Chapter 109 This is called flirting, you two are the kind of people who can sleep together...
Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Regardless of whether everyone had recovered from their injuries, they had to brace themselves for the start of the Genius Competition.
After Bai Ye left the city with the crowd, he took Zhong Jiuli's hand and walked straight to the tea stall by the roadside.
"Waiter, bring me a pot of good tea," she called out to the tea stall.
The waiter came out at the sound, and upon seeing that it was this shameless old customer, he couldn't help but laugh, "Oh, sir, you're here again?"
"Of course! I'm about to go to the competition, and I've come all this way to support your business. When I marry Sect Leader Zhong, won't you have to give me a big gift?" Bai smiled, his eyes crinkling, and glanced at Zhong Jiuli beside him as he spoke.
Zhong Jiuli knew exactly what she was thinking. She was just showing off in front of the waiter, meaning: Look, I wasn't lying. Sect Leader Zhong really loves me the most. I even brought him here for tea.
She didn't expose him, letting Bai chat with Xiao Er.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Er's smile became even more genuine. In recent days, she had heard a lot about Bai Ye's reputation. This man was not only shameless, but also quite capable.
She replied with a smile, "Definitely, definitely!"
"Haha, alright, hurry up and serve us some tea." Bai Ye pulled Zhong Jiuli's hand and sat down at the tea stall.
The servants quickly served tea, and before they had even finished their bowls and exchanged a few words, the melodious sound of horns drifted from the horizon.
Bai looked up and saw an extremely large spirit boat breaking through the clouds, and the sound of horns came from that spirit boat.
At the bow of the ship, a huge sky-blue flag fluttered in the wind. The three characters of Sanqing Sect on the flag were vigorous and powerful, exuding a magnificent aura. This single flag alone demonstrated the extraordinary demeanor of a top sect in the Nine Provinces.
"Are we going to the Three Pure Ones Sect for a competition?" Bai Ye whispered in Zhong Jiuli's ear.
"Hmm." Zhong Jiuli responded softly, took her hand and walked back, explaining in a low voice, "The venue for this competition is located in Tianwaitian, which belongs to the Sanqing Sect."
Bai nodded: "Judging from the name, I thought Tianwaitian was a fighting arena set up in the sky."
Zhong Jiuli glanced at this guy. If she hadn't injured or crippled most of the geniuses on the arena, the Sanqing Sect wouldn't have needed to lend out Tianwaitian as the venue for this competition.
Bai suddenly thought of a question and asked in a low voice, "Then does this mean I've entered the Sanqing Sect in a legitimate and honorable way?"
"You have already entered the Sanqing Sect. The area within a radius of 50,000 li is all the territory of the Sanqing Sect."
"Wow~" Bai exclaimed inwardly, "Xiao Wang, with my wife's status, she's definitely a top-tier rich woman, right?"
"Hey kid, do you have no concept of a radius of 50,000 li?" Xiao Wang asked instead of answering.
"Hmm? I don't really have a concept of it."
To put it simply, not counting the spiritual veins and peaks occupied by the Sanqing Sect, the open land and mountains surrounding Sanqing City alone are far, far larger than the entire territory of your former country.
Your wife is the uncrowned queen of the Kunxu Continent.
"Then wouldn't I be the king's woman?" Bai chuckled.
Listening to Xiao Wang and Bai Ye chatting beside her, Zhong Jiuli's expression was a little strange. She squeezed Bai Ye's hand, interrupting the two guys' conversation.
"Hmm?" Bai also looked up at her.
Zhong Jiuli gestured for her to look up, and Bai followed her gaze. She saw a tall figure in the sky, standing on her sword, respectfully bowing to Liu Xianyue on the city tower.
"Ming Wushuang of the Sanqing Sect greets City Lord Liu! This disciple has come on the orders of the Sect Master to guide fellow Daoists to the Outer Heavens."
Her voice was like shattered ice striking jade, clear and melodious. Instantly, it silenced all the noise from the audience, as if only her voice echoed throughout the world.
Everyone looked up at the figure in the sky-blue robe, followed by a deafening roar of cheers and gasps of amazement.
"It's Chief Ming! Chief Ming actually came to pick me up in person!!!"
