Name: Qin Luo

[Realm: Seventh Stage of the Spirit Vortex Realm]

[Constitution: Ethereal Holy Body]

[Technique: The Ultimate Unity of All Things]

[Number of Investing Opportunities: 2]

[Number of simulation attempts: 1 (refreshes every 24 hours)]

[Investable Female Character: Murong Liyue]

"Murong Liyue?"

Upon seeing the name that suddenly appeared in the system, Qin Luo's gaze was fixed on the white figure.

On the high platform, Murong Liyue, dressed in a plain white dress, had a face as white as snow and clear, bright eyes, exuding a serene and far-reaching aura. She stood quietly behind Dean Wan Xuan, seemingly unaware of Qin Luo's burning gaze.

Xia Zihan, noticing Qin Luo's unusual expression, followed his gaze. When she saw the woman in the white dress on the platform, a pang of sadness welled up inside her. She pouted slightly, tugged at Qin Luo's sleeve, and said with a smile:

"Qin Luo, is it pretty?"

Hearing this, Qin Luo finally came to his senses. Looking at Xia Zihan's slightly puffed-up face, a hint of grievance was revealed in her star-like eyes.

"Ahem, Zihan, you've misunderstood me. I was just thinking about some things. As you know, these Nine Heavenly Gates are a rare opportunity, and I'm pondering their deeper meaning."

Qin Luo explained earnestly, his tone full of sincerity.

Xia Zihan looked at him with suspicion, then gave a soft hum:

"Really? But the way you looked at her just now, it was like you were completely captivated by her. You didn't seem to be thinking at all." Although the voice wasn't loud, the jealousy in her words was like an overturned jar of vinegar, emitting a sour smell that permeated the space between the two of them.

"Of course it's true, why would I lie to you?" Seeing this, Qin Luo muttered to himself: Sure enough, a woman's intuition is sharp, it's really not easy to fool her.

Then, he decisively reached out and gently pinched Xia Zihan's nose with his slender fingers, the gesture carrying a hint of intimacy, and said, "You always overthink things."

Xia Zihan's face flushed slightly, a blush slowly spreading across her fair cheeks. She gently slapped Qin Luo's hand away, a hint of reproach in her eyes, and whispered, "Who told you to look at me like that? I thought..."

Qin Luo smiled helplessly. He knew Xia Zihan's feelings for him, and he could more or less guess what this girl was thinking. He reached out and gently patted Xia Zihan's shoulder, trying to soothe her emotions.

As the two were talking, the crowd in the stands began to disperse after the dean finished speaking.

On the high platform, Dean Wan Xuan looked at the arriving Murong Liyue and said with some surprise:

"Liyue, what brings you here?"

Murong Liyue gave a slight bow and said gently, "Father, I heard that today is the day of the selection for the Heavenly Gate, and I came to see out of curiosity." Her voice was as clear and melodious as a mountain spring.

Dean Wan Xuan stroked his beard and said with a smile, "You little girl, you've never been too interested in these things before, why are you suddenly so interested today?"

Murong Liyue lowered her head slightly, a barely perceptible glint in her eyes: "Liyue has recently encountered some bottlenecks in her cultivation. I've heard that these selected young talents are all outstanding individuals from various fields. Perhaps I can gain some inspiration from them."

The dean nodded slightly.

"I see. But with so many people below the stage, have you noticed anything unusual?"

Murong Liyue raised her head, her gaze sweeping across the crowd below the stage, but she quickly looked away and said softly:

"Liyue hasn't observed them closely yet, but those who can stand out from so many selections must have something unique about them."

Dean Wan Xuan gave Murong Liyue a deep look, as if he had noticed something, but he did not ask any further questions, only sighing slightly.

On the field, after everyone left, Qin Luo comforted Xia Zihan, and the two of them followed Xia Chaozong to the guest room prepared for them by Wanxuan Academy.

The guest room was tastefully decorated, simple yet stylish, with a faint scent of wood emanating from the tables, chairs, and beds. Qin Luo and Xia Zihan immediately sensed a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere upon entering.

Xia Chaozong stood in the center of the room, his gaze sweeping back and forth between the two of them. Then, with a gentle smile on his face, he said to Xia Zihan, "Xiao Jiu, go out for a while. I have something to say to Qin Luo alone."

Xia Zihan looked at Xia Chaozong with some confusion, then turned to Qin Luo. After seeing Qin Luo nod slightly, she obediently said, "Yes, Father."

After saying that, she slowly left the room, closing the door behind her.

For a moment, only Qin Luo and Xia Chaozong remained in the room, and the atmosphere suddenly became somewhat awkward.

Looking at his future father-in-law's stern face, Qin Luo felt a little uneasy. He didn't know why Xia Chaozong had kept him behind alone. He secretly wondered if it was about Xia Zihan.

In an instant, various thoughts intertwined in Qin Luo's mind, causing his palms to sweat slightly, but on the surface he still had to remain calm and wait to the side for Xia Chaozong to speak.

After a moment of silence, Xia Chaozong slowly spoke:

"Qin Luo, your performance today was outstanding, and I am very pleased. As you know, this opportunity to go to the Nine Heavenly Gates is extremely rare; it is a chance to change one's destiny."

"Your talent is exceptional, which is your strength. However, there is one thing about you that worries me. You seem to dislike competition and are too indifferent. In this world, especially on the path of cultivation, it is inherently a struggle for the Great Dao!"

Qin Luo was slightly taken aback; he hadn't expected Xia Chaozong to say that. He secretly pondered to himself that he hadn't usually shown much enthusiasm for competition, simply because he had the system. He knew that as long as he invested enough, his strength would naturally follow.

Seeing Qin Luo's expression, Xia Chaozong took a step closer and said earnestly:

"You need to understand that opportunities won't just be handed to you. Even if you have exceptional talent, if you never compete or fight for them, you'll be overlooked by others. The Nine Heavenly Gates are a gathering place for talents from all over the world, and each of them has a strong desire to win. If you continue with this kind of personality, you'll probably miss out on many opportunities."

At this point, Xia Chaozong paused, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes, and slowly began to speak:

"Qin Luo, many years ago, I was just like you. I had good talent, but I was too easygoing. I always felt that as long as I had the strength, I didn't need to compete for those superficial things. As long as I focused on cultivation, I would naturally gain recognition."

"But the result, of course, was no good. Because of my lack of ambition, my cultivation was crippled, and I was kicked out of the Myriad Spirits Sect's assessment like a stray dog!"