"Planning to win the title of the number one sect in the world for the Sword Sect?"
She regained her dignified and luxurious demeanor, lounging lazily on the chair, her black hair fluttering in the wind, interweaving with Su Bei's long hair.
Su Bei paused for a moment, but in his heart, he could only smile wryly.
Right, in her eyes, I'm at the peak of the Dao Integration Realm; this little battle for the Ascension Platform would naturally be within easy reach... And my realm has soared in the past two months as if riding a rocket, further confirming her thoughts at the time. It's just that my true strength is only at the Mid Stage of Refining Void. Maybe I could fight someone at the Peak of Refining Void?
Seeing that Su Bei did not respond, Yu Hongxiu smiled, yet her mind was filled with wild guesses.
He hid his cultivation realm within the Sword Sect; perhaps he didn't wish to draw attention to the sect? But everything he has done recently makes me somewhat puzzled. Could it be that this man still harbors some so-called ideals in his heart?
"I've heard that some cultivators practicing Evil Qi have appeared in various places across the Twenty-One Provinces?" Yu Hongxiu inquired, perhaps he knew something.
Although she had not heard of any Star Moon Sect disciples disappearing mysteriously, she did know of many other sects, especially those of medium size.
Su Bei's expression grew solemn. Those Evil Qi practitioners definitely have an objective, and I always feel their goal is vaguely related to that 'Devouring Heaven' cultivation technique I discovered in the strange stone. Things are getting more and more chaotic. However, amidst the chaos, there are clues to follow. Whether it was the strange dream I had last night, the trace of Evil Qi left inside Dan Wulan's body, the sudden appearance of Evil Cultivators, the strange cultivation techniques in the stone from Inverted Heaven, the puzzling Li Zijun, or even the mysterious person lurking behind my disciple, Sword Maiden... All these seemingly unrelated events ultimately point to one place! The South Wind Ancient Country! The Southern Border!
Seeing Su Bei deep in thought, Yu Hongxiu's eyes narrowed slightly. Even in her heart, she vaguely sensed a premonition—after centuries of calm, a disaster might be about to sweep through the Twenty-One Provinces...
"Those people might be backed by an organization as powerful as a Sacred Land." This was Su Bei's thought; he had even felt a faint trace of Evil Qi while in a Sacred Land.
Hearing Su Bei's words, Yu Hongxiu visibly started. Comparable to a Sacred Land? That would mean the mysterious organization of Evil Cultivators has at least one expert with a realm higher than Dao Integration?
"Now that's interesting..."
BOOM—
Just as they were chatting sporadically, a booming noise suddenly erupted from the Ascension Platform.
A woman stood proudly, blood on the corner of her mouth, looking down at the disheveled woman beneath her.
Instantly, the crowd below burst into an uproar, the noise surging like waves:
"Star Moon Sect!"
"Star Moon Sect!!"
"Ah! The serpent of the Star Moon Sect has been eliminated!"
"..."
Su Bei's eyes lit up. The strength of the woman on the platform is probably at the Half-Step into Dao Integration Realm. That means...
"I would like to congratulate Headmistress Yu in advance for securing an advancement spot!"
"..."
With a Half-Step into Dao Integration expert claiming victory, there was almost no suspense left in this match...
Yu Hongxiu's lips curved in an amused smile. Looking at Su Bei with profound meaning, she said, "If we face the Sword Sect, I hope Elder Su will show mercy."
Su Bei coughed lightly, awkwardly saying, "Whether the Sword Sect can advance is not yet certain..."
"Is that so?" Yu Hongxiu looked deeply into Su Bei's eyes.
"It's getting late, I must return to the Sword Sect now..."
Feeling the atmosphere turn slightly odd, Su Bei smiled and quickly made his way toward the Sword Sect's residence.
「At dusk.」
The red and yellow sunset poured over Azure Cloud Mountain, accompanied by the gentle evening breeze, making one feel pleasantly intoxicated.
