“Miss Su, the leaders of the three clans have come to visit with gifts.”
Su Mo let out a soft breath, retracted her aura, and opened her eyes, a sharp glint flashing briefly within them.
“Which three clans? I haven’t heard of them. Let them wait. I just finished cultivating and need to rest,” Su Mo replied lazily, leaning against the bedside with an impatient look.
The maid seemed uneasy. “But… City Lord Yun is with them…”
Su Mo’s delicate eyebrows twitched slightly, and she responded with interest, “Is that so? Well, tell them that for Uncle Yun’s sake, I’ll be out shortly. Ask them not to rush.”
Su Mo could see that Yun Fei’s actions were not only meant to elevate her status but also to humble the other three clans. By visiting together with the other clan leaders, he prevented them from holding a grudge against her. At most, they would feel envy or slight jealousy toward the Yun family.
This move protected her while also raising the Yun family’s standing, offending no one in the process.
Su Mo silently praised his strategy. What a clever move.
After the maid left to deliver the message, Su Mo sprang up from the bed, stretched her limbs, and murmured to herself, “Not bad, not bad. Another small breakthrough.”
As she spoke, she placed her hands on her waist and twisted gently, feeling stronger than before.
Heh, this slim waist is really something.
Su Mo grinned lightly, her eyes filled with self-appreciation.
“Pervert!”
A sudden voice echoed in her mind, startling her. “Who’s there?”
After a long silence, she patted her head and muttered, “Why do I keep feeling like someone’s watching me lately? Could I be developing some kind of mental illness?”
Su Mo was startled, thinking to herself, how could someone so young like her already be…
Huh? That voice just now sounded familiar, but it was too muffled to make out clearly.
Whatever, it doesn’t matter. It’s not like it’s affecting anything.
(At that very moment, Ye Qingyi was blushing and repeatedly cursing, “Rogue! Pervert! That awful Su Mo!”)
She called for a basin of water, washed her face, and relished the refreshing feeling.
Hahaha, it’s so great not wearing makeup as a girl. Washing your face is so easy.
After tidying up in just a few minutes without makeup or accessories, she headed out.
Along the way, there were many maids, all wearing makeup, yet none could surpass Su Mo’s natural beauty and elegance.
Though she lacked the poise of a mature woman, she exuded an ethereal, fresh aura, as if untouched by worldly concerns.
When the door opened and a woman dressed in unique attire appeared, the three clans outside were stunned for a moment.
Is this the celestial maiden?
No wonder her clothing is different from ours.
She also seemed disinterested in the cosmetics and accessories favored by ordinary women, simply tying her long hair high with a ribbon—graceful yet free-spirited.
“Xiong Lin pays his respects to the celestial maiden.”
“Wu Wen pays his respects to the celestial maiden.”
“Huang Hao pays his respects to the celestial maiden.”
The three leaders bowed one after another, and Su Mo returned each greeting.
Members of the three clans had already begun whispering among themselves, some even drooling without realizing it.
The people of Yun City looked at them as if they were monkeys, their faces filled with pride, as if saying, “What a bunch of country bumpkins.”
“Uncle Yun, these must be the leaders of the other three cities,” Su Mo said, afraid they would engage in endless small talk. She decided to take the initiative and get straight to the point.
Yun Fei replied, “Indeed. They’ve likely come to fulfill the promise made all those years ago.”
As he spoke, he glanced at the other three leaders, and Su Mo also looked at them curiously, waiting for their response.
“Naturally,” the three said with smiles, though it was unclear how genuine they were.
Su Mo invited them into the courtyard and led them to the main hall, which she rarely visited. She asked the maids to serve tea.
Though technically a guest, Su Mo now played the host, while the four city leaders took their seats as guests.
Their respective attendants waited in the courtyard, each bringing gifts.
Su Mo appeared calm on the surface, but inwardly, she was overjoyed.
The four leaders glanced at each other, with Yun Fei the most relaxed. The other three seemed preoccupied and nervous.
As the host, Yun Fei was about to rise and offer a toast when Xiong Lin interrupted him, standing up and cupping his hands in respect. “The ancient texts say that celestial beings possess immense and unfathomable power, far beyond that of mortals. We humble beings wonder if we might have the honor of witnessing your strength, Miss.”
Seeing this, Wu Wen chimed in, “Yes, your transcendent grace has already astounded us. If we could witness your power, we would have no regrets in this lifetime.”
Logically, it should have been the Huang family’s turn next, each taking a moment to “request” Su Mo to demonstrate her abilities, all to verify her identity as the celestial maiden.
But the Huang family leader remained unmoved, as if the matter had nothing to do with him.
“Clan Leader Huang, what do you think?” Xiong Lin asked.
Huang Hao smiled sheepishly and said unhurriedly, “While it would be an utmost honor to witness the celestial maiden’s power, it ultimately depends on her willingness. The two of you have already expressed your thoughts, so I have nothing more to add.”
Huang Hao was originally the most inconspicuous of the four clan leaders, but after these words, Su Mo regarded him with newfound respect.
Indeed, the quiet ones are the true masters—offending no one and simply enjoying the show.
With the pressure now on Su Mo, she glanced around and gently placed her teacup on the table. “I understand—you suspect I’m a fraud.”
No one objected.
She continued, “Sometimes, the line between truth and falsehood is defined by people. Why be so fixated on it?”
“What do you mean by that?” Xiong Lin’s earlier respect vanished, replaced by a hint of hostility.
Su Mo met his gaze sharply. “What does it matter whether I’m real or not? If I can help you achieve your goals, isn’t that enough? Is identity really that important?”
The main hall fell silent as everyone pondered her words.
“So, you admit you’re an imposter,” Xiong Lin said, his eyes widening as he turned to Yun Fei. “I knew it! This must be your scheme.”
Yun Fei, already certain of Su Mo’s identity, remained completely unruffled and replied casually, “If you don’t believe it, why not bring out the sacred artifact guarded by the Xiong clan and test her?”
Xiong Lin narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.
Suddenly, he sneered, “Who knows what tricks you’re playing? For all I know, you’ve already given the artifact to her.”
“Of course,” Yun Fei said. “Unlike some, I don’t have such poor judgment that I can’t even recognize a celestial maiden. And yet, you have the nerve to argue about it here.”
“Who are you saying has poor judgment?” Xiong Lin flared up.
“Oh, so you’re unwilling to fulfill the promise made all those years ago?” Yun Fei laughed. “Miss Su said identity isn’t important precisely because she feared someone might be blind to the truth. Do you understand now?”
“You…” Xiong Lin slammed the table and stood up, exuding a terrifying aura.
Wu Wen tugged at his sleeve, urging him to calm down.
Only Huang Hao remained detached, focused solely on his tea and snacks. In just a short while, he had nearly finished an entire plate of pastries.
Seeing the timing was right, Su Mo clapped her hands, drawing everyone’s attention.
“There are many ways to verify whether I am a celestial being, but what I want to say is this: regardless of my identity, seizing things by force is not my goal. I much prefer working with all of you through cooperation.”