Chapter 82: The Show Begins
At the Hua’an Teahouse, located near the Rising Phoenix Inn and the sparring arena, a group of distinguished individuals had gathered.
Master Huang sat in an elegant pavilion, his gaze fixed on the platform below, sipping his tea. Beside him sat Gongsun Ping, the acting patriarch of the Gongsun family.
To be precise, he was a puppet patriarch, installed by Gongsun Xiong.
And near Gongsun Ping sat Bai Ruoxi’s father, the patriarch of the Bai family, his demeanor rough and unrefined.
In addition to them, there were patriarchs and elders from nearly ten other families in Tianxuan City.
It was the entrance exams for the Two Polarities Sect, a significant event that occurred only once every few years. And this year, their children were participating. They were naturally invested in the outcome.
“That Mu nephew is quite interesting. Everyone else has either black destiny or ordinary destiny, but he… he has pink,” Master Huang chuckled, taking a sip of tea.
“I’ve traveled extensively and encountered many individuals with great destiny, but I’ve never seen pink before,” the Ye family’s Third Elder said, stroking his beard, his eyes filled with puzzlement.
Bai Ruoxi’s father remained silent, staring at the pink light emanating from the monument, his brow furrowed with suspicion.
Why do I sense my daughter’s spiritual energy?
It was Mu Zhi’an who was being tested, yet he could sense Bai Ruoxi’s spiritual energy… Something wasn’t right.
Even if they were cultivating together, her spiritual energy shouldn’t be lingering within him.
“It seems the talk of the day will be dominated by that Mu family young master,” an elder chuckled, shaking his head.
They had thought Ye Yu and Ye Lingxuan’s results were shocking, but Mu Zhi’an’s… it was unprecedented.
“Not necessarily,” Master Huang said, a knowing smile on his lips.
“Have you forgotten about the Mu family’s Miss Wei, and the Bai family’s talented young mistress?”
They were both Core Formation cultivators.
Wei Mengrou was usually so unassuming that people often forgot about her, but Master Huang remembered her well.
Firstly, she was always by Mu Zhi’an’s side. And secondly, to reach Core Formation at her age, she was a true prodigy.
And even if they disregarded Bai Ruoxi and Wei Mengrou, there was another explosive situation brewing.
Bai Ruoxi possessed demonic aura. All four major powers in Tianxuan City were aware of it.
If anyone wanted to cause trouble, this was the perfect opportunity.
This talent assessment was merely an appetizer before the main course.
…
Mu Zhi’an stared at the pink light, lost in thought.
This is awkward… Why is there pink destiny?
He looked at Lan Mulian, hoping for an explanation.
But her gaze was cold and sharp, fixed on him with an intensity that made him shiver.
Her expression was not good “What’s going on, Senior Sister?” he asked, his voice a bit strained.
“I’m not sure. It seems your destiny is different. I’ll have to consult with my master when I return to the sect,” she replied calmly.
Even the examiner doesn’t know?!
The crowd gasped, staring at Mu Zhi’an with a mixture of curiosity and something else.
One of humanity’s flaws was finding comfort in the misfortune of others.
They had been secretly amused by the monument’s lack of reaction, but now this unprecedented pink light, it filled them with a strange sense of unease.
“Senior Sister, how will you rank Mu Zhi’an?” a young man called out from the crowd.
They all looked towards the speaker. It was the Sun family’s Third Young Master, one of the chosen candidates, his talent undeniable.
This assessment was a preliminary test. Based on their performance, Lan Mulian would rank them, from first to last.
Mu Zhi’an’s pink destiny, it was difficult to categorize.
“I have my own criteria,” Lan Mulian replied calmly, glancing at him.
Ye Yu spoke up. “Young Master Mu’s cultivation is only at the fourth level of Foundation Establishment, and his destiny it’s unheard of. I’m curious about your decision, Senior Sister. If you place him above us, it would be unfair.”
Mu Zhi’an scoffed. “Why don’t you take over as the examiner then?”
Ye Yu smiled faintly. “I’m not qualified.”
“Then shut up,” Mu Zhi’an retorted.
Lan Mulian chuckled, but quickly suppressed her amusement, maintaining her aloof demeanor. “I have my own judgment. If anyone finds it unfair, they can report it to the sect master after joining the sect.”
“However…” she continued, a playful smile on her lips, “the decision… it’s still mine to make.”
Her words were a subtle rebuke: Are you questioning my authority?
Ye Yu’s expression darkened, but he couldn’t find a way to retort, and he wouldn’t dare challenge her directly. He suppressed his anger.
But it was alright.
Let Mu Zhi’an enjoy his moment. The real show was about to begin.
Senior Sister is so cool… Mu Zhi’an thought, clapping inwardly. He bowed. “I’m done with the test, Senior Sister. May I leave?”
She nodded, then, after he descended the platform, her gaze landed on Wei Mengrou, who was standing in the shadows.
“Miss Wei, it’s your turn.”
The crowd looked towards Wei Mengrou, finally remembering that Mu Zhi’an’s personal servant was also a candidate.
She walked towards the platform, her long hair obscuring her face, her figure tall and slender.
Even with her simple attire, her graceful movements, her aura… it was clear she was a beauty.
She placed her hand on the monument.
“Fifth level of Core Formation,” Lan Mulian announced.
The crowd fell silent, their eyes widening with surprise.
Even Lan Mulian was surprised, studying Wei Mengrou with renewed interest.
She knew Wei Mengrou was at Core Formation, but she hadn’t sparred with her, so she hadn’t known her true strength.
And judging by her age, she was only two or three years older than Mu Zhi’an. Fifth level of Core Formation, in some families, she would be treated as a honored guest. It was strange that someone with such talent would choose to be a servant.
