Chapter 60

Chu Jinglan walked to Xiao Mo's side, naturally took the food box from his hand, and held it in his own hand.

"Well, Master Chu, long time no see!"

Dai Zisheng's tone was full of excitement as he hurriedly introduced Mu Jian: "Brother, he is the other lifesaver I mentioned before, Master Chu Jinglan."

"So you are my benefactor." Mu Jian raised his hand to salute, "I am Mu Jian from Huanjian Sect. Thank you for helping me back then."

Mu Jian treated Su Baimo, the benefactor who once delayed Dai Zisheng's practice, with courtesy, and was naturally polite to Chu Jinglan as well.

Dai Zisheng has been thinking about how he could not help Chu Jinglan all these years. When he saw him again today, Chu Jinglan did not look decrepit at all like a fallen man, but was still as graceful and elegant as ever, and... he could not see through Chu Jinglan's level of cultivation.

Chu Jinglan's aura was not that of an ordinary person. Either his cultivation was higher than Dai Zisheng's, or he was wearing a magic weapon. Either way, it showed that he was living a good life now.

If it was the former, could it be that his Dantian had recovered? But when Jing Lei's Dantian was restored, it was a big deal and everyone knew about it. If Chu Jinglan really succeeded, there was no news from the outside world, which was not unusual.

Dai Zisheng thought about it and decided not to ask about it.

He only said, "When I learned about your plight, it was too late. I have never repaid you for your kindness and feel guilty. If there is still any way you can use me, just ask."

Dai Zisheng: "By the way, you once mentioned to me if there is any way to deal with inner demons. After returning to the sect, I went to the library and looked through it. I copied two books that I thought were reliable and kept them with me, thinking that I would give them to you when I encounter them."

Dai Zisheng actually still remembered what he had promised to do, probably because he had never been able to repay Chu Jinglan when he was in the most difficult time, so he remembered to do everything he could, no matter how small the thing was.

Dai Zisheng took out the handwritten book from the storage in the blink of an eye. Chu Jinglan didn't turn his head to look at Xiao Mo: "...No, thank you."

"No, it's a gift from my heart." Xiao Mo took the two books with a smile, and Dai Zisheng asked, "Who is this?"

No wonder they were curious; the two really looked like they were related by blood.

Chu Jinglan said: "Mo Lan, my best friend."

"A close friend and attendant." Xiao Mo did not forget his character and completed the description, "Nice to meet you."

Squire? Doesn't look like it.

He was wearing a veil - Chu Jinglan had put it on him before he went out. Xiao Mo felt that he didn't need it, but Chu Jinglan convinced him with a very simple reason: it looked good and fit him well.

So at this moment, Xiao Mo was dressed like a young man from a noble family, draped in gold and precious materials, and the food box just now was already in Chu Jinglan's hand. Who was the master trying to steal the job from the servant?

The three of them understood immediately that whether he was a servant or not was another matter, but it must be true that Chu Jinglan treated him well.

Chu Jinglan didn't think there was a problem, so he actually introduced Xiao Mo. Mu Jian had just introduced himself, so he skipped that and only said the remaining two: "Mo Lan, this is Dai Zisheng from the Huanjian Sect, and Su Baimo from the Su family in the Dusk City of the Lower Realm."

Su Baimo then whispered, "I have also joined the Illusion Sword Sect, Jing Lan Ge."

Chu Jinglan said: "Well, then he must be Su Baimo from the Illusion Sword Sect."

Su Baimo's eyes were red, and it was unclear how much of her words were sincere: "I miss you so much, I wonder if you are doing well now?"

Chu Jinglan: "Not bad."

When Dai Zisheng was chatting with Mu Jian before, he mentioned that Chu Jinglan and Su Baimo were once engaged, but later broke off the engagement. Chu Jinglan didn't seem to have any emotion of reuniting with old friends, and looked very calm. On the contrary, Su Baimo's expression was very rich and looked quite complicated.

No matter what, Chu Jinglan was Dai Zisheng's savior, so since they had met, they should still entertain him. Mu Jian suggested: "It's not convenient to chat for a long time standing on the street. Why don't I treat you and we go to a restaurant to talk?"

