Cultivation is Creation

I made my way toward Madame Butterfly. She was speaking to another guild member, her expression suggesting she found the conversation about as interesting as watching paint dry in slow motion.

Perfect timing.

I approached with careful deference, waiting at a respectful distance until she noticed me. It didn't take long – whatever else you might say about Madame Butterfly, her spatial awareness was impressive. She turned to face me before I'd even got a chance to bow.

"Ah, Chen Yong's new... project." Her smile was razor-sharp. "Come to give up already?"

"Actually," I bowed, "this junior was hoping to seek guidance about inner world theory."

Her eyebrows rose fractionally. "Oh? And what makes you think I would waste my time on such basic instruction?"

I hesitated for a moment. I really hadn't wanted to get involved in immortal romance drama, but desperate times called for desperate measures. And right now, this seemed like my only option.

"Because," I said carefully, "I could put in a good word with Elder Chen Yong about you."

Her expression frosted over. "And why would I care about that foolish drunk's opinion?"