As the saying goes, the most beautiful flowers bloom in the most dangerous places. Through the drone's view, Seo observed the drunken beauty and couldn't help but giggle to herself. The woman appeared to be around thirty years old, though in a murim cultivation world, appearances were often deceptive.
After watching her for a moment longer, Seo asked again how the woman had managed to see through the drone's cloaking technique. The woman studied Seo's holographic form carefully before finally explaining.
It was related to her technique. By consuming alcohol and entering a drunken state, all of her senses and physical attributes were enhanced to an astonishing degree. In addition, the drone carried a faint lingering scent of perfume.
Seo immediately recalled being in Meihua's room earlier and quickly connected the pieces.
After hearing the explanation, countless countermeasures and improvements already formed in Seo's mind. New functions for the drone, enhancements to her runic arrays, and more refined formations for concealment—all of it began taking shape in her thoughts. The information the beauty had provided was incredibly useful, and Seo decided she deserved a token of appreciation.
Seo had prepared many rare treasures to trade with Meihua. However, since Meihua had been satisfied with just one box, the drone still carried several valuable items in its storage.
A bright light flashed from the drone, and two beautifully crafted wine gourds appeared before the drunken woman.
The woman picked one up, opened the lid, and the aroma alone made goosebumps spread across her body. She took a small sip.
Suddenly, a smooth purple aura began to radiate from her body. She closed her eyes as the aura slowly flowed back into her, being absorbed deep within her cultivation.
When she opened her eyes again, she saw Seo observing her with curiosity.
Then she said something shocking.
"If you give me a few more bottles of this wine, I will follow you forever."
Her sharp, serious gaze was completely different from the drunken demeanor she had shown moments ago.
Seo had not expected such a reaction and nearly spat out the tea she was sipping. She stared at the woman for a moment before bursting into laughter.
The thought of someone selling themselves for a bottle of wine was simply too amusing.
Soon after, however, a mischievous thought crossed Seo's mind. She imagined the ample-chested woman serving her a bath, carefully washing her hair and attending to her comfort.
By the time she realized it, a somewhat creepy smirk had already formed on her face.
She quickly composed herself.
When did I start having such strange thoughts?
The thought lingered for a moment before she pushed it aside, unaware that impulses like these would slowly begin shaping her lifestyle in the future.
Seo accepted the woman's request and instructed her to follow the drone. The drone flew off toward her courtyard, and the woman followed without hesitation.
Because Seo now had a companion traveling with her, the return journey took a few extra days. Even so, their progress was still fast, as the woman moved with remarkable speed.
Eventually, they reached the edge of Seo's domain.
A powerful barrier surrounded the territory, preventing any intruders from entering without permission.
Seo instructed the woman to place her hand against the barrier. As soon as she did, an icon representing her appeared on the domain map. Seo used her authority to change the icon from red to green.
When the woman stepped inside the barrier, a wave of calm washed over her.
At the same time, however, an immense pressure settled onto her shoulders. The spiritual energy within the domain was far denser than outside, and the difference was overwhelming.
The drone shot forward toward the courtyard.
From the outside, the towering trees concealed everything within. The woman followed the drone through the forest until they reached a massive gate.
Two women opened it—Choi and Ling.
Inside lay a breathtaking sight: elegant buildings, perfectly arranged gardens, and a powerful aura emanating from nearly everyone present—including the two gatekeepers.
Choi and Ling regarded the newcomer with suspicion, but they still guided her toward Seo's usual resting place—the garden pavilion.
Seo was exactly where she always was, reclining lazily in her luxurious rocking chair.
Choi and Ling carried the parked drone away toward the alchemical hall, leaving Seo alone with her new companion.
The woman stared at Seo in shock.
Her silky white-silver hair, pale skin, jewel-like crimson eyes, and the intricate tattoos decorating her body made her look almost unreal. Yet the most confusing part was that the woman could not sense even the slightest trace of spiritual energy from Seo.
Seo noticed the intense gaze and immediately understood the reason behind the woman's complicated expression.
"I can't cultivate," Seo said casually, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Does that make our previous deal off the table?"
The woman silently reviewed everything she had witnessed since arriving—the barrier, the domain, the powerful residents, the mysterious drone, and Seo's strange abilities.
After a moment, she made her decision.
"No. The offer still stands."
Her voice carried a faint trace of drunkenness, but her tone was steady and sincere.
A smirk formed on Seo's face.
Finally, she asked for the woman's name.
"Rose."
Seo gave her another look before pointing toward the waterfall nearby. The five sisters soon appeared, and Seo instructed them to prepare clothes for Rose and guide her to bathe.
Thirty minutes later, Rose returned looking like an entirely different person.
Her hair had been neatly combed, her appearance refreshed, and the scent of alcohol had mostly faded.
She was truly beautiful.
Seo found her gaze drifting subconsciously toward Rose's chest before she quickly forced her attention back.
With a flick of her fingers, a wave of spiritual energy wrapped around Rose, lifting her gently off the ground and pulling her closer.
Seo reached out and touched her perfectly sculpted face.
Her fingers softly pressed Rose's cheeks before sliding down to brush lightly across her plump pink lips.
Then she lowered her back onto the ground and stood up.
Rose was slightly taller than Seo, her figure fuller and more mature, but still incredibly pleasing to the eye.
Seo raised her hand and began drawing arrays in midair.
Complex runic patterns formed, glowing softly before condensing into a pact mark that settled onto Rose's shoulder.
Rose had many questions about Seo's strange power.
But she chose not to ask.
Instead, she simply felt honored—and strangely pleased—to serve someone like Seo.