Chapter 743: Days of Cultivation with Yang Yuhuan

Imperial Palace.

This was a palace that could be called exquisitely crafted, yet it did not lack luxury and grandeur.

The interior was arranged as if it were not of the mortal world, resembling a celestial palace of the Jade Pool; inside, large night-luminescent pearls were dotted about as lamps, and the walls were embedded with glowing exotic stones.

The Noble Consort, who held three thousand favors in one body, was currently reclining on a soft couch. Although it was already autumn, it was still warm in the palace. Yang Yuhuan wore only a light palace gown, her face bare, letting her black, silky hair flow over her snow-white shoulders. One hand held a scroll to view, while the other reached out from time to time to take preserved fruits and snacks from the table to her mouth.

Her figure was plump; even as she half-reclined, one could still see that her chest was extremely full, like a half-moon, rising and falling slightly with her even breathing. Her waist was slightly cinched, her hips gradually widening, and a section of fair, fleshy calves and jade feet were exposed. Those jade toes, with nails painted in flower juice, occasionally teased a fat Persian cat, looking very comfortable.

Just at this moment, the Persian cat let out a soft "meow," and the lazy cat, which usually did not like to move much, nimbly jumped off the couch and actually began to walk toward the outside of the hall.

This movement of the cat also startled the Noble Consort, who was feeling a bit drowsy.

Yang Yuhuan hurriedly straightened her body and assumed a cross-legged sitting posture. This swift movement caused a surge of waves on her chest, as if they were about to pop out from the wide palace gown. The scroll she had been holding was also placed neatly on the table in front of her, her eyes looking straight ahead.

The scroll on the table contained a portrait of a man, bearing some resemblance to Yu Liancheng. His eyes were closed, he sat cross-legged, his hands formed a seal, his sleeves fluttered, and his expression was serene. It looked somewhat like the portraits of Buddha or Bodhisattvas enshrined in temples, only the majesty was slightly thinner, revealing a sense of intimacy that made it impossible to feel any ill will.

Apart from being lifelike, it seemed to have nothing else extraordinary about it, and it was not worth the Noble Consort watching it with such focus.

But if one looked at this scroll until they were Entering Divinity, a kind of illusion would arise. It was as if the man in the portrait possessed a thousand faces and ten thousand countenances, transforming into peddlers, pawns, high officials, and noble lords. All living beings were in the painting. This portrait also seemed to be a vortex, pulling all the viewer's spirit into it, unable to extricate themselves.

And above the scroll were characters; the handwriting was not large, but very clear, and it had a kind of lively feeling, as if it had come to life. Each character revealed a spirituality, as if it might fly out of the scroll at any moment.

Footsteps came from outside the hall, neither light nor heavy, accompanied by the sound of meowing.

"Alright, stop pretending. Can I not tell whether you have 'entered meditation' or not?" A clear voice rang out.

Yang Yuhuan's fan-like eyelashes trembled, then she opened a pair of charming, flowing peach-blossom eyes. She lowered her jade feet, slipped them into a pair of embroidered shoes adorned with bright pearls, stood up, and bowed gracefully: "Yuhuan greets the National Master."

Yu Liancheng swept his gaze over the preserved fruits and snacks on the table and shook his head, saying: "Cultivation has never been an easy task, let alone the fact that you missed the best time for training. Now that you are still so lazy, I don't know in what year or month you will achieve success in your cultivation. I think you had better just be a bird in a cage."

Yang Yuhuan's pretty face flushed slightly, her teeth biting her red lips, and she murmured: "Yuhuan has always been practicing diligently, it is just that I have not grasped the essence of it. I was just taking a short rest, and I did not expect to be seen by the National Master."

Yu Liancheng reached out and grabbed, and the scroll fell into his hand out of thin air. He looked into the scroll and said: "You possess the Appearance of National Beauty and Heavenly Fragrance. Logically speaking, if you use the Appearance of National Beauty and Heavenly Fragrance to practice this volume of Mine of All Living Beings, although there will be some trouble in the later stages, the entry should be very fast. Moreover, you have learned Daoist arts before and have some foundation, so it should not be like this."

This volume of his, "Appearance of All Living Beings," was deduced further based on the "Thirty-Two Appearances" he had created in the past. All sentient beings have appearances, and all can practice through this "Appearance of All Living Beings."

When practicing, one contemplates the portrait, stores it in the spirit and soul, and tempers the soul. Then, one practices the physical body according to the text in the scroll, and finally, the physical body and the spirit reflect each other, achieving Lingrou Heiyi.

Although Yang Yuhuan was older, her appearance was peerless and her looks were city-toppling. She possessed the top-tier "City-Toppling Appearance" among the appearances of all living beings, and having once entered the Haotian Taoist Temple and having had a brief experience of cultivation, she should have entered the path very quickly.

Yang Yuhuan's expression dimmed as she said: "Perhaps Yuhuan is indeed dull-witted."