"Waaaaah, Chief Ming, please don't step on the flying sword, step on me instead~~~~ I'm more stable than the flying sword!"
"Stop talking nonsense. Chief Ming stepped on me, and my chest felt soft."
Various vulgar and raucous words, mixed with cries of fanatical worship, almost pierced the sky.
Bai Ye looked at the expressionless Chief Ming and felt a bit of admiration. Despite being pursued by so many admirers, he was still able to remain unmoved and talk to Liu Xianyue.
That composure alone is already extraordinary.
Liu Xianyue flew forward and stood at the very front of the crowd, speaking loudly: "Alright, everyone quiet down."
The previously boisterous crowd instantly fell silent, and all eyes were focused on Liu Xianyue.
"The format of this year's Talent Competition has been changed. It is now divided into two rounds: a team competition and an individual competition. Don't ask why, because your opinions are not important; you just need to listen."
Liu Xianyue's voice was authoritative and clear, silencing the crowd that was about to become agitated.
"The first team competition will be held at Tianwaitian."
"The Outer Heaven is a secret realm of the Three Pure Ones Sect, containing thousands of floating islands. It is extremely mysterious. You will know the details when you enter. I will not go into details here."
"Let me focus on the rules." Liu Xianyue paused briefly to give everyone time to concentrate before speaking again, "The team competition lasts for a month. Team formation is not mandatory. You can fight alone, form alliances with cultivators from the same state, or even temporarily cooperate with cultivators from other states. All choices are up to you."
"Once you enter the Outer Heavens, your only goal is to seize and defend the floating islands. Simply send your divine sense into the island to occupy it." She emphasized, raising her index finger. "Each time you successfully occupy and defend a floating island until the end of the team competition, you will add one hundred points to your continent."
"Ultimately, the team rankings will be determined by the total points earned by each state. During the island attack and defense, any means of competition are permitted, as long as no lives are lost, all within the rules."
After Liu Xianyue finished speaking, she looked at the group of excited young faces below and asked, "Can you understand this explanation?"
"Understood!!!" A unified shout rang out from the crowd.
"Good, very energetic." Liu Xianyue nodded in satisfaction. "Now that you understand, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and get on the spirit boat."
The young geniuses present instantly soared into the sky, scrambling to fly towards the enormous spirit ship.
Bai Ye turned to Zhong Jiuli beside him and asked, "Will you come along?"
Zhong Jiuli nodded slightly, "I'll go pick up Jiaojiao and come right away. You go on the spirit boat first."
Having received confirmation, Bai felt relieved and began walking towards the location of the people from the Wilderness State.
Li Shoumo waited until she got closer before speaking, "You've finally arrived. Everyone's been waiting for you."
"Let's go, everyone get on." Bai waved his hand and led the way towards the huge spirit ship in the sky.
The cultivators from the desolate state followed closely behind, transforming into streaks of light and flying towards the suspended spirit boat.
At the city gate, Zhong Jiuli, who was left behind, flew up to the city wall and took Jiaojiao from Liu Xianyue, handing her a silver-white ancient mirror. After doing this, she left with Jiaojiao.
As Liu Xianyue tossed out the ancient mirror, the senior leaders from each state simultaneously made hand seals, each contributing a wisp of spiritual energy to the mirror.
As spiritual energy was inputted, ripples spread across the mirror's surface, and a massive light screen slowly unfolded in the air, revealing the figures of the geniuses on the spirit boat.
At the same time, the semi-transparent light screen appeared simultaneously in the sky above all the major cities of Kyushu. This live broadcast to the entire Kyushu instantly sparked heated discussions among the crowd.
Cultivators and residents in the major cities all looked up at the live broadcast in the sky, discussing it animatedly.
On the spirit ship, cultivators from various states sat or stood on the deck, waiting for their respective leaders to board so they could depart.
Just then, an anxious call came from the distant horizon, "Wait, wait for us."
Everyone's attention was drawn to the shout, and Bai followed suit. She immediately recognized the conspicuous flame pattern on the spirit boat as the mark of Burning Heaven Valley.
She had been wondering why she hadn't seen Ye Rugo, but she hadn't expected that this guy would actually use the timing trick. No wonder he was her friend; he was even better at timing than her.
