Chapter 90 090 I will definitely take back your lotus flower, Master…
Jiang Linyue even had a few tears in his eyes, and the way he looked at his cousin was truly a mixture of anger, resentment, and grievance.
Mo Feiyun and Su Qiwu, both of whom were more composed and reserved, only paled slightly when their eyes swept over the two men in white robes before averting their gazes. It was clear they were in some pain.
Even Venerable Yuheng looked slightly surprised. However, being a very sensible person, he simply smiled faintly, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then they went out together.
Since the entire icy lake was now locked in by the aura of Immortal Lord Qiongyu, it was not possible to simply teleport in.
So the group walked along the street for a while before finally finding the entrance to the Mortal World Immortal Fate Array through the lakeside plum grove, which was ablaze with vibrant red blossoms. The road was adorned with bright red lights, and everyone remained silent; after all, at least half of the eight people in the group were currently in great distress.
Only that brat was in a good mood, glancing at the plum blossoms one moment and the fireworks that occasionally rose into the sky the next. Her clean little face shone with a warm glow under the rosy light of the fireworks.
Although Shu Bai was also looking at the plum grove and fireworks, his peripheral vision was mostly lingering on the small face beside him.
Although the affectionate gaze was still faint, even Venerable Yuheng couldn't help but exchange a glance with Venerable Xueqiao, their eyes asking, "Are they a couple?"
Venerable Xueqiao did not respond. Since Shubai intends to maintain this slow and steady relationship, then let's continue like this for now.
That's for the best. Firstly, since Shu Bai is a protector of the Dao, if they were to commit to each other now, the people in the cultivation world would definitely have something to say. Secondly, as for Song Chi, to be honest, Venerable Xue Qiao thinks that girl is still a bit fickle. Who knows when she might fall for someone else.
After all, she had been provoking one person after another, and there was never a moment when she would stop.
Let's take a look first.
As the group entered the entrance of the great formation, plum blossoms rained down on them like a storm. Except for Venerable Xueqiao and Venerable Yuheng, everyone else held a white lotus in their hands.
Most of the others were in full bloom, except for Song Chi, who managed to catch one that was only half-open.
At this point, all you need to do is infuse your spiritual power into the item and pick it up.
Then, disciples from the Xuantian Sword Sect came over and led them to the Qingjian Sect's viewing platform.
These viewing platforms were built directly on the water. Although it was only a day and a night's work, they were still lavishly decorated with brocade floors and intricately carved beams and painted rafters. The Xuantian Sword Sect had spared no expense in arranging these.
After Song Chi and his group settled down, the other sects arrived one after another.
It was still a quarter of an hour before the scheduled start time for the formation. Since this was Qiongyu Immortal Lord's event, no one dared to offer any idle chatter or comments. Xuantian Sword Sect simply waved their hand, and countless fireworks exploded in the sky with a series of bangs, scattering like raindrops across the dark night. Some were shaped like lotus flowers, while others resembled giant, swimming fish.
The fireworks of the cultivation world are far more beautiful than those of later fantasy worlds.
Song Chi watched the fireworks for a while before Dai Jia and the others arrived, each one more beautifully dressed than the last. It seemed they had come tonight just to watch the spectacle, never daring to dream of being chosen by Immortal Lord Qiongyu.
However, they were wrong. This time, if they didn't follow the book, Song Chi felt she would need their help to snatch Mo Shubai's lotus flower.
She had a gut feeling that Cui Xueruo's secret crush still lingered, and she certainly wasn't lacking in courage. She would definitely dare to snatch Mo Shubai's Love Lotus in this situation!
There's no other way then. This is the most important opportunity of Mo Shubai's life, and Song Chi is determined to seize it. Even if it means facing Cui Xue Ruo, she will fight with all her might to get it.
When Song Chi noticed that Xi Ya hadn't come, he couldn't help but ask her where she had gone. After all, Xi Ya was the strongest fighter among their friends!
"Look over there!" Cheng Yao said with a smile, pointing to the two people who were leisurely turning around in the winding corridor diagonally opposite.
