The words of Mo Lanyi carried an innocent charm, her demeanor endearing yet unrefined—perfectly embodying the youthful impetuosity of her age. Though her remarks bordered on rudeness, her intentions were good-hearted; offering to heal Ji Wushuang voluntarily revealed a kind disposition. Thus, despite the abruptness of her approach, the other peak masters found it tolerable, dismissing it as mere lack of decorum.
However, Headmaster Lian—overprotective and guilty—was of a different mind. He was already consumed with anxiety over concealing his youngest disciple's stolen spiritual bone, fearing the judgment and scorn that would follow if the truth were uncovered. His thoughts revolved around ways to shield her secret. A mere spiritual bone? No matter! I'll scour heaven and earth for treasures to craft her a new one! And now, this girl dared to expose his apprentice's weakness in public? Unforgivable!
Similarly displeased was Xiao Chen. Ji Wushuang, capable of dismantling his verbal incantations with a single utterance, was a prodigy of unmatched caliber. Whatever flaws her spiritual roots might have, it was certainly not the business of a mere "walking medicine jar" to critique. Xiao Chen, proud and haughty by nature, regarded rare light-element roots as trivial—just another utility. To him, strength and dominance were paramount; the strong had no need for medicine jars.
With a faint smile and a lift of his eyes trailing a crimson brilliance, he exuded an air of unearthly allure as he remarked, "A seven-part spiritual root like yours meddling in the affairs of a peerless prodigy? I suggest you refrain."
The subtext was clear: A mediocre disciple like you has no business meddling in the affairs of geniuses.
Stung by his words, Mo Lanyi's eyes reddened as she stared at the flamboyantly handsome man clad in crimson. In her mind, this wasn't how things were supposed to go. According to her "premonition," he should be among those vying for her favor. Yet here he was, ridiculing her. Infuriating! And it was all that little beggar's fault!
Mo Lanyi, though pampered and sheltered since childhood, had never faced true adversity. Adored by her family, shielded by an ancient ghost immortal, and blessed with treasures, secret arts, and even altered spiritual roots, her path had been one of smooth sailing. Even before arriving here, she had been filled with optimism.
"I—I only wanted to help…to lend a hand to my fellow disciples…" she stammered.
"Help?" Xiao Chen arched an eyebrow, chuckling coldly. "Since when does the mighty Yunlan Sect rely on the assistance of a mere junior? If trouble arises, there's the headmaster and your master. If they can't handle it, what makes you think you can? Your well-meaning words might be seen as helpful by some, but to others, they're just gratingly presumptuous."
"I… I didn't mean…"
"Mean it or not, you know your motives best. But don't think everyone else is a fool. Keep your petty schemes to yourself."
Unlike the indulgent Headmaster Lian, Xiao Chen was unforgiving. He could see through Mo Lanyi's transparent intentions. From the moment she arrived, her target had been Headmaster Lian. Upon realizing he already had an apprentice, she immediately turned her sights on Ji Wushuang. Scheming? This little girl's tricks are laughable.
Peak Master Yue Qing discreetly signaled to Mo Lanyi to hold her tongue. Knowing Xiao Chen's sharp tongue and relentless nature, she sought to avoid further escalation. Yet Yue Qing doubted Xiao Chen's accusations of scheming. She's just a sheltered girl, her aura pure and clean—not as terrible as Xiao Chen claims.
Ji Wushuang, meanwhile, was startled. She hadn't expected Xiao Chen to defend her so fiercely. As their gazes met, Xiao Chen winked mischievously. "Ji Wushuang, are you perhaps mesmerized by my gallant charm? Haha! You're welcome to become my disciple anytime."
Ji Wushuang: "..."
Mo Lanyi flushed with indignation, inwardly crying out to the ghost immortal. Grandfather Immortal, do you have any way to deal with this scoundrel?
The ghost immortal, while unimpressed by her frequent use of crude terms like "scoundrel," tolerated her outbursts due to her unique lineage as a child of destiny. He sighed, his voice ethereal. Why so impatient? She's a worthless cripple, unable to cultivate. When the sect leaders are no longer around, dealing with her will be as easy as crushing an ant. Your youth and arrogance blind you—learn patience. This is your first lesson.
Understood, Master.
Fortunately, the arrival of the third and fourth disciples atop the summit diverted attention. The newcomers, both young men, exuded striking auras. One, with sharp features and a cold yet determined gaze, radiated the poise of a sword cultivator despite his modest attire. The other, clad in elegant robes, carried himself with grace, his gentle smile and refined mannerisms befitting his illustrious lineage.
"Disciple Lu Xingzhou greets the headmasters."
"Disciple Lian Yuan greets the headmasters."
Seated beside Headmaster Lian, Ji Wushuang observed the two closely. Both bore faint golden hues of providence in their auras—a testament to their remarkable luck and virtuous nature. These were individuals destined for greatness, noble in both character and fortune. She couldn't help but wonder: was Lian Yuan related to Headmaster Lian?
As if reading her thoughts, the ghost immortal's voice suddenly echoed in Mo Lanyi's mind. Wait! These two are exceptional—outstanding talents with great providence. You must seize their fortunes for yourself.
Now? she asked, startled.
Yes, now. Both are at the peak of the Qi Refining stage. Once they ascend to Foundation Establishment, the secret art will no longer work.
Understood, Master!
The two, possessing nine-part variant ice and lightning roots respectively, were indeed paragons of their generation. Both had been accepted as direct disciples by reclusive elders, their status surpassing even that of peak masters' disciples. Though composed, their youthful excitement was evident as they exchanged polite words with their peers.
"Congratulations, Senior Brother Lu, Senior Brother Lian," a soft, sweet voice chimed like spring blossoms. The two turned to see a lovely young girl, her serene composure and evident talent marking her as someone extraordinary.
"Sister, we share in the joy," they replied warmly.
"Senior Brothers, I am Mo Lanyi, disciple of the Purple Forest Peak Master. As fellow disciples, it's fate that brings us together. Here, I offer these talismans from my homeland as tokens of goodwill."
Mo Lanyi's earnest gaze and delicate beauty made refusal impossible. Grateful, the two accepted her gifts with thanks.
Ji Wushuang, observing the talismans, found them unremarkable. Yet, as her gaze returned to the two men, a chill ran down her spine—the golden light of providence surrounding them had dimmed.