Chapter 113 The Dark Horse Every time I kiss you, I feel like...

Beyond the heavens, a chorus of complaints filled the air.

No one expected that after nearly a month of fighting, with the competition nearing its end, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and returned to their respective islands, preparing to wait for the competition to conclude before the cultivators from the Wilderness Continent would launch such a fierce attack.

Although everyone had taken precautions and set up defensive formations in case someone tried to storm the island and seize the flag at the last moment, causing all their efforts to be in vain.

However, even the best defensive formation couldn't stop the white-haired fiend who charged ahead; she acted without any sense of reason.

Bai was like a sharp sword, wielding a heavy sword as he charged into the floating island, causing chaos and destruction wherever he went.

She didn't waste any words, drawing her sword and slashing, shattering the defensive array with a single strike. Any cultivators who tried to stop her were also cut down with a single blow.

Next came the felling of the flag, eliminating the participants. The whole process was swift and decisive, without any hesitation. The island, which everyone had fought so hard for a month, changed hands at this final moment.

Following closely behind Bai Ye were the cultivators from the Wilderness State led by Li Shoumo. Several people quickly separated from the crowd, took over the island, and raised a large flag.

After Bai finished killing the men, he shouldered his heavy sword and looked at Li Shoumo, asking, "How many people can still fly?"

"There are still more than a dozen people."

"Alright, let's hurry, we can still grab some more points." Bai waved his hand, and led the group behind him into the air, flying forward again.

She wasn't picky; adhering to the principle that every encounter was fate, she would claim any island she saw.

In the blink of an eye, they had seized nearly ten more islands. And the Wilderness State's points had reached 5,400, instantly turning it from last place to the top three.

The score-grabbing team was down to just Bai Ye and Li Shoumo. She figured it was better not to waste manpower, and even an extra hundred points would be good. Coincidentally, another island appeared ahead, so she and Li Shoumo plunged down into it.

As a result, this rush led him into a group of acquaintances.

Upon seeing Bai Shu and the others guarding the banner, Bai Ye's smile froze instantly.

"Haha, Mother~~ What a coincidence, what are you doing here too?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Bai Shu put her hands on her hips and glared at her. "You brat, instead of guarding your own island, what are you trying to do by barging into my territory?"

She realized what was happening as she spoke, and pointed at Bai Ye angrily, shouting, "You little brat, you think you're all grown up now? Trying to steal your mother's island, huh?"

"No, no, no! How could I dare!" Bai shook his head so hard it was like a rattle drum. "I was just passing by, just passing by, and thought I'd drop by to see you."

"Hmph! Don't think I don't know what kind of bad ideas you have." Bai Qingji crossed her arms and glared at her coldly. "If Auntie weren't here, you would definitely have come up and taken our Bai family's island without saying a word."

"Bai Lao Er, I don't like hearing what you're saying. I already said I wouldn't steal it anymore, but you still insist on slandering me!" Bai Ye had a look on his face that said, "You've wronged me."

"If you really want me to steal it, then I'll take action!"

"Alright, alright, stop arguing with your cousin." Bai Shu waved her hand to shoo him away, afraid that this fearless brat might actually tear her island down later.

"Fine, let's go! Humph!" Bai Ye arrogantly raised his chin, pulled Li Shoumo around, and left, walking with an air of arrogance.

However, before the two had even left the floating island's area, Liu Xianyue's voice rang out from the sky, "One month has passed!"

"Congratulations everyone for successfully defending your islands, earning points for your respective states, and qualifying for the next round of the individual competition. Now, you can all come out and get some fresh air."

As soon as she finished speaking, countless soft beams of light descended from the sky, enveloping everyone.

Bai only felt a blur before his eyes, and his body was enveloped by a gentle force, followed by a brief feeling of weightlessness.

In the blink of an eye, all the prodigies were teleported out of the Outer Heaven and back to the sky above the Dragon Python Rock.

Most of those who emerged immediately looked at the light screen. After seeing their scores for their respective states, some smiled because of their good results, while others remained calm, seemingly expecting the results. Many more, however, had livid faces and could not hide their anger.

No matter how angry everyone was, the team competition was over, and all they could do was roar helplessly.

