Chapter 352: Bestsellers
“Who is this lady?” Yu Yin noticed the Mortal World Celestial, whose aura was exceptionally vague. Even with her Tribulation Transcendence Stage spiritual sense, she couldn’t perceive through the other’s concealment.
Unless this person was also at the Tribulation Transcendence Stage like herself.
But currently, she was the only female cultivator at this stage. How could a second Tribulation Transcendence Stage female cultivator appear without anyone noticing?
Seeing Yu Yin’s peculiar expression, Holy Maiden Jingxin realized the issue – her ancestor from Red Dust Pure Land had crafted this set of immortal-grade clothing solely to reduce attention and conceal aura.
And this concealment function remained effective even against Tribulation Transcendence Stage cultivators.
With so few at this cultivation level, suddenly encountering someone who could evade Tribulation Stage perception would naturally raise questions.
Beads of sweat formed on Holy Maiden Jingxin’s forehead. Lying presented an enormous challenge for her.
“Jingxin, don’t worry. I know Yu Yin’s character well. She’s more tight-lipped than Bai Hongtu and Ji Zhi combined. She won’t reveal this.” Jiang Li transmitted his voice secretly.
With Jiang Li’s assurance, Holy Maiden Jingxin relaxed: “Sister Yu Yin, let’s talk over here.”
Holy Maiden Jingxin and Yu Yin belonged to the same generation, with Yu Yin being a few years older.
She led Yu Yin to a secluded mountain spring where clear waters flowed melodiously, creating a poetic atmosphere.
The Mortal World Celestial wanted to catch fish in the stream but was gently dissuaded by Holy Maiden Jingxin.
Yu Yin raised an eyebrow – this veiled cultivator retained childlike innocence, or perhaps simply acted immature.
“This is the founder of our Red Dust Pure Land, the Mortal World Celestial.”
Upon hearing this, Yu Yin visibly started, raising her eyebrow again.
Jiang Li knew Yu Yin rarely showed expression, remaining mostly impassive. Two raised eyebrows indicated extreme surprise.
“That Mortal World Celestial? The one who enchanted the immortal realm, the physical embodiment of heavenly beauty?”
Now Yu Yin understood the need for the veil. Legends said the Mortal World Celestial’s charm was irresistible – even her portraits could cause chaos and madness, let alone her true appearance.
“But didn’t your ancestor pass away?”
“Though her soul reincarnated, her physical body remained. The body developed sentience, generating a new soul.”
Yu Yin had heard of such phenomena but never encountered an actual case.
“Hello! You look very strong,” the Mortal World Celestial said cheerfully.
“Before an immortal, I dare not claim strength,” Yu Yin clasped her hands respectfully. She wanted to see beneath the veil but doubted her self-control given the legends.
Addressing empty air, Yu Yin said: “Jiang Li, I know you’re here. Stop hiding.”
Jiang Li remained confident in his concealment technique, suspecting a bluff.
Yu Yin’s lips curled slightly: “Little sister Jingxin was initially hesitant about discussing the Mortal World Celestial, then suddenly decided to tell me everything. Who could have influenced her decision?”
With no choice, Jiang Li appeared: “I know you’re clever, but must you use that against me?”
“I wouldn’t dare claim cleverness before you. During every Human Sovereign selection test, you and Bai Hongtu took first and second while I trailed in third.”
The Human Sovereign trials tested comprehensive abilities including combat strength, talent, intelligence, and more. While Yu Yin matched them in other aspects, intelligence remained her slight weakness.
Her straightforward strategies couldn’t compare to Jiang Li and Bai Hongtu’s unorthodox schemes.
The previous Human Sovereign favored Yu Yin, considering Jiang Li and Bai Hongtu capable but lacking steadiness. He imposed numerous restrictions on them during tests, practically begging them not to cause trouble.
Yet predictably, the duo always devised new antics.
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone about you sneaking into the Shangsi Festival.”
Jiang Li glared: “Sneaking? I’m just ensuring the Mortal World Celestial’s matter remains confidential!”
Ignoring him, Yu Yin said: “This must be your first Shangsi Festival. Let me show you around.”
Jiang Li had the Mortal World Celestial adjust her aura to Unity Stage level, making her appear as just another Red Dust Pure Land cultivator.
Returning to the main festival area with Jiang Li invisibly trailing, he felt like a pervert moving among the chattering female cultivators.
He observed many female-exclusive products – Beauty Preservation Pills, undergarments, haircare solutions, sunblock, Dual Cultivation techniques…
While novel, none sparked his interest.
“You seem uncomfortable. Are you alright?” Holy Maiden Jingxin noticed Jiang Li’s unease.
He sighed: “Probably because it’s all women here. Their outfits are more revealing than usual – bare arms and legs. They’d dress differently knowing I’m present.”
Compared to Jiang Li’s previous life, the Nine Provinces maintained conservative standards. Except for certain races like demons or gu masters, female cultivators typically covered everything including ankles.
But at the Shangsi Festival, they proudly displayed figures with fitted clothing outlining curves.
Yu Yin smirked: “Guess whether they’d wear more or less if they knew you were here?”
Before Jiang Li could answer, the Mortal World Celestial called them over where she squatted examining books.
“Look how interesting these are!”
“What is our ancestor reading?” Holy Maiden Jingxin bent down, arms resting on knees.
“Reborn After 500 Years: The Mahayana Cultivator Fell For Me.”
The Mortal World Celestial read the synopsis seriously: “Betrayed and framed, she reawakens 500 years earlier. Opening her eyes, she sees that pitiful junior cultivator who would eventually become the renowned Mahayana Stage expert.”
“But who knew the hardships of cultivation? Before reaching Mahayana, how much had this junior suffered and lost?”
“She embraces him, declaring domineeringly: This life, I’ll ensure you ascend to Mahayana peacefully – no more loss or suffering!”
“And this one – Human Sovereign Jiang Li, Don’t Do It!”
“He’s the lofty Mahayana expert, Nine Provinces’ protector, the terrifying scourge of Outer Realm Demons.”
“She’s the clumsy little maid, just background scenery among cultivators.”
“Two people with no connection meet at a banquet, after which he gains an adorable maid while she finds a gentle Mahayana guardian.”
“You’ve excellent taste! Both are recent bestsellers,” the bookseller promoted enthusiastically.
Holy Maiden Jingxin purchased them under the pretense of buying for her ancestor.
Jiang Li noticed the well-organized stalls with labeled sections. The largest, titled “Jiang Li Zone,” attracted more customers than even the “Teacher Qingyu Zone,” with numerous female cultivators browsing its selections besides the Mortal World Celestial and Holy Maiden Jingxin.