"Appearance of All Living Beings: I see all living beings, and all living beings see me." Yu Liancheng pondered for a moment, nodded, and said: "You stay in the Imperial Palace all day and never see all living beings; how can you cultivate the Appearance of All Living Beings? Let's go, come with me out of the Imperial Palace and take a trip."

"Out of the Imperial Palace?"

Yang Yuhuan was slightly startled, and then a look of longing appeared on her city-toppling face: "Alright, but I need to go and dress up. Please wait a moment, National Master."

Yu Liancheng scanned Yang Yuhuan up and down and smiled: "The scenery of West Lake in Jiangnan is beautiful, and it is different in all four seasons. A poet surnamed Su once said, 'If one were to compare West Lake to Xizi, light makeup or heavy adornment is always appropriate.' Today, you are not wearing any makeup, which is a bit more refined and elegant than in the past, like a clear lotus rising from the water. It is exactly the time when 'light makeup or heavy adornment is always appropriate,' so why go to the trouble?"

Listening to Yu Liancheng's heartfelt praise and meeting his slightly scorching gaze, Yang Yuhuan's face also flushed with shyness, as if she could not bear it. This blush was just like the most beautiful rouge in the world, adding three parts of charm to the lightly dressed Noble Consort, stunningly beautiful.

The Noble Consort glanced at Yu Liancheng with a look that seemed both happy and resentful, then lowered her head again, saying in a voice almost too soft to hear: "Really?"

Yu Liancheng looked at Yang Yuhuan, who had the shyness of a young girl, and nodded: "It is certainly true."

"Since the National Master has said so..." Yang Yuhuan bit her lip and said: "Then please wait a moment, National Master, Yuhuan will come after tidying up a little."

Yu Liancheng: "..."

Fine, he said it for nothing. For a woman like Yang Yuhuan who was used to heavy makeup, it was indeed not an easy task to get her to go out in light makeup. He only hoped that this Noble Consort understood that with her natural beauty, there would be no telling how many eyes would be watching her once she went out, so she should dress more modestly.

Amidst a rustling sound, the palace gate was pushed open, and the Noble Consort appeared before Yu Liancheng once again.

At this time, the Noble Consort was wearing a bright yellow palace dress, wrapping her plump and graceful body, inviting reverie. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, a pure red diamond-shaped flower was on her forehead, her thick hair was combed into a cloud-like pile, and a golden dangling hairpin was slanted at her temple. When the sunlight shone on her, it made her skin look like congealed fat, bright and moving.

Although this outfit was much simpler than her usual graceful and luxurious style, if she were to walk out, she would probably attract everyone's attention instantly.

Yu Liancheng shook his head.

The Noble Consort felt a little uneasy: "Is it not okay? Do I need to change into another one?"

"It is fine."

Having said that, a strange fluctuation of God from his brow wrapped around the Noble Consort.

In the eyes of outsiders, the Noble Consort's presence was instantly reduced infinitely.

"Let's go."

Yu Liancheng turned and left.

The Noble Consort looked back at the empty palace and hesitated: "This, won't something go wrong? If the Emperor discovers..."

"Rest assured." Yu Liancheng's tone was calm. Seeing that Yang Yuhuan was still worried, he couldn't be bothered to explain, and just blew a breath toward the hall.

And the next moment, a figure appeared out of thin air in the hall, with the same appearance as Yang Yuhuan, who was concentrating on reading a book.

"Is this an immortal art?"

Yang Yuhuan's beautiful eyes lit up.

"Although it is not an immortal art, it is no different from one."

Yu Liancheng's Gui Cang Nine Paths was the culmination of his martial arts, melted into one furnace.

But for martial arts of this realm, it was no different from the immortal Daoist arts of the Qi Practitioners.

And in terms of offense, ordinary Qi Practitioners who aimed for longevity could not even withstand one of his moves.

The Imperial Palace was heavily guarded, with guards every three steps and sentries every five, plus layers of hidden sentries. But when Yu Liancheng and Yang Yuhuan walked past them, they turned a blind eye, which made Yang Yuhuan feel suspicious and surprised again.

Before long, the two left the palace and walked leisurely on the Imperial Street.

Chang'an was the most prosperous place in the world at that time, with developed industry and commerce, thriving businesses, a large population, and surging crowds. Before Yang Yuhuan was married, she often went shopping, and after she was married, she occasionally went out, but she would take a carriage and pass by in a hurry. Walking on the street like this, watching the myriad appearances of all living beings, she was full of interest.

Unfortunately, although Yang Yuhuan was highly interested, she did not walk often, and her practice of Daoist arts was only at the beginning, so after a while, her feet and legs felt soft. At Yu Liancheng's suggestion, the two went to a restaurant by the street to rest. As soon as the door curtain was lifted, a wave of heat rushed toward them. The restaurant was bustling with noise and excitement, and business was unusually good.

Datang was a place where ten thousand nations came to pay tribute, and countless merchants and travelers gathered. Not to mention that there was a stage in the middle of the building, and a storyteller was speaking with great animation, attracting all the drinkers to listen intently. When they heard the most engrossing parts, they even forgot the wine cups in their hands, just holding them by their mouths until they finished listening to that part, only then did they come back to their senses, drink it down in one gulp, and call it satisfying.