Bai had just landed on the platform and hadn't even had a chance to exchange glances with Zhong Jiuli, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, when he felt a chill run down the back of his neck.

It seems like something dirty has gotten on her! She touched her neck and looked back.

Good heavens!

The huge platform was crowded with people, and most of them had their eyes on her.

That look was extremely complex, roughly summed up as three parts anger, three parts resentment, three parts jealousy, three parts helplessness, and a hundred parts exasperation, but a look of utter helplessness!

Bai Ye: "......"

Her lips twitched slightly, and she quietly moved behind the tall Li Shoumo, trying to find cover.

As she moved, everyone's eyes followed her.

"Okay, so they really came for me? What did I do to them? They all look like they hate me so much?" Bai muttered to himself.

Although she spoke very softly, everyone present was sharp-eared and sharp-eyed.

Many people, upon hearing her grumble, wanted to yell out: "Don't you know what you've done? We want to beat you up!"

Zhong Jiuli took in everything, watching with amusement the stinky tiger who had done so many bad things and now realized he was feeling guilty.

She cleared her throat and said softly, "Silence!"

The voice wasn't loud, but it seemed to resonate directly in everyone's minds. The noisy platform instantly fell silent, and all eyes turned to the speaker.

Zhong Jiuli's gaze slowly swept across the entire area, finally settling on the region where the cultivators from the Wilderness State were located. Her voice was clear and resonant, her words like an imperial edict, causing the heavens and earth to resonate:

"In this team competition, the top three teams—Zhongzhou, Guzhou, and Manhuangzhou—share the destiny and fortune of Heaven!"

As soon as he finished speaking, an extraordinary phenomenon occurred in the heavens.

Deep within the endless sky, beams of golden light pierced through the clouds, falling like shooting stars and showering down upon the platform.

That golden light was no ordinary spiritual light; it contained the rhythm of the Great Dao and the fortune of heaven and earth, making it sacred and magnificent.

On the platform, the cultivators belonging to the three states seemed to sense something, and at the same time looked up at the sky, receiving the baptism of the heavenly fortune.

The golden light possesses a spirit and chooses its own master. Most cultivators only receive a few scattered points of it, while those with exceptional talent can draw more golden light into their bodies. Top geniuses like Ming Wushuang and Bai Qingji already radiate a divine glow, deeply favored by the golden light.

Of course, the most eye-catching one is still the troublemaker, White Hair, from the Wilderness State.

The area where Bai Ye was located was completely engulfed by golden light rain. A massive amount of Heavenly Dao fortune frantically converged towards her, forming a golden sun around her, its brilliance so great that it eclipsed everyone present.

Staring at that dazzling golden sphere of light, everyone who had just been tricked by her gritted their teeth in anger, yet they were helpless against her.

Heaven's favor is beyond human power to resist.

Bai Ye, immersed in the baptism, was no longer aware of the movements outside.

She felt completely comfortable, as if she were in a warm ocean. This feeling of being enveloped in warmth did not only affect her physical body, but also her soul. It soothed all her fatigue, like returning to the womb, peaceful and serene, making her drowsy.

More importantly, her cultivation level finally began to move.

Since cultivating the Star Body, her cultivation level has stagnated at the Nascent Soul stage. No matter how she meditates and cultivates, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth she absorbs is like a mud ox entering the sea, being absorbed by the stars that have already been lit up in various parts of her body to solidify the Star Body.

At this moment, golden light rain entered her body. Part of it was absorbed by the stars within her body, making each star shine even brighter, while the other part acted on her physical body and soul.

At the dantian, the four nascent soul dharma images greedily absorbed the golden light rain. Profound golden Dao patterns began to appear on the surface of the nascent souls, their forms became more solid, and their spirituality surged.

Beneath Bai Ye's skin flowed a precious light, his flesh and bones were being bathed in golden light rain, his silver hair moved without wind, and golden light also flowed between the strands of his hair. His whole person exuded an extraordinary aura of natural Daoist charm from the inside out.

As the geniuses were bathed in golden light, countless beings in the Central Continent, Ancient Continent, and Wilderness Continent silently looked up at the sky.

