Chapter 113 Picking Only the Most Beautiful Flower
Song Chi hid in his room for three months with that lump in his throat before he recovered. During that time, Cui Xue Ruo and Ye Qing Yu indeed stumbled upon a fortuitous encounter in the library, went to Qingxiao Immortal Lord's study, and obtained the second volume of music, as well as some of Qingxiao Immortal Lord's manuscripts containing his cultivation insights. Of course, the two of them did all of this very quietly.
Song Chi only guessed the truth after learning that Venerable Baiyun of the Yunji Holy Land had visited and secretly talked with his master for an hour, and then watched as the Yunji Holy Land's flying boat stood ready before tearing open the teleportation scroll to return.
It's likely that the second melody was sent back and closely guarded by the people of the Cloud Pavilion Holy Land.
This second section of music is quite interesting. This time, it doesn't involve the conversion of the five elements' spiritual roots. Instead, it only involves the conversion of the three spiritual roots: metal, water, and wood. However, only a fully grown celestial spiritual root can borrow the immortal energy from heaven and earth to complete this. Moreover, this time it demands extremely high playing skills. Without any skill in playing the zither, even those with the metal, water, and wood celestial spiritual roots cannot complete it. In terms of technique, she has no problem. Cui Xue Ruo's zither skills are first-rate, so naturally, she won't have any problems either. It's just that they're probably still completely clueless about the musical notation.
However, once the Immortal Palace teaches Cui Xue Ruo something, that's none of her business anymore. Song Chi naturally doesn't care.
She wasn't actually idle during these three months. Firstly, the Ancient Immortal Music Technique had painstakingly developed another melody called "Separation of Fire." This melody was both real and ethereal, its emotions swirling between intense passion and utter ruthlessness… To be honest, if she hadn't developed some feelings now, given these emotional fluctuations, the old her would never have been able to express them in her entire life. Now, her mind was filled with Mo Shubai, to the point that she was so infatuated that she wouldn't wash her cloak, secretly taking it out to smell this version of herself that she could hardly bear to look at… So be it. In reality, she picked up the piece quite easily.
Secondly, the manuscript given to her by Immortal Lord Qingxiao provided a thorough analysis and demonstration of her wood spirit root, and pointed her to two paths leading all the way to the late stage of the Ascension Realm. Song Chi especially revered the analysis of the wood spirit root, reading it on her knees. Only such a gesture could express her boundless worship of her master. As for the two paths her master pointed out, one was one of complete detachment from emotion, driven by desire—surprisingly, this path was also viable. The other path was written for those obsessed with love, even asking if she was one… Master, look, isn't this just mockery? Fine, fine, she is obsessed with love, okay?
In short, the future of the righteous path of cultivation is bright under the guidance of her grandmaster. Therefore, Song Chi solemnly set up an incense table and paid her respects to her grandmaster. Without her grandmaster's guidance, based solely on her comprehension, it would take her at least four or five hundred years to reach the Ascension Realm of the righteous path... In any case, she didn't consider herself a particularly intelligent person, and she was simply no match for her grandmaster, an unparalleled figure who, despite having his wood spirit root severely damaged over a long period, still managed to reach the late stage of the Ascension Realm of the righteous path.
So, her cultivation is not a problem. Now, it's just a matter of her love life; she doesn't know if the next mission will involve Mo Shubai. But in this upcoming secret realm, she read that book ten times over, and basically found nothing related to Mo Shubai. Damn it, this instantly made her lose all motivation for the upcoming mission.
It was late April, in the spring. The languid glow of the setting sun illuminated the rose garden as Song Chi sang a heartfelt song towards it.
From the distant south, a fiery glow, like waves crashing against the horizon, swept across the sky, engulfing the pale blue heavens and shooting towards the northern horizon. The entire dome resembled a giant fireball, burning fiercely. The earth was bathed in a blazing red light.
—We've arrived at that secret realm.
This secret realm takes place in the Southern Canghai Kingdom, the hometown of Ji Minghuang. It is also the place where the Phoenix Clan ultimately perished.
