Starting Immortal Cultivation from a White Dog

The scale of Fengxian County was much larger than that of Wuling County.

Wu Tian followed the crowd into the city. The buildings on both sides of the street were mostly pavilions and towers, with few heavy palaces. Three-, five-, and even seven-story buildings were everywhere, with eaves that spread like bird wings and wind chimes hanging from the corners, making a clear and melodious sound in the wind.

“Returning members of the branch families must first have their blood tested at the Bai family's residence before being assigned accommodations.” He discerned the direction and headed west of the city.

The further west you go, the more magnificent the buildings become.

The number of patrolling guards on the streets has increased significantly. These guards are clad in iron armor and move with a brisk pace. Their eyes are sharp, and they frequently scan passersby, but they look away when they see the jade pendant hanging from Wu Tian's waist.

After walking for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a cluster of mansions came into view. White walls and blue tiles, with towering courtyards—this was the Bai family's residence.

The main gate of the garrison is a five-zhang-high archway with the four ancient seal characters "Feng Ze Liu Guang" on the plaque. The characters are vigorous and each stroke seems to have the glow of the sunset flowing within them.

Eight guards stood beneath the archway, all of them Bai family women with the bloodline of the Wind Mother. They wore armor, had long swords at their waists, and exuded a chilling aura.

Wu Tian stepped forward, took out his identity jade token, and the guard took the token and examined it carefully.

"Bai Fengxian?" The squad leader looked her up and down. "From Lancang City?"

"Yes," Wu Tian replied. "Canglan City was attacked by demons, and both my parents died. I traveled alone for three months before finally reaching my ancestral home."

This was the explanation he had prepared long ago. During this period, the Southern Frontier was in chaos, and there were many incidents of demons attacking the city. During this time, quite a few members of the Bai family's collateral bloodline returned to Fengxian County from various parts of the Southern Frontier.

The guard didn't ask any further questions, but simply nodded and said, "Follow me."

Passing through the archway, the interior suddenly opens up.

Pavilions and towers are scattered among the artificial hills and flowing water, with winding covered bridges and lush flowers and trees. The air is filled with a rich essence of heaven and earth, especially the wind essence, which is so rich that it is like a blue glow spreading across the sky.

When Wu Tian was in this environment, his breathing became much easier, and the Wind Mother bloodline within him felt a faint sense of joy.

They walked along a corridor, passed through two moon gates, and arrived at a pavilion.

After entering the pavilion, the interior was simply furnished with a long table, a few chairs, and a picture of the Wind Goddess traversing the sky hanging on the wall, with dappled sunlight filtering through.

Behind the long table sat a middle-aged woman, dressed in a light blue palace dress with gold thread embroidered on the cuffs. Her face was serious and her eyes were sharp.

"Lord, this is a newly arrived member of a collateral branch from Lancang City, but we need you to verify their bloodline," the guard leading the way reported, bowing.

Lord Zhao raised his eyes, his gaze falling squarely on Bai Fengxian. He looked her up and down for a moment before speaking, "Come forward."

Wu Tianyi took a few steps forward.

"Activate your bloodline," Lord Zhao said succinctly.

Bai Fengxian circulated the Wind Mother bloodline within her body, and a faint blue light emerged from her body, with faint air currents visible around her, and her hair moved without wind.

Lord Zhao stared at the cyan light, observing its purity and brightness, and nodded slightly: "Indeed, it is indeed of my Bai family bloodline."

Next came the questioning. After briefly inquiring about his background, they didn't delve any deeper.

Noble families have always valued bloodline over social status and origin. As long as one possesses the bloodline of the Wind Mother, one is a member of the Bai family.

Finally, Master Zhao took out a compass-shaped ritual implement from under the long table. The compass was carved entirely of green jade, with intricate incantations engraved on its surface and a groove in the center.

"Drip blood." Master Zhao handed over a silver needle.

Wu Tian took the silver needle, pricked his fingertip, squeezed out a drop of bright red blood, and dripped it into the groove.

The moment the blood dripped in, the incantations on the compass surface lit up one by one, and a bluish-green light burst forth from the center of the compass like a gushing spring, forming a patch of blue light about a foot above the compass.

Lord Zhao stared intently until three breaths later, when the strange phenomenon gradually dissipated. "It's acceptable. Although the bloodline concentration is average, it is very pure, which is quite rare."

"According to the clan's rules, I can grant you the first nine levels of the 'Wind Mother Twenty-Four Phases Blade' technique and provide corresponding resources."

As he spoke, he took out a box that was three feet long and pushed it in front of the table: "This is a scroll of the Wind Mother Cloud Light Diagram, which contains the first nine levels of the 'Wind Mother Twenty-Four Phases Knife' technique."

"As long as you activate your own bloodline, you can comprehend the techniques within."

"I'll find someone to settle you down first. In three days, the clan will conduct an assessment of the collateral descendants who have recently recognized their ancestors. Based on the results of the assessment, we will assign you different positions."

