One night passed.
As dawn broke, two male disciples from Xiaoyao Peak prepared to leave.
Liu Xilan, however, walked towards the Shen Family Mansion.
She had pondered for a long time last night and finally pinpointed what felt off.
The scene after Shen Han swallowed the Bone Tempering Pill replayed in her mind.
When facing the pressure of the Bone Tempering, there was the steadfastness of a mountain and the continuity of a long river.
Such a momentum was remarkably similar to the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill!
Liu Xilan once witnessed this Mountain and River Body Refining Skill from an Honored Guest Elder at Xiaoyao Peak.
Though it was the most basic body refining technique, the body tempered by this cultivation technique had majestic power and perpetual momentum.
However, this Honored Guest Elder only understood the initial chapter of the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill.
If Shen Han truly comprehended the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill, she could seek to obtain it and exchange it for his secret moves from that Honored Guest Elder.
On the Shen Family side, upon hearing Liu Xilan's visit, the Old Dowager immediately arranged for the servants to prepare a feast.
She had already heard about Madam He and Madam Xie's behavior at the banquet yesterday.
Leaving the banquet early to express their dissatisfaction was thoughtless and disrespectful.
Liu Xilan was the senior disciple among the younger generation of Xiaoyao Peak.
Among the younger generation, her swordsmanship talent was arguably the best in Great Wei.
Such a fairy's future accomplishments were undoubtedly limitless.
That Madam He and Madam Xie were so neglectful, the Old Dowager already scolded them last night.
Thankfully, Fairy Liu was famous for her gentle and kind nature; a sincere apology today should not hurt her feelings.
The banquet was set in the garden of the main house.
With autumn's arrival, the flowers, plants, and trees changed colors with the season.
Compared to the vibrant greens of spring, the garden in autumn, with yellow as its main color, felt more cozy.
The garden seemed to be regularly maintained and appeared exquisite.
Faced with the warmth of the Shen Family, Liu Xilan couldn't refuse and took her seat at the banquet.
Perhaps to earn an opportunity for her descendants, the Old Dowager had all the younger generation members take their seats.
The wives of the third branch naturally came to accompany them as well.
Madam Yun, who had been confined for many days, finally had a chance to leave her own courtyard.
"Old Dowager, you are too kind. Xilan is merely a junior from Xiaoyao Peak and can't accept such honors..."
Liu Xilan held a cup of clear wine, feeling it was only proper for her, as a guest, to reciprocate the host's hospitality.
"Yesterday, the first and second branches had matters to attend, causing the two ladies to leave early, which was truly neglectful.
Today's feast is partially meant as an apology; please do not mind it, Xilan."
The Old Dowager had a benevolent smile, looking as if she was bathed in a warm spring breeze.
As an experienced elder, she smoothed over yesterday's unhappiness with simple words.
"Old Dowager, your words are too courteous. The Shen Family's warm reception is already a great honor for Xilan, and there's no resentment in my heart."
After addressing the incident from yesterday, the Old Dowager signaled for the feast to begin.
The younger members of the family, given a sign, presented themselves one by one with a cup of clear wine to acquaint themselves with Liu Xilan.
Liu Xilan, being the swordsmanship talent of the younger generation, could potentially recommend even those with slightly inferior talents to train at Xiaoyao Peak.
The younger members of the Shen Mansion understood well that this was an immense opportunity.
They knew they were not all as exceptional as Shen Ye; they needed to seize opportunities like these.
Liu Xilan returned greetings courteously, and when asked for guidance by the younger members of the Shen Mansion, she patiently offered a few pointers.
Scanning the room, she noticed Shen Han seemed to be absent.
As a fellow descendant of the Shen Family, he was indeed much despised by them.
"Old Dowager, has Young Master Shen Han not joined the feast today?"
The mention of Shen Han's name caused the Old Dowager and others to momentarily freeze.
"Shen Han is an odd character, but did he offend Fairy Xilan in any way yesterday?
If so, I will surely punish him severely."
The mere mention of Shen Han evoked nothing but bad impressions in the Old Dowager's mind.
"Old Dowager, you are overthinking. Junior Brother Han is rather quiet, but his character isn't eccentric.
He is betrothed to Junior Sister Jinyu, and I came today partly to chat with him again."
The Old Dowager's aging face showed a mix of emotions as she pondered for a moment before summoning a grandchild.
"Shen Fu, accompany Fairy Xilan and attend to them. Ensure that Shen Han does not offend our honored guest."
Shen Fu nodded and reached out to take Liu Xilan's hand.
Understanding Liu Xilan's esteemed status, Shen Fu naturally seized the opportunity to foster a connection with her.
The two headed toward the eastern side of the Shen Mansion.
At the banquet, everyone except Madam Yun appeared somewhat displeased.
"This fairy, could she possibly have taken a liking to our Shen Han~"
Madam Yun whispered, only joking.
But those around heard and responded with light laughter.
Even the Old Dowager shot her a disapproving glance.
"In terms of status, talent in swordsmanship, Liu Xilan outshines Su Jinyu significantly.
For her to fancy Shen Han, that's truly wishful thinking."
...
After passing through a bamboo grove, the environment changed drastically.
The overall setting of the Shen Mansion was that of an exquisite garden.
Whether the carvings on the path or the railings by the pond, all attested to the luxury of the Shen Mansion.
But as one approached Shen Han's residence, it became increasingly desolate.
Beyond the bamboo grove, even the road appeared muddy.
"Sister Xilan, perhaps we shouldn't proceed; his place is reportedly filthy, and I've heard it even stinks.
Shen Fu frowned at the muddy paths ahead, reluctant to proceed further.
"Little sister, you wait here; I'll meet him alone."
Hearing this from Liu Xilan, Shen Fu gritted her teeth and had no choice but to move forward.
"Shen Han, you have a guest."
Upon reaching Shen Han's residence, although it was simple, it was kept relatively clean.
On the contrary, Shen Fu's stomping left mud all over the floor.
After a moment, the door opened.
Seeing the two before him, Shen Han became slightly wary.
"We met yesterday, but I forgot to introduce myself. I am Liu Xilan, a disciple of Xiaoyao Peak."
"Why are you standing there? Senior Sister Xilan is an honored guest of our Shen Family; hurry and pay your respects."
Shen Fu was younger than Shen Han by several years and should have acknowledged him as her elder brother.
Yet, her tone held a semblance of reprimand.
"Little sister, return to the mansion and wait for me. I wish to have a chat with Young Master Han."
Shen Fu was reluctant, but seeing Liu Xilan's determination, she pursed her lips and departed.
After Shen Fu left, with a wave of her hand, another stroke of sword qi was sent forth.
A distant branch of a large tree was instantly severed.
"The person monitoring you has left; can we now have a talk?"
Liu Xilan sat on a stone chair, the breeze catching her hair and the hem of her dress.
Amidst the surrounding plainness, she truly seemed like a fairy fallen to the mortal realm.
"It appears Shen Fu doesn't consider you an elder brother."
"It's alright; I don't consider her much of a sister, either."
Shen Han carried a bowl of water from his house; though humble, he did not forget hospitality.
"Thank you for your assistance yesterday, Senior Sister Liu. Without you, I could not have endured the battering of the Bone Tempering Pill."
"That pill merely alleviates pain; it doesn't help Junior Brother Shen Han withstand the Bone Tempering Pill. You relied on your own talent and strength.
Moreover, the aura you exhibited yesterday, Junior Brother Shen Han, seemed to carry traces of the Mountain and River Body Refining Skill."