In the book, this secret realm was relatively peaceful except for Cui Xue Ruo's accidental poisoning and unconsciousness, where she was nearly taken advantage of by Yin Qiang, who was subsequently killed by Mo Shu Bai. Oh, and at this time in the book, the original owner of this body returned home in sorrow, with Su Yu secretly escorting her all the way. He also secretly set up a hidden defensive array for the Song family. This was discovered by Cui Xue Ruo, causing the two to drift apart in this secret realm. Then, Cui Xue Ruo encountered danger again, but Su Yu rescued her by bringing her out with background music, and the two reconciled.
But judging from the current relationship between Cui Xueruo and Su Yue… it feels more like a binding duty, and they're probably just good friends. It's unlikely that the melodramatic plot twists of the book will occur. However, these are all things that Cui Xueruo's storyline needs to accomplish, and have nothing to do with her.
Her only goal was to retrieve the Azure Cloud Umbrella, the key item for this mission, from the Flying Immortal Palace. However, she was still a little worried that she might be asked to help Ji Minghuang this time. After all, Ji Minghuang was about to awaken her True Phoenix bloodline in the secret realm.
As expected, the golden scroll moved. The top-ranking task was to seize the Azure Cloud Umbrella, needless to say.
Sure enough, the second line revealed itself, word by word. Song Chi sniffed, worried that it might cause trouble.
To her surprise, she breathed a sigh of relief after the complete mission was revealed. This time, she didn't need to track Ji Minghuang and then prompt her to awaken the Phoenix True Blood. (Golden Scroll notification.)
"Find the fire seed in the Phoenix Forest of the Royal Family of the Southern Canghai Kingdom, and then plant it in the Phoenix Fire Land of the Secret Realm."
Moreover, the Phoenix Fire Land was specifically told to her that it was located on the way to the three side halls. It was a completely convenient matter.
The Phoenix Forest of the Canghai Kingdom's royal family is not difficult to access. The cultivators from this secret realm have been housed in various side halls by the Canghai Kingdom. At that time, scenic spots like the Phoenix Forest will be open to these disciples for their visits. Therefore, there is no need to worry.
It was the lack of mention of Mo Shubai in these tasks that annoyed her. Even a side quest would have been something she would have approached with the same dedication she showed to a main quest.
But she didn't dwell on it at the moment. Song Chi immediately put away the paper fan she was using as a microphone, tidied herself up, and went out. Her master wouldn't allow her to go, but she had to persuade him.
As soon as the fiery clouds began to move from south to north, Venerable Xueqiao noticed it. Soon after, Shubai, sensing the movement keenly, also quickly teleported to his Cloud Sea Pine Hall.
However, Shu Bai still stood in front of the door for a while before going in.
That's naturally because of that brat from Scarlet Rose Pavilion who recently starts screaming passionately at the sunset and the roses all over the courtyard every evening.
This time, the lyrics are so straightforward that they are hard to put into words.
What? "Everyone keeps asking me what I'm waiting for. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter have all passed, isn't that enough?" Since the Lantern Festival, only one winter and one spring have passed. What spring, summer, autumn, and winter have she been waiting for?
What else? "Actually, it's because there's a hole in my heart, waiting for the person who took it to return it to me." This was frank and straightforward, but it was indeed the truth. That girl was truly heartless before, but ever since she developed feelings for Shu Bai, every hair on her body has become unsettling, or perhaps too unsettling... For example, the way she occasionally hugs that blue fur-lined cloak and takes a deep breath, she doesn't even know when one of Shu Bai's clothes ended up in her hands. In short, this brat is beyond saving. However, he tried to cover for her a little in this matter, even with Shu Bai. But he guessed... Shu Bai had already seen it in secret.
Then they arrived. "Do you know, do you know, I waited until the flowers withered." At this point, she truly supported half her cheek with her palm, held a fan in the other, and knelt before the rose garden, bowing her head and singing until she almost touched the ground. That roar… truly… Venerable Xueqiao wanted to help cover it up, and Shu Bai, the ethereal lotus spirit, secretly hid among the roses, still reluctant to leave.
