Chapter 195

Xiao Weiyang stood up, looking a bit at a loss. "Uh, Bai Jiejie, you're here. How does this outfit feel on you?" She stuttered a bit, even forgetting to put down the brush in her hand. Bai Lian did not notice Xiao Weiyang's unease and replied impatiently, "It's quite comfortable to wear, but the style is a bit odd. This outfit she's wearing now is like the ancient Tang-style chest-wrapped Hanfu from our previous life. The large expanse of white in the front is particularly eye-catching. Of course, in a world where not practicing paired cultivation would lead to death, the atmosphere is relatively open, and there isn't a strict rule for women to cover themselves up, so this outfit isn't considered rebellious. It's just that having been a male in the past, I feel a bit embarrassed." Xiao Weiyang covered her mouth and chuckled, "Bai Jiejie, what's odd about this style? It's the trendiest style in the palace this year." "And..." She glanced at Bai Lian and jokingly continued, "Bai Jiejie, wearing this outfit suits you perfectly. I can't help but feel drawn to you." Blushing, Bai Lian turned her head and said, "Wei Yang, stop teasing me and let's get down to business." "Alright, alright. Since you're so eager, I'll oblige," Xiao Weiyang chuckled lightly. Bai Lian: ? Why is she talking so strangely? You used to be so pure and innocent in your past life. When did you become so good at speaking, just like Senior Sister Mu? "Our purpose for entering the palace this time is to attend Father Emperor's birthday banquet," Xiao Weiyang continued, seemingly unaware of the ambiguity in her words. "During the banquet, the royal relatives, trusted officials, and even the National Preceptor will go to the Clear Harmony Pool. This banquet is the best opportunity for us to meet the National Preceptor. However, there will be many eyes watching at Father Emperor's birthday banquet, even senior immortal practitioners will be present. It is impossible for you to sneak in secretly. So you need to disguise yourself as my personal maid and openly enter the palace. However, the Jianghu aura on you is too strong, which doesn't match the dignified atmosphere of the palace. Before entering the palace, you need to learn how to conceal your identity." "How should I learn that?" Bai Lian couldn't wait to ask. Seeing Bai Lian's confusion, Xiao Weiyang's lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Of course, by serving this princess." Before Bai Lian could react, Xiao Weiyang sat down at the tea table and looked at her with interest, saying, "Bai Jiejie, have you ever served anyone before? Come, pour me a cup of tea first." "Eh?" Although reluctant, Bai Lian knelt down on the cushion to pour tea for Xiao Weiyang. She felt as if she had been in a daze since she put on that outfit, and when she woke up, she had become Xiao Weiyang's maid. However, Xiao Weiyang's idea of pouring tea was not just about pouring tea; it involved various steps of the tea ceremony, including warming the teacup and serving the tea. It even emphasized a great deal of etiquette. However, she, as a former homebody, only saw such things in animated dramas of that prestigious lady. In this life, as a cultivator who only focused on cultivation, how could she know anything about tea ceremony? Moreover, the tea-pouring process was so tedious that time seemed to slow down, and her thoughts began to wander. Her master was knowledgeable about the tea ceremony, given her noble background as a young lady, although her family had passed away centuries ago. However, the concept of time for cultivators seemed fleeting, even after hundreds of years, her master still couldn't erase the mark of her mortal life. In the game, she had asked her master about the tea ceremony, not to learn but to play with her master. When her master realized her intentions, she scolded her for being rebellious and punished her by hitting her with a ruler. "You made a mistake." "Smack!" "Ow..." Bai Lian shrank her hand after being hit and looked at Xiao Weiyang with teary eyes. At this moment, she didn't know if she was crying because of the pain or because of the memories that had entered her mind. Sighing, Xiao Weiyang said, "Bai Jiejie, I've taught you over a dozen times, why do you still make mistakes?" Pouting, Bai Lian said, "These steps are too intricate. I'm just a disciple of our sect; how can I learn these things?" Seeing Bai Lian's aggrieved appearance, Xiao Weiyang felt a mix of amusement and exasperation. Her teacher in her previous life was such a talented and gifted person. In just over a decade, she had transformed from an ordinary person into an unparalleled expert in the world, acclaimed as the unprecedented genius of the cultivation world. She used to think that her master was the most perfect person in the world. However, now her perception had changed. At least her current teacher, despite being the same person, was no longer the unattainable, unreal figure she used to see. Authenticity allows closeness. "The tea ceremony, though intricate, can refine one's character and suppress the Jianghu aura on you. There are other methods, but we are short on time, so this is our only option," she said, gently taking Bai Lian's hand. Seeing the faint red marks on the back of Bai Lian's hand, she suddenly felt a pang of guilt. She had acted impulsively earlier, and her strike had been too forceful. Instead of using her spiritual power to protect her skin, Bai Lian had taken the blow with her physical body. Was she concerned that her spiritual power would reflexively harm her? Xiao Weiyang felt a faint warmth in her heart. Indeed, no matter what her master had become, she was still the person who loved her the most. "Does it hurt?" she asked. Bai Lian hesitated for a moment and then shook her head, "It doesn't hurt." Of course, that was a lie. After all, she was the most outstanding disciple of the Taihua Sword Sect and had not faced any punishment since her rebirth. Even the master had not hit her before.jpg In general, she had delicate skin that could ooze water when pinched, so the blow from Xiao Weiyang naturally hurt. Of course, if she couldn't learn, she couldn't learn. There was nothing to argue about the punishment. However, being hit on the back of her hand by a student from her past life was truly embarrassing. So she had to endure the pain, even if it hurt! This was a matter of her dignity as a teacher! While she spoke, the mist in her eyes couldn't hide the truth. Seeing Bai Lian's seemingly helpless yet obedient appearance, Xiao Weiyang's eyes suddenly lit up. In the past, it was her master who scolded her, but now it seemed the other way around. Watching her master, who had made a mistake, being hit by her, with teary eyes, seemed rather novel. And now, it seemed her master was very obedient to her. Was she...