Chapter 57 A gentleman keeps his skills hidden when he goes out, waiting for the right moment to strike. ...
Liang Bucheng said in a deep voice, "Fu'er, your analysis is excellent. Then I will go and fight Liu Wuxing of the third part first. I will fight the second part in the second round."
However, after a short while, the elders came and asked the three participants of the fourth part to write down their opponents.
Zhou Fuling wrote "Shu Minglian" on the jade register.
Qinghu Yue is about Ning Hong.
Liang Bucheng originally intended to choose Liu Wuxing, but ultimately chose his adoptive father, Zhong Dashan.
One reason was that the Miao chieftain didn't give Liang a friendly look.
Liang, the Minister: "As a mere minister, I fear that choosing Zhong Dashan would be an unfair victory. I should choose Liu Wuxing instead."
Master Miao: "Tell those words to your disciples who are dirt poor and only need one more pill to advance in rank."
Minister Liang: "..."
Secondly, Zhou Fuling also advised:
"Since you've chosen Zhong Dashan, Ning Chaoxue will naturally choose Liu Wuxing. To maintain the alliance with the First Division and secure his position, Liu Wuxing will definitely ensure Ning Chaoxue's victory. Why bother competing when you can make a vicious lion lose without bloodshed?"
Liang Bucheng looked troubled: "Public opinion is a fearsome thing; we'll be talked about."
Zhou Fuling said, "When Ning Tingyue murdered his master, did he have any face? When future generations comment on him, will anyone dare to criticize him to his face for murdering his master? The fourth part is powerful, and no one will dare to say anything about you to your face."
Miao Mountain Master: "Exactly!"
Minister Liang: "..."
After waiting another half hour, the people at the top of the tower were summoned to a hall a hundred feet in diameter, where the choices of their respective opponents were announced to the members of the four departments. Just as Zhou Fuling had predicted—
Ning Chaoxue to Liu Wuxing.
The rest is about Master Long and Ning Chengshan.
The Fire Immortal Master addressed Ning Bai.
Zhou Fuling was somewhat disappointed. She wished that Song Huo and Ning Chengshan would fight in the first round so that she would have one less opponent.
But she also understood why the two made this choice; they were probably worried about unforeseen circumstances and wanted to investigate the enemy's situation in order to make plans.
Only Liu Wuxing, Zhong Dashan, and a few others were not happy. Liu Wuxing's face was ashen, and he said coldly, "I never thought that Liang Bucheng, who prides himself on being upright and honest, would also try to take advantage of others' misfortunes."
Liang Bucheng was somewhat ashamed, but seeing Liu Wuxing's arrogant and self-righteous attitude, he snorted coldly: "Do you think we won the test for nothing! Liu Bucheng, are you questioning the rules of the Cloud Candle Tower? What business is it of yours how we choose? You should accept the consequences of your bet!"
Ning Hong, however, smiled and interjected, "The Book of Changes says, 'A wise man keeps his talents hidden until the right time to act.' I wonder if Junior Sister Qinghu Yue will surprise me tomorrow?"
She looked at Qinghuyue with a smile, as if she were looking at prey.
Qinghu Yue's expression was cold, and she didn't say much.
After leaving the hall, Zhou Fu wanted to rest and also think about his strategy for tomorrow.
Unexpectedly, Xu Qingning brought her a box of pastries from the mortal realm (which matched her tastes when she traveled in the mortal realm). She asked and found out that they were from the Miao Mountain Lord.
Zhou Fuling and he ate in the side hall.
Xu Qingning: "Are you tired? Do you feel better after eating?"
Zhou Fuling: "It's a little better. But even if you eat it, it doesn't guarantee you'll win."
Xu Qingning snorted coldly: "No food can guarantee a victory."
Zhou Fuling noticed that Xu Qingning's tone was somewhat like that of someone walking among mortals and laughing and joking with her.
Xu Qingning probably realized something herself, and was taken aback. She lowered her eyes and remained silent, her fingers tightening.
Xu Qingning secretly asked the system, "How much favorability does she have now?"
The system answered negative ten.
Xu Qingning stared at Zhou Fuling for a long time without saying a word. She simply put away the food box for her and followed her back.
The two returned to the hall where they were resting, and suddenly saw a person guarding the front of the fourth resting hall. Zhou Fuling couldn't help but look up.
The person who arrived was none other than Minglian, her partner in surgery the next day. Minglian wore a gold hairpin and brocade dress, which accentuated her slender figure and gave her a rather formal appearance.
Shu Minglian: "Fellow Daoist Ling, I have been waiting for you."
