The charming widow of the Marquis's mansion: The stable boy carries the flag and raises the dra

Wang Long and Ye Niannu walked back to their courtyard side by side.

The moment the courtyard gate closed, most of the noise outside was shut out, leaving only the rustling of bamboo leaves in the night breeze.

The two had just stood under the eaves when someone knocked on the courtyard gate from the outside.

"Wang Long, Nian Nu, have you rested?"

It was Ye Wushuang's voice, sounding more hurried than usual.

Ye Niannu glanced at Wang Long, then quickly walked over and opened the door.

Ye Wushuang stood outside the door, holding two thin scrolls of silk in her hands. Although her expression remained aloof, there was a rare hint of solemnity between her brows.

She stepped into the courtyard, and without exchanging pleasantries, handed the silk scroll directly to Wang Long.

"This was sent by Lord Song through someone. It lists the promising talents from the Southern Region, Western Region, and Northern Region. Take a look at it when you have time tonight, so you can have a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses."

Wang Long unfolded the silk scroll, his gaze quickly sweeping over the names and brief information marked in fine handwriting.

There is one copy each from the Southern Region, Western Region, and Northern Region, and the records are quite detailed, covering everything from cultivation levels to preferred combat styles.

Ye Niannu leaned over for a look, her tone somewhat dismissive.

"These people don't seem to have as much information as those guys from the four major sects in the Central Region. What's there to worry about?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Wushuang frowned slightly and gently flicked her forehead.

"How old are you? Still so careless with your opponent."

Ye Niannu cried out "Ouch!" and took a half step back, clutching her forehead, muttering something.

"Master, I'm telling the truth..."

"truth?"

Ye Wushuang withdrew her hand, her gaze sweeping back and forth between her and Wang Long. Her tone was indifferent, yet carried an undeniable seriousness.

"Those who have made it this far in the selection process are not truly mediocre. Those who seem insignificant often have the most ruthless tricks up their sleeves. Remember, never underestimate any opponent."

Ye Niannu pouted, but ultimately didn't argue anymore, and obediently agreed.

"Disciple understands."

Wang Long carefully read through the two scrolls of silk, then rolled them up and put them into his sleeve, saying solemnly.

"Palace Master Ye, rest assured, I will take every match seriously."

Seeing his composed demeanor, Ye Wushuang's expression softened slightly.

"The selection process for this year's competition has not yet been announced, and Lord Song has not received any definite information either. So, you don't need to be too nervous these next two days. Just relax and maintain your form."

She paused, her gaze lingering on each of them for a moment.

"If you feel bored, you can walk around on this platform. The spiritual energy in the Central Region is much more abundant than in the Eastern Region. Taking a good breath will also help stabilize your cultivation level."

"Master, won't you come for a walk with us?"

Ye Niannu stepped forward, took Ye Wushuang's arm, and spoke in a slightly coquettish tone.

"I've heard there's a plant garden on the west side of Sendai, and the flowers there are absolutely gorgeous!"

"I have other matters to attend to; you may go and see for yourself."

Ye Wushuang calmly pulled her arm out of her hand, her tone returning to its usual coldness.

"Don't just focus on having fun, remember to read all those people's information."

"Okay, okay."

Ye Wushuang glanced at Wang Long again, her gaze lingering on his face for a moment.

"If you encounter anything you're unsure about, feel free to come to me anytime."

Wang Long clasped his hands in response.

"Thank you, Palace Master Ye. I understand."

Ye Wushuang nodded slightly, said nothing more, and turned to walk towards the courtyard gate.

She took two steps, then paused, as if she wanted to turn back and say something, but in the end she only turned her head slightly and then walked out.

The courtyard gate closed gently behind her.

Ye Niannu stood under the eaves, looking at the closed courtyard gate, and suddenly chuckled softly.

"Something seems off with Master."

"Hmm? Something's not right?"

"I can't quite put my finger on it, but I just felt like she was talking more than usual today..."

Ye Niannu tilted her head, then quickly put the strangeness out of her mind. She turned around and walked towards Wang Long, hooking her hand around his belt, her tone instantly becoming sweet and soft.

"My lord, the night is long, why don't we... have a deeper conversation?"

Wang Long looked down into her smiling, almond-shaped eyes and suddenly felt that he could spend the next three days in bed.

He reached out, scooped Ye Niannu up in his arms, and carried her into the house.

"Then let this old man truly experience your strength!"

The door closed, the candlelight flickered slightly a few times, and then settled.

Bamboo shadows swayed outside the window, and moonlight spilled onto the blue brick floor, creating a peaceful scene.

Time slips away unnoticed.

The three days passed in a flash, filled with cultivation and leisure.

Following Ye Wushuang's advice, Wang Long and Ye Niannu did not put themselves under too much pressure. In addition to their daily cultivation, they would also walk around and explore various parts of Sendai.

As Ye Niannu said, the spiritual plant garden on the west side of Sendai was indeed filled with various spiritual flowers and exotic herbs unique to the Central Region.

Some varieties are not found in the Eastern Region at all; their colors are magnificent, and they exude a spiritual aura, captivating Ye Niannu.

Wang Long followed behind her, occasionally squatting down to identify the types of spiritual plants, and memorizing any he didn't recognize.

The two also went to a viewing platform on the east side of Sendai, standing on the edge of that area suspended above the sea of ​​clouds, looking down at the surging clouds below and the faint outlines of the mountains in the distance.

"The Central Region... is indeed much more vast than the Eastern Region."

Wang Long gazed into the distance and murmured something.

Ye Niannu stood beside him, followed his gaze, and nodded in agreement.

"The spiritual energy in the Eastern Region is as thin as watered-down wine, while the spiritual energy here is the real elixir. No wonder the people in the Central Region always look down on others; they certainly have the confidence to back it up."

"but……"

She changed the subject, her tone carrying a hint of amusement.

"No matter how good a place is, it's not as good as our hometown!"

Wang Long smiled and nodded, completely agreeing.

No matter how good it is, it belongs to someone else. There's no place like home.

During these three days, the two occasionally encountered contestants from other regions.

Some people who see them from afar in the plant garden will take a second look and then whisper a few words to each other.

When people passed by them, their eyes were scrutinizing, but no one went up to speak to them.

The four major sects of the Central Region haven't come looking for trouble in the past three days.

Zhao Heng and Wang Qingyan did not appear within their area of ​​activity, and Shi Yue and Meng Qingluo of the Di Dezong Sect passed by without glancing at them.

Yin Jiuyou and Liu Ruyan of the Kunyin Sect glanced at them from afar, then turned and left.

Ling Feng and Yun Qingge of the Tianlan Sect once met face to face in the Spirit Plant Garden. Ling Feng even nodded slightly to Wang Long as a greeting.

The contestants from the three major regions of North, South, and West were even more relaxed and casual, and had little presence.