Xi Ya, dressed in a blue dress, walked beside Song Jun. They didn't actually speak, just smiled and watched the fireworks. But the atmosphere of a young couple was already there.
However, the two of them keenly observed this side.
Song Yun glanced at her clothes, then looked at Mo Shubai, who was talking to Xue Rongzhan who had come to pay respects to his master. He felt as if his whole world was collapsing and stood there stunned.
Xi Ya glanced at it and smiled. Then, after saying something, Song Jun regained his composure.
Next, Song Yun paid his respects to the two Venerable Ones. Before leaving for the Changyun Sect, he couldn't help but let out a soft sigh.
Song Chi also wanted to facepalm. She reminded Mo Shubai to wear white because the book mentioned that Immortal Lord Qiongyu herself liked to wear white and especially liked disciples who looked good in white. In the book, Mo Feiyun was dressed in white and even received coded guidance on swordsmanship from Immortal Lord Qiongyu.
So, she's not catering to his preferences.
Little did she know, Mo Shubai actually had the exact same outfit as her. Strictly speaking, it was made of the same fabric. The styles, of course, were different.
Moreover, the fabric of this garment was a gift from Mo Shubai, so it's only natural that he has a garment made of the same material.
However, Song Chi knew that almost everyone, including his master, was up to no good.
But she couldn't be bothered to care. She didn't care about one more misunderstanding. Achieving her goal was the most important thing; everything else was secondary.
Moreover, Mo Shubai didn't seem to care about wearing the same outfit as someone else. So she was even less inclined to care what others thought.
Venerable Xueqiao was quite busy tonight. Of course, this was all thanks to that brat Song Chi. As soon as she and Shu Bai appeared in their white lotus-patterned jade fairy satin robes, Venerable Xueqiao saw several young men with gloomy expressions. Moreover, these were not like Ye Qingyu and his ilk; each of them was truly a wolf cub, and some even exuded murderous intent.
Moreover, they all came to pay their respects to him. Although he was currently the only cultivator at the Flying Immortal Realm in the entire cultivation world, it was understandable that they came to pay their respects as a sign of respect.
But each time someone came to visit, their voice was slightly louder.
He just wanted that girl to glance at him. But she didn't.
Upon arriving at the Qingjian Sect's spectator stands, she sat in a corner, resting her chin on her hand and leisurely watching the fireworks alone. Her only concern was whether her friends had arrived. Once they did, the girls sat together, chatting and laughing.
Naturally, they paid no attention to the jealousy simmering among the young talents on the other side.
Because she ignored them, the young men returned empty-handed. Only Xue Rongzhan, as a close friend, stayed behind and chatted about trivial matters.
This kid is really putting on an act. He didn't glance at Song Chi once from beginning to end, and chatted and laughed with Shu Bai just like before.
Then, a quarter of an hour quickly passed. As the final, magnificent fireworks burst into the sky, an unusual wisp of spiritual energy moved from north to south, like a gentle breeze.
Then a thin mist suddenly rushed in, and the melodious strains of celestial music rang out within it. Fine ripples rose on the lake's surface, causing the white lotuses on it to bob up and down.
One by one, the red plum trees grew out of the water in clusters, as if in a dream.
This time, the red plum blossoms are different from those that bloomed crimson for hundreds of miles overnight. These are ethereal, divinely inspired red plum blossoms. They appear to bloom randomly on the lake's surface, but in reality, they form the core of the celestial destiny array in the mortal world.
Once the red plum blossoms unfold, crimson gauze will billow like ocean waves over the icy lake.
Swish, swish, swish!
The white lotuses of love held by the disciples flew one by one onto the waves of gauze, rising and falling.
With a squeak!
As brilliant flames shot into the sky, a red phoenix emerged from the water, passing through red silk and soaring into the heavens alongside the flames, circling the white lotuses of love ninety-nine times. Then, auspicious clouds soared up and scattered in all directions.
Buzz!
A brilliant red light shot into the sky along the lake shore, eventually transforming into a light red, transparent barrier.