Zhou Fuling asked, "Oh, you are Fellow Daoist Shu Minglian of the Yunsan Sect. May I ask what brings you here?"
Shu Minglian smiled and pointed to the bustling Yundu below the tower: "Your performance in the trial just now was astonishing, and your words were truly thought-provoking. I admire you greatly and only hope to befriend you. I heard that you were born in Yun'er but have never been to Yundu. Now that it is a time of truce, how about I show you around Yundu? It will be a good time for you to relax."
Qinghu Yue was also there. She raised an eyebrow, feeling that it was somewhat inappropriate. Just as she was about to speak, she heard Zhou Fuling say, "Okay."
Zhou Fuling turned to Qing Huyue and asked, "Are you going?"
Qinghu Yue was anxious about her duel with Ning Hong when another thing happened. She stomped her foot and said, "I'm not going. You, you still need to prepare for the battle."
"Hey, cramming at the last minute is no fun. Why not go sightseeing instead?" Zhou Fuling said. "Are you coming?"
"I'm not going."
Zhou Fuling then asked Xu Qingning. Could Xu Qingning still refuse her? Of course, he said yes.
Zhou Fuling then called on Ling Fu, who had sneaked in unknowingly, to continue pretending to be her little maid and go together.
Of course, she asked Shu Minglian for her opinion beforehand.
Shu Minglian said, "The more people the better. Just invite anyone who's close to Ling Xiu. Let's just have fun today."
So, the group set off with high spirits.
Upon arriving at the foot of the Cloud Candle Tower, Zhou Fuling noticed that there were quite a few vehicles traveling as well, with Yun Ning's people accompanying guests from Central Continent and Eastern Continent. However, many people were slightly surprised to see her, probably not expecting her to go out for a stroll halfway through the competition.
Shu Minglian invited Zhou Fuling to walk to the south side of the Cloud Candle Tower. There, a luxurious carriage was parked.
Ling Fu suddenly clicked her tongue in amazement: "Incredible! A celestial horse."
Zhou Fuling turned around and asked, "The Heavenly Horse?"
Ling Fu said, "The Sky-Piercing Horse, which treads on clouds, has a jade mane and snow-white hooves. It is exceptionally intelligent, can travel ten thousand miles a day, and can find all the roads in Yun Ning on its own. It is a famous Cloud-Dispersing Strange Horse."
Ling Fu knew this horse; it was used by a classmate of very high status when she was a child and went to the cultivator's hall for cultivation.
The horse was very beautiful and spirited, and it could find all the roads. Lingfu looked on with envy and went back to ask her father.
The father said, "Alas, even if I received a hundred years' salary in Yunning, I still couldn't afford this horse. I couldn't even afford the worst black-tailed horse, let alone anything else."
These horses are divided into black, blue, and snow-tailed. Lingfu is a black-tailed horse, which is the envy of everyone.
What Ling Fu sees now is a snow-white tail, like a cloud.
Ling Fu thought to herself, "The five minor military units of Yun San are too extravagant, using such fine horses for themselves. They could buy my hometown town."
Unexpectedly, Shu Minglian's next words startled Ling Fu.
Shu Minglian said to Zhou Fuling, "Please accept this small gift as a token of my appreciation. I've heard that Fellow Daoist Ling has just arrived in Yundu and enjoys exploring geography and waterways, so traveling around must be a regular occurrence for you."
"This horse is quite adept at finding its way and can perhaps accompany you on your journey through Yunnan and Ningxia. I hope you will accept it."
Zhou Fuling walked up to the suspended celestial horse and saw its cloud-like mane and snow-white tail, and its eyes like jade, which looked extremely expensive.
After she and Xu Qingning returned to Tianji Sect, Xu Qingning also gave her fourteen mounts and twenty carriages, all of which were top-quality items from the Eastern Continent.
But this suspended celestial horse was no less impressive than those other mounts, possessing a unique and luxurious charm reminiscent of the Southern Mountains. The carriage and its curtains were also woven with gold thread, clearly indicating a considerable expense.
Zhou Fuling stroked the horse and felt a connection with it.
Now that their fate is uncertain, it wouldn't be bad to be able to ride a horse and show off a bit.
She had already decided to accept it in her heart, but hesitated on the surface: "Fellow Daoist, this gift is far too precious... I really dare not accept such a generous gift."
Shu Minglian said, "No, as the descendant of the Water Guardian, you should be able to take it to roam the four corners of the world and see all the wonders of the land. Only then will you do justice to the horse's spirit. I hope Fellow Daoist Ling will not refuse."
Zhou Fuling said, "Thank you very much!"
Ling Fu was dumbfounded.
