382: Chapter 382 Xiao Nianyin went out and encountered a lecherous man on the way.

Meanwhile, while Xu Ruyu was immersed in Artifact Refining, a slender figure was walking slowly along a mountain path outside Qixia Valley.

It was Xiao Nianyin.

Ever since Xu Ruyu entered the Illusory Moon Well to perform Artifact Refining, she had become completely idle.

With no Bed-warming maid duties and no tasks to serve anyone, she suddenly did not know what to do.

Because her cultivation base was under a Seal, she could not Cultivate.

Given her awkward status, she was unwilling to have much contact with the Disciples of the Hehuan Sect.

The way those Disciples looked at her was filled with awe, distance, and curiosity—after all, she was once a high and mighty Saint Realm Sect Master, but now she had become Xu Ruyu's "Bed-warming maid."

This disparity made her feel completely uncomfortable.

Therefore, she chose to go out for a walk.

Tianyin Mountain had beautiful scenery and abundant Spiritual Qi, making it a good place to clear one's mind.

For the past few days, she had come out for a walk every day to look at the mountains, the water, and the carefree flying birds.

She was happy to have peace and quiet, with no one disturbing her.

But today, it was destined not to be peaceful.

Xiao Nianyin walked slowly along the mountain path, and before she knew it, she arrived at a relatively open area outside Qixia Valley.

There were a few ancient trees here, with stone benches and a stone table beneath them, serving as a place for people to rest.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled light and shadows on the ground.

The tinkling sound of a mountain spring came from afar, and the occasional birdcall made the valley seem even more secluded.

Xiao Nianyin sat down on a stone bench and gazed at the distant mountain peaks, a feeling of indescribable melancholy welling up in her heart.

Once, she was the Sect Master of Hehuan Sect, controlling a force and having her words carry great weight.

In those years, she was high above; how many people looked up to her, how many feared her, and how many wanted to possess her.

But now...

She looked down at her hands. These hands were once capable of casting earth-shattering Spells, but now, they could not even deal with an ordinary Spirit Beast.

She closed her eyes, and Xu Ruyu's image appeared in her mind involuntarily.

That young man she once viewed as an ant had now become her reliance and her only shelter.

And she was merely an expendable "Bed-warming maid" by his side.

Xiao Nianyin gave a bitter smile, stood up, and prepared to return.

Just then, a burst of noisy laughter came from the other end of the mountain path.

A few young men walked over, talking and laughing; judging by their attire, they were all Disciples of the Taihu Clan.

The leader was a tall, handsome youth wearing brocade robes, with a long sword inlaid with gems hanging at his waist, clearly a Young Master from a prominent family.

He was followed by three or four lackeys, chatting and laughing, clearly in a good mood.

Xiao Nianyin frowned and turned to leave.

But those people had already seen her.

"Huh?" One of the lackeys' eyes lit up, and pointing at Xiao Nianyin's back, he said, "Senior Brother Zhou, look! There's a beauty over there!"

The youth called "Senior Brother Zhou" followed his finger and looked over, his gaze falling on Xiao Nianyin, and his eyes immediately lit up.

Although Xiao Nianyin's cultivation was under a Seal, that air of a Saint Realm Expert remained.

She wore a simple, elegant moon-white long dress, her ice-blue hair cascading down like a waterfall.

Even just from her back, she exuded a heart-stirring coldness and nobility.

The sunlight spilled onto her, casting a soft halo over her, as if a Fairy had descended to the mortal world.

"She is indeed a beauty." Senior Brother Zhou licked his lips, a lecherous glint flashing in his eyes, "Let's go over and take a look."

The group quickened their pace and caught up to Xiao Nianyin.

"Young lady, please stay a moment." Senior Brother Zhou circled in front of her, flashing a smile he thought was dashing, his folding fan gently waving, fully embodying the demeanor of a dissolute Young Master.

Xiao Nianyin stopped, looked at him coldly, and did not speak.

That gaze was as cold as millennial ice, as if she were looking at something disgusting.

Seeing her face up close, Senior Brother Zhou's heart pounded even harder.

This woman's beauty was even more stunning than he had imagined!

Those ice-blue eyes were like the purest gemstones, her cold temperament seemed otherworldly, and her skin was as white as jade, delicate enough to be broken by a touch.

Her beauty was not the kind of vulgar seductiveness, but a high and mighty holiness that one dared not profane.

Yet, this very holiness was what most easily stirred up the most evil desires in a man's heart.

"Which mountain peak are you from, young lady? How come I've never seen you before?"

He asked with a smile, his gaze sweeping unscrupulously over Xiao Nianyin—from her face, to her neck, to the rise and fall of her chest, and finally landing on her slender waist.

A trace of disgust flashed in Xiao Nianyin's eyes, and she said coldly: "Move aside."

The voice was as cold and clear as a spring, yet it carried an unquestionable majesty.

Although she had lost all her cultivation, the habits from years of holding a high position remained; this subconscious imperative tone was something in her bones.

Senior Brother Zhou was stunned, then laughed: "Yo, quite cold, aren't you? But this Young Master likes those with a temper."

The few lackeys behind him also roared with laughter.

"Don't be in such a hurry to leave, young lady. Our Senior Brother Zhou is the eldest legitimate son of the Zhou Family's main branch, and is a notable figure among the younger generation of the Taihu Clan. Being noticed by him is your good fortune."

"Exactly, exactly. Chatting with our Senior Brother Zhou won't be a loss for you. Senior Brother Zhou is the most gentle when treating people, especially beauties."

"I see you're all alone here, young lady, how lonely. Why not accompany Senior Brother Zhou for a chat and relieve some boredom? Wouldn't that be nice?"