Chapter 856: Chapter 855: Sensation_1
A deadly plot against the Illusion Orchid Tower concluded in such an unfathomable way, leaving all the women feeling as if it were all a dream.
Death had been but a step away for them; even if it weren’t a total annihilation, the casualties would have been grave. Furthermore, the morale of the Illusion Orchid Tower would have plummeted, severely damaging its future prospects.
Yet, seeking revenge was easier said than done.
At the crossroads between hell and heaven, one person changed everything.
Before this incident, no one would have believed that a top Eighth Tier Earth Immortal could influence the entire battle. But now, the undeniable fact was right in front of them; the miracle least likely to happen had indeed occurred.
"Young Hero Shi, no words can express our gratitude. From now on, you are a guest of honor at the Illusion Orchid Tower, and should you ever need anything, we will not hesitate to assist," said Fairy Yunni, approaching with the others.
Beneath the Void Origin Realm Martial Emperors, she was an unrivaled elder in the Illusion Orchid Tower. Since the Void Origin Realm Martial Emperors were generally engrossed in their cultivation, few could rival Fairy Yunni’s authority to speak on behalf of the tower.
In Fairy Yunni’s view, whether it was Shi Xiaole’s repeated intervention or his astonishing talent, both were worth the Illusion Orchid Tower’s utmost attention, and no one would disagree.
"Of course, besides Young Hero Shi, our thanks are also due to Suzerain Zhan and Elder Wang," added Fairy Yunni with a smile, turning her attention to Zhan Liye and the downhearted elder approaching them.
"You’re too polite. If it weren’t for Elder Shi, I might not have lifted a finger," Zhan Liye spoke indifferently.
The responsibility of offending the Ghost King Ruins wasn’t something anyone could just shoulder.
The downhearted elder beside him couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
This was a great opportunity to strengthen relations with the Illusion Orchid Tower, yet the Young Master was still so candid. Then again, if it weren’t for such character, the Young Master’s swordsmanship would not have reached such heights.
Subconsciously, the grey-faced elder’s gaze shifted to Shi Xiaole. If the Young Master’s talent was a once-in-a-century occurrence, then this young man was perhaps a once-in-a-millennium marvel, unprecedented in Rainbow State.
It was regretful that time was not on his side, otherwise the competition for the fifth Divine Fire Order would have been hopeful.
Fairy Yunni’s smile remained undiminished, regarding Zhan Liye with admiration. Madam Xi and the others stepped forward, expressing their thanks to Shi Xiaole and company. The crowd of graceful ladies made the scene light-hearted and lively.
"Young Hero Shi, you must visit Illusion Orchid Tower," said a female disciple named Jiang Zhijuan, also one of the top ten disciples and a constant companion to Fairy Yunni. She had previously engaged in a tough battle with a mid-level Eighth Tier Earth Immortal from the Ghost King Ruins, proving her strength.
"Yes, you could also teach us how to cultivate," teased the other female disciples.
In the eyes of the Martial World, the female disciples of the Illusion Orchid Tower were exceedingly beautiful and proud. Only those with talents surpassing theirs could shatter their pride.
Without a doubt, Shi Xiaole met this criterion. He was like a dragon hiding in the clouds, mysterious and unassuming, whose rare show of prominence could shake the world.
Throughout this process, Bai Ruiting silently gazed at Shi Xiaole. After taking the medicinal pill, her injuries were under control, but she couldn’t control a heart that went against her will, imprinting a deep figure within it.
She had once asked Shi Xiaole if there was someone he liked, and he had said yes.
Bai Ruiting disliked when someone took what was hers; likewise, she disdained taking what belonged to others, especially men. However, matters of affection were never hers to command.
"Let’s see how things go; at least, I can stay close to him," she thought, a smile blossoming after a long silence.
The future was still unwritten, and the troubles she couldn’t resolve might as well be left to time. Besides, given Shi Xiaole’s disposition, rashly confronting the issue would only push him away.
Above the clouds,
the ghostly figure grew and shrank, giving off the impression that it would explode at any moment. The Ghost Emperor’s visage was unclear, but his eyes alone exuded a chilling, sinister aura.
Opposite him, the Mistress of Illusion Orchid Tower was visibly tense.
Under her control, the Orchid Realm had transported them an unfathomable distance. Though the transfer went unexpectedly smoothly, she did not let her guard down, ever ready for the Ghost Emperor to make a sudden move.
"You will not remain pleased for long," proclaimed the Ghost Emperor.
"Pleasure is always preferable to disappointment," countered the Illusion Orchid Tower Mistress.
The ghostly figure became even more unfathomable, rolling tumultuously as a nearly overpowering killing intent burst forth, suddenly filling the clear skies with dense clouds.
Just as the Illusion Orchid Tower Mistress could no longer restrain herself and was about to act, the ghostly figure suddenly turned into an arrow, piercing through the Orchid Realm and vanishing in an instant.
The power of the Orchid Realm was time-limited and could not permanently trap an enemy; otherwise, the Tower Mistress wouldn’t need to fear the Ghost Emperor. She also wasn’t worried about him finding Fairy Yunni and the others, given that their current location was randomly chosen by the Orchid Realm.
"Cunning and deep-plotted," she murmured.
The enigma of the Ghost Emperor lay in his caution; he never acted unless he was certain of success. The fact that he didn’t leave behind even a harsh word revealed his malevolent intentions.
Nonetheless, a confrontation with him was inevitable.
The fifth Divine Fire Order was critical to breaking through Rainbow State, and neither the Ghost Emperor nor the Floating Blood Palace Master would sit idle. It seemed she must seek a discussion with the City Lord of Four Directions City.
Gazing at the sea of clouds below, the Tower Mistress’s face was etched with concern.