Su Baimo and Dai Zisheng nodded immediately, but Chu Jinglan said, "No need, we have something else to do later."

Mu Jian and Dai Zisheng both paused. They had things to do, so it was difficult to keep them. Su Baimo said, "Where is Brother Jing Lan staying? We'll find you when we have time. You're here for the Yuntai Competition, too, right?"

His last sentence contained a very subtle test, because Su Baimo really wanted to know whether Chu Jinglan had recovered his cultivation. If Chu Jinglan directly said that he was here to participate in the competition, then it would be set in stone, but Chu Jinglan might also ignore his words.

Su Baimo didn't dare to probe too hard, for fear of causing resentment before getting an answer.

The one who answered was not Chu Jinglan, but Xiao Mo: "I'm afraid it's not convenient to entertain guests where we are. If everyone wants to go to the competition, there will be a chance for us to meet."

He casually declined on behalf of Chu Jinglan, and Chu Jinglan did not say anything to stop her, apparently acquiescing.

Su Baimo couldn't help but glance at Xiao Mo.

...Answering for the master, is this man really a servant?

Dai Zisheng hurriedly asked, "Then let's exchange the communication jade seal?"

This is possible. Chu Jinglan took out the jade token and exchanged it with Dai Zisheng for the jade seal. To be on the safe side, Dai Zisheng also asked Xiao Mo for the jade seal.

Xiao Mo just answered for Chu Jinglan, and Chu Jinglan did not object. Various signs showed that Chu Jinglan definitely did not treat him as a servant, and Xiao Mo seemed more approachable than Chu Jinglan, so it might be easier to ask him about the situation.

After exchanging jade seals with Dai Zisheng, Su Baimo was about to propose exchanging jade seals with himself, but Xiao Mo said goodbye directly and amicably, and turned around and left with Chu Jinglan.

Su Baimo was not given any chance at all.

Su Baimo was stunned for a moment, then felt a little embarrassed after he came to his senses.

...He was a step too slow. He should have taken out the jade token directly.

Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan walked side by side and asked him via voice transmission: "What's going on later?"

Chu Jinglan carried the heavy food box and said, "Well, we need to finish eating so much."

What is this?

Xiao Mo couldn't help but smile. He reached out and opened the lid of the lunch box, picked out two pieces of cake. The edges of the cakes were covered with greaseproof paper so that he could take them directly. He held one piece in his mouth and handed the other to Chu Jinglan, who took it with his free hand.

Before the two of them walked far, this scene fell into the eyes of the three people behind them.

Su Baimo's eyes widened in disbelief.

He had never seen Chu Jinglan so close to anyone.

Others might not notice anything when they just watched the interaction between the two, but Su Baimo knew very well that Chu Jinglan had never been so natural and relaxed no matter who he was with before. He had never done such small things as strolling side by side with others on the street and eating cakes when he was in the underworld.

What was the origin of that Mo Lan? He had a face like that... His facial features were somewhat similar to Chu Jinglan's, but he had a completely different temperament. He was so handsome that it was unforgettable at first sight.

Su Baimo found that he was actually feeling a strong sense of resentment at this moment.

Because Chu Jinglan was just standing there, his demeanor alone outshined many others. His outstanding temperament and appearance, as frosty and snowy as snow, seemed so untouchable, but Su Baimo had once stood so close to him as her fiancé.

If Chu Jinglan had not been deposed, he would definitely still be by his side and have the most glorious position.

Su Baimo suppressed his emotions, telling himself to be rational and calm, to understand what he wanted. If Chu Jinglan was still a useless person, then it wouldn't be a pity to lose his position by his side. But what if he wasn't, what if he wasn't...

I have to try to get some benefits from Chu Jinglan.

He didn't know that Xiao Mo was using his inner demon's ability to listen to his inner voice. When he heard Su Baimo's thoughts, he almost choked on the cake.

Xiao Mo had never used his telepathic ability much, but he couldn't let Su Baimo and Chu Jinglan get into trouble, which would affect Chu Jinglan's cultivation path, which had just started, and his own life. So he wanted to hear what Su Baimo was thinking at the moment to see if there was anything he needed to avoid next.

