Chapter 88 088 Lantern Festival
The warm current was filled with a dense spiritual energy that made cultivators tremble. As the mist spread across the land, the ice and snow melted instantly, and tender green grass and flowers sprouted from the ground with a bang. They bowed and fell with the wind that stirred up the thick mist, rising and falling again.
All that could be seen was the ice and snow rapidly fading away, and a belated spring sweeping across the entire ice field, spreading at a speed that was beyond the reach of the eye.
Many cultivators from the Northern Regions were moved to tears upon seeing the lush green land, seemingly touched by the hand of a deity. History had not lied; a spring, occurring only once every hundred thousand years, had finally arrived on this barren, icy plain.
"It seems this secret realm has been successfully completed!" Many Venerables couldn't help but murmur with joy.
According to records, when the Jade Snow Demon-Suppressing Bell plays its celestial music, spring returns to the northern ice plains, and the earth is covered in green.
These flowers and plants, sweeping across the land like a tidal wave, are surely proof that spring has returned to the earth.
Therefore, everyone was filled with joy.
Seeing this, Venerable Xueqiao felt a little relieved. At least Shu Bai had overcome the perilous situation, but he quickly became worried again. The fact that the journey had gone smoothly meant that Cui Xue Ruo, the destined one, was safe. But the protectors were, in fact, people who could be sacrificed. Shu Bai had been predicted to face some tribulations in the divination, and he could only hope that he would be alright.
Moreover, he was even more worried about Song Chi. That brat wasn't even with her senior brother; he wondered what she was after that third son of the Wen family. Venerable Xueqiao suspected that once they went to the secret realm, that brat would only do one thing: chase after that third son of the Wen family.
Fortunately, the two landing points didn't seem to be too far apart. Wen Yujiu seemed to have a bit of a crush on Song Chi, and there was a suspicion that he was deliberately luring her towards him. This kid was quite capable, resourceful, and strong; protecting Song Chi shouldn't be a big problem.
I just hope that both my fellow disciples can return safely.
Soon, a violent surge of spiritual energy erupted in the icy lake, sending waves soaring several meters high.
Then, with another deafening roar, waves of turbid water surged from the exit of the secret realm, crashing towards the cultivators. Many Nascent Soul disciples were pushed and pushed out by the waves. Although many were injured, they were able to fly away once the waves subsided, and were taken away by their respective sects to take healing pills.
Soon another wave of disciples was carried out by the giant wave, many of whom were protectors.
After finding Wen Yujiu's figure among them, Venerable Xueqiao immediately went to look for him nearby, but there was no sign of Song Chi there.
Furthermore, the Wen family brat disregarded his own injuries, broke free from the giant wave's control, and flew away, searching for people everywhere.
Venerable Xueqiao was immediately annoyed and couldn't help but glare at the boy reproachfully. If he couldn't protect her, why did he have to seduce that girl? Wen Yujiu immediately caught his gaze, and immediately bowed respectfully with a look of shame, then continued his quiet search. This responsible attitude, as if Song Chi had become someone special to this boy, made Venerable Xueqiao feel a tightness in his chest.
Could it be that that brat and this guy have actually fallen for each other? This... this won't do!
Moreover, it is obvious that Wen Yujiu must have been with Song Chi before leaving the secret realm, otherwise he would not have been so anxious to search for her.
Venerable Xueqiao felt a pang of pain in his heart. Could something have happened to that child?
If this child can return safely this time, next time even if the grandmaster issues a token, he will definitely confine her to the sect. She's so tiny, and only has a wood spirit root that can't beat anyone… Going to the secret realm, could she possibly have a good outcome?
For some reason, Venerable Xueqiao felt uneasy. This anxiety reached its peak as he thought about how Song Chi had offended the people of Yunji Holy Land. Could they have gone back on their word and ambushed the girl in the secret realm?
Immediately, Venerable Xueqiao's eyes shot like cold blades towards Venerable Baiyun of the Cloud Pavilion Holy Land.
Venerable Baiyun glanced at him shrewdly and reassured him, "Brother Xueqiao, don't worry. Your two disciples will definitely return safely. I guarantee that our Cui family has no intention of harming your youngest disciple."
Venerable Xueqiao immediately turned his gaze away coldly. If Chi'er were truly killed by the Cui family disciples, he would, without hesitation, risk his entire cultivation to raze the Yunji Holy Land to the ground.
Suddenly, he abruptly looked up at a certain point high in the sky.
Venerable Baiyun exclaimed in alarm, "Oh no, it's an evil spirit!"
