The two men ran all the way up to us before saying, "It seemed like Master Ying Hong was following the Sect Leader and his wife into the Zanhua Hall. When did she ask you to convey a message?"
Zhong Minyan forced a smile and replied, "That was from this morning. I had other matters to attend to, so I didn't manage to find the Sect Leader's wife in time."
The two men said, "If that's the case, there's no need to go in anymore. Since the Sect Leader's wife and Master Ying Hong are both in the Zanhua Hall, whatever you had to say must have been said by now. You two should head back; the drawing of lots is about to start. All the Sect Leaders and Elders from the various sects are inside, and we cannot disturb them."
Zhong Minyan, despite his quick wit and a thousand thoughts racing in his mind, couldn't come up with any excuse and reluctantly turned to leave. But who would have known Linglong would coldly comment, "Really clueless. If Aunt Hong had something to say, she could've told my mother directly. Why would we need to pass the message? You really need people to spell out such basic understanding!"
Seeing that it was Linglong, the two men were somewhat taken aback. On second thought, perhaps there was some displeasure between Master Ying Hong and the Sect Leader's wife, which was why the Sect Leader's daughter Linglong was sent to relay the message. Among women, there were always some troublesome matters; they liked to beat around the bush and not speak plainly—even formidable people like the Sect Leader's wife and Master Ying Hong were no exception.
With this in mind, they reluctantly made way, hesitantly letting them pass.
Only after passing the Jade Platform and walking around the front hall to the back courtyard did Zhong Minyan finally chuckle, tapping Linglong's little head lightly and saying, "You really do act recklessly! Poor Master Ying Hong ends up being unfairly blamed for your suspicions."
Pouting, Linglong grumbled aggrievedly, "They're treating a feather as if it's a command arrow! Even if we're drawing lots, so what? It's not like we're doing something clandestine, guarding like against thieves. What could we possibly do wrong!"
As they spoke, the Zanhua Hall was already in sight. Although it was named 'hall,' it was actually a tall building. In front of the building was a curved expanse of jade-green water, a bamboo grove, with slender, elegant white cranes foraging and resting by the water's edge. Probably because the Jade Platform guards were exceptionally strict, there wasn't a single person in front of the Zanhua Hall.
Zhong Minyan saw Linglong brazenly attempting to barge in and hurriedly pulled her back, saying, "We must not alarm the esteemed guests. Let's crouch beneath the window and eavesdrop; that will suffice."
With that, the two of them crouched and tiptoed quietly to a window on the west wing. The window was ajar, allowing the refined aroma of tea mixed with the scent of submerged incense to waft through the gaps, delightfully fragrant.
They could hear someone speaking inside, and it was indeed Zhe Lei, the Sect Leader of Shaoyang Peak.
"...Regarding the drawing of lots, let's follow the rules of previous years, shall we? Gentlemen, please write your names on bamboo strips, and then my wife will do the drawing. The first five drawn will be responsible for picking that flower."
Picking flowers? It took a moment for Linglong to realize. Zhong Minyan mouthed without making a sound: demon. She immediately understood; they were drawing lots to determine who would capture the demon that was the highlight of the event.
As soon as Zhe Lei finished speaking, a somewhat hoarse voice chuckled, "Sect Leader Chu is quite stingy. It's fine that the Flower Pinning Conference is hosted by your Shaoyang Sect, but even the drawing is to be done by your prestigious wife? Truly, fortune is in your favor."
Zhe Lei, though indirectly criticized by this person's indifferent remarks, remained composed and merely replied with a smile, "You overstate, Master Song. The lot drawing is openly arranged here, and since my wife is not among those drawing, that's why she is doing it. If you find it unsuitable, we could elect another person to draw. I would have no objections."
However, the man retorted, "As guests, we follow the host's arrangements; how could we have any objections? Come on, let's start drawing lots! Let's finish the Flower Pinning Conference so we can go home and sleep!" After pausing, he continued, "Shaoyang Sect really shouldn't count, though. They didn't have any part in picking the flower in the past few times, so let's just leave it be this time as well!"
Zhe Lei became inwardly furious upon realizing the man was accusing them of favoritism, but his composure was excellent, and his face didn't reveal a hint of it. He was about to deflect the comment, when a deep, rich voice from a corner spoke up, "Why the rush, Master Song? The lots are right here; are you afraid they will grow eyes and walk away on their own? Your Xuanyuan Sect has seniority and strong disciples; surely, you don't care for the flower picking. Why not leave the opportunity to us from Fuyu Island?"
