Chapter 7: Three conditions. She's the one with plenty of strength and resources…

Ice Wheel Immortal is a famous "little prince" of the Thunder Department, someone whom the Thunder Department cherishes.

Normally, he would only give way to Mingguang Tianxian; he almost never suffered such a humiliation.

This time, they were forced into a corner. At the height of the Immortal Selection Competition, the "merit dogs" of Youtian seized on this matter and spread rumors that the ancient immortal clan was abusing their power and suppressing those low-ranking immortals who were not from the ancient immortal clan.

Taking Bitao as an example, the story goes back several decades to when Binglun Zhenxian, in order to prevent Mingguang from being continuously harassed, framed Bitao for a trivial crime and repeatedly sent her to the prison palace.

All these years he has stood up for Mingguang, and he really can't stand that a scoundrel like Bitao dares to dream of a swan.

But the more they investigated, the more they found; it was as if "the military records were in twelve volumes, and every single one of them bore my name."

Despite being highly regarded by the clan, Binglun was severely reprimanded and punished for this.

He secretly resented that You Tian Zhu Ming, that dog of merit, ever since he took the position of Immortal Supervisor, he had repeatedly stirred up trouble, formed cliques, and made things difficult for the ancient immortals!

Bitao, that wild immortal, is not only delusional, but she also colludes with those merit dogs of Youtian. She has been plotting for decades and is just waiting for this day.

The foolishness he usually displays is definitely all fake, and he is truly wicked and hurtful with his evil words... Evil, causing starvation for thousands of miles!

After uttering that "apology," he blushed deeply, so ashamed he wanted to disappear into the ground.

But there was absolutely no remorse in his eyes. Instead, they were filled with resentment.

Bitao felt that he probably wanted to tear her apart right now.

"Bitao! Bitao! Bitao, you're finally awake!"

Zhan Kui's rough call came from the side, shattering the tense atmosphere like a broken gong.

Bitao turned her head and saw Zhan Kui leading a group of fairy maidens and immortal lords she usually played with, waving vigorously in her direction.

Dozens of people came and swarmed around the peach tree, chattering amongst themselves.

"Is Bitao all better now? We were terrified when she was so badly injured!"

"That's right, that's right. Some people are spreading rumors that you're too delicate and weak, and that you didn't hold back when you hit her. You didn't do anything!"

"Tao Tao, this is a pill to replenish your immortal essence. I saved it up with great difficulty. Here, take it first."

"Tao Tao..."

The group showed concern for Bitao, touching and pinching her, and giving her many good things to replenish her immortal essence and heal her injuries.

Then he looked at the people sent by the ancient immortal clan to apologize, winked at Bitao, and laughed so hard that it added fuel to the fire.

Bitao was indeed very grateful to them; they had certainly played a part in her timely return to the Jade Bone Palace.

However, considering Binglun Zhenxian's fragile face, she was afraid that he would hold a grudge against everyone at once, so she had to get rid of them first.

So he laughed and said, "I'm fine now, you don't need to worry. Let's have a drink together tonight, at the Prison Palace. It's on me!"

She usually hangs out with friends and family. Having grown up in the wild, she naturally doesn't care about anyone's background or origins.

In addition to being "famous," he is very gentle in his interactions with others, never speaking harshly to anyone, and always smiling, slow, and lazy.

As she got to know more people, she was willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, and all the little fairies and immortals in the Nine Heavens liked to play with her.

Today, only a small portion of those who openly associate with her came. Others, who dared not come openly, sent private messages of condolence, filling Bitao's silver net to overflowing.

These people who came were of dubious origin, just like her, and indeed no celestial palace was willing to accept them.

Only when the various palaces issue tasks can they take on temporary positions to earn some immortal spirits. Without having to worry about the subtle oppression and exclusion from these ancient immortal clans, they dare to recklessly watch the excitement and join in the fun.

Bitao did not want them to be "labeled" by these ancient immortal clans, as this would make their future endeavors and cultivation even more difficult.

