"Is that so?" Ye Linshan recalled Yun Qingfeng's attitude toward the Dark Lord that day, and it did seem to be the case.
If she could convince him to ally with her against the Holy Land and the royal family, her chances of winning would be much greater.
"The Dark Lord is indeed formidable, and he has a strategist known as the brain trust, Baili Wumou. He can not only see through anyone's thoughts but also predict events with uncanny accuracy, like a divine oracle. Going against him is like an ant challenging an elephant—only inviting humiliation." Yi An had never admired anyone in the realm of schemes and plots, but Baili Wumou was the one person he truly respected in his lifetime.
Control over people's hearts? That happens to be my forte too. Amid the tedious cultivation, I've thoroughly studied psychology, Ye Linshan thought. This might be the only thing that didn't feel terrifying to her. Though her strength was weak, when it came to understanding human hearts, she had been skilled at it since childhood. With her deep study of psychology, how could she lose to anyone in this world?
But if that were the case, convincing him would be far more difficult. Should she play the royal family and the Holy Land against each other to wear them down, or persuade the Dark Lord to confront the Holy Land head-on? It was a tough choice.
"Shan Luo, he's not easy to outwit. Anyone who has tried to scheme against the Dark Lord has ended up as a pile of bones. I don't want the first person who can resist my charm to die so soon," Tao Yao warned, seeing her lost in thought.
"Thank you for telling me this. I have it under control." Ye Linshan looked up at them, a glimmer of light in her eyes. How wonderful—she had thought she would be alone in this world, but instead, she had gained something extraordinary.
"Why do I get the feeling he's about to court death?" Tao Yao muttered, staring at her retreating figure.
"What he does is his business. We've said our piece; if he won't listen, there's nothing we can do." Yi An's feelings toward her were different from Tao Yao's; he had no deep attachment.
"I hope it's just my imagination." Tao Yao quickly dismissed the thought and resumed whispering happily with Yi An.
"Master, the tavern has been chosen. It's the Wang Family Tavern, not far from Dream Red Pavilion. Please give it a name." As soon as Ye Linshan reached the back courtyard, Qushui appeared before her.
"Name it Peach Blossom Residence." Ye Linshan thought of a paradise symbolizing joy, where people would reveal themselves without reservation in happiness.
"Yes." Qushui was about to leave when Ye Linshan called him back. "Wait, take this."
A translucent pill appeared in Ye Linshan's hand, made from the spiritually rich spring water in her space and soothing throat grass. Though it wouldn't cure his voice immediately, it would significantly improve it.
Qushui took the pill and carefully placed it in his mouth. As he swallowed, he felt as if he were immersed in a cool spring, soothing the burning pain in his throat.
"Thank you, Master," Qushui said gratefully. His voice, though still hoarse, now carried a hint of clarity.
"Mm, go about your business." Ye Linshan waved her hand to dismiss him.
The tavern was chosen, and everything was ready except for the staff. Though Tao Yao was formidable and had her best interests at heart, she wasn't truly her person. And having her train assassins and brew the Soul-Breaking Water already put her in significant debt.
As for Qingdai, she was skilled and tactful, capable of great things, but Dream Red Pavilion still needed her leadership. And Qushui, focused solely on revenge, carried too much killing intent to be suitable. After thinking it over, she couldn't find the right person to manage Peach Blossom Residence. Indeed, she still lacked manpower. Ye Linshan slumped into her chair, closing her eyes in exhaustion.
"May I ask if Shan Luo is here?" Disguised, Shuangbai entered Dream Red Pavilion, a trace of tears glistening at the corners of her eyes.
"Miss, what business do you have with my master?" Even in disguise, Qingdai recognized her at a glance.
Shuangbai bit her lip and said firmly, "I want to serve Shan Luo."
"Why do you want to serve him?" Qingdai remained cautious, observing Shuangbai's subtle expressions while pondering her motives.
"My lover abandoned me for the sake of a few beggars who saved his life. But their rescue was clearly a setup. Yet he stubbornly believes they're good to him, and even urged by them, he tried to seize Shan Luo's divine artifact. I'm here to serve him so I can protect my lover when he tries to take it." In the end, Shuangbai was a deeply devoted woman.
"I'll relay your intentions to the master. But whether he agrees depends on your own efforts." Qingdai sympathized with her—a woman so loyal even after being abandoned was rare.
"Knock, knock, knock."
"Who is it?" Ye Linshan's tightly shut eyes snapped open, a cold gleam flashing within.
"Master, a young woman has come, saying she wants to serve you." Qingdai's hand paused mid-air as she was about to knock again.
"Oh, that's unusual. Let her in." Since arriving in this world, Ye Linshan had never encountered someone offering to serve her voluntarily.
"I am Shuangbai. Greetings, Shan Luo." Shuangbai entered, her demeanor and speech carrying the air of a chivalrous woman. The transformation made Qingdai wonder if the fragile, heartbroken person she'd seen earlier was really her.
"Tell me, what can you do?" Ye Linshan rose from her chair, carefully observing Shuangbai's every move.
"I can protect you, be your eyes and ears. Anything I can do, you can ask of me. But I only ask that you spare one person's life." Shuangbai suddenly dropped to her knees with a thud, looking up with unwavering resolve.
"Mm, but what are you skilled in? I don't accept useless people. If your terms move me, I'll agree." Ye Linshan didn't help her up but let her kneel.
"I can gather intelligence for you. I was once part of an underground organization in the Night Kingdom, a spy network. Later, the organization was destroyed by Ye Yutian, leaving only my lover and me alive. We eventually drifted to the Moon Kingdom because of the beggars' life-saving grace. My intelligence-gathering skills were among the best in that organization." Recalling her past, Shuangbai felt only calm.
"An intelligence agent, huh. Can you manage a tavern?" Ye Linshan suddenly asked a question unrelated to intelligence.