Master Song gave a sinister smile, but said nothing more. Zhe Lei also smiled without speaking. He Danping then distributed bamboo strips to everyone, laughing, "Please write your names on the strips, then place them into this large bamboo basket. The five who are drawn will have the honor of picking the flower." She was all smiles, seemingly oblivious to Master Song's previous complaints.
Linglong, unable to hear clearly, tried to raise her head a bit higher, but Zhong Minyan quickly yet gingerly pulled her down, whispering, "Don't move; everyone inside is a cultivator of considerable attainment. Be careful they don't notice us. Now, let me test you—what are the Five Great Sects of the land?"
It turned out he was worried Linglong's excessive curiosity would be discovered by others if they noticed the pair secretly observing, so he deliberately found something to distract her attention. Sure enough, she took the bait and said triumphantly, nodding her head, "You don't even know this? Let me tell you. The Five Great Sects are the Shaoyang Peak of the Central Plains, the Nanshan Xuanyuan Sect, the Beiyang Fuyu Island, the West Desolate Dianjing Valley, and the East Sea Lize Palace. Each of the Five Great Sects has a long history and numerous disciples, sought after by everyone. Recently, however, the Xuanyuan Sect seems to be diminishing, as their disciples become fewer and fewer each year. But since they are still under the banner of the Heavenly Emperor and the Heavenly Dao, their deep-seated power cannot be underestimated. Lize Palace is a new sect that rose only fifty years ago, and now its momentum is growing stronger, seemingly trying to surpass our Shaoyang Peak. But I find the people there very strange, it's hard to tell whether they are male or female... we are more than familiar with Fuyu Island and Dianjing Valley, so there's no need for me to tell you about them, right?"
Zhong Minyan's eyebrows lifted in amusement, and he pretended to nod his head repeatedly, then suddenly whispered, "Not to mention anything else, do you remember our trip to Fuyu Island two years ago? Who would have thought there would be such a beautiful sea of flowers on a small island. However, once the Island Master's Wife appeared, all the flowers seemed to fade in comparison..."
Linglong eyed him sidelong and teased, "Oh, so it turns out you brothers have been paying attention to these things all along! I'll tell father and report that you're all distracted and forget to practice your craft in the presence of a beautiful woman!"
Zhong Minyan knew she was joking and wasn't in the mood for such banter right now, so he could only respond with a smile, "Who was the one who got dumbstruck back then?"
Linglong sighed, "Indeed. I've never seen anyone more beautiful than her..." then, feeling indignant, she pouted, "Of course, except for my mother!"
Wanting to tease her, Zhong Minyan pretended to lean over the windowsill to look inside, saying, "Then I'll see if the Island Owner's Wife has come this time and get a good look at her!"
Linglong giggled and quickly pushed him, saying, "Be careful or the old masters from Dianjing Valley will drag you out and beat you!"
Before she finished speaking, they heard an "Eh?" come from inside. The two of them were frightened and quickly hid under the windowsill, holding their breath and daring not to move.
At that moment, He Danping said, "Everyone, please put your bamboo slips into this bamboo basket."
So, everyone began to drop in their bamboo slips, which had their names written on them, into the basket. When it was Master Song's turn, he didn't move, instead playing with his bamboo slip in his hands, bending it into various shapes.
He Danping asked with a smile, "Master Song, haven't you finished writing yet?"
Master Song shook his head and said in a strange voice, "Considering the Xuanyuan Sect is a guest, it seems out of place to speak. However, as the host of this Flower Pinning Conference, Shaoyang Peak should not be hiding anything. Your Shaoyang Sect clearly has two people who have not put their names on these slips, but you are asking us to go first. What exactly do you mean?"
He Danping's expression shifted slightly as she sternly asked, "What does Master Song mean? There are seven elders from the seven halls of my Shaoyang Sect here, who are these two people Master Song mentioned?"
Master Song sneered and said, "So they are not disciples of Shaoyang Peak! They must be sneaky rats then! I am indeed curious to see who dares to be so bold!"
