Chapter - 13
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After finishing breakfast, Xiao Jiuci instructed Qiao Han to tidy up and prepare to change rooms.
Qiao Han was taken aback upon hearing this. He hadn’t expected last night’s suggestion to be real. Their male lead was simply too kind, like a brother who indulged every little whim.
If he opposed now, it would definitely raise suspicion. Qiao Han could only express his gratitude before turning around to pack up.
On the side, Lu Zhui watched, incredulous, before bursting into laughter. “Are you sure he really wants to change rooms and isn’t just looking to share a room with you? I almost feel sorry for you, little brother Qiao Han.”
Xiao Jiuci understood his implication but couldn’t be bothered to argue. Instead, he said, “Have you finished watching the excitement? Can you leave now?”
With that, Xiao Jiuci returned to his own room to tidy up.
Lu Zhui immediately put on a look of feigned sorrow and followed. “So you have a new love and are forgetting your old one? Is that why you’re rushing me off?”
As he organized his things, Xiao Jiuci replied, “You didn’t come just to watch the spectacle, did you?”
Lu Zhui chuckled before saying, “Of course not! I’m not that frivolous. You’ve heard the news, right? Next month, we’re jointly holding the recruitment conference for inner sect disciples between our two sects…”
By the time Qiao Han finished tidying up, Xiao Jiuci was already waiting.
Returning to the male lead’s room, which was now completely empty, normally, even facing a bare room, Qiao Han would be excited just knowing Xiao Jiuci had once lived there.
However, facing his luggage that he had brought but now had to unpack, who would have thought he’d be tidying up three times in just twelve hours?
Qiao Han felt completely overwhelmed.
This must be the karmic retribution for lying!
Once Qiao Han emerged, he resembled a wilting spirit plant, devoid of vitality.
To Lu Zhui, who was watching the scene unfold, Qiao Han looked like he was ‘failing to send a signal and feeling downcast.’
Lu Zhui reached out, poked Xiao Jiuci, and gave him a look that seemed to say: Jiuci, you really are an unromantic man.
Ignoring Lu Zhui, Xiao Jiuci saw Qiao Han come out and said, “Are you ready for me to take you to register now?
Lu Zhui immediately turned to Xiao Jiuci, astonished. “Are you serious?”
Qiao Han nodded. “Then, after I register, could you please take me to Puxian Peak? I wish to cultivate there.”
Lu Zhui thought: Was he not joking? They were genuinely registering?
Xiao Jiuci found Qiao Han's comment amusing. “I won’t just drop you off; I’ll ensure you arrive safely.”
With that, he summoned his sword and stepped onto it. Remembering what had transpired the previous day, he hesitated, contemplating whether to turn back and invite someone along. Just then, he noticed Qiao Han cautiously approaching the sword, gently tapping it to test whether he could pass through.
The icy blade shimmered with deep blue patterns, yet showed no other unusual reactions.
Once Qiao Han confirmed it was safe, he carefully jumped onto the sword, exhaling a sigh of relief only after stabilizing himself.
Seeing that Qiao Han could mount it without issue, Xiao Jiuci redirected his focus and led Qiao Han as they soared through the air on the sword.
Naturally, Lu Zhui followed, eager to observe the spectacle.
The recruitment process at Qingyun Sect was divided into two categories: inner sect and outer sect. The outer sect recruitment conference occurred annually, allowing ordinary individuals to test their spiritual roots and rank them based on potential, provided they fell within the quota for outer sect disciples.
Conversely, the inner sect recruitment conference took place every three years, aimed at those who had already commenced their cultivation. Coincidentally, the next conference was scheduled for next month.
As a prominent sect, Qingyun Sect was always bustling during this period.
Not only would their own outer sect disciples register to participate in the assessments, but those from prestigious families, independent cultivators, and individuals switching sects could also join; passing the assessment was the primary criterion.
Qiao Han, already at the Qi Refinement stage and possessing dual fire and wood spiritual roots, was poised to participate directly in the inner sect disciple assessment.
This particular event was especially significant, as Qingyun Sect would be co-hosting the low-level secret realm, Qinglian Realm, as the examination venue alongside one of the three major sects, Yuxu Sect, while simultaneously recruiting inner sect disciples.
Although this collaboration appeared to be a routine arrangement, it involved various celestial sect influences, as the close alliance between the two major sects was viewed with apprehension. The composition of the participating candidates was notably diverse.
Both Xiao Jiuci and Lu Zhui had been appointed as invigilators for this assessment.
It was during this period in the Qinglian Realm that the demon race would infiltrate and launch ambushes, taking particular notice of exceptional talents like Xiao Jiuci, leading to subsequent targeting schemes.
