Chapter 178 - Arc 12: Ruyi Xianzhuang | Chapter 178: Envoys
Translator: Lynn
The art of obsession, as it is called, involves practitioners using their appearance, voice, and behavior to beguile others. When taken to its zenith, it enables them to harm others with the slightest expression and even condense these enchantments into obsessive supernatural powers, which can be used for manipulation or self-defense.
The woman had already attempted to employ this supernatural power on Xu Ziqing initially. When she discovered it had no effect, she grew more frustrated and intensified her efforts, making her power even more potent.
This woman held a high status in Ruyi Xianzhuang Villa and had always been accustomed to having her way. Despite recognizing that the stranger before her must be an outsider, she remained confident in her abilities and unleashed her powers with full force.
However, despite Xu Ziqing’s inability to resist, his senior brother was not one to be bullied.
Yun Lie showed no mercy. His sword intent emanated from his eyes, colliding with the supernatural power and shattering it into fragments. The lingering sword intent then struck the woman’s face directly.
This attack was also imperceptible to the naked eye, but it far surpassed the enchanting supernatural power. The woman felt her primordial spirit quiver within her sea of consciousness, experiencing a searing agony of separation.
She developed an excruciating headache, her complexion paled, and her lips tinged with blood, rendering her appearance terrifying.
If she had harbored some reluctance before, her feelings now transformed into anger. She wiped the blood from the corner of her lips resentfully and retorted, “Where did this country bumpkin come from? Daring to defy a humble woman like me in this Ruyi Xianzhuang, he must be seeking death! Hmph!”
Xu Ziqing was taken aback upon hearing her words, and his opinion of this Golden Core Daoist deteriorated further. After years of cultivation, he was no longer the helpless and weak boy he once was. Even in the face of a Golden Core Daoist, he wouldn’t allow others to insult his kind senior brother in such a manner. He couldn’t help but retort, “Guests should be treated with respect, and Daoists should show courtesy. Is this how Ruyi Xianzhuang treats its guests?”
The woman had been fuming at Yun Lie, but when she heard Xu Ziqing speak, she couldn’t contain her laughter. “You’re nothing but a foundation-building ant, daring to prattle on to this Daoist. Who are you to talk about etiquette? Today, I, Su Furong, shall teach you a lesson on behalf of your master for your impertinence. I’ll make you regret being so rude and insolent.”
She then hurled a tiny golden needle, aiming it directly at Xu Ziqing’s heart.
The moment the golden needle was unleashed, it emitted a sharp whistle, accompanied by a potent force rushing toward his face, infused with a pleasant fragrance that threatened to overwhelm him with just a whiff.
Reacting swiftly, Xu Ziqing hastily took a step back. Simultaneously, he furrowed his brow, prompting the Qingyun needle to emerge from his skin, emanating a vibrant green glow as it surged towards the direction from which the golden needle had been launched.
In an instant, a subtle essence of nature, reminiscent of grass and trees, dispersed, pushing back the sweet scent somewhat.
Leveraging the power of the Qingyun Needle, Xu Ziqing held his breath and channeled all the true energy within him. The Qingyun Needle transformed into a cyan lightning bolt, erupting with a relentless roar!
Eventually, the Qingyun needle collided with the golden needle, causing an explosion. The Qingyun needle burst, creating a myriad of airwaves, and propelling the golden needle upright.
This time, a foundational supernatural power confronted a magical artifact, and it was the “mere ant” at the foundation-building stage like Xu Ziqing who forcefully thwarted the woman’s attack with all his might!
The sight astonished many Innate warriors surrounding Su Furong, but they were mere mortals, not immortals. They could only rely on their robes, pulling them over their heads to shield themselves from the impact, and rolling away.
Only the furious female Golden Core Daoist remained standing, her face flushed with rage, violently deflecting the incoming air currents.
Xu Ziqing’s complexion paled.
A strike from a Golden Core Daoist, even if employing just a fraction of their true energy, was delivered with ease. For a foundation-building monk, it was nearly impossible to withstand.
If not for the Qingyun Needle being the embryonic form of his cultivated supernatural powers, infused with extensive understandings, even if he managed to muster the strength this time, it would have been an impossible feat to resist—yet the circumstances were different now. He had truly exerted all his might in that move, even if it meant exhausting his dantian!
The actions of the few individuals created quite a commotion, and soon, others took notice. Not only were there many female cultivators present, but also numerous foreign monks exploring this fairy village. Upon hearing the commotion, it was only natural for them to investigate.
In an instant, more spiritual awareness swept over the scene.
Upon seeing the growing audience, Su Furong felt a stinging rebuke within, as her last attempt had failed. Her anger surged, causing her once peachy spring-like face to adopt a ferocious expression, the cruelty in her eyes particularly unsettling.
Truly, there’s just a fine line between beauty and menace.
However, Su Furong couldn’t endure further humiliation at the hands of these junior cultivators. She disregarded the scrutinizing gazes, and her entire being surged with power, exerting a formidable spiritual pressure on the surroundings. She slightly raised her palm, emitting a pink light—a signal that she was prepared to make a severe move and wouldn’t allow these two individuals to pass!
Yet, just as Su Furong was about to unleash her supernatural powers, a chilly, authoritative female voice suddenly interjected: “Su Furong, cease.”