I didn't expect to hear him speak with such mixed feelings.

Chu Jinglan was shocked to find that Xiao Mo seemed to be choked. He looked around and saw a tea stall on the side of the road. He went to order a bowl of spiritual honey tea for Xiao Mo.

Xiao Mo drank the sugar water and sighed in his heart: Su Baimo's idea is really hopeless.

Obviously, she can't bear to part with Chu Jinglan's face, but if the other party can't support herself, she will have to give it up and feel distressed. The one who feels distressed is not Chu Jinglan, but herself who stood beside Chu Jinglan back then and felt proud whenever Chu Jinglan was mentioned.

It satisfies his vanity.

If Su Baimo dared to change his mindset and thought that when he became capable enough, he would directly rob people and raise them to show off to himself, he would be considered ambitious.

Of course, this approach is not advisable, and good people should not learn it.

Su Baimo only wanted others to support him, and never thought about supporting others.

That's what he likes.

In an intimate relationship, whether it is with relatives, friends or lovers, people can like themselves the most and like others the most, but you must also give enough sincerity and realize that the other person is a person with joys and sorrows, not an object.

Xiao Mo finished his honey tea and closed his phone. At this moment, Su Baimo's mind was filled with chaotic thoughts and surging emotions. He had no plans and would only torture himself if he continued listening.

After all, once the mind-reading technique is activated, everything in the other person's brain will suddenly come flooding back, which is still very tiring.

Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan had already walked out of the sight of the three people. Xiao Mo took some cakes from the lunch box. Chu Jinglan took another piece and said, "You can eat it later. I don't need it."

Xiao Mo nodded and started a conversation: "Mu Jian is also in the early stage of Yuanying, you two might be able to compete with each other."

During this year, Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan were not the only ones who changed. Mu Jian completed his last node and took over as the peak master. His cultivation also broke through from Jindan to Yuanying. Dai Zisheng was still in the early Jindan stage, but his aura had become much more stable. As for Su Baimo, he had also reached the late stage of foundation building.

The higher the level of cultivation, the higher the threshold of each major realm. It is not so easy to go from foundation building to golden elixir. Moreover, the secret relationship between Su Baimo and the golden elixir of Huanjianmen also stopped.

Because the man was wandering around among brothels, he was caught by his fiancé in a brothel and a huge commotion broke out.

Under such circumstances, Jin Dan dared not let anyone know that he had a relationship within the sect. Coincidentally, Su Baimo also felt that the effect of practicing dual cultivation with him was not as good as before, so he pretended to be caring and said, "I am interested in you and will definitely not cause you any trouble at this time."

Jin Dan might be really moved, or maybe it's hush money, so he gave him some good things.

Su Baimo was very satisfied: Yes, it is not enough to just gain benefits from dual cultivation, we should squeeze out as much value as possible from them.

Dai Zisheng also promised that if he could get into the top ten in the Jindan early stage competition this time, he would bring Su Baimo with him when he went to the upper realm.

Although he is the young master of the Illusion Sword Sect, if he has the opportunity to join a major sect in the upper realm, the Illusion Sword Sect will only be happy to let him do it. When he makes a name for himself, he will remember his family and return the favor.

The Illusion Sword Sect has the same attitude towards Mu Jian and is completely confident in him.

However, Su Baimo definitely cannot enter the new sect as an inner disciple. Dai Zisheng said that he would find a way to place Su Baimo then. The Huanjian Sect was originally a subordinate of the Immortal Alliance, so it would be easier to manage relationships than a casual cultivator. He would try to apply for anything he could, and would try not to let Su Baimo serve as a servant...

Wait, a squire?

When Su Baimo returned to the inn with Mu Jian and Dai Zisheng, he suddenly thought of Mo Lan.

With that kind of clothes and that kind of attitude, he called himself a servant. Was it to make it convenient for Chu Jinglan to bring him directly in?

So Chu Jinglan's cultivation has really recovered! ?

Su Baimo's heart was filled with shock at this realization, and he didn't come back to his senses even when Dai Zisheng called him twice. It was not until the third call that he almost got scared, and then he looked at Dai Zisheng in panic.

Dai Zisheng was confused by his reaction: "What's wrong? Are you worried about something?"