Bai Fengxian accepted the wooden box and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Master."

Lord Zhao waved his hand: "Go ahead, perform well in three days, and I'll arrange for someone to help you settle in."

Upon leaving the side hall, a young maidservant who had been waiting outside stepped forward to lead the way. She was about fifteen or sixteen years old, with a pretty face and wearing a light yellow jacket. She respectfully said to Wu Tian, ​​"Miss, this servant will lead the way for you."

"Thank you for your trouble," Wu Tian replied politely, and followed her deeper into the courtyard.

The pavilions and towers along their route were scattered in a well-organized manner, and it would be easy to get lost without a guide.

"Miss, this is Qiyun Courtyard." The maid stopped in front of a courtyard and bowed slightly.

Wu Tian looked up and saw a plaque hanging above the courtyard gate, inscribed with the two characters "Qiyun," the strokes flowing like the wind. The courtyard wall was about two zhang high, its surface engraved with intricate incantations.

The maid took out a token, and a glowing light flowed above the door. Then, with a creak, the door slowly opened.

"Miss, please!"

Guided by a maid, Wu Tian stepped into the courtyard. The first thing that caught his eye was a pond about three zhang square. The water was crystal clear, and several blue-scaled fish swam leisurely.

Three bamboo stalks are planted by the pond. Their leaves are slender and move without wind, making a soft rustling sound, like a low chant.

On the west side of the pond stands a two-story building with blue tiles and white walls, and four lanterns hanging from the eaves, small and exquisite.

"Miss, your room is on the second floor. We'll have to make do with you here for now. Once the assessment is over, the family will assign you a separate place to stay."

The maid led him upstairs. The second-floor corridor was spacious, with four rooms on both sides. The maid pushed open the door to the east room and said, "Miss, this is the room. If you are not satisfied with anything, I will arrange for another room."

Wu Tian glanced around. The outer room was about five zhang square. There was a rosewood desk by the window, with writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstones all on it. The brush handles on the brush holder were actually made of wind-carved feathers.

Two bookshelves stood empty beside the desk. Against the east wall was an eight-immortal table with four chairs, on which a celadon tea set was already laid out. To the west, a screen partitioned off a small living room with a soft couch and a low table. The inner room was the bedroom, where a carved canopy bed occupied most of the space, its canopy made of light, breathable, moon-white silk gauze. Beside the bed were a dressing table, a wardrobe, and a clothes rack.

Although it was a temporary place to stay, it had everything one needed.

He nodded and said, "This will do, thank you, young lady."

"You're too kind, Miss. It's what I should do." The maid continued, "Master Guiyan has arranged for me to stay by your side and serve you these next few days. My name is Yuhuan. If you have any orders, just ask me."

Bai Fengxian nodded and walked to the window.

From here you can see most of Qiyun Courtyard. There are three other small buildings in the courtyard, which should house other collateral disciples. It is already late morning, but there are no people around. They are probably all cultivating in their rooms.

"Since you're new here, Miss, I've taken your measurements first. I'll make you a few sets of clothes and accessories later. With the embroiderers from Jinlulou, the new clothes will be made very quickly. We can make two sets in no more than half an hour."

"How about I help you bathe first, and then you can change your clothes before we eat? Is that alright?"

"Alright." Wu Tian wasn't in a hurry. He had no prior dealings with the Bai family. If he went directly to their door to discuss the alliance, even if the Bai family agreed, the alliance would still be unreliable.

He had already made his decision to take control of the Bai family under the identity of Bai Fengxian, and then completely bring the Bai family under his control.

With the Wind-Fixing Pearl left behind by Bai Wenxian, and even many Dharma Pearls from Bai family Yuan Shen Zhenren, Dao Embryo, and Refining Dharma Realm, he has more than enough to cultivate the "Wind Mother Twenty-Four Phases Blade" all the way to the Loose Immortal Realm.

Therefore, the Bai family will be another important stronghold for him.

Like a cunning rabbit with three burrows, he now has his wife and children controlling the Ten Thousand Mountains; the Lu family is ruled by his woman, Lu Nanxi; and he has also established close ties with the Zhu Rong clan; all he needs to do is take control of the Bai family...

In this land of southern Xinjiang, he is the uncrowned king.

Therefore, Bai Fengxian's identity is very important to him, and he needs to manage it well and establish himself completely in the Bai family.

Yu Huan led him around the screen, behind which was a private bath room. Bronze crane-shaped lamps stood at the four corners, and the pearls held in the cranes' beaks emitted a soft light, illuminating the entire room.

In the very center is a bathtub about half a person's height, with water shimmering within. Rare flower petals and leaves float on the surface, emitting a delicate and elegant fragrance that refreshes the mind and body.

"Please undress, Miss." Yu Huan stepped forward and deftly untied the belt around Bai Fengxian's waist. Her outer garment slipped down, revealing a plain white undergarment underneath.

