Huo Rong nodded, “Why not, this place has the best lotus blossom tea in the city.” She paused as she giggled softly, “Hehe~ But it’s also one of the most expensive pavilions around here. Looks like you will be treating us to good food today.”
Shen Yuan shook his head and went ahead to enter the Lotus Blossom Pavilion. As they entered the pavilion, they were greeted by a hostess dressed in soft pink robes.
The interior was cozy, with lotus flowers crafted in various different places. A small stream of water ran through the middle of the pavilion, creating a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere.
Shen Yuan and the others looked around for a bit and then headed towards the stairs to go to higher floors.
The hostess interjected them with an apologetic expression on her face, “Sorry, dear guest. But the upper floors are reserved for those who have a special badge of the pavilion-”
Before she finished speaking, Huo Rong took out a badge from her storage ring and tossed it at the hostess, “Is that enough?” She asked in a light tone.
The hostess caught it hurriedly and took a closer look at it. As soon as she took a look at it, her eyes widened in shock and she nearly dropped the badge from her hand.
“T-t-this” Before she even completed her sentence, she hurriedly bowed, “My apologies, dear guest, please this way.”
Shen Yuan looked at Huo Rong for a moment before shaking his head and following after the hostess. Han Qingyu looked like she wanted to ask what it was, but she was too shy to ask so she followed after Shen Yuan.
Huo Rong also followed behind the group as they soon reached the top floor. Shen Yuan sat by the window, looking at the breathtaking scene of the city.
The breeze from the open window was refreshing as he could smell the faint fragrance of lotus petals.
Huo Rong ordered a pot of lotus blossom tea, while Han Qingyu looked around with curiosity like a cat.
“This city is so peaceful,” Han Qingyu said aloud, looking at the city from the window, “I have been to quite a few cities doing sect missions, but none felt like this.”
“That’s the beauty of Sacred Lotus City.” Huo Rong replied with a smile, “But since we have already talked about this topic I won’t say much. Just that the Radiant Lotus Sacred Sect is one of the most peaceful sects of the Aurora Zone.”
Shen Yuan nodded in agreement, “It’s truly remarkable, to stay not only neutral in such a world but even be so peaceful. The martial strength of the Radiant Lotus Sacred Sect can absolutely not be underestimated.”
He paused and continued, “I do not doubt that a lot of unrelated cultivators would sacrifice their lives just to protect the tranquil atmosphere of this city.”
Soon the tea was served as Han Qingyu took the initiative to pour it for Shen Yuan first then for Huo Rong and finally for herself.
Shen Yuan picked it up with both hands and blew on it to cool it down before taking a sip.
His eyes widened as he tasted the tea, “It’s really refreshing and unique.” He praised it as he savored the taste.
Han Qingyu nodded in agreement after taking a sip, “It’s really unlike any tea I have tried before.”
Huo Rong looked happily at them as they continued drinking and chatting.
After enjoying the tea, Shen Yuan paid the amount, and the amount was so huge that it made Han Qingyu’s eyes widen.
But Shen Yuan didn’t mind as he felt that the price was right for this treatment and such high-quality tea.
They continued exploring the city, looking at various attractions such as Auction House, Battle Ground, and a lot of other places.
After exploring the city until they felt content, they went towards the other side of the city, where the gates of Radiant Lotus Sacred Sect were located.
After reaching there, Huo Rong paused as she looked at Shen Yuan seriously, “Yuan’er, I know that you are talented beyond belief, but you should not take this test lightly. In the last hundreds of thousands of years, no disciple has been able to pass it.”
Shen Yuan nodded his head seriously and promised, “You don’t have to worry about that Sister Huo, I will take caution and won’t underestimate the trials.”
Han Qingyu also encouraged Shen Yuan, “You can do it, Brother Yuan!”
Shen Yuan smiled and patted her head, “Yes, yes, I will. Don’t worry about it.”
Huo Rong felt her eyes twitch looking at how intimate they were, she gently pulled Han Qingyu to her side.
“Now, you can take this letter and give it to someone, I will take Qingyu with me to make her join the sect.” Huo Rong said as she threw a letter at Shen Yuan while pulling Han Qingyu with her.
“Wait a bit,” Shen Yuan said as both Huo Rong and Han Qingyu paused, “She has a special physique, you should look into that if they check her talent.”
Huo Rong raised an eyebrow as she looked at Han Qingyu with interest. Meanwhile, Han Qingyu was looking at Shen Yuan with wide eyes, “Wait wait, Brother Yuan, you must be mistaken. I don’t have any special physique, otherwise, I wouldn’t only be in the Foundation Establishment realm.”
Shen Yuan turned and started walking away while waving her hand, “You don’t need to worry about it. Sister Huo will take care of the rest.”
He went on the path leading to the Radiant Lotus Sacred Sect, leaving both Han Qingyu and Huo Rong alone.
Huo Rong looked at her and said with a slight smile, “Now, let’s have a chat, shall we?”
Han Qingyu had a bad feeling about this as she felt her back turning cold. She looked at Huo Rong and smiled weakly, “What are you talking about, Sister Huo?”
…
Shen Yuan looked at the path leading towards the Radiant Lotus Sacred Sect with a calm gaze.
The majestic yet peaceful atmosphere of the sect became apparent to him as he walked closer to it.
Soon, the massive doors of the sect came into view. There were various carvings of golden lotus flowers on it.
Female disciples stood guard near the entrance of the sect, their aura peaceful yet filled with might. Reminding anyone who approached the sect that it was still one of the top sects of Eastern Desolate despite its peaceful nature.
He thought about the letter that Huo Rong gave him, wondering about the contents in it that he would have to give someone.
As he approached the gates, one of the guards standing on duty stepped forward, a tall woman with long flowing hair and an aura that one could tell came from a strict person who followed all the rules.
She looked at Shen Yuan with curious eyes as no male disciple had approached the sect gates alone for a long time. If any male cultivators came, it was usually for official business from another sect.
“Halt!” The woman raised her hand, “State your business.” she spoke precisely without any greeting.