A moment later, the spirit boat from Burning Heaven Valley approached the enormous spirit boat. Ye Rugo, along with several disciples, flew aboard the spirit boat of the Three Pure Ones Sect. As soon as she landed, she immediately clasped her hands in apology, "I am very sorry for delaying your journey. We encountered some unexpected events along the way, which caused the delay."
"It's alright, we haven't set off yet," Ming Wushuang said calmly.
Bai noticed their disheveled appearance and quickly stepped forward to ask with concern, "Ye Rugo, what happened to you? What happened on the way? Did someone rob you?"
On her way to the Sanqing Sect, she encountered many rogue cultivators who tried to rob her, but they were not very strong and she dealt with them easily.
Upon hearing this, Ye Rugo looked up at Bai Ye, her eyes filled with confusion, "Fellow Daoist, do you know me?"
"Huh?" Bai Ye looked shocked. "You don't recognize me?"
She pointed to her face and said, "Me? Bai Ye. We used to participate in the Sand Hunt together and fight side by side. Don't you remember me?"
Ye Rugo was even more puzzled and shook her head, saying, "Fellow Daoist must have mistaken me for someone else. I have never participated in any sand hunt, nor have I seen you before."
Upon seeing this scene, Zhong Jiuli's expression became slightly unnatural for a moment.
He was so busy fooling around with this guy that he completely forgot about Ye Rugo. He had taken her identity to participate in the Sand Hunt, and now that the real Ye Rugo was right in front of him, this silly tiger... shouldn't suspect her, right?
Just as Zhong Jiuli was thinking this, Bai Ye's gaze swept over.
Her voice transmission also came through: "Zhong Jiuli, your cultivation is high, take a look, has Ye Rugo been possessed?"
Upon hearing this, Zhong Jiuli nearly lost her composure. She suppressed a laugh and replied telepathically, "I've thoroughly investigated, and there are no signs of possession. Perhaps Fellow Daoist Ye... is just too forgetful to remember someone as insignificant as you?"
Bai was even more puzzled when she heard this. She grabbed Ye Rugo's sleeve and pulled her directly in front of Zhong Jiuli, asking persistently, "You don't know me, but you can't not know her, right? Huo Lan, your good friend, you two are the kind of people who can sleep together!"
She pointed at Jiaojiao on Zhong Jiuli's shoulder: "And this turtle, don't you recognize it? You definitely can't find this kind of golden turtle anywhere else, right?"
Ye Rugo looked tired and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I really don't know you two. However, I don't mind getting to know you, but I'm really exhausted right now. May I rest for a moment?"
Bai had no choice but to let go, watching Ye Rugo walk to a corner of the spirit boat and sit down cross-legged. She leaned close to Zhong Jiuli's ear and whispered, "Zhong Jiuli, do you still remember the big black dragon we met in Qianlong Abyss?"
"Hmm?" Zhong Jiuli turned her head to look at her. "Why did you suddenly bring this up?"
"Back then, that big black dragon was parasitized by a monster called a Shadow Demon. That thing could completely replace the original body and occupy the body of the person it was parasitized."
Zhong Jiuli: "...So you suspect that Ye Rugo has been parasitized by the Shadow Demon?"
“I think so.” Bai nodded seriously, his expression very solemn. “Look, she doesn’t recognize us at all. We’ve spent a whole year together. This one might not be the real Ye Rugo anymore.”
"I never expected that after being completely possessed by the Shadow Demon, it could disguise itself so perfectly that even my Insightful Golden Eyes couldn't detect the slightest flaw."
Zhong Jiuli fell completely silent. Bai Ye's analysis was so logical and coherent that she didn't know how to respond.
"So what do you plan to do?" she asked thoughtfully.
Bai thought for a moment and said, "Let's wait until the Genius Competition is over. I'll go to Qianlong Abyss again to see if Hei Yuan is still there and ask her. I feel that she knows more about the Shadow Demon and might have a way to save Ye Rugo."
"We'll talk about it later," Zhong Jiuli changed the subject. "If you want to achieve good results in the competition, you should focus your attention here."
