Gathering in Tianhai City

Three days later.

The cross-sea bridge of Tianhai City lit up with star-like lights in the twilight.

Su Muwan lay sprawled across the back seat of a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Tap-tap-tap.

Her fingers danced across her phone as she scrolled through the comments on the martial arts forum:

["Tianhai City really hit the jackpot this time. How did a backwater like this even get chosen to host such a prestigious competition?"]

["Hey, hey, hey, what do you mean 'backwater'? Jiang City, where Miss Su comes from, is also a 'backwater,' okay? As the saying goes, great talents emerge from humble places—Miss Su is living proof."]

"Hehehe..."

Su Muwan grinned smugly at the comment.

["Exactly! And I heard Qin Luo and Miss Su are attending as competition advisors. This is gonna be good..."]

["Wait, really? Speaking of Qin Luo, don’t you think he and Miss Su have major chemistry?"]

Yes, yes, yes!

Su Muwan’s eyes sparkled as she immediately liked the comment.

["What chemistry? Just because Su Muwan’s reputation has improved lately, you’ve all forgotten what she used to be like."]

["Hmph, exactly. It’s obvious Qin Luo is being forced to stay by her side."]

Su Muwan: ?

Tsk...

Her reputation had indeed improved recently.

So...

She’d hold back!

Just then.

"Young Mistress, we’ve arrived."

Qin Luo, who had been watching her antics, couldn’t help but chuckle and shake his head.

Su Muwan put away her phone and looked ahead.

Her eyes instantly lit up.

Through the car window, she saw a dazzling golden building.

The hotel’s exterior was embedded with countless luminous seashells, making the entire structure shimmer faintly.

Two rows of impeccably dressed attendants stood at the entrance, bowing respectfully to every distinguished guest.

But most importantly...

At the top of the hotel was a massive shark statue, its jaws wide open.

Click.

Qin Luo parked the car and stepped out to open the door for Su Muwan.

She gracefully emerged, her ice-blue gown fluttering lightly in the night breeze, as if a celestial maiden had descended to earth.

Linking her arm with Qin Luo’s, she smiled faintly. "Let’s go, Qin Luo."

Qin Luo blinked.

Ah.

The "public persona" version of Su Muwan had made her appearance.

......

......

Inside the grand hall, representatives from various sects had already gathered.

A massive crystal chandelier illuminated the space, casting light over the ornate carpets embroidered with sect insignias. The walls were adorned with spiritual artifacts, each emitting a faint glow.

Xiao Fei of the Profound Demon Sect stood at the center of the hall, clad in black robes, with a massive dark coffin strapped to his back. A chilling aura emanated from it.

He looked around nervously, as if searching for someone.

Where did Senior Sister Mo Li go...? She said she’d wait for me here...

How... how could she just disappear...?

Whispers spread among the surrounding disciples:

"Is that Xiao Fei?"

"I heard he’s a genius of the Profound Demon Sect—already reached the Domain Realm at such a young age!"

"Exactly! Rumor has it he’s even mastered forbidden demonic techniques. His strength is unfathomable!"

"Some even say he practices both orthodox and demonic cultivation..."

"? That’s impossible. Orthodox and demonic techniques are incompatible. No one can cultivate both."

"Who knows? That’s what people online are saying."

"Must be a baseless rumor."

Nearby, Abbot Kuchan of Buddha Temple stood solemnly with several elders, his golden-trimmed robes exuding authority.

Onlookers murmured, "The monks of Buddha Temple truly have an imposing presence. Their Divine Buddha Palm technique is said to be so refined that even True Spirit Realm experts fear it!"

"Of course! Buddha Temple is one of the leading orthodox sects. They’re definitely here to make a statement in this competition!"

Meanwhile, the elders of the Clear Void Sect huddled around a round table, deep in discussion. Their pristine robes, embroidered with the sect’s emblem, gave them an air of transcendent elegance.

Young disciples gazed at them in awe. "The Clear Void Sect elders look so ethereal. Their Daoist arts are said to be profound and mysterious... though, I heard their former leader, Master Zhang, has been missing for months..."

The comment, neither too loud nor too soft, reached the elders’ ears.

Their eyelids twitched.

Indeed, their leader had vanished months ago. Their participation in this event was partly to search for clues.

Amidst the gathering of elite cultivators, the hall buzzed with excitement.

Yet, despite the presence of so many prodigies...

All eyes were inevitably drawn to one corner.

There, Su Bailian sat demurely on an exquisite chair, sipping a cup of tea with a gentle, serene expression.

Her snow-white gown, embroidered with delicate floral patterns, accentuated her pure and innocent aura.

Her spirit beast, Poqi, rested on her lap, its fluffy tail swaying gently, drawing the attention of nearby young masters and mistresses.

"Junior Sister Su Bailian, your spirit pet is absolutely adorable!"

A Holy Son from the Tai Xuan Demon Sect said with a smile, his eyes brimming with admiration.

"Indeed, Junior Sister Su Bailian is not only beautiful herself, but even her spirit pet is so full of vitality!"

A Holy Maiden from the Qing Xu Sect chimed in, her tone laced with envy.

Su Bailian gave a faint smile, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush as she replied timidly, "Boqi is very well-behaved and obedient, though he can be a little mischievous at times."

Her voice was gentle and melodious, like a spring breeze, melting the hearts of the Holy Sons and Maidens around her.

"Junior Sister Su Bailian is too modest! Boqi has the potential of a divine pet—he’ll surely be a great asset in the upcoming competition!"

Hearing this, Su Bailian lowered her head, lightly stroking Boqi’s fur, a trace of shyness flickering in her eyes. "Thank you, everyone... Lian-Lian will do her best in the competition..."

Her tone carried a fragile, pitiable charm, like a delicate little rabbit, making it impossible not to feel protective of her.

The surrounding Holy Sons and Maidens all softened with affection, showering her with praises for her gentleness and kindness, as if she were the purest existence in the world.

Yet, amidst this lively atmosphere—

A pair of icy eyes glared at Su Bailian from a shadowed corner.

Chu Yu leaned against the wall, arms crossed, her gaze filled with venom and disdain.

Watching Su Bailian’s pitiable act, she sneered inwardly, "Little bitch, putting on an act again!"

Her fingers dug unconsciously into her palms, her anger rising with every thought.

"Playing innocent while scheming behind everyone’s back! How dare she claim to be the reincarnation of Mu Xueyi—what a joke!"

As she cursed inwardly, her eyes swept over the Holy Sons and Maidens fawning over Su Bailian, fueling her resentment.

"A bunch of fools, all fooled by this green-tea bitch! Just wait till I expose you—let’s see how long you can keep up the act!"

Memories of Su Bailian’s schemes against her flashed through her mind, and her fury threatened to erupt.

But she took a deep breath, forcing her emotions down, and let out a cold scoff.

"No matter. In this competition, I’ll make sure everyone realizes—compared to me, Chu Yu, you, Su Bailian... are nothing!"

And by the time they all understand—

It’ll be too late!

Just as the thought crossed her mind—

BOOM!

The doors burst open.

A wave of bone-chilling cold swept through the hall.