I Still Like This One More

Seeing the lack of enthusiasm from the crowd, Li Mo cleared his throat at the big-headed doll and announced loudly:

"Ahem, since this is an awards ceremony, naturally there are prizes—such as Mystic Crystals?"

As soon as the words fell, Qian Bufan halted in his tracks. Truly befitting an Inner Realm expert, he executed an emergency stop, spun 180 degrees, and sat back down seamlessly.

"Of course, the prizes aren't limited to just premium scholar's treasures..."

Ouyang reversed into his seat: "This is our first awards ceremony—I simply must lend my support."

"Rare alchemy ingredients, heavenly treasures..."

Xue Jing moved lightning-fast, snatching the nearby tea leaves in one smooth motion.

"Oh, and there’s also plenty of aged wine, some two or three decades old."

Shang Wu straightened up instantly, no longer drowsy:

"Precious disciple, do you need an awards presenter? How about me?"

Her speed was so startling that Xue Jing couldn’t help but frown. "Weren’t you asleep just now?"

"And what about you? Weren’t you going to refine pills?" Shang Wu shot back with a huff.

Xue Jing paused before replying, "...I suddenly recalled that this batch of pills requires perfect timing—both celestial and terrestrial. The auspicious moment hasn’t arrived yet."

Shang Wu then turned to Qian Bufan.

Ever the smooth talker, Qian raised his teapot:

"I noticed the tea was running low, so I thought I’d refill it."

Shen Yunfei: "The table looked dusty, so I wiped it."

Ouyang: "The floor was dirty—I grabbed a broom to sweep."

Everyone had found their own excuse.

"Huh?"

Xu Yi, who had just returned from the restroom, was dumbfounded.

Second Xu felt an overwhelming sense of impending unemployment.

And so, under Li Mo’s earnest and persuasive guidance, the Qingyuan Sect’s inaugural Golden Statue Awards for Best Acting officially commenced!

As the host of the ceremony, Li Mo wore a meticulously composed smile:

"First up—Best Actor!"

His voice dripped with dramatic flair.

Starting with such a heavyweight category?

The audience immediately sat up straighter, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.

"He, through his brilliant performance in the Black Tower, captivated everyone the moment he appeared."

"Ladies and gentlemen, his acting prowess is undeniable. On the scene, he displayed unwavering composure and unshakable confidence, delivering the decisive blow that sealed the entire show!"

"And not only was his presence commanding—he’s also incredibly handsome."

Here, Li Mo paused deliberately.

In theory, this was the perfect moment for a commercial break.

But he wasn’t sure what to advertise.

So he simply flashed a mysterious smile at the crowd.

"Ah, is there even any debate about this?" Qian Bufan shook his head.

Xue Jing nodded in agreement. "Indeed, there’s no need for speculation. The Best Actor is obviously..."

The two locked eyes and spoke in unison:

"Me." x2

The word was the same, but the people were not.

"Hah, Old Xue, you’re so average—why are you so confident?"

"Old Qian, need I remind you? Your physique is as wide as it is tall—practically spherical. How can you say that with a straight face?"

"Do you even know what ‘the pinnacle of slightly chubby’ means? Fight me if you disagree!"

"You think I’m scared?"

Xue Jing and Elder Qian unleashed their auras, the air crackling with tension.

Just as it seemed a brawl was imminent, Li Mo’s announcement floated down from the stage:

"After rigorous voting..."

"The Best Actor is... me."

The two elders, along with the entire audience, turned in unison to see Li Mo pointing at himself.

Huh?

Wait.

Xue Jing: "Xiao Mo, aren’t you the host? How can you award yourself?"

Qian Bufan: "Rigged! How was this vote even conducted?"

But Li Mo had an irrefutable justification—one that left everyone speechless:

"I’m the sole sponsor of this ceremony."

"......"

The two elders sat back down.

Why didn’t you say so earlier?

Thus, Shang Wu personally presented the pure gold statuette—crafted by Li Mo using the Eight Treasures Devouring Gold Pill, infused with metallic essence to make it gleam brilliantly.

The statuette’s likeness bore an uncanny resemblance to the big-headed doll currently serving as a microphone.

"It’s glowing... glowing Little Big Brother Li..."

Princess Little Jiang blinked nervously, clutching her skirt.

But then she remembered—she hadn’t gone to the Misty Tower.

Surely the awards wouldn’t involve her...

She glanced over and noticed Ying Bing was also staring at the tiny figure.

Ying Bing was acting strangely.

She realized, to her own surprise, that she was gradually becoming invested in this awards ceremony.

Her mind even conjured images of him calling her name, of her walking up to accept the prize...

Somehow, she found herself anticipating it more than seeing her name on the Hidden Dragon Ranking.

How absurd...

Soon, the supporting awards were handed out—Best Supporting Role (Elder Qian), Best Cinematography (Ouyang), and a slew of other miscellaneous honors.

"Now, it’s time for the grand finale—as our regular attendees already know."

"That’s right—Best Actress!"

The moment Li Mo announced it, Xu Yi and Senior Brother Xiaobao—who had somehow snuck up to the second floor—raised luminous pearls, using polished lenses to amplify their glow into spotlight beams.

Best Actress...

Only two women had been present that day.

One was their beautiful master, the other was the ice queen.

The spotlights swung between Shang Wu and Ying Bing, the audience holding their breath in suspense.

Li Mo descended the stage and handed the statuette to Shang Wu.

"The Best Actress is... Shang Wu—"

"YES!"

Shang Wu was already celebrating.

Ying Bing’s delicate brows furrowed slightly.

"—and Ying Bing."

Shang Wu’s grin froze mid-cheer.

"I protest! My performance that day was witnessed by all! If I hadn’t taken the lead, would so many assassins have taken the job?"

Shang Wu slammed the table, lodging a formal complaint with the organizers.

Li Mo coughed lightly. "Master, that wasn’t acting."

"Then what was it?"

"It was called ‘being yourself.’"

The crowd nodded in agreement—Shang Wu’s performance had been entirely devoid of pretense.

The beautiful master had no retort. Pouting, she glared at her precious disciple, thoroughly displeased.

Li Mo pacified her with a Best Participation Award (prize: fine wine), and she reluctantly relented.

Li Mo grinned. "Surprised? Shocked?"

"Give it to me."

A glimmer of satisfaction flashed in Ying Bing’s eyes as she extended her slender hand.

"Here."

The statuette felt heavy and cool in her palm.

After a brief pause, she reached out again.

"Hmm?"

Li Mo, who had just sat down, looked puzzled.

"Best Actress only comes with one trophy."

"Not the trophy."

Ying Bing gently picked up the big-headed doll beside him.

It still carried traces of lingering warmth.

"I prefer this one more."