61: Chapter 61 One of the Most Dazzling New Stars in the Southern Region

"Sigh, Revered Master, Senior Sister Jian is the Eldest Princess of the Shenwu Dynasty!"

The enthusiasm that had just ignited in Princess Xia Zhiqing instantly wilted. Her shoulders slumped as if she had lost her bones, and she shrank back into the stone stool, her voice devoid of strength, as if all her energy had been drained away.

"You want her, a precious and noble Eldest Princess of an Imperial Dynasty, to get involved in the 'petty squabbles' of the Hundred Dynasties War? How could she possibly be willing? Besides, the relationship between Great Wu and Shenwu is already like a taut string, extremely delicate; she might not even help us."

As she spoke, her fingers unconsciously scratched at the edge of the stone table, her fingertips making a faint 'rustling' sound against the bluestone.

Luo Qingli and Ling Yun, who were standing to the side, remained silent.

Their fingertips unconsciously clenched their robes until their knuckles turned white, wrinkling the fabric. Although they bore the title of 'Two Prodigies of the Xuantian Sect,' they were currently only at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage of cultivation—in the Southern Region, where experts were as numerous as clouds, they were merely beginners, like two unfledged chicks looking up at eagles soaring across the sky, able only to lower their heads in silence.

The Hundred Dynasties War gathers the Prodigies from all dynasties in the Southern Region.

Not even a Golden Core Cultivator can guarantee victory.

With their strength, wanting to help Princess Xia Zhiqing come out on top? It was simply a fantasy.

The two of them could only stand there helplessly.

The helplessness in their eyes was almost overflowing, like an impenetrable fog covering all their light.

Sect Master Ling Jiuxiao suddenly let out a low chuckle.

The laughter was soft, yet it was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake. He tapped his fingertips gently on the edge of the chessboard—

"Tap, tap."

Two crisp sounds.

It broke the silence of the courtyard, carrying a sense of composed confidence.

"Who says that Changsheng Peak only has these two who can take action?"

The three of them were taken aback.

Princess Xia Zhiqing's eyes widened until they were round, her almond-shaped eyes staring like copper bells, her dark, bright pupils filled with shock and anticipation. She took a few steps to the stone table, her body almost leaning over the tabletop, her hands pressed against the stone table, as if she were about to collapse onto it.

"Revered Master, please stop keeping us in suspense!"

Her tone was full of urgency, like a cat's claws scratching at her heart.

"Besides Senior Brother Xuanyuan and Senior Sister Jian, who else on Changsheng Peak can shoulder the burden of the Hundred Dynasties War? It can't be—"

Before she could finish, she suddenly gasped.

She jumped up from the stone stool, her movements so hurried that she didn't even care about the pain when her knee hit the edge of the stone table. The purple-gold armor on her body clattered, the sound of the armor plates rubbing against each other exceptionally clear in the quiet courtyard. The commotion startled the nearby banana leaves, causing them to sway, and the dew rolling off the leaves fell with a rustle, like a string of broken beads, hitting the bluestone slab and splashing into tiny water droplets.

"Could it be!"

She widened her eyes, her voice rising.

"Did Grand Elder Chu bring back another peerless Prodigy from the outside?"

"Smart!"

Sect Master Ling Jiuxiao laughed, stroking the short beard on his chin.

The laughter was hearty, like a stream flowing in the mountains, carrying an indescribable sense of joy. His eyes were full of approval, as if looking at a pleasing Junior, looking at a seed he had planted himself finally sprouting.

"The number one Prodigy of the Zhenwu Dynasty—Chu Zhanxiao, have you heard of him?"

"I have heard of him, but wasn't he crippled long ago?"

The corners of Princess Xia Zhiqing's mouth, which had just lifted, drooped again.

Her tone was full of regret, as if lamenting a shattered treasure, like watching a meteor fall from the sky, leaving only endless sorrow.

"Back then, he was one of the brightest new stars in the Southern Region, reaching Foundation Establishment at seventeen, Core Formation at twenty, sweeping through his peers without a match—what a pity..."

She lowered her eyes, her eyelashes trembling slightly.

Cultivators like them always pay extra attention to the top Prodigies among their peers. Who had a Breakthrough, who fell, who obtained what Opportunity—these pieces of news were like the wind, always reaching everyone's ears at the first moment.

She naturally knew the name of Chu Zhanxiao well.

However, it had long been rumored in the outside world that he had been plotted against, his cultivation entirely crippled, his Meridians shattered, and he had long fallen from the altar, disappearing from everyone's sight. Some said he went crazy, some said he died, and others said he was living a muddled life in some unknown small town.

As for the matter of Grand Elder Chu causing a scene in the Zhenwu Dynasty capital and forcibly taking Chu Zhanxiao away, it had not yet reached this remote Xuantian Sect. She knew nothing of it.

Sect Master Ling Jiuxiao was slightly stunned.

He immediately realized she was hearing old news and couldn't help but smile, waving his hand.

