Chapter 164: Chapter 164: Dongfang Wan’Er
The moment Shangguan Yiran spoke, an uproar went through the crowd.
It was well known that Shen Mo Feng had openly expressed his affection for Shangguan Yiran in the past, but she had never paid him any mind.
This was the first time Shangguan Yiran had ever responded—and she had done so in front of everyone. Unfortunately for him, it was a harsh rejection.
The onlookers couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for Shen Mo Feng. The dignified number one genius of Daqian, the prodigy ranked second on the Martial Arts Ranking, had actually lost out to some brat from a remote, minor kingdom.
Shen Mo Feng felt as if he had been brutally slapped. He had lost all face, and his expression was as ugly as it could possibly be.
Shen Mo Feng shot a cold glare at Shen Daoxing. He didn’t know why Shangguan Yiran had been so ruthless, but his hatred for Shen Daoxing only deepened.
Shen Daoxing felt the bone-chilling hatred in Shen Mo Feng’s gaze and shook his head, a little resigned. He had planned to lie low in Ancient Moon City for a few days before leaving on a Cloud Ship, but things never seemed to go his way.
"What’s all the excitement about?"
Just then, a voice like silver bells rang out.
Shen Daoxing turned to look and saw a young woman of about seventeen or eighteen slowly ascending the stairs.
She wore a blue, wide-sleeved Flowing Immortal Skirt. She was tall and slender, with skin as white as snow. A simple glance from her captivating, almond-shaped eyes was enough to stir one’s soul.
Behind her was a young man in white with a solemn expression and a cold, stern face.
With their arrival, another uproar swept across the terrace.
"It’s Dongfang Wan’Er and Gongsun Shiji from the Sacred Land! The prodigies from Yuqing Mountain of the Celestial Profound Sacred Land! I can’t believe they’re here."
"Dongfang Wan’Er is the youngest Saintess of the Celestial Profound Sacred Land and the most prodigious genius the Yan Kingdom has seen in centuries. She awakened her Nine Heavens Profound Bird bloodline at the age of ten and has already reached the Spirit Transformation realm at such a young age."
"And Gongsun Shiji awakened his Nether Tiger bloodline at eleven. He’s also an expert at the Spirit Transformation realm and has even comprehended nine invincible Sword Intents."
"They’re both geniuses from the Sacred Land’s Inner Sect."
The entire venue erupted. The young prodigies of the East Continent made no effort to hide their adoration upon seeing Dongfang Wan’Er.
Dongfang Wan’Er and Shangguan Yiran, two heavenly beauties with the presence of Celestial Immortals, were known throughout the Celestial Profound Sacred Land as the Celestial Immortal Dual Extremes. Even the geniuses of the Inner Sect were captivated by them.
To have the good fortune of seeing both celestial beauties at once, the geniuses of the East Continent felt that this trip was worthwhile, even if they failed to enter the Celestial Profound Sacred Land.
"What just happened? What made our Junior Sister Shangguan so unhappy?"
Dongfang Wan’Er walked up and took Shangguan Yiran’s hand, a clear sign of their close relationship.
If Shangguan Yiran’s beauty was gentle and soft, then Dongfang Wan’Er’s was noble and enchanting. The two peerless women standing together drew the eyes of everyone present.
One of Shangguan Yiran’s senior sisters from the same sect spoke up first. "Who else could it be? That Shen Mo Feng again!"
She then moved closer and whispered a few words in Dongfang Wan’Er’s ear.
It was unclear what she heard, but Dongfang Wan’Er covered her mouth with her hand and let out a charming laugh. The beautiful sight captivated every man present.
"That’s right, he deserved it!" Dongfang Wan’Er said with a faint smile. "Among men, the most detestable are those with no talent who still think the world of themselves."
The target of her remark was obvious.
Dongfang Wan’Er’s words were like another knife plunging viciously into Shen Mo Feng’s chest.
Shen Mo Feng’s face grew darker and darker until it was utterly foul.
For a moment, the crowd burst into discussion again, mostly expressing pity for Shen Mo Feng.
Suddenly, a few people near Shen Daoxing began whispering amongst themselves.
"Did you hear? They say the Eastern Saintess suffered a cultivation deviation that caused her realm to plummet. It seems she came here looking for a suitable Daoist partner to resolve her Heart Demon through dual cultivation," one of them said.
"For real?" another person immediately grew excited.
"But who could the Saintess possibly be interested in? Didn’t you see? She wouldn’t even give Shen Mo Feng the time of day, and he’s the second-ranked expert on the Martial Arts Ranking," yet another added.
"Then who else could it be? Only the one ranked first!"
"You mean that weirdo? All he does is cultivate; he never shows his face. Didn’t you notice he didn’t even come to a gathering as important as this one?"
The voices of the men beside Shen Daoxing were quiet, but several tables away, Dongfang Wan’Er’s ears twitched. It seemed she had heard them after all.
Far from denying it, Dongfang Wan’Er simply gave a dazzling smile and admitted it openly.
"That’s right! I have come here to find a suitable Daoist partner. The Martial Arts Ranking isn’t absolute. Anyone among you who can take first place in the upcoming Sacred Land entrance assessment can become my Daoist partner and enter Yuqing Mountain with me for dual cultivation."
When Dongfang Wan’Er said this, the entire venue erupted like a volcano.
All the geniuses from the East Continent were ecstatic.
"Fairy Dongfang, are you serious?" someone asked boldly.
"Of course. When I, the Saintess, speak, my word is my bond," Dongfang Wan’Er said coolly, her gaze sweeping over the crowd.
"Wan’Er!"
At her side, Gongsun Shiji tried to stop her, but she silenced him with a raised hand.
Having received confirmation, the crowd grew even more excited, eagerly anticipating the Sacred Land assessment in five days.
The party continued on the terrace, with the finely dressed young men toasting one another. The arrival of Dongfang Wan’Er and Gongsun Shiji had only made things livelier.
Shen Daoxing remained in his corner, drinking and eating alone. No one bothered him, which he found quite peaceful.
After several rounds of drinks, as the banquet began to wind down, Shangguan Yiran slowly approached Shen Daoxing’s side and raised her cup to toast him.
"In five days, the Sacred Land entrance assessment will be held here."
Shangguan Yiran took a sip of wine and said slowly, "Representatives from all Seven Great Sacred Mountains will be in attendance. The top seven performers in the assessment will be chosen by them."
Shangguan Yiran paused for a moment before continuing. "Our Yunxiao Mountain may primarily accept female disciples, but it’s not an absolute rule. My master told me that our Holy Mountain holds a legacy of the Ancient Sword Dao, supposedly left behind by a Grand Martial Uncle of a past generation. It requires a male disciple to inherit, but the requirements for talent are exceptionally demanding.
"And I am the disciple representing Yunxiao Mountain."
The meaning behind Shangguan Yiran’s words was self-evident.
Shen Daoxing understood. He cupped his fist in a salute. "Thank you for your kind intentions, Commandery Princess. I appreciate the sentiment."
Afterward, Shangguan Yiran led Shen Daoxing downstairs and arranged for him to stay in a guest room at the Heroes Tower. He would be staying here for the remaining five days. The tower had a dedicated training ground where he could practice or spar with the other prodigies from the East Continent.
Shen Daoxing sat in meditation on his bed, his eyes tightly closed. A brilliant light flowed around his body as he absorbed the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi.
As time passed, the sky gradually darkened. A bright moon hung high in the air, and countless stars dotted the night sky.
Just then, Shen Daoxing, who had been meditating on the bed, suddenly opened his eyes and walked out of his room.