However, before the Nascent Soul cultivators could make their move, a colossal wave surged forth, crashing towards a certain spot in the sky like a tsunami.
At that moment, Venerable Baiyun and his fellow Nascent Soul cultivators were momentarily stunned, but they quickly stepped in to protect the other disciples. This allowed Venerable Xueqiao to unleash his full power.
A sliver of sky opened up high above, as if some chilling black and gray energy was about to burst forth. But then, battered by the dense, giant waves, in a daze, one could almost hear a low, unwilling roar, and the sliver of sky abruptly retreated.
Then a giant blue wave surged out from it.
Two pairs of figures were seen swiftly sliding down the clear blue waves from a great height.
Venerable Xueqiao took a closer look and, upon recognizing two familiar figures, felt a slight sense of relief. As he withdrew his divine power, he vaguely heard a "thank you" coming from within the secret realm. That divine energy seemed far superior to his own, a mere early-stage Flying Immortal Realm cultivator.
Could it be the divine essence left behind in the secret realm by those ascended great beings a hundred thousand years ago to suppress evil spirits?
Venerable Xueqiao originally intended to use a finger to stop the two pairs of figures rushing in with the giant wave, but he was about to see two scrolls of images suddenly rising from the water.
He then stopped.
These two did a very good job of protecting the person in their arms.
Ye Qingyu's painting of the Moon Spring Plum Grove had already revealed its true form during the Immortal Alliance Grand Competition. This time, it appears even clearer, and the immortal light is softer. It seems that this young man has spent all these years studying the extraordinary aspects of this painting.
Venerable Xueqiao never expected that Shubai would also open the scroll.
The lake was filled with white lotuses, golden fish frolicking in the water, and the bright moon hung high in the sky. Wasn't this the very picture of the Mo family's celestial destiny in the sacred land of the White Lotus?
At that moment, the Mo family patriarch, Qing Chenzi, was moved to tears, his blue robe soaked with tears, repeatedly praising, "My family has a fine son." This old man was prone to tears, but he genuinely doted on Shu Bai. He gave Shu Bai two of his spiritual vein mines, not to mention other personal favors. Even though Shu Bai was clearly the eldest son, he still wanted to leave the family to become an apprentice at the Qingjian Sect, and Qing Chenzi, with a kind and benevolent demeanor, simply smiled and told the child to go and become an apprentice.
However, given Shu Bai's personality and appearance, it's no wonder that the entire Mo family loves him. In fact, wherever he goes, people can't help but respect and adore him. He's a good boy, and he's also very protective of his third junior sister.
Because of the protective power of the scroll, the spiritual power of the others could not get close.
However, Venerable Xueqiao only saw that the other venerables of the major families were all staring intently at the immortal power of the painting, and then their gazes shone brightly as they slid over the white-clad figure completely protected in Shu Bai's arms by the white lotus.
Venerable Xueqiao couldn't help but inwardly curl his lip. Did these people really think that Song Chi had brought these two the opportunity, which led them to create the True Immortal Scroll? So, were they planning to send their family's younger generation here to seek some fortune?
But looking at the expressions on the faces of those family heads, it really seemed like they were planning to do so.
Venerable Xueqiao couldn't help but curse inwardly at this absurdity. This brat already has enough women around her; if a few more come, it'll just cause even more trouble.
Moreover, just look at how Shu Bai is protecting Song Chi in his arms right now. Look at those little guardian cubs flying in the air, several of them have gloomy, dark faces.
The third son of the Wen family appeared calm, but the dark light in his eyes was the most intense.
And then there's that brat from twenty years ago who provoked this kid surnamed Hua in the secret realm. Although he stood behind others with a faint smile and his hands behind his back, Venerable Xueqiao didn't miss the cold glint that flashed in his eyes.
He thought to himself, "I'll just keep this girl locked up when I get back."
Just as I was thinking this, two more images were swept in by the huge waves.
First up were Ye Qingyu and Cui Xueruo. The two found themselves amidst a sea of flowers, seemingly having a disagreement. It was unclear what they were arguing about, but in the end, the young man from the Ye family prevailed, grabbing the girl's hand and pulling her roughly into his arms.
"I have only ever loved you!" Ye Qingyu's words, spoken with such intensity as a vow, were indeed heard.
To be honest, even Venerable Xueqiao couldn't believe this... You little rascal, how pathetic is that? Before this, everyone knew how much you were thinking about that girl Chi'er.
As expected, the Cui family member, whether out of disbelief or something else, suddenly burst into tears. He pushed Ye Qingyu forcefully.