Su Baimo hurriedly adjusted his expression, revealing a hint of sadness: "Seeing an old friend again, it's inevitable that I feel uneasy." He asked, "Is there anything you want to ask me?"

"Oh, it's about Chu Jinglan." Dai Zisheng said solemnly, "Even if he really recovers, we shouldn't tell anyone about his affairs. It's up to him to decide whether to tell or not."

No matter which piece of news it is, it is enough to stir up a stir in the world of cultivation. Dai Zisheng is truly concerned about Chu Jinglan.

Su Baimo listened, smiled and said, "Of course."

Before he was sure whether Chu Jinglan had really recovered his cultivation, he didn't want to affect his image in Chu Jinglan's eyes.

He didn't know that Chu Jinglan didn't care about him at all.

If it weren't for the several times they accidentally met and Xiao Mo's attitude, they would have become people with no intersection long ago.

At this time, Xiao Mo happened to taste a very delicious pastry. His eyes lit up and he immediately wanted Chu Jinglan to try it. He bought two of each flavor. He took the remaining one and handed it to Chu Jinglan: "This is delicious, would you like to try it?"

He paused, then broke off a small piece of the pastry and pinched it with two fingers: "Try it. If you don't want to eat the whole thing, I'll take care of the rest."

Xiao Mo raised his hand high, his white fingertips touching the soft and sweet pastries, which inexplicably made the pastries more appetizing. Chu Jinglan happened to see this scene when he turned his head.

He didn't know why, but he forgot to raise his hands. Instead, he moved slightly forward and bit the small piece of cake.

It was only after he bit it that he realized what he had done.

Xiao Mo's eyes widened in surprise.

The pastry was too small, and Xiao Mo's fingertips inevitably touched Chu Jinglan's lips.

They both froze.

Xiao Mo hastily withdrew his fingers as if they were burned, and Chu Jinglan immediately turned his body. The sweet taste transferred from Xiao Mo's fingertips to Chu Jinglan's mouth, and for a moment, both of them seemed to be under a silencing spell, and each one was quieter than the other.

Xiao Mo raised his hands blankly, his eyes lifeless as he nibbled the large piece of snack in his hand, wondering in confusion who he was and where he was.

Shouldn't Chu Jinglan reach out to take it? Why did he... There seemed to be a lingering sense of human warmth on his body. Xiao Mo shuddered and quickly put the cake into his mouth, taking bigger bites.

Chu Jinglan chewed the snack in his mouth bit by bit, trying to pretend that nothing happened, and spoke in a natural tone: "...It's delicious."

Xiao Mo: "Oh, then do you still want this flavor?"

After Xiao Mo finished speaking, he finally came to his senses, stopped the mechanical action of stuffing the pastry, and looked down at his hands: he had unknowingly gnawed the snack of that flavor until only a layer of crust was left.

Xiao Mo choked.

He lowered his head in embarrassment, as if his whole heart was on the food box: "I'm sorry, why did I eat it without waiting for your feedback? Wait a minute, I'll try to see if there is any special taste."

When both of them are embarrassed, as long as one of them shows it more obviously, the other will calm down first. Chu Jinglan saw Xiao Mo's movements and his stiff shoulders slowly relaxed.

He said, "That purple one is close to the color of the one just now. Let me try it again."

Xiao Mo quickly picked up the purple cake and this time stuffed the entire piece into Chu Jinglan's palm, while he picked up another piece and nibbled on it silently.

Logically, this page should not be mentioned again, and it should be left to the past after a cup of tea. However, Chu Jinglan looked at the snack in his hand, lowered his eyes and said, "Sorry."

Xiao Mo was quietly eating his snack, stunned. After he swallowed the food in his mouth, he said dryly, "There's nothing to apologize for."

"If you feel uncomfortable, then that's my offense." Chu Jinglan said, "I'm sorry."

Hearing this, Xiao Mo's body also relaxed, and his limbs were no longer awkward: "It's not that serious, just, um, I was startled for a moment, it's okay."

Does that mean you don't feel offended or disgusted?

[Ding, mental attack successful, +100 points! ]

Xiao Mo: “…”

Although he was almost used to adding extra points, sometimes he really couldn't understand how Chu Jinglan's emotions changed!