You two! Venerable Xueqiao has been feeling a bit numb lately.
When the fiery clouds of Nanli flew directly over the Qingjian Sect, the girl only glanced at them, finished singing the song, cleared her throat, and then strolled leisurely with her hands behind her back in the sunset before packing up to head up the mountain.
Shu Bai then immediately entered Yunhai Songtang.
Before long, Song Chi arrived, and You Qin, probably also interested, came along to join in the fun.
To be honest, this secret realm is still very dangerous because it's related to the unsealing of the Flying Immortal Platform. Venerable Xueqiao doesn't want Song Chi and her fellow disciple to participate.
You Qin probably understood what he meant, and immediately smiled as she entered, "Master, I want to go to the Southern Continent to relax. I've never been to the Canghai Kingdom before, and I want to broaden my horizons."
Yuqin truly had no interest in exploring secret realms; she was a timid person. As for going along to broaden her horizons, that was fine.
Song Chi, on the other hand, was quite straightforward. "Master, then I'll go along and see the world too."
Xueqiao Venerable believed what You Qin said. But as for Song Chi, he knew exactly what she was talking about just by looking at her. Judging from the bright gleam in her eyes, she was definitely going to cause trouble again.
Venerable Xueqiao then teased, "You've traveled all over the country, and every time you've been to a secret realm, you've been there to join in the fun. I've seen enough of the world, one more won't make a difference."
Song Chi's attitude towards this was quite stubborn, as if he wouldn't budge no matter how much you ridicule him.
To be honest, Venerable Xueqiao wanted to keep this girl in the sect. After all, his master had said she had a very important background, and it would be better to keep her in the sect and protect her well. However, he remembered his master's instruction not to hinder Song Chi's thoughts and will. So…
"Do you really have to go?" he had to ask.
"I'm going." This brat, if you want to go, then go! Why are you secretly glancing at your senior brother? This made You Qin stand in the middle, her lips almost bleeding from biting them, looking up at the sky... it was unbearable to watch. This girl really loves watching the drama.
In the end, Venerable Xueqiao had no choice but to agree.
Five days later, Song Chi boarded a flying boat and, together with the sect's guardians and those destined for him, the dozen or so flying boats sailed south in a grand procession.
This journey took more than half a year, finally reaching the southern continent in the midst of winter snow. However, while the northern part was still experiencing heavy winter snow, by the time they crossed the continent and arrived at Canghaichao in the south, it was already the height of summer. The sun was scorching, and the seawater shimmered with a white light.
The capital of the Canghai Kingdom was built on a place with undulating mountains and exceptionally lush trees on the endless seashore in the south, a place called Fengyu.
The customs of the Canghai Kingdom differ from those of the Eastern Continent. Because of its hot climate, the clothing is brightly colored, but people generally like to show their arms and legs, especially the women, whose attire is exceptionally bold and provocative. The men, on the other hand, are similar to those on the Eastern Continent, covering themselves up completely.
When Song Chi saw the daring outfits worn by the women throughout the city, some even revealing a section of their waist, resembling the tightly bound garments worn by Dai women, her eyes lit up.
Before she could even form an idea in her mind, she was glared at by her master's sharp eyes. She couldn't help but shake her head inwardly, thinking to herself, "That old-fashioned master."
Immediately, members of the Canghai Kingdom's royal family came to greet them, and the group stayed in various palaces located in the southeastern part of the capital.
Song Chiyi had just settled down in the Golden Feather Palace when it was already getting dark.
Jin Juan then made a move. She had initially been on guard, sensing her mission was about to cause trouble.
Upon seeing the task details, she couldn't help but stroll around the garden filled with phoenix flowers, hands behind her back, feeling quite pleased. However, after a moment of joy, she felt a bit annoyed and couldn't help but pout.
This task has two parts. First, she has to go to Ji Ningche's courtyard, play a musical tune, and obtain the Phoenix Feather.