Zhou Fuling had already mounted her horse and ridden it around a few times.
Xu Qingning silently observed her appearance, his gaze then fixed on Shu Minglian's face. Afterwards, he boarded another carriage arranged by Shu Minglian. The arrangements made by the Five Minor Military Headquarters were extremely courteous and thoughtful.
Shu Minglian called out "Fellow Daoist Ling" and rode alongside Zhou Fuling.
Throughout the journey, they were quick-witted and friendly, always by my side.
However, Zhou Fuling had already seen through what Shu Minglian was planning to do.
What else could it be for?
This was because she had gained the appreciation of the Fire Immortal Master, and Shu Minglian came to befriend her.
After all, according to her observation, Shu Minglian's situation was...very awkward.
-
The top of the Cloud Candle Pagoda.
Seeing the large group of people from the Five Little Army Headquarters accompany Zhou Fuling away, Yu Shi gritted his teeth in anger.
But there was nothing they could do but helplessly shake their hands.
"Why?!"
An elder said, "There's nothing we can do. Although she offended you before, she has gained the favor of the Immortal Master. You should back down."
The Rain Master was furious: "Me, a mere protector, have to put up with her attitude?!"
But considering the formidable reputation of the "Fire-Singing Immortal Master," he dared not retaliate and could only turn and leave.
The Rain Master was still furious.
After Ling Fu devised that countermeasure, she was appreciated by Song Huo, and the order to kill her was naturally withdrawn within the first part.
However, while many cultivators were still observing, Shu Minglian and the Five Minor Armies acted remarkably quickly. They immediately went to curry favor!
"You opportunist!" the Rain Master said bitterly.
I just hope it's all for nothing!
-
Shu Minglian accompanied Zhou Fuling through Yundu and introduced her to the "Six Scenic Spots of Yundu".
These include places such as Yunzhu Tower, Never-Night River, Thousand-Foot Bridge, Spirit Snow Pine, Dragon Wave Cave, and Heavenly Street.
Shu Minglian said, "The Heavenly Street is adjacent to the Never-Night River, which is the most prosperous area in Yun Ning. There are fine restaurants and elegant houses, as well as painted boats and pavilions. Why don't you come with me for a stroll, Ling Xiu?"
Zhou Fuling naturally agreed.
Just as Zhou Fuling had predicted, Shu Minglian's presence was related to her being appreciated by Song Huo.
Seeing Zhou Fuling patting the suspended celestial horse with obvious affection, Shu Minglian thought to herself, "She is indeed a low- to mid-level cultivator, inexperienced and easily bribed with money."
"But the fear is that being too fond of money might lead to bad things."
Zhou Fuling was taken ahead to travel to the River Never Sleeps.
A long river stretched out before me, nearing dusk, its long waves like countless golden dragons, upon which floated hundreds of luxurious painted boats.
Shu Minglian led Zhou Fuling and the others to listen to a few songs, and then said, "I have a cave dwelling under my name on Tianjie Street. How about we go there for a banquet?"
Zhou Fuling said, "Okay."
Shu Minglian nodded and smiled at Zhou Fuling.
The group then moved to a cave dwelling, which was ornately decorated and extremely luxurious. It was almost the best place Zhou Fuling had seen since leaving Tianji Sect.
To be honest, even the tranquil and elegant Tianji Gate couldn't compare to the magnificent splendor of this place. Zhou Fuling herself wasn't a person of refined tastes, but she did like the decor of this place.
Shu Minglian took Zhou Fuling and the others to a banquet, where the dishes were exquisite, including carved fruits and exotic meats, spiritual vegetables and fresh tea.
Inside the hall, musicians played their zithers and sang, displaying superb skills.
Two handsome young male cultivators knelt beside Zhou Fuling, ready to serve her a meal.
Similarly, Shu Minglian also assigned two female cultivators to serve Xu Qingning.
Xu Qingning looked slightly unwell and stared intently at Zhou Fuling.
Zhou Fuling also found it an eyesore, so she said, "I don't need male cultivators to serve me, and he doesn't need female cultivators to serve him either. Thank you for your kindness."
Shu Minglian: "And who is this?"
"I encountered danger on the road and went on an adventure with him. To make our journey easier, we became fellow disciples. Later, I learned that he had been traveling in the mortal realm for many years and had learned the martial arts of the desolate mountains and Yumiao Mountains."
Zhou Fuling's words were true; this was indeed what the two of them experienced. However, it happened ten years ago.
But because she deliberately lied and twisted their experiences, Shu Minglian thought it happened when "Ling Fu" escaped from the second part, so she said, "So you are also a disciple of Master Miao. I've heard so much about you."