...
"Finally found it."
An old man with white hair caressed the half piece of broken stele in his hand, his emotions running high.
He had hidden in Shen City for many years, all for this moment. With more than a year left until the opening of Wuyuan Palace, he had finally lived up to the Suzerain’s high expectations, and his many years of planning had succeeded by half, hahaha!
After wrapping up the broken stele, the old man looked around and dashed away.
...
Entering the Mirage Mountain Range was fraught with peril, but leaving was quite simple.
After the group arrived at a secluded area, they saw Fairy Yunni forming hand seals, and in just a short while, a stunning figure arrived, bringing silence to the void.
"We’ve seen the tower master!"
The women bowed their heads, radiating boundless reverence from the inside out.
Zhan Liye and the grey-faced elder were first startled, then they clasped their fists in a salute, looking somewhat uneasy. Faced with such a person, it was unlikely that anyone could remain calm.
Shi Xiaole’s heart was greatly shaken. Without further thought, the identity of the visitor was as clear as day.
He couldn’t help but look at the woman. The woman had an oval face and a Roman nose; her facial features were so exquisitely drawn that they seemed to be outlined by an artist. Those eyes carried an ancient charm, shimmering with luster, accelerating one’s heartbeat with just a glance.
But what impressed Shi Xiaole even more was the woman’s pure, flawless aura, coupled with a pride that seemed to set her apart from the rest of the world, almost overshadowing her fiery and sensual figure.
Truly worthy of being Rainbow State’s number one beauty!
Shi Xiaole shifted his gaze away, but was unaware that the Illusion Orchid Tower Master was also curiously observing him. After a long moment, she nodded to herself silently, suppressing her surprise. With a wave of her hand, the group was enveloped in a surge of Qi and whisked up into the clouds.
About half a 2-hour period later, the void in front of them rippled, and in a flash, the group arrived at the outskirts of the Mirage Mountain Range.
The methods of a Void Origin Realm Martial Emperor were beyond the ken of ordinary people. Perhaps on a normal day, no loophole could be found in the Mirage Mountain Range, but given the slightest chance, they could exploit it to the utmost. Not to mention, the Illusion Orchid Tower Master was among the most top-tier Void Origin Realm Martial Emperors.
"I can’t find a flaw in the Array System."
Shi Xiaole had to admit that for the time being, he was no match for the Illusion Orchid Tower Master.
From the Divine Border Realm to the Void Origin Realm, one’s spiritual power undergoes a baptism and strengthening by the will of heaven and earth, which is why Martial Emperors of the Void Origin Realm are so difficult to defeat. From body to spirit, they are without weaknesses.
Of course, if Shi Xiaole could fully utilize his spiritual sea, he believed surpassing the Illusion Orchid Tower Master was not impossible. Or perhaps once he broke through to the Void Origin Realm, the strength of his spiritual power would be unparalleled.
The women invited Shi Xiaole and the other two to be their guests, but the three politely refused. The Illusion Orchid Tower Master did not take offense, merely saying, "You need not worry about the safety of Ten Sword Sect."
"Thank you."
Zhan Liye bowed deeply. This promise was more valuable than any words of thanks.
After another glance at Shi Xiaole, the Illusion Orchid Tower Master left with the women.
She didn’t offer guidance or gifts. For someone like Shi Xiaole, receiving help in a dire situation was the best gift. She had a premonition that their paths would intersect again in the future.
"Will you return with us?"
Zhan Liye asked Shi Xiaole.
"No, I want to take on some more adventures elsewhere."
Only the perilous and adventure-filled Martial World could stimulate Shi Xiaole’s vitality and spur his continuous progression.
Zhan Liye nodded.
Even though Shi Xiaole was younger and held a lower position in the sect, Zhan Liye couldn’t bring himself to act like a Young Master, so he simply said, "Be careful."
"Senior Brother Zhan, Elder Wang, if you please."
The term "Senior Brother Zhan" made Zhan Liye burst into hearty laughter, cursing, "Incongruous!" as he turned and walked away, waving his hand. The grey-faced elder followed with a chuckle, trailing behind.
Shi Xiaole stood in place, touching his nose, having forgotten that he was an elder of the Ten Sword Sect. Well, what did it matter to him! He strode off in another direction.
As the purple stairway faded, the Mirage Mountain Range returned to its original state, waiting for the next opening in a few hundred years.
Many returning experts felt regret. Besides the Enlightenment Fruit and the mysterious caves, there were many wonders inside the mountain range, as well as numerous unexplored areas. What treasures lay hidden there sparked much discussion.
Yet, what truly caused a sensation in the Martial World was a young man named Shi Xiaole.
As time passed, his martial feats spread like a tsunami, causing a huge stir among the Earth Immortals. Ordinary martial artists regarded it as nothing short of a miracle.
Most people simply didn’t believe it, dismissing it as sheer fabrication, but the witnesses were Terrestrial Immortals themselves. The Martial World was torn between belief and skepticism. Regardless, Shi Xiaole had become a household name.
The opening of Wuyuan Palace was drawing ever nearer.
People’s attention shifted from Shi Xiaole to the three great giants, the six young prodigies, and even other masters. No matter how strong Shi Xiaole was, being only at the seventh level of the Divine Border Realm, he had no right to partake in the battle for the Divine Fire Order.
In reality, while many longed for the Divine Fire Order, very few actually aspired to enter Wuyuan Palace. Who didn’t know that the battle for the Divine Fire Order was always brutal? Without supreme prowess, participation equated to courting death.
But men’s plans are infer to those of heaven.
Just as the martial artists of Rainbow State were gearing up to witness an earth-shattering spectacle, the leak of a piece of information blew up the Martial World completely.