As Wei Mengrou channeled her spiritual energy into the monument, a blinding black light erupted, engulfing the platform.
“Terrible luck?!”
The crowd stumbled backwards, their expressions filled with fear and awe.
“What a shame… To reach Core Formation at such a young age, her future should be bright, but her destiny…” someone murmured, their voice filled with regret.
“Just being near her will bring bad luck, right? What were the Mu family thinking, allowing her to protect their young master?”
Being close to someone with good luck could improve one’s own destiny.
Similarly, being near someone with terrible luck could negatively influence one’s fate.
“Perhaps the Mu family has a way to suppress her bad luck. Otherwise, they wouldn’t allow her to be near Mu Zhi’an.”
“But even so, it’s a huge risk. Even though she’s beautiful and powerful.”
Wei Mengrou listened to their whispers, her expression unchanged, then glanced at Mu Zhi’an.
He noticed her gaze and smiled, waving to her.
She scoffed, looking away, then descended the platform, heading towards the shadows.
But he caught her wrist, stopping her.
She turned to face him, her voice calm. “What is it?”
“You’ve been standing for a while. Sit down and rest,” he said, smiling.
“There’s no need. Being near you might affect your destiny,” she replied.
“We’ve been together for so long, and nothing bad has happened. It’ll be fine,” he said, shaking his head.
She remained silent, and he retrieved a handkerchief, wiping a nearby chair. “Come on, Mengrou. Don’t be shy.”
She hesitated, then nodded, taking a seat beside him.
The whispers ceased.
His actions were a clear statement: he was on her side.
Continuing to gossip about her would only offend him.
His simple words and actions silenced the crowd. They turned their attention to the remaining candidates, comparing them to the others, their thoughts racing.
“The Bai family’s young mistress has arrived!”
A brilliant light, like a falling star, appeared in the distance, approaching rapidly.
Bai Ruoxi landed gracefully on the platform, her white embroidered shoes touching the ground, a ripple of spiritual energy emanating from her.
She wore a white off-shoulder dress, her long hair cascading down her back, her lips a delicate pink.
She was a captivating blend of innocence and allure, her beauty accentuated by her cold, elegant aura.
“Greetings, Senior Sister,” she said, smiling politely.
Lan Mulian looked at her, a faint smile on her lips. “You’re just in time. You’re the last one.”
Once Bai Ruoxi was tested, she could finalize the rankings.
Her arrival ignited the crowd’s excitement.
Beautiful women were always a topic of conversation.
Especially a beauty like Bai Ruoxi, who possessed both strength and grace.
One of the popular pastimes in Tianxuan City was ranking the most beautiful women.
And Bai Ruoxi had always held the undisputed top spot.
The only one who could rival her in beauty was Huang Manting, but Huang Manting’s figure… it was no match for Bai Ruoxi’s.
“Sister Ruoxi is probably the best of her generation, right?” Ye Qian murmured, staring at Bai Ruoxi, who was the center of attention.
Ye Lingxuan bit her lip. “Probably.”
If Bai Ruoxi’s destiny test revealed a red or gold light, her position as the best of her generation would be solidified.
“Beautiful and powerful… it’s no wonder your Brother Mu is so smitten with her,” Huang Manting said, glancing at the Ye sisters, her tone a subtle provocation.
Ye Qian frowned, her voice a soft protest. “Sister Lingxuan is still young. If she was the same age as Sister Ruoxi, she would be just as strong.”
Mu Zhi’an chuckled. “If you cultivate diligently, Qian’er, I’m sure you’ll catch up to her one day.”
Ye Qian shook her head. “I could never compare to Sister Bai.”
But her expression had softened, a hint of happiness in her eyes.
Huang Manting, observing Ye Qian’s subtle joy, clicked her tongue in annoyance.
That Mu Zhi’an… he truly understands how to manipulate women. And he had pretended to be a naive, innocent boy, fooling her.
She remembered their first encounter at the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce, and her anger simmered.
Lan Mulian’s voice, cold and clear, echoed through the air.
“First level of Core Formation.”
A brilliant golden light descended from the sky!
It was even brighter than Ye Lingxuan’s and Ye Yu’s, a faint rainbow hue within it.
Lan Mulian stared at Bai Ruoxi, her eyes closed, her hand on the monument, the golden light bathing her in its radiance, and sighed inwardly.
It seemed the title of “best of her generation” truly belonged to Bai Ruoxi.
The crowd nodded, their expressions unsurprised.
Her victory over Gongsun Cheng, her rapid breakthrough to Core Formation… it was expected.
Powerful and beautiful, many in the crowd gazed at her with undisguised admiration.
It’s a shame she’s involved with that Mu family young master. They sighed inwardly, their hopes dashed.
Bai Ruoxi opened her eyes, her gaze meeting Mu Zhi’an’s. She smiled, her beauty breathtaking.
Ye Yu, witnessing that smile, remembered how she had always rejected him, her responses cold and distant, and his jealousy surged, his anger burning. He stood up abruptly.
Bai Ruoxi bowed to Lan Mulian, then turned to leave.
“Wait!”
A voice rang out, interrupting her, and the crowd turned to look at the speaker.
It was Ye Yu.
Mu Zhi’an also looked at him, surprised.
“Is there something you need, Ye Yu?” Lan Mulian asked.
“Have you finalized the rankings, Senior Sister?” he asked.
She nodded silently.
The other candidates’ positions might require further consideration, but the first place was already decided.
“What if I told you… there’s a demonic cultivator among the candidates?” Ye Yu asked suddenly.
The elders and patriarchs watching from the pavilion exchanged knowing glances, smiles spreading across their lips.
Mu Zhi’an narrowed his eyes, chuckling inwardly.
So someone couldn’t resist…