The Liangyi Sect is home to nine peaks, each overseen by a leader with a multitude of disciples. Among these peaks, the tenth stands out as the steepest and most perilous, shrouded in fairy spirit. Nestled against the mountainside is an elegant pavilion, while directly across lies a vibrant flower field, complemented by a lush bamboo forest that stretches skyward. It is rumored that the tenth peak is where the leader of the Liangyi Sect retreats for seclusion and practice, and the pavilion was constructed in her honor. Most disciples of the sect have never laid eyes on the legendary empress, as only the secluded disciples of the sect master are permitted to approach this sacred space.
In the simplicity of the pavilion, a veiled woman sits, her expression somewhat distant. Clad in a moon-white dress, her curvaceous figure and cold, pure eyes resemble a lotus—beautiful yet unapproachable. Despite her veil, the graceful lines of her form suggest a striking beauty. "Master, my disciple has something to report," Lan Mulian spoke softly, her voice as cold as her demeanor.
Nearby, a woman in a long black dress stood, her attire fluttering in the night breeze, revealing her ample figure. Her hair was simply tied back with a hosta, yet her magnificent presence shone through. Noticing the sect master's silence, Lan Mulian sighed quietly, "Forget it; it's not a big deal, so I won't bother Master." She was reluctant to leave the sect before achieving the realm of nascent soul. As she turned to exit, the woman called out, "Are you planning to go down the mountain to relax? Is it related to the paper cranes you've received?"
Lan Mulian paused, turning back to her master. "Master, do you even know about this?" she asked, her calm demeanor betraying a hint of emotion she rarely displayed. The sect leader, glancing sideways, revealed her classic, delicate features framed by black hair cascading to her waist. She sat at a tea table, leisurely playing chess. "Is it a Taoist companion?" the sect leader inquired.
Lan Mulian shook her head. "It's just that your disciple threw down a paper crane, and it seemed to be picked up by someone. After a brief exchange, it wasn't a Taoist monk." She added softly, "But I haven't received any paper cranes in the past two days." The sect leader noted, "Every day, paper cranes fly to the back mountain; even a fool would know." As Lan Mulian left, she sensed her "magic weapon" returning to her.
Meanwhile, Mu Zhian and Wei Mengrou were near the Liangyi Sect when they spotted Lan Mulian approaching, floating gracefully on clouds. Disciples training below admired her talent and beauty. "She reached the peak of god refining at twenty-three, only a step away from becoming a land god... Senior Sister Lan's talent is remarkable," one disciple remarked. Another sighed, "She's so beautiful. If I could marry her, it would be worth shortening my life by twenty or thirty years." A fellow disciple cautioned, "Keep your voice down, or you'll be in trouble." The disciples watched in admiration as Lan Mulian departed, recognizing her unattainable status.
As Lan Mulian approached, Mu Zhian and Wei Mengrou assured her they hadn't entered the sect. Observing them, Lan Mulian noted Wei Mengrou's status and Mu Zhian's potential. She decided it was best to leave promptly. Just as she turned to depart, Mu Zhian suggested running away from home. Lan Mulian hesitated, surprised by his proposal. Realizing she was the owner of the paper crane, Mu Zhian proposed that they escape together.