Chapter 2379

The atmosphere in the tea house shifted as the conversation turned to the Leng family.

"So what? The Leng family isn't just mine. Besides, I don't have the authority to decide anything for them now." Leng Jing’s voice was calm, devoid of despair. Zhu Yanyi could tell this was the truth. Leng Jing genuinely believed the family was not hers alone, and she had no say in its affairs.

Zhu Yanyi felt a surge of curiosity. Did everyone with the surname Leng possess a cold heart?

"Leng Jing, aren't you being heartless?" Wu'er looked at her with dissatisfaction, seemingly shocked by Leng Jing's attitude.

Leng Jing gave Wu'er a cold glance. "I know what you're thinking. You like my cousin, so you won't speak ill of the Leng family. But I know the truth about my family. Don't pretend in front of me. I won't expose your motives. If you want to flatter them, go ahead. But don't drag me into it. I may have the surname Leng, but people with this name are naturally cold-hearted. Don't expect me to say anything nice."

The guests on the first floor focused on Yi Pian Yun, while those on the second floor watched Leng Jing and Wu'er.

Leng Jing’s coldness radiated from within. Zhu Yanyi raised an eyebrow, confirming that Leng Jing practiced the Path of Ruthlessness.

For a woman, mastering this path could lead to higher cultivation than many men. However, Zhu Yanyi knew that without finding the true essence of ruthlessness, one would eventually suffer. Leng Jing seemed fine now, but time would likely bring negative consequences.

Zhu Yanyi sighed but said nothing. In the mortal realm, she might have offered advice, but in the Immortal Realm, each immortal walked their own path. Even if it led to destruction, it was their choice. She was not a saint, and having no connection with Leng Jing, she saw no reason to interfere.

"I never thought you were so ruthless, Leng Jing." Wu'er’s charming demeanor darkened with displeasure.

Wu'er was indeed enchanting. Every movement exuded charm. Zhu Yanyi observed that Wu'er’s emotions, even displeasure, permeated her entire being. Unlike others who hid their feelings, Wu'er’s emotions were visible in her aura.

Zhu Yanyi realized Wu'er likely practiced the Natural Charm Technique.

This reminded her of the children at the Jingmei Girls' School, who also practiced charm techniques. Though she had little contact with them, she noticed similarities. Wu'er’s technique seemed purer.

Zhu Yanyi wondered if Wu'er’s technique originated from the Jingmei Girls' School, or perhaps from the Demon Race. She kept these thoughts to herself, showing no outward reaction.

"Flattering a Leng family daughter is useless, Qingguo Wu," said the calculating young man from earlier. "How about a deal? I’ll arrange a meeting with Leng Tian for you. What do you think?" Leng Tian was Wu'er’s object of affection.

Wu'er glanced at him. "Du Li, don’t think I’m afraid of you because you’re from the Du family. I know your family’s shady business. If I agree, I’ll be sold out before I even meet Leng Tian. I’m not that foolish."

Wu'er was wary of Du Li. She knew her proposals were never simple favors.

Zhu Yanyi sipped her flower tea, watching the scene unfold.

"Du Li is from the Du family, a prominent merchant clan in Nanhua. Though not a direct heir, she is capable and valued by her family," an old man nearby murmured. She seemed to be speaking to Zhu Yanyi, yet also to herself.

Zhu Yanyi glanced at the old man and smiled silently.

The old man continued, "Wu'er, fully known as Qingguo Wu, is an outer disciple of the Hundred Changes Hall. She is famous for her charm technique. She is a demon who has ascended to immortality."

Once a demon ascends, their starting point is equal to that of a human immortal. However, their innate beauty and charm still reveal their origins.

Zhu Yanyi smiled and picked up a piece of flower cake.

"Leng Jing is from the Leng family of Beitaos. The Leng family specializes in weapon forging, but Leng Jing is not a direct heir." The old man seemed to know everyone present.

She looked at Zhu Yanyi. "I don’t know you."

Zhu Yanyi laughed lightly. "That’s expected. I ascended only three years ago. If you knew me, I’d be worried."

The old man nodded slightly but disagreed. "I don’t agree. Usually, I receive news of new ascensions. The fact that I didn’t hear about you means one of two things: either your guide was someone I couldn’t provoke, or you have a powerful backer."

Zhu Yanyi raised an eyebrow. The old man was sharp. She was right. Her guide was the Immortal Emperor, and as the Queen of the Underworld, the entire Underworld was her backing.

She didn’t answer, instead studying the old man. "May I ask your name, Immortal?"

"My surname is Baili, and my given name is Tong. My nickname is 'Know-It-All'." Baili Tong introduced himself openly.