"No, that's even more likely to spark conflict between us and the humans. If Zander Xiang catches wind of this, it could get ugly. And this girl—she's so beautiful, she must have a prominent background among the humans. Besides, she's Princess Ivy's friend. I say we handle this matter quietly. If it turns out she's a real threat, we can deal with her then. But if she's innocent, such a stunning woman would be a dazzling sight in the Shade Clan—she might even become mistress of this mansion one day," said the middle-aged man.
The Second Elder said, "Since you like her so much, why not just make her your bedchamber attendant? She couldn't possibly escape from here, and I can handle it for you."
"Don't be reckless. I can have any woman I want, but finding one who truly stays by my side is rare. Most women only care about my power and status—what's the point of that? We'll talk about this again once she's proven innocent. Let's get back to the meeting," the middle-aged man replied firmly.
Just then, Princess Ivy led Roxy straight into her boudoir. The maids at the door were surprised to see her bring home an unfamiliar woman, and all of them stared curiously at Roxy.
"All of you, leave. No one is allowed in without my permission!" Princess Ivy commanded the maids.
Roxy took a turn around the room and found that Princess Ivy's chambers were every bit as luxurious as her own at the Frostbane Sect, with exquisitely arranged furnishings and a faint, pleasant fragrance in the air.
"Roxy, you really are beautiful. When you revealed your true face, I felt an urge to be friends with you—a feeling I can't explain. Would you be willing to be my friend?" Princess Ivy asked sincerely.
Roxy smiled, "Princess Ivy, for you to favor me—how could I refuse? To be your friend is the greatest fortune of my life. In Nine-Shade City, where I know no one, having your care is exactly what I need."
"Oh, I almost forgot! Wait here a moment," Princess Ivy said, then turned to a drawer in the room and took out a small white bottle.
"This is an eighth-grade healing pill. It can knit flesh and revive white bones—perfect for your injury. Try applying it," Princess Ivy offered.
Roxy looked at Princess Ivy in surprise, "Thank you, Princess Ivy, but my injury is almost healed. Such a precious pill—I really shouldn't take it."
"No way. Harris Xu was the idiot who injured you, which means it's as if I hurt you myself. Come on, take off your clothes and let me apply it for you!" Princess Ivy insisted seriously.
Roxy blushed, "I'd rather not. It's a bit improper to undress in broad daylight—maybe I should do it myself instead."
Princess Ivy laughed, "What are you afraid of? We're both women. Are you really worried I'll see your body?"
Roxy couldn't refuse too much—she knew that upsetting Princess Ivy would make her future in Nine-Shade City much harder. She forced a wry smile, "Then I'll trouble you, Princess Ivy."
She slowly undressed, leaving only her close-fitting undergarment. Princess Ivy stared at Roxy's fair, smooth skin in amazement. "Your skin is so pale and flawless—even better than mine! And your chest is so full, I'm really envious!"
Roxy's face burned even hotter at Princess Ivy's comments, feeling utterly embarrassed by the comparison.
Princess Ivy poured out a pill from the porcelain bottle, and a rich fragrance filled the room. "You have to crush this pill first. It'll sting a bit at first, but soon you'll feel a cool sensation. Try it and see."
With that, she crushed the pill into powder and gently rubbed it onto Roxy's injured shoulder. Just as Princess Ivy described, the medicine stung at first, but for Roxy, this bit of pain was nothing.
After a while, the cool sensation spread, and the pain vanished. Roxy could clearly feel her shattered scapula knitting together at an incredible speed. This eighth-grade healing pill truly was miraculous.
But just then, Princess Ivy suddenly pulled loose the strap of Roxy's last undergarment, letting it fall and fully exposing her chest.
Princess Ivy quickly reached out and gave Roxy's chest a playful squeeze before darting away, laughing, "Haha, Roxy, you're just as soft and bouncy as I imagined!"
"Princess Ivy, you—you!" Roxy was startled by her sudden move, hurriedly putting her clothes back on and protesting, "You're way too mischievous! That's not something you can just touch!"
Princess Ivy giggled, "I was just joking, Roxy. You aren't mad, are you? If you want, you can touch mine too!"
"I'd rather not. Princess Ivy, your body isn't something people can just touch!" Roxy quickly dressed again, her face flushed.
"Roxy, from now on, don't call me 'Princess.' Just call me 'Ivy.' Why did you come to Nine-Shade City, anyway? Can you tell me?" Princess Ivy asked.
Roxy glanced at Princess Ivy and replied, "I was born with the Nine Yin Constitution. The Shade Clan's territory is rich in yin qi, which is very helpful for my cultivation. I came here to find a place to improve my strength."
"I see. There's a secret chamber under the City Lord's Mansion with especially dense yin qi. If you want to cultivate, I can take you there. But you'll have to keep me company for a few days first—and teach me some disguise techniques," Ivy said with a smile.
Roxy agreed at once. This trip to Nine-Shade City had turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Still, her heart couldn't help but worry about Ryan Ouyang, who had gone into Ghost Clan territory.
Meanwhile, Ryan Ouyang had absorbed enough ghost qi that even a Ghost King couldn't tell if he was human or ghost. The Star-Siphon Method truly was extraordinary.
"It's time to join the Ghost Clan's elite disciple recruitment. I wonder how Roxy, the Soaring Feather Young Lord, and Ryan Ouyang are doing. I hope they've all arrived safely in their respective territories," Ryan Ouyang said as he emerged from underground.
Wrapped in thick ghost qi, Ryan Ouyang looked like a completely different person. In a flash, he sped toward the very center of Grimchart City...
—End of Chapter 696—