145: Chapter 145 Jealousy and rivalry

Chi Yu replied, "I just came to ask a few things. But for Sister Ni to be so anxious, could it be that there's something scandalous between you and Fellow Daoist Xu?"

Crimson Rainbow took another step forward. "Nonsense! Brother Xu and I are perfectly innocent."

"Is that so? But I saw it with my own eyes yesterday."

"Saw what?"

Everyone was drawn in by the conversation between the two women. Before they knew it, a crowd of onlookers had gathered around them to watch the spectacle.

Xu Changsheng's face instantly darkened, understanding the implication behind Chi Yu's words.

Yesterday, his Divine Sense had faintly detected a sneaky presence at the end of the hallway; it must have been this woman, Chi Yu.

Combined with her previous question, it was clear that Chi Yu was certain he was the one who had healed Crimson Rainbow's old injury.

His brows furrowed.

If he didn't give her an answer, the low-profile persona he had painstakingly maintained would likely collapse today.

This was an overt scheme.

He saw that Li Hongxuan, who was standing nearby, was already dumbfounded.

Looking at Shen Jinglun not far away, his clear black-and-white eyes were trembling, revealing the turmoil in his heart.

His lips moved slightly as he quietly sent a Divine Sense transmission to Fairy Yu: "Fairy Yu, you've certainly put a lot of thought into this."

The latter's red lips curved into a smile. "Does Fellow Daoist Xu admit that you were the one who healed my sister?"

"What if I do? Isn't Fairy Yu afraid that I might intentionally sabotage the process while healing you?"

"It's fine as long as Fellow Daoist Xu admits it. You will definitely be satisfied with the reward I give you later."

He ended the Divine Sense transmission.

Chi Yu lowered her eyes, covered her red lips, and pointed at Crimson Rainbow. "I saw you coming out of the building, still holding Fellow Daoist Shen's Marriage Proposal Letter in your hand."

"Whoa!"

The surrounding Cultivators immediately began to clamor.

"No wonder I saw Senior Shen from Mingjing Hall at our Jinyang Sect base yesterday. So he came to propose marriage!"

"If our two sects could form a marriage alliance, it would be a powerful union."

"Senior Shen is hailed as the most handsome man in the Three Kingdoms Cultivation World. Whoever marries him must have accumulated great merit in their past lives."

Crimson Rainbow was furious upon hearing this.

"Shut up! Who said I was going to marry him!"

She glared at the people around her, her eyes looking as if they were about to spit fire.

Chi Yu shrugged helplessly. "Then I wouldn't know. Anyway, I've said what I needed to say, so I won't stay to keep you company, my dear sister."

The farce ended.

Shen Jinglun stepped forward, his voice low. "Miss Ni, I..."

Crimson Rainbow was still in a fit of anger. "You what? You're a good person, but we're not suited for each other."

Xu Changsheng felt like laughing. He hadn't expected that under his influence, Crimson Rainbow would also learn how to give someone a 'good person card'.

He moved past Crimson Rainbow to leave.

However, he was stopped by Shen Jinglun, who cupped his hands and asked, "May I know Fellow Daoist Xu's name? A friend of Crimson Rainbow is a friend of mine, Shen Jinglun. There will be many opportunities for cooperation in the future."

Xu Changsheng saw that more and more people were gathering around. Crimson Glow and Yan Jinghong were also among the crowd.

He thought to himself, "I originally just wanted to ask Crimson Rainbow if she had rigged the selection, but it seems that will have to wait."

He cupped his hands and replied, "Xu Changsheng, a mere Loose Cultivator. I am not worth Young Hall Master Shen's concern."

Then, he shot a fierce look at Crimson Rainbow to keep her quiet and left first.

From behind him came Shen Jinglun's deep voice: "I've remembered your name. We will surely meet again."

Hearing this, Xu Changsheng turned back to cup his hands once more, then left directly after performing the salute.

He looked toward the end of the square, where a peerlessly beautiful figure was watching the events from afar. He groaned inwardly, "There are so many people watching the show!"

Li Hongxuan watched Xu Changsheng walk away, then looked at Shen Jinglun standing next to Crimson Rainbow, feeling at a loss.

With a silly smile on his face, he felt like a clown, or even just a part of their games.

No one paid attention to him, and no one spoke to him.

He just kept smiling foolishly.

...

At dusk.

Jinyang base.

Xu Changsheng regretted his actions more and more. He really shouldn't have met Crimson Rainbow in public; it was too easy to cause misunderstandings.

But on second thought...

Chi Yu had likely dug a pit and was waiting for him to jump in.

"Knock, knock, knock."

A knocking sound came from outside the door.

"Enter."

The door opened.

A dark figure suddenly darted in.

Xu Changsheng teased, "The Eldest Senior Sister of the Jinyang Sect, acting so sneakily—where are your manners?"

Crimson Rainbow took off her black hood. "Isn't it because I'm afraid my sister will peek again?"

She patted her chest. "I arranged this pavilion for you so that you could live alone. I thought it would be fine as long as I was a bit careful when entering, but I didn't expect my sister to be so wicked."

Xu Changsheng waved his hand. "Let's just let this matter go. I actually wanted to ask you something."

"Brother Xu, please speak freely. Ni'er will tell you everything she knows."

He took out the bamboo slip. "Was it intentional? Did you arrange these people for me?"

"Yes... but it can't be changed. This was already decided before you arrived. Crimson Glow was assigned to a team with Yan Jinghong, and I wanted you to protect my cousin."

"Is that so? Could it be that Fairy Ni is using lies to deceive This Xu?"

"It's absolutely true. If Brother Xu doesn't believe me, I can switch with you."

"Forget it then."

Xu Changsheng shook his head. That would make him even more suspicious, and the situation would only become more misunderstood.

"Switch to another team?"

"That's a good idea."

"But then I would have to personally switch to your team because I'm worried about Crimson Glow."

"Never mind, I'm afraid of attracting that Shen Jinglun's attention."

No matter what, switching teams would involve Crimson Rainbow, so it was better to stay put.

Hearing Shen Jinglun's name, Crimson Rainbow chuckled. "Could it be that Brother Xu is jealous?"

"Jealous my foot! I'm afraid of inviting trouble. Women really are troublesome."

"Hmph, you can't even take a joke."

Crimson Rainbow put her hands behind her back and acted like a lady as she walked up to Xu Changsheng.

"What are you doing? Your Dantian injury has already fully recovered."

"It's not that. Guess what I did with the Marriage Proposal Letter?"

"Do whatever you want. What happens between you two is none of my business as an outsider."

"So heartless. As for me, I took the letter and burned it."

Xu Changsheng was stunned. "Well, you seem quite proud of that."

"Of course."

Just then.

"Knock, knock, knock."

The knocking sound rang out again.

"Come in."

Seeing the visitor, Crimson Rainbow immediately became unhappy. "Sister, what are you doing here?"

Chi Yu pulled up a chair and sat down. "What? You can come, but I can't?"

"Get out!"

Crimson Rainbow was furious.

"That won't do. Fellow Daoist Xu personally invited me, unless he tells me to leave."

Xu Changsheng sighed. "It's true, Fairy Ni. I need to discuss the matter of healing with Fairy Yu."

Hearing this.

Crimson Rainbow was suddenly speechless. Tears welled up in her eyes, and her lips trembled, unable to say a single word.

She had already placed herself in a humble position, but looking at the current situation...

Even her marginal position was no longer secure.

"You guys..."