Shui Xinling, Mistress of the White Water Sect, reclined upon one of the benches with a small smile on her face. Thus far, the evening had been absolutely wonderful. She had attained much influence for her Sect, and was now simply indulging in the moment along with her Sect’s disciples and Elders, as well as three of her four daughters. Xinlai was still in Grass Sea City with the Acting Lord Magistrate ‘doing her duty’, as she said. In other words, making sure the flies buzzing around her man didn’t steal a march on her while she was away. It was delightfully cute of her; and all were in agreement. And while her beau was a mortal, he was certainly a man of surpassing quality. Xinling knew that well. Still, her daughter was missing a most amusing time. Xinling shifted, making it look like she was about to stand for a brief moment. Every eye in the crowd waiting their turn to greet Master Rou snapped to her. Huifang, Sect Master of the Fragrant Resin Sect, and the one who had managed to claim the next spot, froze anxiously. Master Rou had been pleased by Xinling’s music, after all, which meant she had the qualifications and, more importantly, precedent to cut in whenever she wanted to. After all, who would dare impede her from asking if the great Expert needed some more entertainment? But it was so much more fun to watch them squirm, then magnanimously allow them forward. Xinling smiled at Huifang, relaxing her body back into her seat, and the other woman scowled at her. How rude! Xinling thought with a smirk. And here she was being so nice (...)