The Mortal World Immortal Fate Formation is complete!
"Welcome, Immortal Lord!"
The crowd immediately stood solemnly and bowed deeply towards the sky.
The immortal lord did not respond, but waited until everyone had bowed and taken their seats. Then, another melodious celestial melody rang out, followed by two fish-shaped jade pendants flying in from the south and north respectively.
This is similar to the records, and what follows is the most interesting part of this Mortal World Immortal Fate Array.
Venerable Xueqiao thought to himself that it would be best to cast a yin divination. Otherwise, if it were a yang divination, with the man snatching the female disciple's love lotus, he feared that at least Song Chi's half-open lotus would be fought over quite a bit.
Frankly, this wouldn't benefit Song Chi at all. After all, he couldn't afford to steal the limelight from the Cui family's destined one.
The two jade pendants spun for a moment, then suddenly stopped and were thrown into the air.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on the fish-shaped jade pendant.
At that time, Venerable Xueqiao saw that Song Chi had somehow landed with his senior brother and was tugging at Shu Bai's sleeve.
"Senior Brother, if it's a Yin hexagram, I'll snatch your white lotus, and I'll do my best. But if it's a Yang hexagram, could you please snatch my white lotus?"
"There's a reason for this, and it's quite important. Senior Brother, could you also do your best?"
She was somewhat embarrassed as she spoke these words, even though it was a coded message, she couldn't help but clench her fist and put it to her lips. However... this Mortal World Immortal Fate Array was a bit cruel, a wisp of immortal mist swept over, making the coded message sound as if it had been spoken aloud.
At that moment, the entire frozen lake became completely still.
Look at this!
Oh dear, that's way too blunt. What's the difference between that and shouting out your feelings?
That brat... her frustrated look right now is unbearable to watch.
Honestly, even Venerable Xueqiao felt embarrassed for her. Of course, she didn't need to be too embarrassed, since Shu Bai would definitely agree, and would probably be very happy.
Even though he was facing away from him, Venerable Xueqiao could still see the undisguised tenderness in his back at a glance.
"Okay." Shu Bai replied, his tone still indifferent, but his voice already carried an intoxicating quality that was hard to conceal.
And facing the public gaze, he added with a firm tone, "I will do my best."
Because everyone was focused on the fish-shaped jade pendant, it was extremely quiet. Even though the two spoke in very low voices, everyone present could probably hear them clearly. After all, cultivators are known for their keen senses.
At that moment, Venerable Xueqiao noticed that the killing intent intensified instantly. Even the third son of the Wen family, usually known for his composure and forbearance, frowned slightly and pursed his lips. Although he appeared to be smiling, his wolfish ambition was clearly revealed in his eyes.
I'm afraid if it turns out to be a Yang hexagram, this person will definitely try to snatch it.
Xue Rongzhan still wore a faint smile, but he was practically gripping his fan so tightly he was about to break it. Venerable Xueqiao couldn't help but secretly curl his lip. What was this kid pretending to be a friend for… Now that he'd been hit so hard at such close range, he was in for a world of hurt!
In that case, forget it, let's hope for a negative outcome. After all, with so many talented young men vying for Song Chi's lotus flower, it'll really cause a mess. Stealing the limelight from the destined one won't do any good.
Therefore, Venerable Xueqiao, with a desire to avoid trouble, gazed at the sky.
With a soft hum, the fish-shaped jade pendant fell to the ground. Face down, it represented the Yin trigram!
It seems Heaven has eyes; Venerable Xueqiao breathed a sigh of relief. That brat really knows how to cause trouble; look at him, at his age, worrying about her like this.
Because it was a Yin hexagram, the lotus flowers of the female disciples quickly fell back into the hands of the other disciples, leaving only the lotus flowers of the male disciples floating above the red gauze.
Master Xueqiao thought that women are generally more reserved. He figured there wouldn't be much of a fight, and this incident could end peacefully.
He also speculated that the appearance of Immortal Lord Qiongyu this time was probably just to bestow an opportunity upon his destined one. The others were merely there to make up the numbers and would have no chance of gaining the Immortal Lord's favor.
