed that among all the servants and dancers present, this maiden inviting him to dance was the only ordinary human without cultivation. Yet, she was the most beautiful among these celestial beings.
This beauty didn’t require sight—it only needed to be felt.
Uncertain of her intentions, You Su, who neither knew how to dance nor wished to, furrowed his brows and began to decline. “You Su is clumsy, so…”
The maiden’s bright eyes locked onto You Su’s, her gaze carrying an unspoken promise.
You Su relaxed his brows, smiling brightly as he rose and took her hand. “Then I humbly request your guidance, Miss Fairy.”