Chu Jinglan himself also felt that his previous action was too strange, but at this moment his eyes were gentle. After knowing that Xiao Mo did not hate him, he felt inexplicably good.

He felt that Xiao Mo seemed to move again in the vague position in his heart.

It seemed... he was about to see clearly where to put Xiao Mo.

*

In the following time, after knowing that Su Baimo was in the same city with them, Xiao Mo rarely went out, and the same was true for Chu Jinglan.

What else can we do if we don't use the time before the competition to cultivate ourselves? This is not about cramming, but about consolidating and making further progress.

On the day when the Yuntai Competition officially kicked off, people flocked into the Fairy Valley. White cranes and phoenixes flew high. Le Xiu was nowhere to be seen, but heavenly sounds could be heard all the way. Outside the valley, there were misty clouds and smoke, as if one had arrived in a fairyland on earth.

After passing the valley entrance, the view suddenly brightens up. A jade platform rises high and the immortal boats of the five major forces are parked on the clouds, carrying people from the upper world. The leading spirits step into the air and slowly descend, creating their own momentum.

Having seen various kinds of gorgeous fairy boats before at Lin'an Academy, Xiao Mo now turned his attention to the most eye-catching one among them.

It was pitch black, with a hint of red, but it was not mysteriously beautiful, but rather had an air of uncertainty and gloom.

It is the demon clan's flying boat.

After the remaining four forces sat down on the platform and greeted each other, there was some movement on the demon clan's flying boat.

The leader was naturally also a distraction, but the way this demon appeared was very different. He did not step down by himself, but was held up by someone on a sedan chair. He sat upright on the sedan chair and was held up by someone as he jumped down from the air.

Like bringing a coachman or a mount.

After sensing the aura of "the coachman", the expressions of the righteous monks present all changed.

The undisguised evil aura of this "coachman" shows that he is not a demon, but a demon cultivator!

The Demon Lord not only recruited a large number of demon cultivators in the Demon Realm, but also had people bring the demon cultivators to the Yuntai competition openly, directly pointing a stab at the righteous path in front of them. What is he doing? Does he want to completely break off relations with them?

Even the celestial music suddenly stopped, and the beautiful place suddenly became silent, followed by an explosion of surprise among the monks.

"Demon Cultivator!?"

"What do the demons want to do? Are they going to declare war directly during the competition?"

Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan stood in the crowd. Chu Jinglan frowned and stood closer to Xiao Mo without saying a word.

If there is any change, he can respond promptly.

Everyone's eyes were focused on the demon cultivator at this time, but suddenly, Xiao Mo felt that some inquiring gazes were locking onto him.

The implication of scrutiny was very strong, and Xiao Mo's heart sank immediately, but he could not just turn his head and look at the source of the gaze: because he was obviously a foundation builder, and he should not be so sensitive.

Xiao Mo immediately spread out his consciousness and blended in with the many consciousnesses to investigate. His consciousness was very strong, but when he was investigating, he pretended to be weak so as not to be easily discovered.

He soon discovered who was watching him.

It was a demon in the crowd, who was spinning around with a registration card in his hand. He was in the early Yuanying group and was obviously going to take part in the competition later.

Not too far from where you are.

If it was a normal moment, being stared at would be normal, but at this critical moment, everyone was looking at the platform, so the behavior of this demon was not right.

Xiao Mo waited for a while, and after a while he realized that the man was still staring at him, so he spoke in the private chat: "System, help me scan the demon who is staring at me and see where he comes from."

System: "The scan is complete. This person is disguised, but based on his appearance, core, and cultivation data, it can be concluded that this person is the Demon Lord Fen Xiu without a doubt."

Burning repair! ?

For a moment, Xiao Mo couldn't hide the shock on his face at all. He almost turned his head away. Fortunately, this reflexive action was controlled and he was nailed to the spot.

Why was he at the Middle Realm Cloud Platform Competition? What was he planning to do? And... he actually stared at Xiao Mo so accurately.

Xiao Mo's face darkened: It seems that this was just a coincidence? Or did Fen Xiu sense something and doubt his identity?