With a slight sway of his wide Daoist robe, Master Song sent out dozens of cold and sharp Sword Qi's from his sleeves, accompanied by chilling whistles, heading straight towards the windowsill where Linglong and the others were hiding. This technique, called Sleeve Thousand Swords, was one of Xuanyuan Sect's proud skills. The people present had not expected him to strike as soon as he spoke, and to use such a ferocious move without warning, causing them to be shocked.
As the wall seemed about to be shattered by the Sword Qi, in the blink of an eye, a gray shadow zipped past, astonishingly beating the Sword Qi to the punch! With a loud bang, the wall of the hall was smashed to pieces by the Sword Qi, and dust and debris swirled around, causing everyone to cry out in alarm, shocked by the fierceness of the attack.
Master Song's face turned pale, and after a moment, he sneered coldly: "If it isn't Sect Leader Chu, such agility, such skill!" He glared at the Heavenly God-like man in the dust, who was unscathed and calm, looking as relaxed as if he were strolling leisurely. In his hand, he was holding two children with pale faces, who were none other than Linglong and Zhong Minyan.
Upon seeing her beloved daughter unharmed, He Danping's heart surged with emotion, and forgetting to scold her, she rushed over to stroke her head and neck, repeatedly asking, "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"
Linglong, scared speechless, couldn't utter a word while quivering, prompting He Danping, distraught, to immediately take her aside to comfort her. However, Zhong Minyan was not so lucky; seeing Zhe Lei looking at him expressionlessly, he couldn't help but feel weak at the knees and knelt down murmuring, "Master..."
Zhe Lei frowned and said sternly, "Get up and go to the side! We'll discuss this later."
Zhong Minyan's heart sank as he knew that after the drawing of lots, his master would surely investigate the matter seriously. It might be all well for Linglong, who would at most be scolded, but he himself, like Xuanji, would probably have to spend some time in the Mingxia Cave.
```
The thought of Xuanji suddenly reminded him that he hadn't yet brought her lunch at noon, and considering it was almost the end of noontime, the poor girl must be starving with panic, alone and isolated in that gloomy, silent place, on an empty stomach... He couldn't help but regret his decision to give in to Linglong's capricious demands.
He silently retreated to the corner of the flower hall, and there he saw He Danping softly reprimanding Linglong. Her face still bore a shocked expression, but it wasn't as pale as before. It seemed she was somewhat defiant of her mother's rebuke, pouting one moment and baring her teeth the next.
Meanwhile, Zhe Lei had silently rescued two people under the powerful effect of his "Sleeve Thousand Swords." This display of prowess naturally inspired admiration in all present – it was no wonder he was the Sect Leader of the Shaoyang Sect from the Central Plains, truly living up to his reputation! However, he showed no sign of pride, simply placing the basket filled with bamboo slips on the rosewood case and smiling, "My disciples have been naughty, and I apologize for their actions. The slips are ready. Let us begin the drawing now."
The crowd knew he was a cold person by nature and always serious and proper. The more indifferent his face, the angrier he probably felt inside. His disciples spying on the drawing was indeed an embarrassing moment for the Shaoyang Sect. Although some might have wanted to make light remarks to ease the tension, they were at a loss for words. Seeing He Danping coming forward to draw, they all kept silent.
Just as He Danping was about to reach into the basket of slips, she heard Master Song sneering, "How remarkable! In broad daylight, in front of everyone, Shaoyang Peak even starts to cheat! Indulging your disciples to spy on the drawing is lax discipline! And now that they are here, you shield them and refuse to let them draw too – this is against the rules! Perhaps we might as well cancel the Flower Pinning Conference!"
Zhe Lei couldn't contain his anger. This man had repeatedly provoked and insulted them. If it weren't for the fact that he was one of the four great Elders of the Xuanyuan Sect, Zhe Lei would have turned his back on him long ago. The previous Sect Leader and the Sect Leader of the Xuanyuan Sect, Master Zhu Shi, had verbally agreed to unite the two sects as one family, but decades weren't enough to erase centuries of disputes!
He said sternly, "May I ask what guidance Master Song has to offer?"
Master Song stroked his sparse goatee, a sly smile on his fair, full face, "Guidance I dare not claim to offer. But the rule of the Flower Pinning Conference has always been that all who are present have the right to draw. If someone cannot attend, it's acceptable for another to draw in their place. I want to ask Sect Leader Chu, don't you plan to let those two Shaoyang Sect disciples draw as well? Are you going to treat them like dummies, depriving them of their right to participate?"