Xu Qingning replied, "I dare not accept such praise."
"Xiao Fu, Xiao Fu, are you there? Ah, you really are here!"
Suddenly, a friendly, unfamiliar voice came from outside. The warmth of the voice startled Ling Fu, who was sitting in the back seat eating fruit in silence.
Xu Qingning frowned and looked towards the door.
He found the voice utterly unfamiliar, with only a tiny bit of familiarity; it was hoarse like a duck's, making it unpleasant to listen to.
It was Liu Wuxing who barged in with dozens of elders from the Third Minister, exclaiming warmly, "Xiao Fu, you really are here!"
Shu Minglian felt as if she were facing a formidable enemy, but she couldn't afford to lash out. She immediately stood up and bowed, saying, "Minister."
This was a pleasure residence, with its main hall facing the street. It was inconvenient to stop important figures from entering, so Liu Wuxing walked in.
Shu Minglian and the people from the Five Minor Military Headquarters all showed signs of irritation.
Liu Wuxing and his men brought over three large treasure chests, which contained some elixirs and spirit stones.
It has everything from self-defense to cultivation items; it's high-grade, but not top-grade. It costs a good 30,000 high-grade spirit stones.
Liu Wuxing said, "Xiao Fu, with your third-grade body, you will need many immortal materials and spirit stones for cultivation in the future. Just tell Uncle Liu if you need anything, don't worry."
Zhou Fuling also stood up: "Minister Liu, what is this...?"
Liu Wuxing: "Xiao Fu, you've made a name for yourself today. Your uncle has seen it all. From now on, you're my person, and I'll protect you in Yun Ning!"
It turned out that Liu Wuxing was furious when he heard that Shu Minglian had gone to see Zhou Fuling, and rushed over in a panic.
Along the way, Liu Wuxing was so angry that his beard was trembling.
He was scared.
If this "Ling Fu" is truly appreciated by "Song Huo", she will likely hold a significant position in the upper echelons of the Cloud Candle Tower in the future.
If Shu Minglian were to tie herself to him at this moment, wouldn't that be very disadvantageous for him as the minister?
Liu Wuxing rushed over to curry favor, but Ling Fu was only just beginning to show her talent, and the situation was uncertain. He didn't want to settle down too early like Shu Minglian, so he only prepared two boxes of small gifts.
But on the way, he heard that Shu Minglian had given him a "sky-high horse," which made him furious. Fearing that he would be outdone, he hurriedly added another box and spoke too harshly.
Her adoptive husband, Zhong Dashan, looked around and met Xu Qingning's gaze before lowering his head again.
Xu Qingning thought to himself, "Zhong Dashan seems to be memorizing something with his eyes. What is he planning to do? His subordinate Liu Wuxing is clearly here, so there's no need to report it again."
Zhou Fuling replied, "I will remember Minister Liu's kindness. I am deeply grateful and will never forget the gift you gave me today."
Shu Minglian suddenly looked up, her lips pressed into a straight line.
Zhou Fuling then said, "As for 'your people'... I believe that we are all people of the Yun Ning Sect, and we all serve the future of the Southern Continent, so why should we distinguish between us?"
Shu Minglian's expression softened. Liu Bucheng and the others had subtle expressions.
Then a voice called out, "Is Ling Xiaoxiu here?"
Each and every one of those calls was full of enthusiasm.
In an instant, numerous cultivators from the first, second, and third departments came to pay their respects.
Judging from their attire, they were all cultivators and elders of around the third rank, with servants carrying gifts behind them.
But the most surprising person was the one standing on the right. She was beautiful and wealthy, but she was limping. It was Ning Bai's fiancée, Xu Duanwu.
She came on behalf of the Xu family of Zhongzhou.
Zhou Fuling had previously seen her uncle, Xu Chang, a first-rank Grand Daoist Master, at the Guan Pavilion. He was one of the Heavenly Inquisitors and could be considered a powerful and influential figure in the Central Continent.
Zhen Lingfu, sitting in the back seat, suddenly felt as if she were facing a formidable enemy, glaring at Xu Duanwu with red eyes.
"No, why would she come?" Ling Fu gritted her teeth, thinking to herself, "I was unwilling to become Ning Bai's furnace cauldron before, firstly because I knew Ning Bai was of low character, and secondly because I had heard that... this jealous person had skinned and killed Sister Lin, who was from my village and had been captured to become a furnace cauldron!"
What is she doing here?
"Did you hurt me...?" Ling Fu looked at Zhou Fuling nervously. "Did you hurt her?"
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