71: Settle

Standing at the entrance of Hundred Flowers Valley, before Qin Feng could carefully sense the dense Spiritual Qi and vibrant vitality of the place, he saw a figure quickly approaching from within the valley.

The newcomer was a young man, about twenty years old, wearing the standard green-based white-flower Disciple uniform of the Hundred Flowers Palace. His face wasn't particularly handsome, but his eyes were bright and his Aura was steady, clearly possessing a cultivation of the Mid-stage Grand Martial Master Realm. His gaze landed on Qin Feng with a hint of scrutiny, then he glanced at the somewhat timid Xiao Chun behind Qin Feng, his tone remaining polite:

"You must be Junior Brother Qin Feng, whom Elder Hua ordered me to receive? I am an Outer Sect Deacon Disciple, Chen Song. Follow me; Elder Hua is already waiting in the Receiving Hall."

"Thank you for your trouble, Senior Brother Chen," Qin Feng replied with a cupped-hand salute, his heart stirring slightly. This Chen Song was a Mid-stage Grand Martial Master at such a young age; it seemed the quality of Disciples in this Hundred Flowers Palace was indeed quite high.

As he stepped into Hundred Flowers Valley with Chen Song, it felt as if he had instantly entered another world. The desolation of early spring outside formed a sharp contrast with the prosperity here. Exotic flowers and rare herbs competed for brilliance along the path, many of which Qin Feng couldn't even name. The rich fragrance was refreshing, and with a deep breath, he felt the circulation of his Internal Energy within his body seem to quicken slightly. In the distance, pavilions and towers were hidden among the flowering trees, with the faint sounds of women's laughter and crisp zither music drifting over. There were even streaks of light in various colors (clearly Disciples Cultivating some kind of movement technique or escape art) streaking through the sky, presenting a scene of immortal elegance.

Before long, a magnificent hall built entirely of pure white jade and precious fragrant wood appeared before them. Above the hall door hung a plaque with three elegant yet powerful characters: "Receiving Hall."

Inside the hall, Hua Qianying was lazily reclining on a large chair covered with snow-white beast fur at the head of the room, playing with a translucent jade flute in her hand. Today, she had changed into a pale purple palace dress, appearing less brisk than before and more noble and indolent.

Seeing Qin Feng and Xiao Chun enter, her beautiful eyes flickered, and a world-toppling smile curled at the corners of her lips. Her voice carried a hint of teasing:

"Oh~ our little hero from Star South City has finally arrived. You've made this sister wait quite a while." She scrutinized Qin Feng carefully and nodded. "Not bad, your Aura is condensed, your Foundation is stable, and your Early Stage Grand Martial Master cultivation is solid. It seems this sister's bottle of hundred flowers jade dew pill wasn't wasted in vain."

The hundred flowers jade dew pill she mentioned clearly referred to the bottle of Medicinal Pill she had given to Qin Feng when they parted.

As she spoke, she set down the jade flute, and with a flicker of her body, she floated before Qin Feng like a light feather. She reached out her slender jade hand and, without allowing any argument, lightly squeezed several key bone points on Qin Feng's arms and shoulders.

"Bone age seventeen... tsk tsk, what a little monster." A flash of amazement crossed Hua Qianying's eyes, and then she looked at Xiao Chun, who was so nervous she didn't dare to breathe behind Qin Feng. She also reached out and felt the girl's wrist bone. "Little girl, fifteen years old, Middle Stage Martial Artist, your Foundation is also quite pure, not bad."

She returned to her seat and looked at Xiao Chun, her tone softening slightly: "Little girl, what is your name?"

"Di... Disciple Su Yuchun," Xiao Chun hurriedly bowed and answered, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz.

"Su Yuchun, a good name," Hua Qianying smiled slightly. "Are you willing to join my Hundred Flowers Palace?"