Zhe Lei suppressed his anger and said in a deep voice, "Those two young disciples are still underage, one is fourteen, and the other is only eleven. They are not even proficient in Object Control Flight, so how do they qualify to draw? Even if they were to pick a slip, for them, the task of flower picking would be tantamount to suicide!"
Master Song shook his head, "Not at all! We understand the protective heart of Sect Leader Chu towards his disciples. That girl must be your darling daughter, right? Rumors say that Sect Leader Chu's daughters, despite their young age, possess great power, deeply cherished by the Shaoyang Sect as blue is extracted from the indigo but becomes even bluer. Young children need to be tempered to grow. Why protect her so unnecessarily? Besides, where does this leave the tradition of drawing lots?"
Zhe Lei had been swallowing his anger repeatedly, but after hearing Master Song's sarcastic words, he could no longer hold back and said in a stern voice, "Are you suggesting I am guilty of favoritism and shielding? Today I will..." He hadn't finished speaking when he was pulled back by He Danping who gently said, "Big brother, don't lose your temper. Don't let the world's heroes laugh at Shaoyang Peak!"
Zhe Lei's forehead veins throbbed with anger. Taking a deep breath and about to speak, a childish voice piped up from beside him, "I'll write it! I want to participate in the drawing!"
Everyone turned to look, only to see Linglong. Her small face was somewhat pale, but her eyes were filled with eager excitement, seemingly treating the task of flower picking as an exhilarating mission. Seeing her parents did not respond, she urgently said, "I want to draw! Father! Mother! Isn't that the rule? Everyone present can participate! Why can't I join?"
"Nonsense!" Zhe Lei felt a headache coming on and wished he could throw down the two troublemaking youngsters from Shaoyang Peak and let them fend for themselves. He Danping sighed, "Linglong, the task of flower picking is no game. Facing a great demon that has lived for over a thousand years, even your father struggles with great difficulty, let alone you. Stop being willful, go down the mountain!"
Linglong was stubborn and refused to listen, not understanding her parents' concerns. She rushed to the basket, saying, "No! I'm going to participate! Mother, I am also eligible, aren't I? Didn't you just give me the 'broken gold' a few days ago? Were you just deceiving me? I don't want to be protected by father for the rest of my life!"
Master Song applauded and laughed, "Well said! Indeed, the daughter of a tiger does not become a dog! Miss Chu, you truly command respect!"
Seeing the situation, He Danping knew that the conference could not proceed if they didn't allow Linglong and the others to draw. She was truly reluctant to let her daughter and beloved disciple face danger, but had no choice but to look at her husband helplessly for help. Zhe Lei pondered for a while, seeing Linglong's expression of excitement, her face red with eagerness, completely disregarding danger. He sighed inwardly and suddenly came up with a plan.
He turned and called Zhong Minyan, saying, "Since you are to participate in the drawing, write your names as well. Go on, write them, Min Yan." After speaking, he patted him twice on the shoulder.
Zhong Minyan carefully deciphered his intention, vaguely grasping what it meant. Yet he himself couldn't fully understand and didn't dare to confirm his guess, so he hesitated and shuffled over, picking up the brush. He then looked up at Zhe Lei again. With a slight nod from Zhe Lei, Zhong Minyan finally understood. His confusion deepened, but he didn't dare to ask further and simply bent down to write two names, then tossed them into the basket.
With this, Master Song had nothing more to say, and Linglong was even more enthusiastic. She had stumbled into such a grand opportunity, perhaps it might even give her the chance to encounter the legendary great demon down the mountain.
```
He Danping nervously reached into the bamboo basket, not daring to touch the layer of thin bamboo slats on top, fearing that she might accidentally draw Linglong's lot. Finally, she managed to pull one out and flipped it over: "Floating Jade Island Master Dongfang Qingqi."
A burly man with long hair over his shoulders, thick eyebrows, and a blade-like nose stood up from a corner. He was tall, with a dashing martial bearing. He laughed heartily as he straightened his sleeves, stepped forward, and bowed with a salute, saying loudly, "I've got the jump on everyone! My thanks for your indulgence!" His voice was deep and rich, unmistakably that of the man who had just reprimanded Master Song.
