Tomb Raiders: After the Nine Gates Ancestor, they let loose and did whatever they wanted!

After the dust settled and a new beginning, the so-called "lotus blossoms in spring" were not in the secluded heart of the lake as rumored by outsiders.

Ever since Qianheng traveled across the ocean and suffered that sneak attack, the Ghost Spirit Sect has learned a lesson.

Some things are easier to take care of when you're closer to home.

Qianheng: A moment of youthful arrogance can lead to a lifetime of regret.

*Sob* ↘ (??-??)

So, once the dust settled, the storefront quietly settled on the gentle slope in the southeast corner of Hidden Life—outside the barrier, both to avoid being seen and to allow for easy movement and freedom of action.

Hibiscus Spring Scenery is nestled against verdant mountains imbued with spiritual energy, and faces a mirror-like inner lake for viewing.

This place enjoys a superior feng shui location, ideal for "gathering and retaining vital energy."

Without any further embellishment, a calm and dignified aura naturally arises!

The gentle slope has been carefully maintained, paved with smooth bluestone slabs transported from afar, with lush green grass growing between the stones and dotted with seasonal wildflowers.

A main road, wide enough for two cars to drive side by side, winds its way up, flanked by ancient crabapple and magnolia trees that stand tall and graceful, their blossoms in spring resembling clouds of snow, while on other days casting cool shade along the path.

Standing atop the main building and gazing into the distance, one can see the entire hazy skyline of Beiping (Beijing), a panoramic view that evokes a sense of dominance and ambition.

This three-story main building before us is the soul of Hibiscus Spring Colors.

The base material is "sinking ebony" that Zhiyun and Zhisheng found in southern Xinjiang in their early years, which can regulate moisture.

The walls incorporate "Hengguang Stone," generously provided by Ling Wu and several colleagues nicknamed "Xiao Tongtong"—its color is warm and lustrous like jade, its insulation is as solid as a rock, and it can even temporarily disappear when light shines through it. The people of Kou Island in the past knew this all too well!

?

The combination of the two, tempered by wind and rain, has become all the more profound and composed.

Under the ingenious design of chief architect Ling Wuxiao, the entire building, set against the backdrop of the 1980s, exudes a refined and noble air that transcends time, dignified and mysterious, silently gazing at the rising silhouettes of new buildings in the distance.

The white jade wind chimes on the eaves tinkle gently in the breeze, and as night falls, they intertwine with the starlight and lantern shadows, their clear sounds seemingly filtering out the noise of the world and bringing back the tranquility of yesteryear…

Of course, if the visitor harbors ill intentions, the bell becomes a curse that disturbs the spirits, making one increasingly restless and agitated the more one hears it.

Inspiration spokesperson Feng Che: How about checking out the "Luanpo Chaos" (乱魄抄), the ancestral work of the Kou Island people?

(σ;*Д*)σ Death penalty!

This place, serving as the outer gateway of the Ghost Spirit Sect, has always only welcomed those "destined to be there."

Even the wealthy and powerful, without connections, might not know which door to open for serious business.

Having had enough of the hustle and bustle of social gatherings in his early years, Boss Yan has now opted for a more sophisticated approach—anyone wanting to cause trouble would have to consider whether they can even leave Beijing.

If the Crescent Moon Hotel exists in the mundane world, then Hibiscus Spring is another lofty platform hidden deep within elegance and spiritual charm.

On the day of the "Flower Banquet," Jin Yan would personally arrange for a batch of invitations to be distributed, each of which would fetch an astronomical price on the black market.

With Yan Ling's cooperation, those "well-off" rich kids were perfect for the group of girlfriends to squeeze out as much money as possible and fill their pockets!

?

Stepping into the ever-evolving and ever-changing Furong Spring Scenery, one is greeted by a peculiar tranquility.

The air was filled with the subtle aromas of fine coffee, warm black tea, and a wisp of calming sandalwood.

This place doesn't feel like a reception area; it's more like the entrance hall of a hidden art gallery. A sense of grandeur and solemnity is the first impression.

The ground is paved with warm, smooth "jade rock" and serene "starstone," with winding patterns that subtly echo the rhythm of a miniature spirit-gathering array.

Ordinary people who step inside feel a sense of clarity, while cultivators can perceive the subtle, gentle, flowing spiritual energy, which is better than nothing.

All around were long, retractable "crystal glass" windows, now wide open, capturing the light and shadow of the tranquil lake and distant mountains behind. Wisps of mist rising from the water seeped in, making the space seem to merge seamlessly with nature, a truly breathtaking sight.

There were no seats in the hall, only a few plain gauze screens that seemed to separate the space, painted with floral patterns representing the changing seasons, swaying gently in the breeze.