"Don't worry." Bai patted his chest, very confident. "I'm extremely skilled at defending the base. People in the game call me the defender of the canyon."
Did you manage to hold on?
"Shut up!"
Zhong Jiuli smiled and reminded her, "Li Shoumo and the others have been watching you, they must have something important to discuss."
Bai turned her head and saw that the group from the desolate state were staring at her expectantly, looking like they wanted to say something but couldn't. She had no choice but to walk towards them.
"What's wrong? Why are you all staring at me? Just call me if you need anything. Why are you being so distant?" Bai asked as he approached.
"It's not that you're better than me now, it's just that I'm too embarrassed to bother you," Li Chengfeng said with a grin.
"Come on," Bai rolled his eyes. "What is it?"
Li Shoumo reached out and pulled her into the middle of the crowd. The group formed a circle around her and set up a soundproof barrier to isolate her from the outside noise.
After doing all this, Li Shoumo spoke with a solemn expression: "Our situation is very bad. If the cultivators from the other states join forces after entering the Outer Heavens and launch an immediate siege against us, the cultivators from the Wilderness State are very likely to be eliminated in the early stages."
"By then, you'll be all alone. No matter how good you are at fighting, you can only occupy one island at most. In terms of points, we will definitely fall far behind."
"Have those people confirmed their alliance?" Bai asked.
Li Shoumo nodded. "From what I've observed, the cultivators from Jianzhou, Beijingzhou, and Youzhou have all gathered together, so it seems they've already reached an agreement."
"It's alright. Once we enter the Outer Heavens, you don't need to worry about anything. Don't try to seize islands or fight anyone. Just hide. Once I find a suitable island, I'll send out a signal flare, and then you can approach me." Bai explained his plan in general.
“In this way, if we all end up crammed onto one island, our points will definitely fall far behind,” Li Chengfeng interjected.
"It's alright. After I've crippled those guys, it won't be too late for you to go out and take the island." Bai grinned.
Li Shoumo immediately understood, and after a moment of contemplation, said, "Although the method is risky, it is still a good approach."
"Okay, it's settled then. I'll go keep my mother company." Bai Ye said, turning his foot and walking towards Zhong Jiuli. He pulled her into the group of cultivators from Guzhou and got close to Bai Shu.
Seeing her smiling face and the way her eyebrows were curved, Bai Shu smiled as well and asked, "Have you reached an agreement with them?"
"Hehe, Mother, we're rivals. You're not asking this to spy on us, are you?"
"Spying my foot! I'll teach you a lesson you brat!" Bai Shu was both amused and annoyed by her words, and he raised his hand to pat her head a few times.
"Ouch, I know." Bai Ye covered his head and hid behind Zhong Jiuli. "You want to kill the enemy general before the competition starts so that Bai Lao Er can win the competition, right?"
Bai Qingji looked at her with a puzzled expression. "When did I become Bai Lao Er? My father is the second son, I'm not."
“Yes, that’s right. You’re ranked second on the genius list, so you’re Bai Lao Er.” Bai Ye nodded seriously after saying that.
Bai Qingji's pretty face was filled with helplessness. She tugged at Bai Shu's sleeve, her tone tinged with grievance, "Auntie, look at her, all she does is bully people like this all day long."
Bai Shu glared at Bai Ye, her voice carrying a warning: "Bai Ye! Don't give people random nicknames!"
"You old Bai, how old are you, still complaining to your elders." Bai Ye muttered unconvinced, but his feet seemed to be greased as he pulled Zhong Jiuli and turned to squeeze into the crowd.
On the deck, countless subtle gazes were fixed on Bai Ye, watching her every move.
Bai was well aware that those people were secretly observing her, and she was happy to see it happen.
Let those people speculate. Anyway, with her around, the Wilderness State and the Bai family's camp can be considered to have achieved a friendly relationship.
Zhong Jiuli silently followed her as they traveled on the spirit boat. After circling around for a while, they finally found a secluded corner.
Bai also loosened their hands, relaxed his body and leaned on the railing, looking down at the mountains and lands that kept passing by under the clouds.
She casually asked, "Zhong Jiuli, do you wake up in a 500-square-meter bed every day?"