However, a clear voice rang out. A woman in a scarlet dress jumped out from the stands of the Cloud Pavilion Holy Land opposite.
"Disciples of the Cloud Pavilion Holy Land, form an array to help me obtain that lotus flower!"
It was Cui Xue Ruo. The lotus flower she pointed to, her gaze sharp as an arrow, was naturally aimed directly at the one with the white petals.
Venerable Xueqiao: "..." He had long seen that this person was in love with Shubai.
I never expected that this girl, who would blush and quietly fly away even if she happened to run into Shu Bai, would be so shy.
But now, she actually has the courage to jump out and admit her feelings.
These words caused a huge stir. The crowd, who had initially thought that the divination was unfavorable and there would be no good show, suddenly burst into low laughter. Their desire to watch the show surged up, and they all became energetic.
To be honest, the disciples were a little worried that Song Chi wouldn't dare to accept the challenge. After all, she was facing the young lady of the Yunji Holy Land, who also possessed the absolute aura of being the chosen one. She was truly not someone to be trifled with.
However, the rumors associated with Song Chi are more noteworthy than his romantic scandals, namely his feats of robbing the most powerful forces twice.
The disciples thought to themselves, "This guy might really dare to do it."
In fact, Venerable Xueqiao also knew that Song Chi only looked obedient, but in reality, his temper was... quite fierce!
Sure enough, upon seeing this, Song Chi straightened her back sharply. Her expressionless face twitched slightly, revealing her murderous intent. Then, she tied her sleeve with a ribbon and leaped away.
After exchanging a glance with Cui Xue Ruo, she turned to look at Shu Bai and then shouted loudly.
"Alright, next, I will definitely take your lotus back, Senior Brother!"
Venerable Xueqiao: "...!!" He barely managed to stop himself from facepalming.
You brat—you! That's a bit too blunt. Look at Shu Bai, she really can't pretend to be calm this time, her cheeks instantly flushed pink.
Fortunately, the red lanterns tonight completely concealed the shy pink hue.
After saying these words that would make anyone blush, Song Chi showed absolutely no embarrassment. After making this vow, she turned to her girlfriends.
"Dai Jia, come and help me too."
"If I don't get my senior brother's lotus tonight, I'm not a member of the Song family!"
Venerable Xueqiao knew that Song Chi's sisters were all very mischievous and fearless.
"Okay, we'll help you!"
Sure enough, several people, suppressing their laughter, swooped through the Immortal Fate Array barrier and stood on either side of Song Chi with their arms crossed.
Just from their stance, Venerable Xueqiao understood why these people dared to rob disciples of the Tai Xuan Immortal Dynasty and the Yunji Holy Land when they were still very weak.
Look at their arrogant expressions. Putting aside everything else, even Wei Lingxiu, this female disciple, who usually looks as delicate and gentle as a flower reflected in water, now stands there with her hands behind her back, her back view also exuding a majestic air.
Leaving those aside for now, even Venerable Xueqiao couldn't help but follow the gaze of the crowd and secretly glance at Shu Bai with his divine sense.
Given his aloof nature, he actually dislikes this kind of argument.
However, at this moment, Shu Bai, facing everyone's gaze, gently reminded them.
"The enemy outnumbers us, Third Junior Sister, be careful." This is essentially an admission of his own feelings.
At that moment, all that could be heard was a buzzing sound of surprise coming from all directions.
On the other side, Cui Xueruo naturally understood, and tears welled up in her eyes. She was clearly heartbroken, but she stubbornly held back her emotions, and with a wave of her hand, she resolutely led her people into the formation.
Song Chi didn't feel shy at all after hearing her senior brother's words. She wasn't intimidated at all when she saw about twenty people rushing out from the opposite side.
She calmly took out the pipa, her clean little face instantly losing all trace of its usual obedience. Her bright eyes became unusually focused and dark, and her slightly pursed lips revealed a clear hint of cold indifference.