The crowd returned his greetings, and Master Song said with a smile, "Congratulations, Brother Dongfang, for being the first to draw."
Dongfang Qingqi smiled back, "Indeed, thanks to Master Song's blessing. I only hope that more from Floating Jade Island will follow! We'll take on all the flower-picking tasks."
As he spoke, the second lot had already been drawn out. He Danping read it: "Shaoyang Sect's Yuyang Hall Master Chu Yinghong."
As her words fell, a slender figure walked to the center of the hall and bowed in all directions, her voice crisp, "I'm grateful! Pardon my impertinence!" The congratulations became even louder. Chu Yinghong had been a well-known beauty in her youth, and now, approaching forty, she still retained her charm, with fair skin and stunning looks. The years of experience made her every move brisk and efficient, truly a woman not inferior to any man.
She walked straight to the row of five grand master chairs in the center of the hall and, with a smile and a salutation to Dongfang Qingqi, who was seated in the first chair, said, "I will be relying greatly on Hero Dongfang's guidance this time."
Dongfang Qingqi returned the gesture hurriedly, "Heroine Chu is too kind! I am embarrassed. This time, to exterminate the demon, it is indeed necessary for everyone to work together wholeheartedly."
While they were exchanging pleasantries, He Danping had already drawn the third bamboo slat, but upon flipping it over, her face dramatically changed. After a long moment, she finally murmured, "Shaoyang Sect disciple... Zhong Minyan." When finished, she looked helplessly toward Zhe Lei, uncertain of what to do.
The crowd was in an uproar, no one expecting that the young disciple would actually be chosen. In an instant, dozens of gazes fixed onto Zhong Minyan. Fortunately, despite being pale, he still maintained his composure; when he heard his own name, he walked up to the row of chairs without hesitation and, bowing with his hands clasped in front, said, "This disciple is unworthy, please forgive me, esteemed seniors!" Seeing him so composed, many in the audience couldn't help but silently admire him, thinking that he was sure to achieve greatness in the future.
Zhe Lei had thought the chance of drawing one of their own was slim, yet fate played tricks; the very thing you hope won't happen often occurs the quickest. Fortunately, this normally frivolous little apprentice now revealed a calm and steady demeanor, saving face for everyone. A feeling of cherishing this young talent arose in his heart, and just as he was about to step forward and give him some encouragement, He Danping read the fourth bamboo slat: "Shaoyang Sect Leader Zhe Lei."
Hearing his own name, he felt his heart drop by half as he made his way toward the grand master chairs. Chu Yinghong was just soothingly talking to Zhong Minyan, patting his head, and when she saw Zhe Lei approaching, she smiled and said, "With the Sect Leader here, I am at ease. Otherwise, I would worry about keeping the boy safe."
Zhong Minyan knelt down before Zhe Lei in a haste, not daring to speak. Zhe Lei said indifferently, "Stand up. You don't need to be scared, nor do you need to take action. Just follow behind me. This will also serve as an eye-opener for you, but when we return, you'll be confined to Mingxia Cave for a month as punishment."
Zhong Minyan, touched, tearfully acknowledged and stood up, then was pulled away by a smiling Chu Yinghong to talk with Dongfang Qingqi.
Meanwhile, the crowd exchanged encouraging words, some even joking that this flower-picking task was entirely bagged by the Shaoyang Sect. Master Song, his expression sour, simply shut his mouth and said nothing more.
He Danping let out a sigh of relief, knowing that with her husband's presence, he would certainly be able to protect Zhong Minyan wholeheartedly. He was always someone who appeared cold but cared deeply inside. However, who the final bamboo slat would select, she did not know. With a delicate twirl of her fingers, she lifted another slat from the basket, and upon seeing it, her face turned deathly pale.
She stared at the bamboo slat in disbelief, as if her gaze could penetrate it completely.
The crowd finally noticed her distress, and Chu Yinghong asked softly, "Sister Ping? What's wrong?" She, too, had a bad feeling. Could it be that they were so unlucky to also draw Linglong's lot?
After a long while, He Danping lifted her head, eyes brimming with tears, her slender shoulders trembling slightly, appearing as though she might faint at any moment. She flipped the bamboo slat over and read in a broken voice, "Shaoyang… Shaoyang Sect disciple... Chu… Xuanji."
The crowd erupted in astonishment.