"Those are all rumors and misinformation from the outside world."

He spoke slowly, his tone carrying a hint of unfathomable mystery.

"In reality, after Grand Elder Chu brought Chu Zhanxiao back to Changsheng Peak, not only did he rebuild his Foundation, but he also received guidance on top-tier Cultivation Techniques. Now, he—"

He paused, a glimmer of light flashing in his eyes.

"Has long since recovered his cultivation, and is even stronger than in his Peak period; his strength is unfathomable!"

"Really?"

Princess Xia Zhiqing's eyes instantly lit up.

Like two stars being lit, like two bright lamps ignited in the dark night, shining with brilliant light. The light was too bright, bright enough to dispel all gloom, bright enough that one dared not look directly at it.

She gripped the edge of the stone table tightly, her knuckles turning white, her fingernails almost embedding into the stone. She leaned forward, wishing she could pounce in front of Sect Master Ling Jiuxiao, her tone so urgent that it carried a slight tremor.

"Revered Master, if that's the case, wouldn't he be our greatest asset in dealing with the Hundred Dynasties War? With him there, even without Senior Brother Xuanyuan, we have full confidence of winning!"

Sect Master Ling Jiuxiao nodded with a smile.

His tone was firm and unquestionable, as steady and reliable as a mountain.

"Exactly. Chu Zhanxiao has always been exceptionally talented, a rare genius in a hundred years; although he suffered a setback back then, his Foundation was still there. Now, with Grand Elder Chu personally guiding him, his vision and strength are no longer what they used to be—"

He picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"Dealing with those Prodigies of the Hundred Dynasties is more than enough."

Ling Yun and Luo Qingli exchanged glances.

The helplessness in their eyes faded away, replaced by undisguised surprise, like parting the clouds to see the clear sky, like a long-parched field finally waiting for the sweet rain.

If they could really invite Chu Zhanxiao to help—the Great Xia Dynasty would not only be able to guarantee victory in the Hundred Dynasties War, but could also use his fame to boost the reputation of the Xuantian Sect.

This was definitely a win-win situation.

Princess Xia Zhiqing rubbed her hands in excitement.

The action was like a little squirrel eager to rush into the forest, wishing she could run to Changsheng Peak immediately. Her tone was almost floating, every word filled with joy.

"Revered Master, then go talk to Grand Elder Chu quickly! As long as Senior Brother Chu Zhanxiao is willing to come out of seclusion, we will definitely shine in the Hundred Dynasties War this time, and make those who look down on the Great Xia Dynasty and our Xuantian Sect sit up and take notice!"

Sect Master Ling Jiuxiao rolled his eyes at her.

The eye-roll was not heavy, but it carried the obvious implication of 'Why are you such an impatient girl?' He slowly picked up his teacup, deliberately dragging out his tone, carrying a hint of teasing.

"What's the rush? Can't you wait for your Revered Master to finish this cup of tea and catch my breath before talking?"

Princess Xia Zhiqing immediately put on a fawning smile.

The smile was sweet enough to make people sick, her eyes curved into two crescent moons, and the corners of her mouth raised high. She nimbly grabbed the teapot and refilled Sect Master Ling Jiuxiao's teacup with hot water—her movements were as fast as a little squirrel begging for food.

Hot water was poured into the teacup, with a light 'hiss' sound, and the tea aroma spread again. The splashed water droplets fell onto the stone table, and she quickly wiped it clean with a handkerchief, fearing that she might be slightly negligent.

"Revered Master, please take your time, take your time!"

She smiled, her voice cloyingly sweet.

"This Disciple is just too anxious; once I think about being able to hold my head high at the Hundred Dynasties War, my heart feels like it's holding a ball of fire, and I can't even sit still. You are a magnanimous person, please don't hold it against this Disciple—"

Sect Master Ling Jiuxiao took a sip of hot tea.

He moistened his throat before speaking slowly. His tone carried a hint of 'settling scores later,' but his eyes hid a smile, as if looking at his own mischievous child.

"Zhiqing girl, be happy if you want, but don't forget what you promised your Revered Master."

Princess Xia Zhiqing's eyes shifted.

She quickly changed her train of thought, her eyes rolling around like a cunning little fox. Then she showed a sly smile, but her tone was feigned to be very sincere, like an obedient child.

"Revered Master, rest assured!"

She patted her chest, and her armor made a 'pop-pop' sound.

"After the matter is accomplished, thirty percent of all the gains from the Hundred Dynasties War will go to our Xuantian Sect, not a single cent less!"

The teacup in Sect Master Ling Jiuxiao's hand suddenly stopped.

A few drops of hot tea splashed out and fell onto the bluestone slab—'Sizzle.' With a few light sounds, the tea instantly evaporated, as if expressing dissatisfaction.

He raised his eyebrows.

His brow arched, and his eyes clearly said, 'Are you kidding me?'

"Thirty percent?"