Golden light shines down, blessing the earth. The mountains and rivers appear even more majestic and beautiful, and the waterways even clearer and more powerful.

Especially in the barren and desolate state, this land, which has been silent for countless years, is thirstily absorbing the gifts of heaven. It is like withered trees coming back to life, and every inch of the land is rejuvenated, with its spiritual veins surging.

After a long while, the golden rain of light that had been falling from the sky on the Dragon Python Rock platform finally stopped. Most of the cultivators had already awakened from their enlightenment of receiving the fortune, and their auras were much stronger than before, clearly indicating that they had benefited greatly.

Li Chengfeng and the others also showed joy on their faces. Their cultivation had also improved, and their understanding of the Great Dao had deepened.

Those disciples who were still in the Golden Core stage were overjoyed. Everyone's aura had increased dramatically. They were just waiting for a suitable opportunity and a place with abundant spiritual energy to break through their core and form their nascent soul.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the most intense golden lights began to gradually subside.

The first to reveal themselves were Ming Wushuang and her group. Their eyes shone with a restrained divine light, their aura was as deep as an abyss, and they had made a great gain.

Then came Bai Ye. When she woke up, she was radiant, as if a celestial being had descended to earth, leaving everyone present mesmerized.

"Such a good-looking face is wasted on this person!" a cultivator muttered in a low voice.

“Senior sister, you are mistaken.” Another person shook their head and said, “If she were ugly, being teased by her like this would only make her more upset. But seeing her graceful appearance now, the anger in my heart has lessened considerably. I wonder if she has a Daoist partner yet.”

"Junior sister, what do you mean by this? Could it be that you've taken a fancy to that annoying guy? She didn't hold back when she stole our floating island." The man asked angrily.

The junior sister cupped her cheeks and said shyly, "But that doesn't stop her from being beautiful. She's also so talented. I wonder if she'd be willing to come back to Southern Xinjiang with us."

Zhong Jiuli glanced at the two female cultivators who were speaking, but did not say anything. Instead, she gave Liu Xianyue a look.

Liu Xianyue understood immediately. She coughed lightly, successfully drawing everyone's attention to herself: "Although I have already said it, I would like to congratulate you all again for successfully defending your islands and winning honor and points for your respective states."

"You are all the most outstanding young people in Kyushu! The future of Kyushu rests on your shoulders! Next, please follow your respective leaders to board the spirit ship and head to the Sanqing Sect for a short rest. Three days later, the second round of the Kyushu Grand Competition, the individual arena competition, will officially begin!"

"good!!"

Cheers swept across the entire platform, and all the young geniuses' eyes blazed with fighting spirit, eagerly anticipating the upcoming arena match.

The young geniuses, who had just received a boost, were all confident that they could achieve good results in the upcoming arena matches.

Compared to the previous chaotic island-grabbing battles, everyone clearly prefers this fair one-on-one duel. Under the spotlight, they can defeat their opponents through skill and make a name for themselves!

This is the fair and square competition that should exist between geniuses. Not like before, where a group of people acted like they'd gone mad, throwing explosive tags everywhere and making a complete mess of things.

The giant spirit ship that brought everyone here was already hovering above Dragon Python Rock. The leaders of each state, like tour guides, led their young geniuses onto the spirit ship in an orderly manner.

Before the people of the Wilderness State had even set off, they all looked up, tears welling in their eyes, their gazes fixed on the still-present light screen, where the final rankings were displayed.

"We actually made it into the top three." Hua Yi murmured, her voice filled with disbelief. Everything that had just happened seemed like a dream to everyone.

She tugged at Hua Jinhe's sleeve, trembling, and said, "Senior Sister, we actually made it into the top three."

"Mmm." Hua Jinhe responded softly, her eyes red, barely managing to hold back her tears in front of her junior sisters.

In fact, it wasn't just them who were stunned; all the viewers in front of the screens across the Nine Provinces were also somewhat stunned. The Wilderness State's incredible comeback at the last moment, which could only be described as insane, was like a hurricane that swept through, completely astonishing everyone.

Many cultivators who had placed bets were dumbfounded and heartbroken, having lost all their spirit stones due to the Wilderness State's counterattack.