Then comes the important part. "After obtaining the Phoenix True Feather, invite the holder of the Azure Stringed Zither to go to the west of the city during the Phoenix Song Festival. At that time, the True Feather Spirit Realm will be opened, and the Phoenix True Feather will be lit up in the Silent Snow Lake within it."
Who else but Mo Shubai could possess the Azure String Zither? Seriously… for the first time, I find quests quite appealing.
Moreover, regarding the Golden Paper Boy's question format, the True Feather Spirit Realm is slightly dangerous, and she needs to be careful. In the past, the mere mention of the word "danger" would make her furrow her brow. But now, blinded by love, she'd rather have some danger. If she doesn't succeed in pouncing on Mo Shubai this time, she'll be damned.
But first, she had to send an invitation to Ji Ningche… Without hesitation, Song Chi went back to her room to write the invitation. After all, the Phoenix Song Festival was a city-wide celebration, and it was starting tomorrow night. Time was of the essence, and she couldn't afford to delay. She had to go to Ji Ningche's garden tonight to obtain the Phoenix Feather.
But as she wrote the post, she wondered if Mo Shubai would misunderstand. Then she thought, who knows if he would even misunderstand? Damn it, although she felt Mo Shubai probably… liked her a tiny bit. But she wasn't sure. So she wrote the post three times before it was finished.
"Seventh Prince, I have heard that the phoenix flowers in your garden are golden and unique in the city. I have always longed to visit them. I wonder if I would be fortunate enough to visit your garden. Song Chi of Qingjian Sect respectfully submits this message."
The phoenix flowers in Ji Mingche's garden were blooming with a dazzling golden light, truly unique in the capital. Moreover, they were a mutated variety developed over the past few decades. Therefore, her reasoning was plausible.
But she had barely settled into her accommodation when she hurriedly sent out invitations. Only someone with a truly deep brain wouldn't do that.
However, for the sake of his subsequent plan to seduce Ji Ningche, Song Chi resolutely summoned a servant boy and had an invitation delivered to Ji Ningche's Changyu Golden Palace.
Just as Venerable Xueqiao finished tidying up and was having a cup of tea, he heard a commotion in the neighboring courtyard. He almost choked on his tea.
You brat—! So, you never stop causing trouble, no matter where you go. And Shubai, what have you taken a fancy to?
This flirtatious girl, oh dear! His head was throbbing. That's why insisting on keeping her out from the start was the right thing to do. Besides, her shift in affections was far too rapid.
Venerable Xueqiao couldn't help but glance at Shubai's courtyard. He had also heard the news, but merely smiled lightly, seemingly unconcerned. Shubai, you… Venerable Xueqiao knew he might not be able to be so magnanimous.
Let alone Venerable Xueqiao. Even Ji Minghuang, who happened to be visiting the Seventh Imperial Uncle in the Changyu Golden Palace, almost choked on her tea when she saw the golden rose invitation.
"This girl, how can she be even more fickle than me? Is she planning to pluck every handsome man in the entire cultivation world?" Ji Minghuang herself was of noble birth and born in the matriarchal Canghai Kingdom, so she actually took matters of the heart quite casually. If she liked someone, she would simply bring them into her harem. But even if she was fickle, there was a limit. Speaking of which, she admitted she couldn't compare to Song Chi. He just went wherever people went and plucked them.
Ji Ningche read the post over and over again, and couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. "Now it's said in the cultivation world that if this one isn't the most beautiful flower among all the flowers, then she won't be picked. In that case, it's my honor. So, Jiu'er, you can come back for that matter tomorrow. I'll take a bath and change my clothes first. It's said that she's very lustful, so how can I not dress up properly?"
Ji Minghuang: "..." She smiled and walked back with her hands behind her back. When she passed Ye Qingyu and Jiang Linyue's courtyard, she could still hear Jiang Linyue cursing "flower butterfly" through gritted teeth.
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Author's Note: [Let me see][Let me see] I'm going to eat first, I'll update again later.
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