The furnishings are all antique items collected from various places: a long rosewood table, several official hat chairs of different styles, and porcelain and seasonal flowers displayed in the corner.

The silent sparrows, dressed in simple, elegant attire like figures in a painting, stand quietly, never disturbing anyone.

All guests must have their invitations, bearing the Ghost Spirit Gate mark, examined by a hooded, cloaked puppet. Only those whose invitations are successfully identified or whose presence is registered can ascend to the second floor and enjoy the treatment of official guests.

Those on the first floor are just tourists with promotional tickets who come to broaden their horizons; they're not qualified to get down to business.

However, even a sumptuous meal of exquisite imperial cuisine in a secluded corner of the highly sought-after Hibiscus Spring View restaurant is enough to boast about! ↗

ヾ(●′?｀●)?Wow~

[Lingwu's friendly reminder: (σ???????? ????????)σ For details, please refer to Chapter 196]

The Ghost Spirit Sect's exclusive, non-commercially available, life-size intelligent bodyguard of Aqi is now in mass production, catering to men, women, and children of all ages!

Without an invitation, I could only stop here and quietly appreciate the lake view through the window and the tranquil atmosphere of the room...

As you spiral upwards along the thickly velvet-covered main staircase, the atmosphere subtly shifts—as if stepping from a tranquil ancient painting into a vibrant and lively scroll depicting an elegant gathering.

The second floor is named "Songyin" (颂音), with wall panels made of Chaoyin bamboo gently isolating the noise and hustle and bustle of the outside world.

This is where the true beauty of Hibiscus Spring is "welcoming guests".

If you have any requests, this place can most likely fulfill them; if not, sit down and have a detailed discussion, and perhaps some opportunities will arise...

Each of the private rooms is named after a rare copy of a classical Chinese poem or song, and each name carries a touch of elegance and refinement.

With doors slightly ajar and curtains drawn low, it's the perfect place for private conversations.

Every tenth of the month, the partition in the central area is quietly removed, revealing the exquisite and elegant stage—it is the true soul of the second floor!

Those who took to the stage to perform were a group of people known as "Warm Sparrows".

Their backgrounds are somewhat unique: some are relatives of martyrs mentioned in the tragic novel, some are former soldiers who retired from the front lines due to injuries but possess unique skills, and some are driven by interest or have exceptional talent.

The blooming hibiscus in spring gave their ancestors a new lease on life, and here they continue to cherish this "home" with music, dance, and song.

You might ask, what if one lacks talent? What if someone only seeks stability and avoids further turmoil? — There are other options.

There are always suitable positions under Kui Xing and Yan Ling.

If even this is of no interest, their descendants can live ordinary lives on the first floor, like "sparrows in the cold," with the younger ones going to school, eating well, and learning a skill to support themselves.

Those who pass skills assessments in embroidery, tea ceremony, and card tricks can also receive a monthly salary.

Of course, no one is allowed to freeload. Hibiscus Spring's quarterly assessments are very strict, inheriting the style of Ghost Spirit Gate!

As long as you work diligently and don't make mistakes, working under Jin Yan, this "conscientious boss," is a safe and secure job.

After all, a good job is hard to come by in the capital, and the threshold for being loyal and righteous like Furong Chunse has never been low.

Jin Yan, haunted by painful memories: I must understand people's hearts!

If you can't lead a team, you'll just work yourself to death!

。 ゜゜(′□｀?)°゜。 ???!!

Thus, when the music begins, what flows from the fingertips is not only melody, but also the solemnity of troops being mustered on the battlefield and the desolation of an echo reverberating in a secluded valley.

As the water sleeves danced, the footwork subtly corresponded to the opening and closing of the formation, and the sleeves fluttered like blooming lotus flowers.

The audience was no ordinary person; they could discern the unique, enduring spirit and profound meaning of the five notes of the pentatonic scale from the music of the Ghost Spirit Sect.

As the music ended and the audience dispersed, Nuan Que withdrew from the stage and transformed into a meticulous and attentive servant.

Pouring tea, refilling water, responding softly, listening attentively to everything around, yet always guarding that invisible boundary.

Thus, the second floor became an ingenious cycle—gathering the most relevant people in the most elegant way.

The most discreet forms of communication were accomplished amidst the sounds of string and wind instruments and the singing and recitation.

Rumors and secret messages on the streets were quietly woven into a web amidst the shifting light and shadow.

This is the unspoken understanding and secret of the hibiscus in spring.

The first floor is a haven, a place to wash away your worries and dispel the hustle and bustle.

The real game is on the second floor; they invite you to place your pieces on the board, to become a bird in a cage.

The choice is in one's heart.