However, the boy wouldn't let go, and with a sinister grin, he held on even tighter, finally lowering his head... The scene then shifted violently, followed by a giant wave, which showed Ye Qingyu opening the scroll, tenderly protecting the person in his arms as they were battered by the giant wave, both of them falling unconscious.
As this image gradually faded, another image of the trembling white lotus began to become clear.
With just one glance, Venerable Xueqiao felt a pang of heartache. Sure enough, that girl must have encountered a great crisis in the secret realm.
She lifted her skirt and stumbled towards her senior brother like an ordinary mortal. Her unsteady movements and the panic and sorrow in her eyes that he had never seen before made Venerable Xueqiao feel heartbroken.
This brat is usually so carefree; she's never shown this expression before. She must have had a very tough time in the secret realm.
At least she met her senior brother when she was in dire straits.
However, Shu Bai was clearly also seriously injured. Even with such a short distance, he was unsteady several times as he flew over.
However, Venerable Xueqiao never expected that these two would meet. Chi'er looked up and uttered those two words.
Next came another giant wave, and the scene was shrouded in a white lotus scroll. However, one could still vaguely see the blue-clad figure of Shu Bai leaning slightly forward before the intense spiritual light obscured the entire scene.
However, with Venerable Xueqiao's strength at the Immortal Ascension Realm, he was able to see a clear image within the spiritual light.
Venerable Xueqiao suspected that Song Chi had been poisoned by some kind of Love Flower Poison that had greatly diminished her spiritual power, which could be seen from her disheveled appearance and flushed face.
But when she tilted her head back slightly, her eyes truly held only a deep pleading look.
This girl has never cried before. The only time she cried was when she was going through a tribulation of lightning. She was a bit delicate and afraid of pain, so she secretly shed two tears.
However, when she looked up amidst the sea of flowers, a few tears fell. Even Venerable Xueqiao felt a pang of sympathy for her, let alone Shu Bai.
Shu Bai, already deeply moved, was now heartbroken... His final kiss, delivered with tenderness as if treasuring a precious treasure, was merely a gentle wiping away of a single tear on her cheek. Then, as the giant wave crashed in, he used all his strength to shield the person in his arms from the spiritual energy and the painting.
Venerable Xueqiao suspected that with just this one kiss, Shu Bai might be about to fall deeply into the sea of love.
Of course, these things should not be seen by others. Therefore, Venerable Xueqiao used his spiritual power to slightly conceal them, even though no one could actually break through the piercing spiritual light that permeated divine essence.
Even so, those who are observant can probably guess what's going on. Several young men had terribly grim expressions, though most pretended to be indifferent and averted their gaze...
Venerable Xueqiao didn't seem to care much about what these youngsters were thinking. Did they really dare to try and steal it?
Now that the two disciples have become a couple, and Ye Qingyu has become the protector of his destined one, the various forces present are already quite satisfied. Therefore, Venerable Xueqiao is also very pleased.
Just as the radiance of the painting was about to fade, he was about to channel his spiritual energy into it when suddenly, clusters of pure white slender cloud grasses spread out an image like a lotus seat across the water in all directions.
Venerable Xueqiao almost facepalmed after just one glance.
That brat, she's got another one on her hands. No wonder the third son of the Wen family was so respectful to him just now, acting like he'd already fallen for that girl.
At this moment, the last wave of disciples rushed out with the water, and Venerable Xueqiao pointed with his spiritual power and pulled two disciples to his side.
At that moment, it was clear that the brat had probably woken up, but when she saw the image of her lunging at the third son of the Wen family passing by, she immediately closed her slightly open eyes, trying to play dead.
Shu Bai should have woken up earlier, and his divine sense probably saw that scene as well. Venerable Xue Qiao only needed to glance at his eyes to know that Shu Bai probably sighed with a smile in his heart. But he probably wasn't angry.
However, the kid continued to pretend to be unconscious.
I guess firstly, he didn't want to embarrass his third junior sister, and secondly, he actually had some ulterior motives, wanting to continue protecting his third junior sister in his arms.
Venerable Xueqiao didn't expose them. Seeing that the secret realm was closing and there was nothing more for him to do, he used his spiritual power to send the two of them flying back to the guild hall to rest.
Half a month later, the entire northern region ushered in a flourishing spring, with flowers blooming everywhere in vibrant colors, red flowers and green willows, and a gentle, intoxicating spring breeze.
To celebrate this prosperous spring, all the major cities in the Northern Region will hold a grand spring lantern festival in the middle of the month. Qiongyu City, being a major city, had already begun preparations for this grand event long ago, when the spring breeze swept through the ice and snow lake and the world was filled with greenery.