"Don't worry, senior brother, I will not fail."
"Tonight, your lotus flower—can only belong to me!"
Although his fighting spirit was palpable, the words he uttered... Venerable Xueqiao couldn't help but cover half his face with his hand. This brat, how could she say such cheesy things so easily?
On the other end, Cui Xueruo was rather shy. She even opened her mouth in surprise, then blushed with anger. After all, she figured she could never say those words aloud, even if she thought about them a thousand times.
As for Shu Bai, when Xue Qiao Venerable's divine sense swept over him, he saw that Shu Bai's face, which had just calmed down, was once again flushed with a thin layer of pink because of these words. He finally lowered his eyes to look at the water, but soon raised them slightly again, his gaze undoubtedly fixed on the white-clad figure in front of him whose clothes were fluttering in the wind. At this moment, although his face was calm, the determination and tenderness in his eyes could no longer be concealed.
However, Venerable Xueqiao thought that Song Chi was probably just making empty threats. After all, the other side had about twenty Nascent Soul cultivators, while Song Chi's side, including her four sisters, only had five. The Azure Sword Sect truly had no other female Nascent Soul disciples this time. Oh, there was one more, Venerable Qinglian's disciple, Shi Yuan'er, but that girl was a traitor, currently with her cousin Wen Yujiu at the Profound Heaven Sword Sect. She was currently watching the spectacle, barely suppressing her laughter.
Therefore, Song Chi's side had absolutely no chance of winning. But it wouldn't hurt to have a fair fight like this, since he was a Flying Immortal Realm expert in charge, he wasn't really afraid of what the Cloud Pavilion Holy Land would do.
Even if Song Chi loses, it doesn't matter. After all, Shu Bai's heart won't follow a lotus flower of love. Just her courageous confession has filled Shu Bai with tenderness, and her heart has essentially been given away.
In fact, the crowd in the stands watched with great interest as both sides displayed their fierce fighting spirit. Although they knew that Song Chi was bound to lose, they were all watching with great interest. They were all wondering how many waves of attacks Song Chi and his team could withstand from the Yunji Holy Land.
Suddenly, a green shadow flashed. The figure in white appeared in the blink of an eye beside the lotus flower floating in the center, exuding a pure and ethereal aura.
This is--!
The crowd in the stands gasped in disbelief. Song Chi, with her righteous and determined demeanor, her fingers gripping the strings of her instrument tightly, had been completely stunned. Everyone had expected a battle to erupt, but then, in the next instant, she pulled off a stealthy maneuver, instantly teleporting out to snatch the prize!
"You attacked me from behind!"
Cui Xueruo was furious, her face flushed red. She couldn't believe Song Chi was such a shameless person. She had prepared herself for a full-scale battle, only sending four people to fight alongside her. She wanted to win fair and square. Who knew that Song Chi would pretend to be all-consuming, only to launch a sneak attack the next moment?
That's utterly shameless.
Cui Xue Ruo's speed in a flash was not slow either, but as a Nascent Soul cultivator, she only hesitated for a moment.
By the time she rushed over, it was too late.
Fortunately, a gentle breeze, like a wisp of willow, suddenly blew by, followed by a soft flash of inspiration.
With a hum, the lotus flowers of love among the male disciples were enveloped by a mysterious spiritual power.
This is something even the Celestial Lord couldn't stand by and watch, so he intervened to stop someone from launching a sneak attack.
The spectators couldn't help but laugh. "Look at you, trying such a shameless trick, you got stopped by the Immortal Lord!"
Of course, that would make it even more interesting. The Immortal Lord was right to stop him!
Song Chi was about to emerge from the lotus's delicate petals when, at the last moment, he was blocked by a burst of immortal power.
She thought to herself, "As expected, the Immortal Lord won't let her succeed so easily."
Cui Xueruo was a half-step slower, instantly appearing on the other side. Meeting her indignant gaze, Song Chi couldn't help but smile. What's wrong with you having so many people? Can't I even play it safe and launch a sneak attack?