"Huh?" Zhong Jiuli was clearly not following Bai Ye's train of thought and looked at her with confusion.
Seeing that she didn't understand, Bai also grinned and pointed to the vast territory under the clouds, saying, "You are the one who owns the entire country, shouldn't your bed be bigger?"
A hint of a smile flashed across Zhong Jiuli's eyes. "Don't you know how big my sister's bed is?"
"I know." Bai Ye said, putting his arm around the woman's waist. He chuckled and said, "Not only do I know how big the bed is, but I also know your favorite sleeping position."
"Ye Zai, are you being a pervert?" Jiao Jiao asked, peeking out from behind her nose.
“This isn’t being a pervert, it’s flirting!” Bai said seriously.
Zhong Jiuli blushed at their words and quickly covered their mouths, also pinching the turtle's mouth shut: "Both of you shut up!"
Bai was amused by her shy appearance and laughed heartily, "Okay, okay, I won't say anything more."
She changed the subject, asking, "How much longer until we arrive?"
"Soon, we'll be there in about half an hour."
Sure enough, in less than half an hour, the spirit boat began to slowly slow down.
In the distance, amidst the clouds and mist, a stone pillar resembling a giant python rises from the ground, soaring into the sky, appearing and disappearing among the flowing clouds.
"What's that?" Bai asked, pointing to the horizon.
“That’s the guardian beast of the Sanqing Sect, the Dragon Python Rock,” Zhong Jiuli explained softly from the side.
"Dragon Python Rock? Is it a spirit made of stone?"
“Yes, you can regard it as a mountain spirit. Although it has no flesh and blood, it has long been a living being.” Zhong Jiuli’s voice was filled with respect. “It has guarded the Sanqing Sect for much longer than I have.”
"Wow, that sounds amazing," Bai exclaimed enthusiastically.
"Wow, that sounds amazing!" Jiaojiao chimed in.
"The entrance to the Outer Heaven is in the clouds above the Dragon Python Rock. Once we get closer, you'll be able to see its full appearance. I'm leaving now, see you later." After saying this, Zhong Jiuli took Jiaojiao and leaped out of the spirit boat.
As if remembering something, she turned back and reminded her with concern, "Remember, be polite to the elder, and don't knock stones off it, or it will get angry!"
"I understand. Am I that kind of impolite person?"
"You are!" Zhong Jiuli said, then her figure flashed and disappeared into the clouds.
Bai chuckled and shook his head, then turned and went back to the deck, where he stayed with Li Shoumo and the others.
She had only been standing on the deck for a short while when Liu Xianyue came out of the cabin and waved her hand decisively, "We've arrived. The entrance is on Dragon Python Rock. Fly up there yourself."
Upon hearing the sound, the young geniuses on the spirit boat took to the air and soared upwards, with Bai following the flow of people.
After the vast crowd broke through the clouds, they saw an extremely spacious platform suspended in mid-air above the Dragon Python Rock.
The leaders of all the major sects in Zhongzhou gathered here, and the person in the lead was none other than Zhong Jiuli, who had been chatting with Bai Ye on the spirit boat not long ago.
She changed into a white robe with silver patterns, her black hair tied up high, and stood at the front of the crowd, exuding an otherworldly aura.
Jiaojiao transformed into a tiny, snow-white rabbit, about the size of a palm, with each strand of her white fur glistening. She sat on Zhong Jiuli's shoulder, and both she and the rabbit looked incredibly aloof.
Behind them stood two rows of Sanqing Sect disciples dressed in sky-blue disciple robes.
The young geniuses surging up from below all stopped what they were doing, looking up in unison with awe and undisguised amazement in their eyes.
Bai could see everyone's excitement, but the scene was completely silent, and no one was making any suggestive remarks, which surprised her.
These people were full of witty remarks when they were talking to Ming Wushuang.
Zhong Jiuli's gaze swept lightly over the crowd, lingering a little longer when it passed over Bai Ye.
Bai noticed her gaze, winked discreetly, and returned a bright smile.
A hint of a smile flashed in Zhong Jiuli's eyes. She quickly looked away and addressed the crowd, saying, "Welcome to the Sanqing Sect."
"This year's Genius Competition has officially begun!"
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