In an instant, the major cities were filled with cries of despair, and many cultivators who had lost everything were jumping up and down, shouting: "It's a conspiracy! It's a conspiracy! It's definitely a conspiracy!"

"How can you calculate points like that? Scoring at the last minute doesn't count."

"We protest! We demand a rematch, and that troublemaker, White Hair, should also be suspended! She's a real handful!!!"

No matter how much these people protest, no one will pay attention to them; they will only treat these gamblers as a joke.

The victor is king, the loser is villain; the outcome is already decided.

The Wilderness State, this dark horse, has already shown its unparalleled charm to the world.

......

The giant spirit ship traversed the sea of ​​clouds. The cultivators from the desolate state gathered in a corner of the deck, their moods a mixture of extremes.

On one hand, they were immersed in the immense joy of breaking into the top three, and everyone's face was filled with barely suppressed smiles. On the other hand, they had to endure the barrage of glares from cultivators from all directions and states.

If looks could kill, Bai would have already been sliced ​​to pieces by those people's gazes by now.

Unfortunately, she's thick-skinned and has high defenses.

It wasn't until they emerged that everyone learned the outrageous things Bai had done while acting alone. However, the people of the Wilderness State simply applauded!

"Hey, look at me!" Bai clapped his hands, attracting everyone's attention.

"Stay calm, don't get cocky, and don't be afraid! It's just a top-three finish, nothing special. You've all felt the benefits of Heaven's Luck, right? Believe me, the benefits we'll receive when we take first place in the arena will only be greater!"

"We have only one goal: to be number one! Understand?"

"Understood!!!" Dayue was the first to raise both hands in response!

"Haha! Not bad, that's it, everyone keep it up! Okay, you guys have fun, I'm going to the bathroom first." After saying that, Bai slipped away as fast as he could.

Inside the cabin, Ming Wushuang briefly reported to Zhong Jiuli about the ancient ruins discovered deep within the Outer Heavens, the eerie atmosphere, and the attack by a powerful cloud beast.

Zhong Jiuli sat calmly in the main seat and nodded, saying, "I am aware of this matter. The sect elders have already gone inside to investigate. Wushuang, you should go and rest well and prepare for the upcoming arena match."

"Yes, Sect Master!" Ming Wushuang bowed respectfully and turned to leave the cabin.

She had just closed the door when she looked up and saw Bai Ye sneaking over, his furtive movements making it seem like a thief had broken into the ship.

"Fellow Daoist Bai?" Ming Wushuang paused slightly, blocking the doorway.

"Ming Lao Yi, what a coincidence, what are you doing here?" Bai greeted him cheerfully.

"What brings Fellow Daoist Bai here?" Ming Wushuang asked politely, his figure as solid as a rock blocking the doorway, preventing Bai Ye from getting closer.

She could tell that Bai was also heading towards where the sect leader was. Given Bai's somewhat unconventional behavior, she didn't want him to get close to her sect leader, lest something dangerous happen.

"I'm here to find someone." Bai Ye's eyes darted around, trying to gloss over the situation. Her relationship with Zhong Jiuli was not public, and it was not appropriate to mention her name at this moment to avoid unnecessary gossip.

"Oh? May I ask who Fellow Daoist Bai is looking for?" Ming Wushuang pressed. "Everyone on and off this spirit boat is a disciple of my Sanqing Sect. Fellow Daoist, please speak frankly, and perhaps I can relay the message."

Bai looked at Ming Wushuang, who stood like a door god, speechless. "Forget it, forget it, I won't look anymore."

After she finished speaking, she turned around and walked out listlessly. Before she had taken two steps, she heard the door behind her creak open.

Zhong Jiuli opened the door herself and called out, "Bai Ye, come in."

Bai Ye's face instantly brightened, a big smile spreading across his face, and he scurried inside.

Seeing this, Ming Wushuang also wanted to go in; she needed to keep an eye on Bai Ye.

"Wushuang," Zhong Jiuli said gently, "I have some important matters to discuss with her. You should go and rest first."

Upon hearing this, Ming Wushuang's eyes flashed with surprise. Her gaze inadvertently fell on Bai Ye, and her doubts deepened. Why would the sect leader have private matters to discuss with Bai Ye?

