(Jin Guangyao/Reader) You're my sun, my universe

Chapter 22: Crimes can never be left hidden for long

You had arrived at Lotus Pier, as you dis-embarked, your eyes instantly locked with a familiar figure. Despite the passage of time, you could still recognize her, she seemed more worn out, her hair in slight disarray, and her expression grim.

'Sisi' you cried out, but due to the medicine, no sound came out. However, hearing footsteps, Sisi had looked up and you could see the flash of recognition in her eyes.

"A-(Y/N)? Is that really you?" she said in disbelief as she approached.

You nodded your head, not giving her another chance to speak before you engulfed her in a hug. Sisi gave a light laugh in response, "I can't believe it. I thought you had died in that fire all those years ago."

You had also thought she died and felt the need to express your happiness and so you pulled apart from the hug, ready to smile when her next words chilled you.

"Considering you are here, he must have wronged you as well, correct?" she asked, her eyes narrowing with a profound anger and sadness all at once.

You frowned in response, about to shake your head in response when you were all interrupted by the appearance of disciple who looked at the gathering of four women with a frown of confusion.

"We are here to ask for an audience with the Sect Leader" the other woman, whose name you did not know, had said softly. She gave a dignified, though slightly meek bow as she greeted the newcomer.

The cultivator seemed even more confused by her words, which was not a surprise considering that not just anyone, let alone some unknown commoner woman would be able to ask for an audience in such a way. The cultivator's frown deepened as he looked at the lot of you with no hidden amount of scorn.

As if expecting this response, Sisi suddenly went forward then took out a box and opened it to allow the cultivator to assess the items, "I am sure you know what herbs these are".

You did not have much knowledge of herbs, and yet from the surprised reaction of the cultivator you assumed that the herbs must have been important for the scorn he held for you all seemed to evaporate, and instead a hesitant expression enveloped his face.

"We would like to speak of some matters that we believe hold great importance to the discussion that will commence today" Sisi continued, in a dignified and professional manner.

"What are your names?" the cultivator eventually asked, "What sect do you come from? Who sent you?"

The unknown woman, as if gaining some confidence again, interjected at this moment, introducing herself smoothly, "This one is Bicao."

The others easily introduced themselves one by one after, with Lu Xingyi giving your name for you.

"As for which sect, none, and as for who sent us, it is our benefactor who wants to bring justice" Sisi continued, her tone confident.

"Trust us, our words will hold great importance" Lu Xingyi replied, her eyes piercing the cultivator clinically.

The cultivator seemed hesitant, but after some time he eventually invited the four of you inside the sect. Lotus Pier was a place you had never thought you would step in being but a common prostitute but here you were.

As you made your way through the sect, the intricate architecture caught your eye. While using wooden panels, the building was still luxurious as it loomed over your figure with its curving roof décor. You passed by several sites, a tranquil garden, rooms, each hand-carved with designs of the Sect's symbol, along with a large training ground, where disciples gathered, sitting in lotus positions. The four of you were eventually led into a guest room and told to stay. The cultivator had also taken the herbs before leaving to find the Sect Leader.