Therefore, she urged everyone, "Why don't you go ahead first? Zhan Kui will take you. Haven't you been craving it for a while? Pull some of Xiao Yugan's hair to make some spiritual tea. I'll talk to the immortals first and then be there."

Zhan Kui is incredibly audacious. Let alone the ancient immortals, she would dare to go up and defeat Binglun Zhenxian right now without fear of death.

But she is genuinely simple-minded. She has been with Bitao for decades and has never misunderstood Bitao's meaning.

Upon noticing that Bitao was smiling but her eyes held a warning and urging, the old crow immediately stepped forward and cawed to the group, saying, "Come on, come on, I'll take you to get some spirit tea. You can't usually drink it. That jade tea is made from the wisdom and spirit of cliff bamboo that has been growing for thousands of years. It's as nourishing as ginseng essence!"

The crowd had only come to join in the fun, but seeing that Bitao was alright and even had spiritual tea to drink, they stopped shouting and left with Zhan Kui.

Immortal Binglun watched as Bitao, instead of obediently being "flattered and shocked" after his apology, actually dared to flirt and whisper with those low-ranking immortals, and even deliberately mentioned going to the "Prison Palace" for tea!

I almost fainted from anger on the spot.

His fierce and sharp eyes could practically unleash five thunderbolts on the spot. In his mind, he cursed Bitao and all these good-for-nothing "things" who, at first glance, were all self-taught Spirit Condensation cultivators and no immortal palace would accept them as their successors.

In reality, he was clenching his fists so tightly that the veins on his forehead were bulging and his eyes were bulging out, almost as much as Zhan Kui.

Bitao saw them off a few steps, and only after everyone had left did she turn around and bow and greet the attendants sent by the various palaces, departments, and immortal clans with impeccable manners.

"I am truly ashamed to have troubled Immortal Cangming with this run."

"Fairy Cuiwei, your skin is getting better and better. Did the sea mud I recommended to you last time work for you? I also worked with someone to make some seaweed, and the effect is also good. I'll send it to you to try another day."

"Good heavens, how much face do I have that even the immortal Fenglian has come in person..."

...

Bitao greeted everyone politely, recognizing not only which palace or clan each person came from and which clan they belonged to, but also calling out each person's name, and even having connections with some of them.

Accept the gift without being coy or pretentious, neither humble nor arrogant, and appropriately show a sense of trepidation at the value of the gift.

He could strike up a conversation with anyone, almost gently defusing the humiliation of these people who had been sent to apologize to a low-level wild immortal.

Some people, unwilling to accept Bitao's kindness in saving face, instead coldly rebuked her for not knowing her place and implied that she should recognize her origins.

Bitao remained calm and unperturbed, listening with a smile as if she were quite pleased to be scolded. This made the other person feel uneasy, and they hurriedly left.

After everyone had left, only Hyōrin Shinsen and his group remained, their anger turning into a raging red.

Bitao walked up to Binglun, his cheeks almost puffed up like balls.

But when Bitao opened her mouth, she didn't respond to him. Instead, she addressed Jing Su and the other generals from the Thunder Department who were standing beside him.

These people and Bitao are "old acquaintances".

Every time she provoked Mingguang, Binglun would step in and send Jingsu and others to escort her to the prison palace.

Bitao looked at Jing Su's handsome face, which was somewhat embarrassed but forced to remain composed, and teased, "Immortal Jing Su, my grievances have been cleared. Those many times I was paraded through the streets, I couldn't lift my head, I couldn't stand up, and I lost all face. You can't let it go so easily."

Jing Su bowed, sword in hand, his tone gentle: "What do you wish to do, fairy? Please speak."

"Hmm..." Bitao paused deliberately for a moment and said, "I can't think of anything for now, so consider it a favor you owe me. We can discuss it again when I need your help in the future?"

"Why should they?! If you want their lives in the future, are they going to give them to you too?!" Immortal Binglun, feeling like she was being dried out, angrily interrupted.

Jing Su and the other Thunder Generals looked helpless. After all, they were Bing Lun's attendants, and he always put them first, obeying their every word and daring not to disobey.