Given that Qiao Han was set to participate in the assessment, they hoped to keep the demon race's attention away from Xiao Jiuci.
Shortly, they arrived at the registration point, Xuanyang Pavilion, located at the foot of Qingyun Peak. The outer sect disciples of Qingyun Sect had already been organized for registration, and now the venue was filled with other cultivators from outside, each displaying diverse appearances and attire.
Flying on swords was prohibited within the grounds of Xuanyang Pavilion, necessitating that they land outside and walk in.
As the three of them landed, all eyes quickly turned toward them.
“I’ve seen that person before; he’s the senior brother of Qingyun Sect, Xiao Jiuci.”
“That’s really him! As expected, he possesses an extraordinary demeanor, like a dragon and phoenix among mortals.”
“Finally, I get to see this guy! My old man talks about him every day and scolds me in the process.”
“Isn't that the case? None of my sisters can mention him without turning red.”
“Isn’t that the Young Master of Yuxu Sect over there?”
“What are they doing together?”
“It seems they came to escort someone.”
Feeling the gazes gradually focusing on him, Qiao Han experienced an inexplicable sense of pride, as if he were accompanying a celebrity on stage.
Lu Zhui, meanwhile, was happily exchanging flirtatious glances with the admiring young women around him, behaving quite casually.
In contrast, Xiao Jiuci, the center of attention, remained calm and serene, focused on guiding Qiao Han toward Xuanyang Pavilion.
Suddenly, a flash of spiritual light surged, and a massive wave of spiritual power swept through, causing the nearby plants to sway violently.
Qiao Han witnessed Xiao Jiuci abruptly lift off the ground, brandishing the Ice Soul Sword. With a gentle sweep, the sword remained sheathed, yet a silver-blue light flickered, effortlessly dissipating the oncoming force into nothingness, leaving only a sprinkling of glimmering snowflakes where they intersected.
It seemed that he was always the first to react to any situation. His speed was truly remarkable; before the wave even reached them, everything had already been neutralized.
The onlookers, initially startled and ready to defend themselves, gaped at the scene before them, and soon began to murmur amongst themselves.
At that moment, a Qingyun Sect disciple soared in on a sword, heading over to address the situation.
A figure landed swiftly, approaching Xiao Jiuci and bowing respectfully. “Senior Brother.”
“Guang Shidi, what’s happening?” Xiao Jiuci inquired.
“There have been many visitors lately, leading to frequent conflicts. This hasn’t happened in previous years, and it’s causing us significant trouble. Several friends here to register have been injured and can’t even complete their registration,” Guang Jie explained. He was an inner sect disciple on duty at Xuanyang Pavilion, responsible for security during these days.
Xiao Jiuci frowned slightly.
Lu Zhui exclaimed, “Is the fighting at the Qi Refinement stage really this intense?”
After all, most participants in such recruitment events were usually at the Qi Refinement stage.
Guang Jie sighed in resignation. “Yes, they are at the Qi Refinement stage, but the conflicts are often instigated by those who came with them to register.”
Lu Zhui looked at Xiao Jiuci in astonishment. Earlier, when he had mentioned the joint event between the two sects, Xiao Jiuci had expressed concerns about potential unrest; it seemed he had indeed predicted the situation accurately.
Xiao Jiuci turned to Qiao Han and said, “I can’t accompany you inside. After you finish registering, just wait for me at the entrance.”
Qiao Han immediately understood and said, “You go ahead and take care of your business.”
At that moment, Guang Jie noticed someone in red standing beside Xiao Jiuci; it must be his companion, Qiao Han. He was a bit surprised and took a moment to process what it meant for him to register.
Xiao Jiuci quickly rushed toward the source of the spiritual power disturbance, and Guang Jie promptly followed suit.
Lu Zhui turned to Qiao Han and said, “I won’t keep you company either; I’ll go take a look.” With that, he summoned a gust of wind and seemed to vanish into it, actually moving away at high speed.
Order began to return to the surroundings. Those who needed to register continued onward, while those who had completed their registrations gathered at the front to join the excitement.
Qiao Han lifted his foot and hurried toward the mountain path.
After all, registration could happen at any time, but he couldn’t miss the moment when the male lead commanded the entire scene.
Breathless, Qiao Han reached the site of the incident just in time to see Xiao Jiuci take action.
It was evident that the disciples from Qingyun Sect had already attempted to intervene, but not only had they failed, but they had also been swept away by the residual force from the clash, as the two combatants were both at the Core Formation stage. Several less capable cultivators around them were directly blown away by the shockwaves.
As cultivators, fatalities were unlikely in such instances, but the impact was certainly severe.
Behind them, a group of shouting youths stood their ground, clearly unwilling to back down and eager to continue fighting.
With Xiao Jiuci’s arrival, the situation shifted. Unable to dissuade them with words, he resorted to action.
