Chapter 340: Fox Fairies! It’s all fox fairies!
When Yun Zhonghe and his crew finally arrived at the peripheral dock of Xuantian Mansion, night had fully enveloped the sky.
But Xuantian Mansion, known as the “City That Never Sleeps,” was still brightly lit. Even from afar, they could see the bustling activities within.
Last time they were here, it was with high hopes, enrolling in Xuantian Sect. Though it had only been a little over two months since then, the journey felt like an eternity due to countless challenges and twists of fate.
Xuantian Mansion strictly regulated air travel; therefore, Spiritual Boats—swift conveyances—were not allowed. Even flying on a Spiritual Sword, commonplace for cultivators, was banned. So, they were forced to take traditional carriages and teleportation arrays to their destination.
The journey was dotted with the constant sight of patrolling guards from the Longhu Army, Xuantian Mansion’s elite forces rarely seen except during such tumultuous times.
For a fleeting second, Yun Zhonghe contemplated this scene before dismissing it.
Let’s get back to the sect quickly.
They were no longer clueless newcomers. Their route back was etched in their memory, and they knew exactly which shortcuts to use. Still, the sheer size of Xuantian Mansion consumed much of their time.
Xuantian Mansion was incredibly vast.
Finally, when they stepped into the inner realm, it was well past midnight.
“It’s so late.”
They had traveled all day and were exhausted. Especially now, upon entering the sect grounds, a sense of tranquility washed over them. Like a ship finally docking after a long voyage, all their fatigue hit them at once.
At the entrance, dedicated disciples stood guard, reporting their arrival. With everything sorted, they could rest.
“Alright, let’s part ways. Everyone should go rest, then resume rigorous training for the upcoming sect competition.”
Earlier, Yun Zhonghe had discussed his ambition to strive for a good ranking in the sect competition with Mu Jixue and Su Xiaoxiao. However, Su Xinghe, an Inner Gate Manager, wouldn’t be participating, having outgrown regular competition status.
Both Mu Jixue and Su Xiaoxiao supported Yun Zhonghe’s aspirations. They knew enhancing their strength was crucial right now.
“I need to step up too,” Xia Linglong thought to herself, listening to Yun Zhonghe’s words.
Seeing her junior siblings so motivated, Xia Linglong, as a senior sister, couldn’t let them surpass her so easily. Although she previously didn’t crave a position in the competition, she now realized she needed to keep pace with Yun Zhonghe.
Especially since talking with family aboard the Spiritual Boat, Xia Linglong was more determined than ever. She aimed to match Yun Zhonghe’s progress and stride forward beside him.
Everyone had their reasons for becoming stronger.
So, at this critical juncture, rest was even more vital. Rest and recuperate to face tomorrow with vigor and passion.
Just as they prepared to disband, Chen Leling, who had been cooped up in her necklace container, started getting restless.
Sensing Chen Leling’s agitation, Yun Zhonghe quickly reassured her.
It wasn’t safe to just pop out here. Someone might spot her and cause trouble.
Though resentful of her confines, Chen Leling knew only the necklace could conceal her identity. She shouldn’t be seen in public.
Noticing Yun Zhonghe’s concern, Xia Linglong offered: “Yun Junior Brother, I’ll contact my friends ASAP to check the situation.”
Helping when needed was the best way to gain favor.
Yun Zhonghe was immensely grateful. His eyes conveyed overflowing warmth: “Xia Senior Sister, you’ve really helped us out.”
“No, just a small act.”
Xia Linglong’s heart fluttered at Yun Zhonghe’s genuine gratitude and intense gaze. Her cheeks flushed, like cherry blossoms.
Meanwhile, Mu Jixue noticed the tense atmosphere. Her eyes widened in astonishment.
She alternately looked between Yun Zhonghe and Xia Linglong. The purplish hue in her eyes gleamed with shock.
She sensed a threat. This senior sister seemed problematic!
Clearly, this was romantic rivalry. Mu Jixue had fallen for Yun Zhonghe too!
Huang Aotian had keen intuition. Instinctively, she sensed Xia Linglong’s subtle affections.
Unbeknownst to them, another competitor emerged.
Croak! No, not that!
Mu Jixue cried inwardly.
A white kitten anxiously jumped, desperate to regain Yun Zhonghe’s attention. She hurriedly approached him: “Yun Zhonghe, if anything goes wrong, tell me first, got it?”
She pouted with wide, innocent eyes, seemingly forcing compliance through sheer force.
Seriously, this bossy?
Seeing Mu Jixue’s enthusiasm, Yun Zhonghe was surprised but understood her intentions.
Before he could respond, a brilliant streak zipped across the sky. An ethereal figure wielding a flying Spiritual Sword descended rapidly.
Chill exuded from her aura as she approached. It was Master Yuyue.
Master Yuyue, known for her cold demeanor, appeared even colder now. Even a hint of displeasure lingered around her.
“Lady Apprentice!”
“Pay your respects!”
Everyone, including Yun Zhonghe and Xia Linglong, instantly straightened. Only Mu Jixue stood blankly, frozen by some invisible force. She was the only one not bowing respectfully to their senior.
Her mind reeled. Master Yuyue’s icy gaze swept over Yun Zhonghe, briefly warming before returning to Mu Jixue.
Something stirred in Mu Jixue. She felt she was being compared to other ‘superior’ students again.
Croak! Another scolding incoming!
“Snowy, you’re late.” Yuyue’s voice was calm yet authoritative.
“We agreed on three days. You’ve exceeded this limit.”
Mu Jixue was petrified. She stammered nervously, “Master, please…”
However, no leniency was granted.
“I know what happened, but that doesn’t justify your tardiness. If you’d pushed harder, you wouldn’t be in this mess now. Work harder next time.”
Silence fell, as everyone held their breath.
Yuyue unceremoniously grabbed Mu Jixue. “From now until the competition, you stay put. Focus on cultivation.”
“Wah! Master, this is harsh! Some slack would be nice.”
Mu Jixue, on the verge of tears, knew her absence meant she couldn’t interact with Yun Zhonghe.
Those foxes will definitely take advantage of her absence to swoop in on Yun Zhonghe!
“Enough talk.”
Yuyue left, unyielding. She lifted the distraught Mu Jixue and took off, leaving only a lingering sorrow as wind engulfed her cries.
Yun Zhonghe watched her disappear, feeling a mix of emotions.
He couldn’t rely on Mu Jixue for Chen Leling’s predicament now.
Yet, this wasn’t entirely bad. If Mu Jixue hones her skills and forms a Golden Core soon, it benefits them both.
Yun Zhonghe sensed an escalation in Mu Jixue’s zeal to form a Golden Core.
Her Chakra, infused with Extreme Cold Essence, was fully accessible. Mastery over Extreme Cold was near, putting her chances of forming an Eight-Pattern Golden Core within reach.
Unknown how she’ll choose to proceed.
Will she continue to build up or immediately break through?
But before Yun Zhonghe finished thinking, Mu Jixue had vanished, swallowed by the horizon.
Withdrawing his thoughts, he turned to the group:
“Let’s get some rest. Time has flown by.”
Yun Zhonghe’s words dispelled the awkwardness. Nods and farewells affirmed their journey’s end, marking a successful chapter in Tianhai City.
