Chapter 185 - Arc 12: Ruyi Xianzhuang | Chapter 185: Blind Date
Translator: Lynn
Could this be… recruiting spouses for the twelve Ruyi envoys?
As soon as Yu Nongqing voiced this, numerous casual cultivators and Golden Core disciples in the hall couldn’t help but engage in discussions.
Suddenly, whispers and low conversations filled the air, various expressions painting the faces of those present.
When Xu Ziqing lifted his gaze, he noticed that while many monks appeared surprised, others seemed unperturbed, as if they had known about this for a while.
Could it be… he had some conjectures, turned to look at the disciples of Wuling Immortal Sect, and observed that the core disciples seemed to be aware of the truth, while the other Golden Core disciples displayed a sense of bewilderment. He also observed the varying reactions among the core disciples, all of them inquisitive.
At this moment, Xu Ziqing looked at his senior brother again and couldn’t help but inquire, “Shixiong, are you aware of this?”
Yun Lie nodded slightly, indicating, “The Sect Master also said something about it.”
A disorienting sensation surged through Xu Ziqing’s head, momentarily leaving him in a daze. He felt like he had thought about many things suddenly, yet at the same time, nothing at all. It was as if his mind was obstructed by an indescribable emotion, unable to make sense of it or explain it.
For the first time in his cultivation journey, Xu Ziqing’s state of mind was tossed into such a turbulent whirlwind. Compared to the prior restlessness, this was a magnitude more intense.
Fortunately, even amidst this mental maelstrom, his instincts remained intact. Almost immediately, Xu Ziqing started to meditate, clinging to his original foundation, attempting to slowly stabilize his state of mind and eventually untangle the confusion to understand why he felt this way.
Yet, though he tried to regain his composure, he realized this time he had overestimated his own abilities. While he could usually calm himself gradually once he recognized the turmoil, this time he seemed to falter. As if recognizing a problem, he was unable to pinpoint what it was. His heart felt blocked by an inexplicable emotion, defying understanding.
Unwittingly, while Xu Ziqing battled to stabilize his emotions, time flowed on.
It wasn’t until a hand was placed on his shoulder that he snapped back to reality: “…Shixiong?”
Gazing at the white-robed swordsman before him, Xu Ziqing’s vision gradually cleared.
At this point, he noticed that many had already left the hall in an orderly manner, and the two venerable were no longer seated on their elevated thrones.
The birthday banquet… was it over?
Seeing Xu Ziqing’s dazed countenance, Yun Lie subtly suppressed his aura and stated, “Follow me.”
Xu Ziqing was taken aback, and his consciousness slowly returned: “…Yes, Shixiong.”
Yun Lie took the lead, with Xu Ziqing following. The remaining twenty or so members of the Wuling Immortal Sect walked in a similar fashion. Sensing Yun Lie’s icy demeanor, Ou Mubai and the others were also a bit startled, refraining from engaging, even ceasing their chatter.
Familiar with their route, they soon arrived back at their residence together. After bidding farewell to Yun Lie, the others returned to their respective courtyards. As for the future events concerning the senior brothers, they were now beyond their observation.
Entering their small courtyard, the night was cool and serene, the courtyard illuminated by soft light. Xu Ziqing, however, had no inclination to appreciate the surroundings. The emotional turbulence he experienced earlier was now subdued.
He chuckled wryly within, convinced that his actions had surely caught his senior brother’s attention, expecting him to be upset.
It wasn’t until they reached their room and Yun Lie closed the door with a flick of his sleeve that Xu Ziqing’s wild speculations came to a halt.
Yun Lie moved the chessboard aside, seated himself on the couch, and inquired, “Your mind has seemed preoccupied lately. Is something amiss with your cultivation?”
Startled by the question, Xu Ziqing hesitated. Was his brother not angry?
Silently sighing within, Xu Ziqing had a jumble of emotions and wasn’t sure where to begin.
To be frank, his recent practice had been smooth, devoid of hindrances, and he gained insights during his meditations. Moreover, in Ruyi Xianzhuang, the lush flowers and robust wood energy were highly beneficial for him, a practitioner of the wood element. Additionally, he had been practicing the Bitter Bamboo Ritual, enhancing his clarity of mind and benefiting from the ancient wood Qi within. It nourished his soul continuously.
Hence, in his recent practice, he not only encountered no obstacles but made significant progress. It seemed he was on the cusp of the Golden Core Formation period.
However, Xu Ziqing had been feeling restless for some unknown reason since he arrived at Ruyi Xianzhuang, particularly after learning tonight that the women at Ruyi Xianzhuang were selecting potential Daoist partners from among the guests. This news had left him more despondent, as if a heavy burden pressed upon his chest, making it difficult to breathe.
Yet, when he tried to pinpoint the root cause, it all seemed like a chaotic mess, and he couldn’t find a clear thread.
And since he couldn’t unravel his own thoughts and figure it out, how could he convey this to his brother?
However, upon realizing that his senior brother cared, Xu Ziqing felt a measure of relief, offering a slight smile as he said, “It seems I’ve been learning a lot recently. Upon arriving here, I felt something peculiar about Ruyi Xianzhuang, which left me a bit unsettled. I’m still unsure how to calm my mind, so I’ll do my best…” After a moment’s contemplation, he smiled again, “If there’s anything amiss in my daily conduct, I hope my Shixiong will guide me and support me, preventing any disservice to our esteemed Wuling Immortal Sect.” As he spoke, he was initially crafting an excuse, but the more he spoke, the more he felt it might hold some truth.
