After Long Po said, "Please come in," she made a gesture of invitation.
The masters also cupped their fists in a polite greeting and said, "Please."
It felt very respectful.
Then, led by Long Po, we entered the Yin dwelling.
As soon as we stepped inside, Lao Mo was captivated by the furnishings and environment.
He exclaimed that it was too beautiful, with everything meticulously arranged.
I smiled. This place was the residence of Qing Dai when she was alive.
It was built by Emperor Ai according to the specifications of a princess's mansion.
How could it not be elaborate and exquisite?
But I didn't say anything further.
Under Long Po's guidance, we passed through numerous doors and corridors, arriving at a large hall.
Upon entering, I saw Qing Dai, dressed in a black gauze dress and wearing a black mask.
"Qing Dai!"
Every time I saw her, I felt an inexplicable joy.
So, I couldn't help but call out to her first.
Qing Dai nodded at me, her beautiful eyes looking towards me:
"Qin Ze!"
I smiled and directly began the introductions:
"Masters, Uncle Master, Lao Mo, this is Qing Dai, the owner of this Nine Saints Mansion."
"Qing Dai, this is my master Gu Hui, my uncle master Tang Lin, and my good brother Mo Ting."
I introduced everyone.
Qing Dai also nodded slightly in acknowledgment:
"Please be seated, everyone. Long Po, please serve tea to our guests."
"Yes, Miss!"
Long Po replied and turned to leave.
The group then took their seats in the hall.
Although Qing Dai wore a mask, her temperament was unparalleled.
Even as a woman,
her mere presence exuded a strong aura of dignity.
"Old Qin, why is she wearing a mask?"
Lao Mo whispered to me.
Uncle Master Tang overheard and shot him a glare, silencing him.
Long Po returned immediately.
She carried a tray with tea.
The paper figures beside her served the tea to everyone one by one.
"Esteemed guests, please enjoy the tea."
In ancient times, conversations typically followed a protocol:
knock, greet, be seated, have tea, and then discuss matters.
This was the customary flow.
The masters clearly understood this.
Therefore, despite their eagerness to learn about the Netherworld Cult,
they did not rush to ask questions.
"Please!"
Qing Dai gestured for everyone to drink their tea.
This was the same tea I had drunk the night before.
Besides tasting good, I couldn't discern any significant differences.
So, I paid it no mind.
Lao Mo did not drink tea either, merely going through the motions.
My master and uncle master raised their teacups and took a sniff.
They detected the rich aroma and couldn't resist taking a sip.
Both of them drank tea.
After that sip, they both showed signs of surprise.
Without fear of the heat, they quickly took another gulp.
Finally, as if discerning the flavor,
they both inhaled sharply and exchanged glances.
Uncle Master Tang Lin spoke:
"This, this is Yun Shen Tea?"
My master took another sip:
"Indeed, this is definitely Yun Shen Tea."
My master exclaimed in shock and turned to Qing Dai:
"To offer us such fine tea upon our first meeting, young lady, I am grateful."
"Young lady, thank you for the gift of tea!"
Uncle Master also spoke with sincerity.
It seemed he valued this tea greatly.
I had drunk a lot of it the previous night, and Qing Dai had mentioned it was a good tea that promoted restful sleep.
However, judging by my masters' reactions,
this tea evidently offered more than just those benefits.
Otherwise, their reactions wouldn't have been so profound.
Beside me, Lao Mo cautiously asked Uncle Master Tang Lin:
"Master, is this tea very good?"
Upon hearing this,
Uncle Master's expression turned serious, and he spoke with excitement:
"This tea is not just good, it is extremely rare.
I have heard that its growing conditions are very stringent.
It can only grow in deep mountains and forests where Yin and Yang converge.
A single plant can only be harvested once every ten years.
A single sip can calm the mind and promote sleep,
and it has no side effects.
However, a whole bowl,
can nourish the Dantian and meridians, thereby increasing spiritual energy.
It can even aid in cultivation advancement.
Because this plant has a tea-like fragrance, it is called Yun Shen Tea.
Though called tea, it is more like a potent tonic.
It is a treasure that can only be encountered by chance, extremely rare.
Its value is greater than its weight in gold.
Having walked the martial world for decades, I have only tasted it once..."
Uncle Master Tang Lin spoke earnestly, his words filled with excitement.
He couldn't help but take another sip.
My master nodded repeatedly, continuously savoring the tea.
He never expected to be able to taste such a rare and potent tonic tea here.
As for me, I looked at Qing Dai with surprise.
I hadn't realized that the tea she gave me last night had such an origin and significance.
Last night, I only thought the tea tasted good.
I was more focused on the dew used to brew the tea rather than the leaves themselves.
I had drunk a whole pot at Qing Dai's strong suggestion.
I never imagined this tea possessed such efficacy.
It was a special plant that could enhance cultivation and stabilize vital energy.
Promoting restful sleep and aiding slumber were mere trivial benefits.
Nourishing the Dantian and meridians, increasing spiritual energy, and improving cultivation were the tea's true remarkable properties.
Seeing our astonishment, Qing Dai simply smiled:
"If you all like it,
I will give you two jin before you leave."
Upon hearing this, my master and uncle master's eyes widened even further.
"Two, two jin?"
Uncle Master Tang stammered in astonishment.
My master also looked agape, a look of disbelief on his face.
This tea was sold by the gram outside,
and even then, it was hard to come by.
Qing Dai's casual offer of "two jin" was an act of incredible generosity.
Lao Mo gasped and asked incredulously:
"Master, you just said,
this item is worth more than its weight in gold?"
To give away such a precious tea so readily, and two jin at that.
If it truly was worth more than gold,
then two jin of this tea would be worth hundreds of thousands.
Even I felt my breathing quicken with a sense of awe.
It was evident that Qing Dai held us in high regard.
Having just met, she was casually bestowing such a valuable gift...