He spun the Ice Soul Sword with a flick of his wrist, the sword sheath striking the ground. A line of ice rapidly spread out along the mountain path, and the accompanying chill forced the two still engaged in combat to retreat.
The two fighters exchanged a glance and deduced that the newcomer was the reputedly kind-hearted Xiao Jiuci, but they ignored him and resumed their attacks. However, any time one approached the icy line, sharp ice shards would suddenly protrude, acting as a warning, much like a sword drawn from its sheath.
The chilling air from the ice shards held the two combatants in check, and they finally turned their attention to Xiao Jiuci.
“Within the boundaries of Qingyun Sect, private fights and disturbances are prohibited. If you wish to continue, then leave the Qingyun Sect’s barrier to do so. The sect will not intervene,” Xiao Jiuci's voice, infused with spiritual energy, swiftly resonated for ten miles around.
Everyone gathered to register could hear his clear and refreshing voice, like the ringing of a morning bell, awakening their senses—gentle yet authoritative.
Qiao Han clutched a nearby branch, his excitement making the flowers tremble. “So cool!”
In the front, Lu Zhui, who was watching the commotion, seemed to sense something and smiled subtly.
The two factions were still debating when Xiao Jiuci maintained his composure and remarked with a faint smile, “If you are unwilling to cooperate, I can fight you.”
As he spoke, he flicked his fingers, causing the Ice Soul Sword to unsheathe slightly. A wave of icy air surged forth, instantly enveloping the surroundings. The Qi Refining stage cultivators nearby began to tremble involuntarily, feeling the bone-chilling cold. Even those who were slightly better off could sense the piercing chill, while the trees, mountain paths, and stones quickly frosted over.
It was as if a thin veil had been draped over their line of sight.
Though he appeared amiable, his actions were swift and decisive, intimidating everyone present with a casual display of power.
The conflict was effectively frozen in place.
After all, with no Nascent Soul stage cultivators present, who would dare challenge the reputed strongest of their generation, Xiao Jiuci?
It was no wonder he had earned such a reputation!
Under Xiao Jiuci's supervision, order was quickly restored. He also directed his fellow disciples to attend to the injured guests, with Qingyun Sect handling all matters related to treatment.
Once Xiao Jiuci had managed most of the situation, Lu Zhui approached him and said, “I suspect the situation on our side is quite similar. We need to come up with a solution; we can’t waste the efforts of Golden Core stage cultivators on security.”
Xiao Jiuci replied, “When you return, convey this message: starting tomorrow, all registrants must ascend the mountain alone, while their companions must remain outside. Anyone who violates this will be disqualified from registration.”
“That’s a great idea; let’s implement it,” Lu Zhui chuckled. “By the way, Qiao Han just came over to sneak a peek.”
Xiao Jiuci paused, instinctively glancing around.
Lu Zhui continued, “After you finished, he left and said you looked very impressive.”
Xiao Jiuci gave Lu Zhui a speechless look.
Lu Zhui laughed, “I suddenly understand why he wants to register for the inner sect assessment. Even though marrying in makes him part of this place, why bother going through the extra steps?”
Xiao Jiuci felt a spark of curiosity about how outsiders perceived this situation. “What do you mean?”
“It’s obvious, isn’t it? It all comes down to you!” Lu Zhui chuckled, shaking his head. “He’s clearly trying to win you over! Not only does he want to marry you, but he’s also making an effort to prove his feelings through action. By joining your sect, he’s demonstrating his commitment to you. Even if it’s just a formality, he’s working hard to earn the acceptance of your fellow disciples and to integrate into your family. Being both a Dao partner and a junior disciple only strengthens your bond.”
Lu Zhui felt his logic was sound and nodded emphatically. “Wow, that’s so touching! If my Dao partner could do something like that for me in the future, I’d be incredibly happy.”
Xiao Jiuci thought to himself, Lu Zhui and his endless chatter... If it weren’t for the agreement to annul his engagement with Qiao Han, he might have been swayed by these words.
After a lengthy discourse, Lu Zhui noticed Xiao Jiuci’s lack of response and grew puzzled. “Don’t you feel that way? Aren’t you even a little moved?”
Just then, Xiao Jiuci suddenly pressed his hand against his chest.
Lu Zhui grinned. “See? You do care…”
Before he could finish, he noticed Xiao Jiuci’s expression shift. In an instant, he shot off toward Xuan Yang Pavilion like a flash of light.
Lu Zhui was startled. “Wait, is Xiao Jiuci really that fast? He seems even quicker than me!”
At that moment, a menacing golden light erupted from within Xuan Yang Pavilion.
【Ding! The host's life is in danger. Please exchange for a life-saving item.】
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