Chapter 663 - 223: A Gathering of Friends, Outlook on the Naqi Stage

Xuanzhen Sect, Fushan Island.

Yang Jing and Sun Ningxiang walked side-by-side down from Yunxi Peak, following the winding mountain path toward Fushan Island’s Outer Island Pier.

The evening breeze swept by, carrying the damp vapor from Hidden Dragon Lake. Sun Ningxiang’s pale pink robe fluttered gently, and the wind brushed her hair behind her ears, revealing a smooth forehead that made her look even more gentle and graceful.

The two chatted idly on their way, mostly about Sun Ningxiang’s training plans after her recent breakthrough to the Huajin stage. Yang Jing offered a few pointers, his words filled with congratulations and encouragement.

Before long, the outline of the Outer Island Pier came into view. A few ferries were moored quietly by the shore, and the boatmen stood by the prows, yawning as they waited for the last group of returning disciples.

Yang Jing and Sun Ningxiang boarded a ferry. The boatman pushed off with his pole, and the vessel slowly departed from the pier, heading toward the western shore of Hidden Dragon Lake.

The lake’s surface rippled, reflecting the last rays of sunset from the horizon. As the ferry moved forward, shimmering light from the waves danced across the deck. The evening wind carried the scent of lotus blossoms, creating a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.

By the time the ferry reached the shore and the two of them stepped onto the stone stairs of the west bank, the sky had grown completely dark.

Night had fallen, dotted with countless stars. In the distance, the lights of Hidden Dragon Town began to twinkle, resembling scattered starlight on the ground.

Yang Jing and Sun Ningxiang followed the stone-paved road from the town entrance, heading toward the northern part of Hidden Dragon Town.

Compared to the bustling center of town with its noisy taverns and teahouses, the northern part was much quieter. The houses along the streets grew sparser, replaced by elegant manors and estates arranged in a tasteful layout. Their high walls and tightly shut vermilion gates conveyed a sense of tranquility and solemnity.

After walking for about the time it takes to burn half an incense stick, Yang Jing saw several impressive mansions standing on an open stretch of land ahead. With their upturned eaves, green bricks, and black tiles, they were particularly striking in the night.

This area was adjacent to the Xuanzhen Sect, a uniquely advantageous location. Many dignitaries and prominent families from Jintai Prefecture had bought or built villas and manors here to facilitate contact with the Xuanzhen Sect or to receive sect news at the earliest opportunity. They kept these residences staffed year-round to ensure they could be used at a moment’s notice.

As one of the three great families of Jintai Prefecture, the Lin Family had deep roots and immense wealth, so it was only natural that they owned an exquisite villa in this prime location.

As the direct heir of the Lin Family and an Inner Sect Disciple of the Xuanzhen Sect, Lin Ziheng naturally had the right to use this villa freely. In fact, he was the one who most often used it nowadays, either staying there occasionally while training at the Xuanzhen Sect or using it to entertain his fellow disciples.

Just as Yang Jing and Sun Ningxiang reached the vermilion-lacquered main gate of the Lin Family’s villa, before they could even knock, they heard the sound of footsteps from within. Immediately after, the gate swung open with a CREAK.

Lin Ziheng, Fang He, and Yan Chenglong walked out side-by-side, all with warm, welcoming smiles on their faces.

"Senior Brother Yang, Senior Sister Sun, you’re here," Lin Ziheng said first, his tone cheerful. "Come on in. This is your first time at my villa, so please don’t mind its humble appearance."

Yang Jing laughed and replied, "You’re too modest, Junior Brother Lin. A magnificent villa like this is anything but humble. It’s a world of its own."

Chatting and laughing, the group walked through the villa’s main gate.

Just inside the gate was a spacious main courtyard paved with smooth bluestone slabs. In the center stood a small rockery with a fountain, its gurgling waters sounding especially clear in the night.

Tall osmanthus trees were planted on both sides of the courtyard. Although they weren’t in bloom, their branches were still lush and full of life.

Passing through the main courtyard led to a second one, which featured a small flower garden. The various flowers exuded a faint, sweet fragrance in the night breeze. A stone table and stools were set to the side, offering a place to rest.

Further in, they passed through a moon gate in the third courtyard to finally reach the rear main hall. The entire villa was arranged in successive layers with a well-ordered layout, every detail reflecting the profound heritage of a great family.

Yang Jing was secretly amazed. ’As expected of a top-tier family from Jintai Prefecture,’ he thought. ’Even a temporary villa in a small town is built to be so magnificent and refined. It’s countless times more luxurious than my residence at Qing No. 4 Courtyard.’

From what he’d heard Lin Ziheng mention occasionally, the Lin Family owned many more villas of this caliber throughout Jintai Prefecture. Some were even uninhabited for years, with dedicated staff hired just to clean and maintain them, ensuring they were always ready for use. Such financial power and deep-seated influence were truly astounding.

The group entered the rear main hall. Several glazed lamps had already been lit inside, illuminating the entire hall as brightly as day.

In the center of the hall was a large Eight Immortals table with a surface as smooth as new. It was surrounded by eight carved pearwood chairs, their exquisite craftsmanship suggesting they were quite valuable.

Yang Jing and Sun Ningxiang sat next to each other on one side, while Lin Ziheng, Fang He, and Yan Chenglong took the other three sides. The atmosphere was harmonious.

After they were seated, Lin Ziheng turned to a servant waiting outside the hall and gave a few instructions, telling them to prepare the meal quickly. The servant bowed respectfully and hurried away.

While waiting for the food to be served, the group sat around the Eight Immortals table and began to chat casually.

Yang Jing hadn’t known them for very long, but their personalities clicked, and they shared common interests. Furthermore, Yang Jing’s talent was exceptional and his future limitless, so Lin Ziheng, Fang He, and the others were all keen on deepening their friendship with him.

With time, they quickly grew close, and there was no awkwardness in their interactions.

Yan Chenglong picked up a Cyan Porcelain Tea Cup from the table, took a small sip of the warm tea, and turned to Yang Jing with a smile. "Junior Brother Yang," he said, "we got a message from Senior Brother Ma Qiang earlier. He’s making a special trip over and should be here any minute now."