Bitao naturally understood this principle. She did not want to make things difficult for these Thunder Generals, but she did want to leave one of them alive. In the future, these would be the backbone of the Thunder Department, and it would never hurt to curry favor with them.

"What would I do with human lives?" Bitao said to Jingsu and the others. "I promise I will never ask you to violate the rules of heaven or morality, nor will I involve your lives in any matter. What do you say?"

Jing Su breathed a sigh of relief. He glanced at Binglun Zhenxian before saying gently, "Fairy, please forgive us. We agree."

"What should you do..." Before Ice Wheel Immortal could say anything, Bitao grabbed his arm.

This sudden movement caught him off guard and pulled him to the side.

But then he realized that Bitao had actually touched him. He was like a volcano erupting on the spot, his eyes wide open and his face turning red.

It's not shyness, it's shame, so shameful!

"You, you, you, what are you doing touching me!"

Bitao: "..." You call that touching?

However, seeing that he had been successfully distracted, Bitao gave Jing Su and the others a wink and said, "Please, all of you immortals, step aside for now. I have something to say to you true immortals."

"Retreat, retreat, retreat what?! What do you want to do? Let me tell you, if you ever harbor any ill intentions towards me, Lei Bu will not let you off the hook!"

"None of the Six Departments will spare you!" said True Immortal Binglun, looking anxiously towards the southeast.

It was a dense forest.

Bitao didn't follow his gaze, but she already knew where the person she wanted to see was.

Sometimes she really felt that Binglun Zhenxian was like a frog, jumping around when poked.

It's extremely useful for giving directions and forging confessions.

Jing Su and the others bowed to Bi Tao, and then quickly fled in a flash.

Binglun clutched his arm, which had been pinched, and looked at Bitao with extreme vigilance, like a frail widower looking at a bandit who had broken into his bedroom in the dead of night.

He looked down on Bitao and had designs on Mingguang, but if Bitao turned around and had feelings for him, how could he and Mingguang possibly get along?

Binglun was startled by his own thoughts. He even thought of an idiom—what was it again? Right, internal strife! Or was it about his brother, Xiao Qiang?

"Don't come any closer! Let me tell you, I'm not Mingguang. I have plenty of strength and methods. I can shatter your immortal essence in one go, and you won't even be able to stick to it. I won't hold back!"

As he spoke, he glanced cryptically at the dense forest again.

The few people standing hidden in the dense forest all wore expressions that were hard to describe.

Mingguang, the leader, frowned, a vertical line appearing between his brows.

He had seen his mother once recently, and she told him to resolve the conflict between the Ancient Immortal Clan and the Netherworld Merit Immortal Position on his own.

That day, Mingguang did not intend to hurt her, but he did not expect that the little fairy would have You Tian's immortal position to protect her, and her wide circle of friends was shocking. Opposition voices on the Silver River were deafening.

Currently, those merit-based immortals in Youtian are relentlessly pursuing the ancient immortal clan. Although that little immortal was merely the fuse for the infighting among the immortals, she is backed by Zhu Mingxuan, the immortal supervisor of Penglai. If the conflict is to be resolved, the little immortal's forgiveness must be obtained first.

Only by extinguishing the flames at the source can the situation be brought to a good end.

He knew what You Tian was plotting to gain the position of Immortal of Merit, and he also knew how to appease the lower-ranking immortals; all he wanted was for them to bow their heads once.

He originally intended to handle the matter personally, since the problem originated with him.

However, the people around him disagreed no matter what.

Binglun volunteered, and the result was...

"Ice Wheel Immortal has studied lower realm literature for so long, does she even know how to write the phrase 'self-indulgent affection'? With the brilliant Mingguang Celestial Immortal before her, it's hard for me to have any improper thoughts about Ice Wheel Immortal..."

Bitao sneered, her tone casual and her words venomous, a stark contrast to her previous polite and well-mannered demeanor.