Instantly, two gusts of wind swept by, and two elegant beauties stood by her side.
One possessed a gentle demeanor, her eyes and brows reflecting a watery temperament—Rui Rou.
The other stood tall with a stern countenance, exuding an icy aura. Clad in a black robe, her complexion snow-white, her appearance stunning yet not the least frivolous. She emanated a regal and imposing air.
As these two Golden Core Daoists appeared, they immediately drew the attention of many present. The one who had spoken earlier was evidently the woman in black.
Unyielding, Su Furong refused to heed the command and promptly released the pink light from her palm!
However, in the next moment, the woman in black also raised her hand, emanating an intensely cold force that instantaneously encased the pink light, transforming it into crystal clear ice.
Subsequently, the ice shattered and turned into a puddle of cold water on the ground.
The black-robed woman stated coldly, “I instructed you to halt. Didn’t you hear, Su Furong?”
Su Furong’s complexion turned pallid, anxiety flickering in her eyes, yet she persisted: “I am an envoy just like you and your envoy Rui. We share the same status, so why should I obey your orders?”
The woman in black arched an eyebrow, evidently prepared to reprimand her.
However, Rui Rou spoke gently, “There are twelve Ruyi Xianzhuang envoys, and the senior sister is their leader. As per the Ruyi Xianzhuang owner’s directive, Shijie holds the highest status… We should obey her.”
Su Furong clenched her fingers, teeth gritted in unwillingness. “…Yes, Shijie,” she conceded.
The black-robed woman let out a cold snort before releasing her grip.
Meanwhile, Rui Rou directed her gaze at Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie, an apologetic expression on her face. “Envoy Furong was impolite to our esteemed guest earlier. It was an oversight on our part at Ruyi Xianzhuang. I hope both of you can forgive us.” As she spoke, an exquisite storage bag appeared in her hand, and she offered it to Xu Ziqing. “This is a humble gift as an apology. I hope you won’t disdain it,” she added with a humble posture. The guilt in her eyes was evident and sincere. Anyone who gazed upon them with such sincerity would find it hard to remain upset, especially considering she had no role in the incident.
Xu Ziqing had not suffered any harm. While he was apprehensive of Su Furong’s aggressiveness and overbearing nature, he didn’t extend these feelings to Ruyi Xianzhuang. Now that Rui Rou had offered her apologies, he turned to Yun Lie. From his perspective, whether this matter should be resolved here or considered a dispute between sects, it was his senior brother’s call to make.
Yun Lie nodded slightly in agreement with Xu Ziqing.
Xu Ziqing reciprocated the smile and gracefully accepted the storage bag, saying, “Senior Sister Rui is too kind. Originally, we came to celebrate the owner’s birthday, and as guests, we will follow the owner’s wishes. There is no need to blame.” He had been in a perilous situation earlier, nearly facing severe consequences.
Without his senior brother’s assistance, the outcome could have been disastrous. Although Rui Rou had offered an apology, her words had been light-hearted, prompting a trace of bitterness in Xu Ziqing, expressing his concealed resentment.
Upon hearing his words, Rui Rou’s smile wavered for a moment but soon regained its softness. “It’s still early. Esteemed guests, please make yourselves comfortable. Ruyi Xianzhuang will not disappoint. My sisters and I still have many preparations to attend to. Later, I will invite everyone to partake in the feast.”
Xu Ziqing regained his composure, and his words turned gentle. “Then, Senior Sister Rui, please do remember.”
Soon, the black-robed woman led Rui Rou and Su Furong away, leaving only Xu Ziqing and his senior brother, Yun Lie. The spectators withdrew their attention and those who had gathered due to the commotion gradually dispersed.
Xu Ziqing breathed a sigh of relief, but the enthusiasm he had for inviting his senior brother for a walk had been dampened.
This drama caused some onlookers to leave while murmuring to each other.
“I’ve heard that the envoys in Ruyi Xianzhuang don’t get along. It seems to be true.”
“The envoy’s conduct has always been licentious. In the realm of immortality, it’s widely criticized.”
“If not for some restraint, it would be undeniable.”
“They’re akin to demon girls, becoming increasingly audacious in recent years. Truly shameless.”
“Hush, don’t speak so openly! We must show respect to those in the realm of immortals! If these plain female envoys persist in such audacity, Ruyi Xianzhuang’s reputation might suffer!”
“They’re all chaste and principled, maintaining a noble demeanor. If one could find them as Daoist companions, it would be a beautiful match.”
“Exactly, indeed.”
Xu Ziqing didn’t pay much attention to these hushed conversations. They were mere murmurs in his ears.
At this moment, his thoughts turned to the jade slip he had perused before arriving at Ruyi Xianzhuang. It contained information about the Ruyi envoys, detailing two distinct types: the Sunu envoys and the Yunu envoys, affiliated with different sects. Now, observing the contrasting temperaments of Rui Rou and Su Furong, he could connect the dots.
However, Xu Ziqing chose not to delve into it further.
Though his initial enthusiasm for a leisurely stroll had been dampened by the recent events, seeing another Golden Core Daoist with a distinct persona rekindled his curiosity.
After a few steps, Xu Ziqing suddenly suggested, Yun Shixiong, why not find a spot for sword practice? Perhaps Shixiong and I can engage in a few rounds. What do you think?” He turned and smiled as he made the proposal.
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