Yu Huan took the outer robe and draped it over the sandalwood clothes rack next to her. The rack was carved with lotus patterns and the wood itself emitted a faint fragrance.

When the inner garment was removed, a look of amazement flashed in Yu Huan's eyes.

The body that Wu Tian transformed into had beautiful and smooth shoulder and neck lines, and skin that was so white and delicate that it looked like it was carved from the finest mutton fat jade, and seemed to gleam faintly under the halo of the pearl.

Her collarbones were delicate and well-defined, her breasts were full and firm, her waist was slender and tight, and her waistline was perfectly cinched. Below her were long and straight legs. There was not a single flaw to be found on her entire body.

"Miss, your figure is truly amazing," Yu Huan exclaimed as she worked.

Wu Tian wasn't shy at all, but since she was now a woman, being served by a woman like this, the way her fingertips brushed against her skin always gave her a strange feeling.

As she stepped into the bathtub, the water temperature was just right, and some skin-nourishing flower petals were added. She sat in the water, the warm water covering her shoulders, and her whole body relaxed.

Yu Huan took a jade ladle, scooped up water, and gently poured it onto her shoulders and back. The water slid down her smooth skin, gleaming lustrously under the light of the pearl.

"Miss's skin is so delicate and fair, I dare not use any force," Yu Huan said as she gently wiped her face with a soft towel. "Especially her figure, even I blush when I see it."

Wu Tian closed his eyes, listening to the girl's praise, which was both envious and amazed, letting the warm steam rise. Yu Huan's technique was very skillful, with just the right amount of pressure, and the soft towel she used for washing was also specially made, with an exceptionally soft touch.

She scooped water to wash Wu Tian's arm, which was long and shapely with fair and delicate skin and slender, jade-like fingers. Yu Huan carefully washed each finger, not even missing the crevices under the nails.

After bathing for about 15 minutes, Yu Huan took a large brocade bath towel. The towel was soft and thick, and had excellent water absorption. With a gentle wrap, it absorbed all the water droplets from Bai Fengxian's body.

"This servant will dry Miss's hair." Yu Huan took another piece of fine linen cloth and dried Bai Fengxian's long hair strand by strand. Her hair was black and shiny like satin, long and thick, and hung down to her waist and hips.

After drying her body and hair, Yu Huan led Bai Fengxian to the dressing room.

A complete set of newly made clothes had been prepared in the room, neatly arranged on a sandalwood clothes rack.

Yu Huan first took out a close-fitting undergarment, which was made of ice silkworm silk. It was as thin as a cicada's wing but exceptionally soft, and the edges were embroidered with fine lotus patterns in silver thread. The stitches were so delicate that they were almost invisible.

Next came the underpants, also made of ice silk, with delicate silver chains at the cuffs, fitting snugly without hindering movement. Yu Huan knelt down and carefully fastened the silver chain, which was extremely thin and tied into a small bow, exquisite and lovely.

The inner garment was made of a sky-blue brocade, cool and smooth to the touch. It had a front opening design, with a meander pattern subtly embroidered in the same color silk thread at the front.

Yu Huan helped him put on his undergarments, carefully tied the belt, and smoothed out every wrinkle on the hem.

The outer skirt is a twelve-panel moon-flower skirt, with the body made of soft, pine-colored gauze. Each panel gradually changes from dark to light from top to bottom, with the color transition being extremely natural.

Yu Huan tied the sash on Bai Fengxian's skirt. The sash was made of interwoven gold and silver threads, with two small pearls at the end.

After putting on the dress, Yu Huan took two steps back to examine it carefully, then stepped forward to adjust the pleats: "Miss, you look so beautiful in this dress, no less so than those legitimate daughters!"

As Yu Huan spoke, she led him to sit down in front of the dressing table.

Wu Tian was somewhat helpless. In both his past and present lives, this was the first time he had ever sat in front of a dressing table to put on makeup. But if he were to become a young lady of the Bai family, he would probably have to do this kind of thing many times in the future.

It was one thing to be served baths by Yu Huan before, but now he also has to dress up and groom himself. It's incredibly awkward for him.

On the dressing table sat an extremely smooth bronze mirror, its edge inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Yu Huan picked up an ivory comb and began to comb Bai Fengxian's hair.

"Miss's hair is so black and shiny, so thick and smooth." Yu Huan carefully combed through the long hair. "How about I style it into a 'chaoyun' bun for you? It'll be both elegant and lively."

Wu Tian nodded. He didn't understand any of this; he just wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible.

Yu Huan's fingers flew, quickly creating an elegant yet simple updo. She took out a jade hairpin from her makeup box, its head carved into the shape of a phoenix tail, and inserted it diagonally into the updo.

She then took out a pair of pearl earrings to put on Bai Fengxian.

Wu Tian felt his face stiffen slightly. "These earrings aren't necessary, are they?" (End of Chapter)