Binglun Zhenxian froze instantly, his handsome face contorted, biting his lip, a bellyful of cursing words welling up and piling up in his throat, picking and choosing but feeling that none of them were suitable.

His strength and methods all failed him. He couldn't believe that someone dared to humiliate him like this. Why was she so polite to those low-ranking immortals, but so...deliberately targeting him?

However, he was not fluent in speech. His mind was full of idioms, but he didn't know how to deal with the phrase "self-indulgent affection".

The true intentions behind the peach blossom painting were revealed, and she ceased to feign affection with him.

“I know why you’ve come, and who you’ve come on behalf of. You just want me to quell the ‘war’ in Yinhan Gu and forgive you for arbitrarily accusing and imprisoning me before?”

Bitao held up three fingers to him.

"Three conditions."

Binglun frowned, her face cooling down, and warned, "I advise you not to go too far."

He also wanted to say that just because she had a position of merit as a celestial being, she could act recklessly; she was nothing more than a pawn of those people.

After she's been used and gained the benefits of the Immortal Rank, her fate as a discarded pawn won't be good. If she's remembered by the ancient immortal clan, it will be extremely difficult for her to advance in cultivation again.

But Bitao didn't give him a chance to say more.

"First, I need to introduce someone to the Eastern Azure Heaven Medical Department as an apprentice. I can't say much about the Medical Department, but you're the Little Prince of the Thunder Department, you'll definitely have a way."

"What princess...you!"

Bitao continued, "Secondly, I want to bring some friends to participate in the Immortal Selection Competition."

"Tch." Immortal Binglun couldn't help but chuckle upon hearing the second condition.

Participating in the Immortal Selection Competition with her and her "friends" is laughable. Is the Immortal Selection Competition something that even ants and turtles can get involved in?

"The selection of immortals is for those who fill vacant immortal positions, and the minimum requirement is the cultivation level of an immortal. As for you? Unless you ascend to the position of an immortal overnight."

"I don't care, you figure it out yourself." Bitao shrugged.

Just as Binglun was about to say something more, Bitao put her last finger to his lips, startling him so much that he quickly shut his mouth and crossed his eyes.

He suddenly took several steps back.

"you!"

Didn't you say you weren't interested in him? Why are you touching me like that again?!

Do you really think he's made of dough?!

Binglun was about to lose her temper.

Bitao replied, "Third, let Mingguang Tianxian come to see me. You can't represent him. I've been carrying these rumors for so long, my reputation is ruined. I need to confirm a few things."

"A forceful kiss, touching his waist, climbing into bed? Which do you think he would choose?"

"You're dreaming!" Binglun couldn't even imagine the scene, and roared until her voice cracked at the end.

“If he refuses to see me, I will go to the Silver River and stir up trouble.”

Bitao's voice was light and pleasant, her tone flowing like a babbling brook, yet she spoke harshly and threateningly, "I can draw, I'm very good at it, and I have a photographic memory. Recently, many people have been asking me what I saw that day."

Bitao smiled like a cunning and despicable fox, her peach blossom eyes full of teasing: "What should we do? They gave us so much! Do you think there are any restrictions in the Heavenly Rules against drawing what you see for yourself and selling it to earn some fairy flowers?"

Bitao was certainly not serious; she had no interest in the naked bodies of those immortal lords.

She disdains using such despicable means to profit.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have deliberately exposed herself and stopped everyone when she discovered they were "returning to nature."

She was retaliating against the malice that Immortal Binglun had shown her.

She is willing to treat everyone kindly, but that doesn't mean she has no temper.

Ice Wheel isn't made of dough, so is she...?

If she were, would she dare to dream of a celestial being?

She is someone who has both strength and skill.

See, just a few lies and the Ice Wheel Immortal is already scared out of his wits.

Ice Wheel Immortal erupted again, his face blood red and smoke billowing from his head.

His lips opened and closed like a thirsty fish that had been thrown ashore.

Moreover, it wasn't just Immortal Binglun who was going crazy; the crowd hidden in the dense forest to the southeast also changed color upon hearing this.