Xiao Chun was stunned for a moment and subconsciously looked at Qin Feng. Seeing him nod slightly, she immediately knelt down and said crisply, "This Disciple is willing! Thank you, Elder Hua!"

"Rise," Hua Qianying nodded with satisfaction. With a flip of her wrist, she took out two thread-bound ancient books and a bundle, sending them through the air to Xiao Chun.

"This is our Hundred Flowers Palace's basic Cultivation Technique, the 'Hundred Flowers Manual.' It contains an Internal Skill Mind-Cultivation Technique and the matching movement technique 'Butterfly Dance Steps.' Both are of the Medium Grade Profound Rank, enough for you to Cultivate to the Martial Master Realm. This bundle contains your Disciple token and clothing for the four seasons. Cultivate well, and do not fail your talent and... the kind intention of your Brother Qin Feng in bringing you here." She added with a hint of deeper meaning.

"Yes! This Disciple will definitely work hard!" Xiao Chun excitedly took the Cultivation Technique and clothing, hugging them tightly to her chest.

Hua Qianying then looked at Chen Song, who was standing by, and ordered, "Chen Song, go call Nanhua over."

"Yes, Elder Hua," Chen Song took the order and left.

Before long, a woman who looked to be twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a gentle temperament and wearing deacon attire, walked in quickly. She bowed respectfully to Hua Qianying: "Disciple Nanhua pays respects to Elder Hua."

"Nanhua, this is the new Disciple Su Yuchun, and Elder Hua's guest, Young Master Qin Feng," Chen Song introduced from the side.

Nanhua's gaze swept over Xiao Chun and finally landed on Qin Feng. A hint of curiosity flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly suppressed as she said respectfully, "Nanhua understands."

Hua Qianying lazily waved her hand. "Nanhua, arrange their accommodations and inform them of the basic rules of the sect. Although Qin Feng hasn't officially joined yet, all his treatment should follow the Inner Sect Disciple standard; do not be negligent."

"Yes, Elder," Nanhua bowed in response, then made a gesture of invitation to Qin Feng and Xiao Chun. "Young Master Qin, Junior Sister Su, please follow me."

Qin Feng cupped his hands to Hua Qianying: "Thank you, Elder Hua."

Hua Qianying gave him a half-smile. "Go on. Once you're settled, there will be plenty to keep you busy."

Following Nanhua out of the Receiving Hall, they passed through several corridors filled with blooming flowers and arrived at a relatively quiet area. Independent two-story buildings were situated here, and the environment was serene.

Nanhua arranged for Xiao Chun to stay in a small building named "Listening to Rain Pavilion" with two other newly joined female Disciples, so they could look out for each other and learn the rules together.

Then she led Qin Feng to a small building named "Green Bamboo Courtyard" not far away.

"Young Master Qin, this is your residence. It is quiet here with few disturbances. Daily necessities are all provided inside. This is your temporary token. With this token, you can go to the first floor of the Library to read, eat at the Dining Hall, and pass through most areas within the mountain gate." Nanhua handed a pale green token to Qin Feng, her attitude respectful and polite.

"Thank you for your trouble, Senior Sister Nanhua," Qin Feng took the token and thanked her.

"Young Master Qin is too polite. There are many rules in the sect, the most important of which are: no private fighting—if there are grievances, they can be resolved on the arena; no trespassing into Forbidden Grounds; male Disciples are not allowed to enter the core residential areas of female Disciples without reason... I will send the detailed sect rule manual later."

"I have noted it, thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister."

Nanhua smiled. "Then Young Master Qin should rest first. If you need anything, you can find me at the External Affairs Hall with your token at any time."

After seeing Nanhua off, Qin Feng pushed open the door to the Green Bamboo Courtyard. The furnishings inside the small building were simple and elegant, with tables, chairs, and a bed all provided. The window faced a lush green bamboo forest; as the breeze blew, the bamboo leaves rustled, making it indeed a good place for quiet Cultivation.