"Haha, Chief Ming, you should go and rest." Bai Ye waved to Ming Wushuang with a grin. "Don't worry, I won't ambush your sect leader. You don't need to stay here."

"Yes, disciple takes his leave." Although Ming Wushuang was unwilling, he had no choice but to leave the cabin.

As soon as the door closed, Bai stopped pretending and snuggled into Zhong Jiuli's arms like she had no bones. She rubbed her head against Zhong Jiuli's neck and whined, "She must think I came here to do something bad. She's been watching me so closely. I'm such an honest and kind person, and she actually suspects me like this. I'm so sad."

Zhong Jiuli put his arm around her waist and chuckled, "Who told you to look so sneaky? If she didn't keep an eye on you, who would she be watching?"

Bai also raised his face, a wanton smile on his lips: "If I don't do something bad, wouldn't I be letting down Elder Ming's vigilance?"

"Stop fooling around." Zhong Jiuli raised her hand, her fingertips touching her lips that were close to hers.

Bai stared intently at her, neither retreating nor approaching. The two seemed frozen in time, their lips and fingers intertwined.

The cabin was quiet, so quiet that Zhong Jiuli was worried that the stinky tiger in front of her would catch her rapid heartbeat and then he wouldn't be able to stop her.

She turned her head slightly to avoid Bai Ye's gaze and changed the subject, saying, "Don't you want to see what's outside? The spirit boat is heading to the Sanqing Sect, and the scenery outside is beautiful."

"Do you want me to see the scenery?" Bai Ye asked, his breath landing on his fingertips, making Zhong Jiuli's heart tremble.

"Zhong Jiuli, don't you miss me? We haven't seen each other for a month."

Zhong Jiuli was captivated by her infatuated gaze, and found it difficult to say that he didn't miss her.

"You miss me too, don't you?" Bai moved even closer, so close that they could hear each other's breath.

Zhong Jiuli sighed softly, and the hand that had been pressing against her lips finally lost its strength, tacitly allowing her to get closer.

After all, it had been a month since they last saw each other, how could she not miss her?

Bai smiled triumphantly, his arms around Zhong Jiuli's waist tightening suddenly, pulling her completely into his embrace. The close contact between their bodies made Zhong Jiuli let out a soft moan, which quickly disappeared between their kissing lips and tongues.

After the kiss, Bai's breath was slightly ragged. She moved a little distance away from Zhong Jiuli, just a tiny bit. Her forehead was pressed against Zhong Jiuli's, and she chuckled softly, saying, "Every time I kiss you, I feel like I'm eating milk pudding."

"What is that?" Zhong Jiuli's breathing was also unsteady, her eyes were misty, and her cheeks flushed.

"Hmm, it's probably like how it feels when you kiss me, right?" Bai said shamelessly. "It's fragrant, soft, bouncy, and has a slightly sweet taste. It's smooth and delicious."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Jiuli chuckled softly, "Your skin is getting thicker and thicker, and you're always finding new ways to praise yourself."

"Doesn't it smell good?" Bai Ye pretended to be puzzled, raised his hand, and sniffed it. "It smells very good to me!"

"It doesn't smell good, it stinks." Zhong Jiuli teased her on purpose.

Both were accomplished cultivators whose bodies had been repeatedly tempered by the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, making them pure and immaculate, naturally giving off a refined and otherworldly fragrance, untouched by any worldly impurities.

Moreover, both Bai Ye and Zhong Jiuli have undergone multiple transformative body temperings, resulting in radiant skin and a much purer aura than ordinary cultivators.

Bai could easily tell that she was deliberately teasing him. He pretended to be fierce and leaned closer, pressing his lips to hers, saying, "Whether it smells good or bad, it's all yours. You can't escape it!"

A bright smile played in Zhong Jiuli's eyes as he gently touched her moist lips before saying, "What an arrogant little thief! It seems I should call Wushuang back and drag you out."

"No, we can't delay." Bai muttered, sealing her lips with his own, his unspoken words mingling in the kiss.

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Author's Note: [Hugs][Hugs] I noticed that a reader sent me Moonstones a few days ago. Thank you, Little Cannon! *kiss*