Wenren Pingxin propped her chin in her hand, watching Su Bei hastily approaching. Her gaze grew distant, her complexion glowing rosy under the setting sun. Compared to Yu Hongxiu, she also exuded a mature and lazy charm but perhaps lacked some of the overt allure that Yu Hongxiu displayed on the surface.
"You finally remembered to come back? Why aren't you sitting by your 'sister's' side anymore?"
"Who knows, you might even spend the night in her boudoir."
"..."
Narrow eyes fluttering, Wenren Pingxin didn't look at Su Bei. She crossed her long legs, adopting an air of an elder's sternness, and spoke indifferently.
Watching her, Su Bei didn't know if it was because of the dream he had last night, but it seemed that, imperceptibly, he had developed a trace of...
In the dream, she held me in her embrace, smiling as she taught me cultivation. Perhaps, in my original body, she held a very special place in my heart. My gaze on her was exceptionally gentle, mixed with feelings even I couldn't explain. Have I been influenced by that person?
Wenren Pingxin saw the fervent and, in her view, rebellious look in his eyes, and her expression turned slightly unnatural. She leaned back a bit, composing her emotions.
"What are you staring at your Senior Sister who raised you for?"
Whether intentional or not, the words "who raised you" were pronounced with particular clarity.
"I simply find you beautiful, Senior Sister. For hundreds of years, in my heart, you've always looked like this."
"..."
He was right next to her. Though his actions seemed deliberate to the other Sword Sect disciples, those familiar with the relationship between the two took it for granted and continued watching the fight between the two women on the stage.
Wenren Pingxin's brows knitted lightly. She wanted to shift to avoid him, but then thought, Why should I do that? Wouldn't that show I have all sorts of wild thoughts in my heart? Even though I've held him countless times... it's different now.
"Has your skill in flattery improved these past few days?"
"Speak, what mischief are you planning?"
"..."
She coughed lightly, carrying herself with an easy grace, and let Su Bei come closer. They were so near, Su Bei could feel the warmth emanating from her arm where they touched.
"You haven't slept all night again, have you?"
Wenren Pingxin slapped his hand away, the corner of her mouth twitching, but her heart felt a warm surge.
"Why don't you go care for your 'foster' sister?"
As the words left her mouth, even she felt something odd about them. Why would I say something so jealous?
Yet her deeply beautiful eyes fluttered, perhaps harboring a bit of hope?
"In my heart, Senior Sister, you are the only sister I have."
"She just called herself that without permission!"
"..."
Su Bei looked at her earnestly, and he indeed was sincere, without a hint of insincere flattery.
That fish... yes, 'foster' sister is much better!
Wenren Pingxin's mouth curved into a slight smile, which trembled a couple of times.
Su Bei swore he'd take back the thought he'd harbored in his heart about Yu Hongxiu.
—She's no match for Eldest Senior Sister at all!
"I will make the Sword Sect thrive! Better and better!"
Wenren Pingxin's eyes shimmered as she looked at him. Then she nodded and suddenly spoke softly, "If... if you were to fight against someone at the Peak of Refining Void..."
As she spoke, however, she hesitated. This was something she would never have allowed Su Bei to do before. Perhaps it was because she had seen the change in Su Bei, witnessed that night's sword strike that blotted out the heavens and earth?
"Never mind, don't participate in the battle. I'll be very happy if the Sword Sect can maintain its position among the Ten Great Sects."
"..."
Indeed, when I came here, I never harbored delusions of contending for the position of the number one sect.
The evening breeze brushed gently. Su Bei looked at her profile, and the flutter in his heart intensified.
Perhaps... perhaps fulfilling that dream for her would make her very happy.
Su Bei took a deep breath and, looking into her eyes, spoke softly, "I will fight that Peak Refining Void expert!"
"Even if I lose, it will save some strength for Third Senior Brother."
"..."