At this time, the city was decorated with lanterns and colorful lights, and the lights shone brightly all night, creating a festive atmosphere. Even the Xuan Tian Sword Sect and the Wen Su family specially selected a street each to hang colorful fairy lanterns throughout the city. Every evening, the fairy lanterns shone brightly and dazzlingly, reflecting the sky, creating a truly breathtaking sight.
Furthermore, the Xuantian Sword Sect plans to hold a grand garden party on the frozen lake on the night of the full moon, which will include a treasure hunt and a Red Phoenix Flower Array Immortal Fate Festival, a popular event among young men and women in the cultivation world, where they compete to win the Lotus Lantern of Love.
It is said that couples who meet in the Red Phoenix Flower Array will surely grow old together and be exceptionally loving.
Because of the Lantern Festival, most sects stayed after the secret realm ended, planning to return only after the grand garden party was over.
In addition, merchants from all over the continent sensed the business opportunity and flocked into the city from all directions, making Qiongyu City exceptionally lively.
The Azure Sword Sect also planned to leave only after the garden party ended.
However, Venerable Xueqiao felt it would be better to leave with his two disciples as soon as possible. He felt that this was the honeymoon period for the two of them, and it was best not to let others disturb them.
That brat was just too much of a troublemaker. She'd ingested a poisonous herb and was severely poisoned by the aphrodisiac. Even after three days of taking antidotes, her spiritual power had only recovered to 30%. This shows how potent the herb was! Otherwise, she wouldn't have cried so pitifully in front of her senior brother.
Because of this, those who had been provoked by her sent her greetings one after another.
Not only that, each person also brought along antidotes and various elixirs for conditioning. Wen Yujiu was the most generous, sending over the Wen family's most famous Lanxiang Pill, a top-grade elixir for nourishing the meridians.
This gift has caused quite a stir. Because of the lantern festival, everyone's attention had already shifted from the erotic images that had emanated from the secret realm that day. The fragrance of this Orchid Fragrance Pill is subtle and elegant; once smelled, it's unforgettable. Furthermore, even a wisp of this fragrance lingers for an hour. Therefore, this gift truly cannot conceal it.
Then the rumors started spreading like wildfire again, like the 'stealing of her brother's wife' story. Some busybodies even started betting, wagering on which of these many suitors Miss Song would ultimately fall for. Among them, Shu Bai and the third son of the Wen family were now neck and neck at the forefront.
This is absolutely outrageous.
That brat was probably scared too, and stayed holed up in the courtyard, refusing to go out. So Venerable Xueqiao simply used a mechanism to lock her up, and didn't let any outsiders in.
So for the next two weeks, the two senior and junior disciples were always clinging to each other. Of course, strictly speaking, it wasn't actually that much love between them.
Because of the severity of his injuries, Xueqiao Venerable helped him heal for the first three days.
He only let go after Shen Yuan's hidden injuries had completely healed.
For the past three days, while Song Chi had been taking antidote pills to heal his injuries, this brat was quite thoughtful. Every night, after he came out of Shu Bai's training room to help heal, she would wait in the hall to ask about his condition, and she would take out three or five top-grade Cleansing Pills at a time.
In fact, Shu Bai had already consumed two of these top-grade Heavenly Profound Purification Pills after his divine essence was damaged in the secret realm. If it weren't for the top-grade Purification Pills given to him by Song Chi to stabilize his divine essence, Shu Bai would likely have suffered incurable internal injuries, which was fortunate of him. However, given the severity of his injury, two pills were sufficient. Any more would be a waste!
However, the girl persisted, and three days later, Shu Bai emerged from seclusion. Song Chi resolutely presented the top-grade Hua Qing Pill to her senior brother, her eyes filled with unwavering determination.
Only when Shu Bai had no choice but to swallow the top-grade Huaqing Pill in front of her did she finally smile and feel relieved.
At that time, Shu Bai appeared to be only smiling faintly, with an air of detachment and tranquility. But in reality, the pure aura emanating from him was like a lotus in the morning mist, its refreshing essence almost dissipating with the spring breeze.
This child... is probably deeply in love.
As a result, after that brat gave her the pills, she turned around and hid back in her courtyard, spending her days playing the zither and starting to study her Wood Spirit Root Immortal Techniques.
That serene demeanor... she really didn't seem to be deeply in love. It's likely that her pleading for a kiss was due to her mind being corrupted by the poisonous plant, rather than because she was truly fond of Shu Bai. Moreover, when Shu Bai kissed her, the girl appeared to have already fainted.
They probably didn't realize how touching that tender kiss was.