The sudden intrusion of demons into Xianzhuang was indeed a significant event, and his worries were only natural. Moreover, encountering a demon leader named the “Blood Demon” in the small world, and now seeing another Nascent Soul Stage, it was only natural to feel uneasy.
Regarding the deeper reasons… Xu Ziqing buried them deep within, pushing them aside like dust.
Yun Lie listened to Xu Ziqing’s words and nodded slightly, stating, “If you’re feeling unwell, you can always confide in me.”
Xu Ziqing responded with a smile, “Thank you, Shixiong.”
The two brothers then deliberately shifted away from this topic.
Xu Ziqing pondered for a moment before asking, “Shixiong, I’m not sure when my mind wandered. Was there anything significant mentioned at the birthday banquet?” Despite still feeling a bit down when thinking about the Ruyi envoys seeking Daoist partners, he knew he couldn’t miss out on any important information.
Yun Lie always responded to Xu Ziqing’s inquiries, so he proceeded to share all the details of the banquet once more.
Interestingly, the details varied from what the sect leader had informed him.
Originally, the sect leader was supposed to convey this information to the core disciples. It was mentioned that in this gathering, not only could they each secure the Immortal Fruit based on their own merit, as in previous years, but they were also to present six additional fruits to the six Yunu envoys as potential Daoist partners. The sect leader had subtly hinted that the disciples could initially secure one whirling fruit and, later, when they met their Daoist companions, receive an extra one.
It was evident that Mu Wuxin’s intentions for this fairy fruit meeting were marriage-related, likely seeking alliances with other sects. However, the urgency in the matter was palpable, giving it an intriguing nuance.
The Ruyi envoys at Ruyi Xianzhuang were comparable to the core disciples of various sects, possessing both beauty and high levels of cultivation. A union with them could foster inter-sect relationships. This prospect was appealing to many disciples who had yet to find a partner.
However, during the birthday banquet, Yu Nongqing’s unexpected appearance altered the plan. She expanded the offer from the original six jade envoys to twelve Ruyi envoys, including the six Sunu envoys, all in search of potential partners.
As is well known, the Yunu envoys devoted themselves to seeking the Dao, following a path of purity and self-reliance. Although stronger than ordinary female cultivators, they were suitable companions for those on the immortal cultivation path. The Sunu envoys, on the other hand, were different.
Among the various techniques the envoys practiced, derived from an exercise called “The Heart Sutra of Girls,” the “Su Nu Confused Heart Dafa” was relatively common. Its purpose was to bewilder hearts and harness yang to nourish yin. Despite being an orthodox technique, it was not as unrestrained as the witches and sorceresses. For any orthodox immortal disciple, who would wish their Daoist companions to wander for mending? This cultivation method was fundamentally about supplementation. Even if you formed a Daoist couple, you couldn’t change it, or else all prior efforts would be squandered, and you would have to start anew. Consequently, no matter how beautiful the plain female envoy might be, ordinary disciples wouldn’t dare to approach her recklessly.
Now, with both the Yunu envoy and the Sunu envoy seeking partners, many disciples felt uneasy.
Their teachers had instructed them to meet and potentially marry others. Initially, they were informed it would be related to Yunu envoys only, but now Sunu envoys were also added. Who knew what lay behind this? It naturally left them hesitating.
Moreover, there was another significant aspect.
Yu Nongqing led the Sunu envoys, while Mu Wuxin held the position of not only leading the Yunu envoys but also being Ruyi Xianzhuang’s leader.
Later, during the birthday banquet, the two exchanged a few cryptic words, indicating the presence of hidden secrets, signaling an undercurrent of turmoil. Yu Nongqing’s prominent remarks had evidently not been previously discussed with Mu Wuxin, and it seemed she aimed to disrupt Mu Wuxin’s plans.
Regardless of Mu Wuxin’s motives for seeking partners, Yu Nongqing seemed intent on causing complications. Therefore, although Mu Wuxin was willing to offer six Immortal Fruit as Sunu envoys’ dowry, would she be willing to give an additional six as dowry to the Sunu envoy?
It should be noted that there were only a total of thirty-six Posuo Fruits—eighteen of which had established good karma with many Daoists, six of which were to deal with sect forces, leaving twelve remaining.
If the twelve Ruyi envoys truly sought partners, wouldn’t that mean Xianzhuang couldn’t obtain any for themselves?
The birthday banquet unfolded amidst the clash of intentions between Mu Wuxin and Yu Nongqing, prompting a flurry of contemplation and speculation among the gathering of heroes in the hall. It was evident that everyone harbored their own thoughts.
Following this, Mu Wuxin didn’t express any objection. In alignment with Yu Nongqing’s proposition, it was settled that the Immortal Fruit Conference scheduled for ten days later would also serve as an occasion to seek potential partners.
In the coming days, Xianzhuang would arrange for servants to cater to the guests, allowing many female disciples from Xianzhuang to interact freely with the visitors, engaging in Daoist discussions and exchanges.
If there was mutual agreement between individuals, not confined to just the twelve Ruyi envoys, a man could propose marriage, and Ruyi Xianzhuang would be open to the prospect.
Upon hearing this, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but be taken aback.
Wasn’t this a “blind date”?
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