His tone rose, full of disapproval.

"Your Revered Master remembers that we stated it clearly back then: it was fifty percent. You girl, you want to renege on your debt after only a few days?"

"Ah? Was there?"

Princess Xia Zhiqing immediately blinked her large, innocent eyes.

Her eyes blinked and blinked, watery and full of 'confusion,' as if she really couldn't remember. She tilted her head, putting on an expression of trying hard to recall, her brows slightly furrowed, her small mouth slightly open.

"Revered Master, you must have remembered wrong! It was clearly thirty percent back then! Senior Sister was also there at the time, she can testify!"

As she spoke, she secretly winked at Luo Qingli.

Her look was full of the urgency of 'please help me,' and she almost had the words 'save me' written on her face. Her eyebrows were almost flying up, and her lips moved silently, as if saying 'help me, help me.'

Luo Qingli's hand holding the chess piece stopped in mid-air.

She raised her eyes to look at Princess Xia Zhiqing, a trace of a smile flashing in her flowing eyes—the smile was very faint, so faint it was almost invisible, but she suppressed it.

She spoke without changing her expression.

Her voice was soft, yet every word was clear, like jade beads falling on a jade plate, crisp and pleasant.

"Replying to Revered Master, Junior Sister indeed said fifty percent back then."

"Senior Sister!"

Princess Xia Zhiqing's face instantly fell.

She stomped her feet, her boots making a 'thump-thump' muffled sound on the bluestone slab. Her tone was full of grievance, like a child whose candy had been snatched away, carrying a sobbing tone.

"How could you help Revered Master speak! Aren't we on the same side? That's not fair at all!"

She pouted, her eyes slightly reddened, as if she were truly heartbroken.

Ling Yun, who was standing to the side, finally couldn't help but chuckle.

The laughter was soft, but carried a hint of teasing, as if making fun of a mischievous younger sister.

"Junior Sister, let's not talk about the gains for now—"

He spoke slowly, a mischievous light flashing in his eyes.

"The three jars of 'Drunken Mortal World' that you lost to my father in our last bet, it seems you haven't delivered them yet, right? My father has been complaining about it several times."

Princess Xia Zhiqing's voice instantly lowered.

Like a kitten that had done something wrong, her head was almost hanging down to her chest, her chin almost touching the armor plates on her collarbone. Her fingers twisted the hem of her clothes, twisting it into a braid, her knuckles turning white from the twisting.

"That... that wasn't because I forgot, it was just that there were too many things to do recently, and I got busy..."

She muttered in a low voice, the sound as small as a mosquito's hum.

"Next time for sure, I'll definitely deliver it next time..."

The laughter in the courtyard gradually dissipated.

Accompanied by the elegant tea fragrance and the gentle mountain breeze, it drifted into the distance, into the depths of the clouds and mist in the mountains.

The heaviness originally caused by the identity of Xuanyuan Zhanxian had long been washed away by the joy of finding a new asset. Even the air became light, as if warmed by the sun, permeating with a sense of comfort, like soaking in warm spring water, every pore revealing contentment.

Sect Master Ling Jiuxiao tapped his teacup with his fingertips.

The edge of the celadon cup hit the wooden table—'Ding.' A crisp sound, like jade stones striking each other, broke the silence in the hall.

The sound was crisp and pleasant, like a warning bell, striking Princess Xia Zhiqing's heart.

He slowly put down the teacup, his wide sleeves slightly fluttering with the movement. A scroll of lustrous Jade Slip slid onto the desk like flowing water, emitting a faint spiritual light—the spiritual light was soft and warm, but it seemed to hide a weight of a thousand jun, pressing down so hard that one couldn't breathe.

"White paper and black ink, clear and distinct, do you want to see it with your own eyes?"

His tone carried a hint of a smile, his gaze falling on Princess Xia Zhiqing.

"Someone not only pressed their handprint on it, but also made a harsh statement, saying 'whoever reneges is a puppy.'"

Princess Xia Zhiqing leaned forward.

Her gaze was nailed to the Jade Slip. She saw the line 'Fifty percent of gains belong to Xuantian Sect,' the handwriting piercing through the paper, every stroke revealing unquestionable solemnity. The bright red handprint at the end was even more eye-catching, like a stubborn cinnabar mole, branded before her eyes, impossible to wipe away.

Her face instantly flushed red.

From her cheeks all the way to her earlobes, from her earlobes to her neck, just like a ripe cherry, red enough to drip blood. The tips of her ears were completely red, as if dyed with rouge.

She stomped her feet.

Two muffled 'thump-thump' sounds.

With a hint of feigned anger, she said—

"Revered Master, you are cheating! You said at the time that it was just a formality to put the Sect Elders at ease, that's why I signed and pressed my print, I never thought you were being serious!"

She pouted, a thin layer of water light welling up in her eyes, as if she were about to shed tears in the next second. But deep in her eyes, there was a hint of a smile that only she knew.