Venerable Xueqiao didn't want to expose this. He just wanted the two of them to spend more time together. Maybe that brat would eventually develop a heart, after all, with Shu Bai's appearance and temperament, where in the cultivation world could you find another like her?
Shu Bai became much bolder after that. Whenever Song Chi encountered difficulties in his research on the Wood Spirit Root Immortal Technique, the sound of his zither would reach her courtyard.
Then the girl pinched her chin and pondered for a moment, then looked like she understood. When she played again, there were indeed fewer awkward parts.
But actually, her awkwardness is simply because she lacks emotion... That brat really has no heart.
However, the two had indeed developed a close bond through their mutual teaching and learning. Therefore, Venerable Xueqiao sealed off both courtyards tightly, preventing anyone from disturbing them.
However, he has been accused of favoritism these days because he is too protective of others.
Ye Qingyu woke up three days later. Despite his still-healing injuries, he insisted on rushing to Fangchen Pavilion. Instead of breaking the seal first, he looked towards the courtyard with red eyes.
He was worried about the kid's expression, so he decided to say everything he wanted to say so that everyone could understand.
Venerable Xueqiao knew what the boy was going to say. In the video that floated out, the boy and the girl from the Cui family hadn't ended up getting married. It seemed that at the last moment, they both suddenly realized their mistake, and their expressions changed drastically. But the torrent was too fast, and they couldn't separate in time. So what the cultivators saw was the two of them looking at each other with tender affection after their argument.
Venerable Xueqiao thought that this was indeed not suitable to be publicized. So he let him pass, but only allowed the boy to jump onto the wall before immediately sealing the courtyard again.
Ye Qingyu didn't say anything, but silently watched Song Chi, who was fanning himself in the courtyard and seemingly lost in thought, for a long time.
Then she only said one sentence: "I thought it was you. We had no feelings for each other and we didn't kiss."
"And you—!"
At this point, the young man's Adam's apple bobbed violently, and his eyes turned bloodshot. In the end, however, he didn't question him.
But that brat was truly infuriating. After listening to Ye Qingyu, she simply put down her fan and replied with an "Oh."
At that time, Venerable Xueqiao was worried that Ye Qingyu would faint from anger, so he quickly removed the seal from the boy and sent him back to his courtyard.
But he still received a resounding reply from the boy, his eyes red with anger and grievance: "Uncle-Master, you're being far too biased!"
Venerable Xueqiao: "..." To be honest, he was indeed a little biased towards Shubai, but there was nothing that could be done about it, since the two of them were the most well-matched...
Of course, seeing the boy's pained, lone wolf-like appearance, he couldn't help but sigh. This boy's temperament was as fiery as fire; he probably wouldn't give up on this relationship.
And those who provoked them probably wouldn't want to either.
Thus, with the lantern festival approaching, the last trace of poison on Song Chi's side was also eliminated. Venerable Xueqiao then called the two over and asked for their opinions.
“The lantern festival is noisy and disruptive, which is not good for your health as you are just recovering from your illness. I suggest that you two leave with me first, as I am going south to visit friends,” he said.
All I could see was that Shu Bai looked indifferent and didn't say anything.
But Song Chi immediately raised his hand.
"Master, the lantern festival is so interesting! Why don't you stay and see the lanterns before you leave?"
It would have been one thing for her to say that, but when she mentioned the Lantern Festival, she even glanced at Shu Bai with sparkling eyes.
Look at this! This…
Although Shu Bai's smile remained faint, the radiance around him instantly brightened considerably.
He even suggested with a smile, "Master, why don't we head south after the Lantern Festival?"
So you see, they both think the same way. He naturally didn't want to ruin this rare good atmosphere.
However, Venerable Xueqiao still glanced at Shubai as a warning. It was fine for the two of them to go see the lantern festival together, but they had to be wary of those youngsters. Those were no pushovers!
Shu Bai understood the meaning immediately, but simply smiled faintly. He probably thought it was no big deal!
However, Venerable Xueqiao suspected that there would likely be another fierce competition at the lantern festival tomorrow night. Oh well, he had been invited by an old friend to visit the lantern festival anyway, and if those kids went too far, he might have to step in and stop them.
Late that night, Song Chi did nothing but lean against the window, flipping through the scroll of the Taiqing Divine Sound Technique, counting the time as he went.
When the hourglass was aligned with the hour of Chou (丑时), she couldn't help but hold her breath and focus her consciousness on the icy lake.
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Author's Note: [doge][doge] I'll be working hard this week, writing six chapters a day to stockpile some manuscripts. I get anxious when I don't have any manuscripts saved up~ This is the only chapter today.
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