Yang Yuhuan had only been to a tavern with her elders when she was a child, so she was even more interested now, and she listened to the storyteller's old-fashioned stories with great relish. Yu Liancheng ordered wine and food and smiled: "There are all kinds of people in this restaurant, a mix of fish and dragons, and there are the appearances of all living beings. You might as well look carefully at everyone's expressions and actions, and then ponder their thoughts at this moment."

Yang Yuhuan nodded, pursing her red lips, her expression serious. Her beautiful eyes scanned the guests in the restaurant one by one, making guesses and telling them to Yu Liancheng.

Yu Liancheng smiled, acting as a bystander most of the time, and only occasionally, when Yang Yuhuan's guesses were far off, did he interject a few words to more accurately state everyone's state of mind. Some people came to the restaurant purely to eat and drink, some were there to listen to songs, and others were there to listen to stories or to get closer to their friends...

Suddenly, Yang Yuhuan felt something in her heart, and a flash of inspiration appeared. She hurriedly closed her eyes, and a strange feeling permeated her whole body. She felt as if she had jumped out of the red dust, yet she was also among the masses of living beings. The portrait in her mind became clearer and clearer. After a few breaths, it was completely imprinted in her spirit and soul. Although it was not perfectly detailed, it was indeed preserved, and as long as she wished, she could contemplate it at any time to strengthen her soul.

As Yang Yuhuan opened her eyes once more and exhaled a long breath of fragrance, she looked at Yu Liancheng excitedly and said, "National Master, Yuhuan has finally entered the gate."

Yu Liancheng nodded with a smile: "The appearance of all living things, seeing all living things. But this is only the beginning, you must not be arrogant yet."

Yang Yuhuan nodded, her face full of the joy of a child who had just received a piece of candy.

At this moment, the sound of zithers and flutes rang out. The two looked toward the stage; without knowing when, the storyteller had already retreated, and in their place was a group of graceful singing girls, singing and dancing. Whether in Martial Dao or the music of zithers and flutes, they displayed an extremely high level of skill, far surpassing the singing girls Yu Liancheng had seen in other worlds.

"As expected of Datang, even the singing and dancing in a casual tavern has such attainments." Yu Liancheng watched the young girls dancing gracefully and playing music, and offered a word of praise.

Yang Yuhuan's beautiful eyes turned, and she giggled: "Does the National Master like singing and dancing?"

Yu Liancheng smiled: "I like everything that can bring me enjoyment and happiness, and beautiful dancing is naturally among them."

Yang Yuhuan giggled: "Yuhuan was just worrying about how to repay the National Master. Whenever the National Master is in the mood, Yuhuan will offer a dance before your cup."

Yu Liancheng laughed aloud: "It's a deal."

After a brief rest at the tavern, the two went back to strolling along the street.

Yu Liancheng would occasionally tell Yang Yuhuan about strange events and exotic tales, which Yang Yuhuan listened to with great focus.

"Brother, wait for me."

At this moment, a young, childish girl's voice rang out from behind Yang Yuhuan.

Immediately following, Yang Yuhuan let out an "Ouch," her delicate body swaying slightly; it was a little girl chasing after her brother who had accidentally bumped into Yang Yuhuan.

This was actually Yu Liancheng's fault, for he had stripped away most of Yang Yuhuan's "presence," which was why she had not been noticed by the little girl who was in a hurry to chase her brother.

Yu Liancheng reached out an arm to block, catching Noble Consort's plump waist; instantly, a strange, silky-smooth sensation came through, as if he could feel the milky-white, delicate skin through the not-so-thick palace attire.

"How is it? Are you hurt?"

Yu Liancheng looked at Yang Yuhuan. Their bodies were very close, and a peony-like floral fragrance emanated from Yang Yuhuan's delicate body, causing one's heart and mind to sway.

Yang Yuhuan's moth-like eyebrows knitted slightly, her sweet, soft voice carrying a trace of pain: "I, I twisted my foot."

Yu Liancheng frowned: "I remember there is a pavilion not far ahead; let's go there and take a look first."

"Mm."

"Can you still walk now?"

Yang Yuhuan tried to take a step, only to let out another delicate cry.

Yu Liancheng hesitated for a moment, then simply picked Yang Yuhuan up and arrived at a small pavilion not far away. He let her sit down, then casually took a small stool and a piece of clean silk from his Storage Space. He spread the silk over his own thigh, then grasped Yang Yuhuan's small foot and reached out to help her take off her shoes and socks, revealing her round, jade-like feet.

"National Master, what are you doing..."

Yang Yuhuan's face turned red, and she hurriedly tried to pull her small foot away with great effort.

"Don't move around. You are my dancer now; if your foot really suffers any damage, it would be a great loss for me," Yu Liancheng said with an expressionless face.

PS: The follow-up subscription rate has stabilized to the level of the low period of Nightfall. It seems that the audience for Legend of the Demon Cat is indeed broader.