If it weren't for her senior brother's Azure String Zither, you'd see her trying to snatch this lotus flower instead.
However, in the book's plot, during the Mortal World Immortal Gathering, while the male leads and supporting characters were vying for the white lotus representing her identity, Mo Shubai remained hidden in a corner, gazing at the moon, seemingly indifferent to everything happening in the lake. Deep down, she bitterly decided that her feelings for him would end there.
Only then did Cui Xueruo begin to truly acknowledge her feelings for Su Yu.
After all, the two had kissed in the secret realm. Of course, that refers to the book.
But whether Cui Xue Ruo and Su Yu actually kissed in that secret realm before, Song Chi really didn't know.
Given the later situation where she was needed to remedy an exorcism formation, it's likely they didn't end up getting married.
As Song Chi was repelled by the immortal power, he couldn't help but glance in the direction of the Tai Xuan Immortal Dynasty. Su Yu was currently talking to his beloved younger brother, the seventh prince Su Xi, who would later rebel against him. Their conversation seemed quite pleasant, as smiles appeared on their faces.
Song Chi couldn't help but scoff inwardly. What's so funny? Instead of focusing on your work, you're gossiping. As the male lead, shouldn't you be jealous that the woman you love is stealing another man's love lotus?
That's such a dereliction of duty!
Now that things are better on her side, if we want a fair fight, the Cui family has about twenty Nascent Soul cultivators, while our side has five.
How am I supposed to fight this? Damn it!
Song Chi glanced back at Mo Shubai, thinking about the ten million top-grade spirit crystals, and what his master had said about a piece of spirit jade marrow being equivalent to ten top-grade spirit crystal mines—those were incredibly precious. Although Mo Shubai looked over with a reassuring gaze, implying that it didn't matter if they couldn't win, he wouldn't mind.
But how could that be?
She was determined to seize this opportunity presented by the Azure String Zither today.
She's gained some insight into her Bewitching Melody and has learned how to use it in other melodies to unleash its mind-bending power. To be honest, she has a slight chance of winning, but not much.
The main reason is that it requires a high concentration of wood elemental energy, and the spiritual energy within this Mortal World Immortal Fate Array is far inferior to that of the secret realm. Naturally, the wood elemental energy is also much weaker.
Of course, if she had the unsealed wood elemental power, it would be like adding wings to a tiger. No matter how few people she had, she would dare to fight against Cui Xue Ruo's side.
Just as she turned to leave, a mist suddenly swept over her, followed by ripples of spiritual energy spreading out like waves on a lake.
Like a small beetle that had fallen into a lake, Song Chi drifted back to Xi Ya and the others with the ripples.
After the ripples spread to the scarlet barrier wall, a burst of spiritual light shone brightly.
Pop pop pop sounds came from all directions.
With soft gasps of surprise, every single Nascent Soul female disciple present was pulled into the barrier. This included even those female disciples who simply wanted to watch the excitement and had no one in mind.
Ripples drifted over the white lotus wrapped in red silk, preventing the sealed celestial light from dissipating. It seems that once the celestial light disperses somewhat, spiritual energy will be able to open the portal and retrieve the white lotus.
Song Chi glanced at the loosened seal on the white lotus of love on the red silk, then ignored it. He lowered his head, opened his palm, and spiritual energy danced with his fingertips, stirring up the spiritual energy within the formation.
She couldn't help but burst out laughing!
See, she gets whatever she wants. With that commotion, she felt an unprecedented sense of comfort as her wood elemental power was fully released. This feeling was much clearer than in the secret realm.
"What are you laughing at? Most of these people who came in are probably here to sabotage you." Seeing so many people come in, Dai Jia couldn't help but angrily interrupt Song Chi's sinister spellcasting.
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Author's Note: [Please][Please] I'm going to write about Cui's emotional shift here. This is her last effort for this unrequited love; in fact, it's her final sacrifice. She'll directly overcome her emotional tribulation afterward, and I won't write her badly. This isn't related to that competition, right? My feeling is that I'll basically have to take the blame at this point. So, please be gentle! [Please][Please]
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