Senior brother, I knew I hadn't misjudged you.

The next morning.

Just as dawn broke, the entire Linglong Holy Land began to bustle. The numerous Disciples, Deacons, and Elders within the Holy Land all wore joyful expressions, brimming with energy, systematically preparing for the upcoming grand ceremony.

For any faction, adding a Mahayana Cultivator to their ranks was a monumental cause for celebration.

This meant they would be more dominant in resource competition, and everyone in the Sect would benefit, making it impossible to overstate its importance.

Hosting a grand celebration ceremony could not only boost the morale of the Disciples but also serve as an opportunity to display their might to the world, greatly enhancing the influence of Linglong Holy Land in the Cultivation World. It was truly killing several birds with one stone.

Inside and outside the mountain gate, clouds steamed and glowed, auspicious colors filled the air, and various Spiritual Birds and Exotic Beasts flew and cried, creating a scene of flourishing splendor everywhere.

As countless female Disciples bustled back and forth, a piece of gossip also spread throughout the entire Linglong Holy Land at an astonishing speed.

“Did you hear? Something huge happened! Ancestor Fei Huang personally ordered our Saintess to become the Dao Child of Tai Xuan's woman!”

“Ah?! I didn't mishear, did I? Is that true or false?”

“Since this matter involves Ancestor Fei Huang, no one would dare to fabricate it. It's said that a few Elders recently went to ask the Sect Head directly. Although the Sect Head was vague, she didn't outright deny it, clearly giving tacit approval.”

“Hiss...”

A chorus of gasps echoed, and the numerous Holy Land Disciples of Linglong Holy Land discussed animatedly, their faces filled with shock.

“Your news is already outdated. According to the latest intelligence, the Saintess and the Dao Child of Tai Xuan already tied the knot last night and went to Wushan together! She was even seen coming out of Sunset Glow Courtyard this morning!”

“At the time, the Saintess looked flustered and was completely flushed. She looked entirely nourished, maybe she's even pregnant now.”

“Rumors! Absolutely rumors! The Saintess has always been pure and unsullied. How could she secretly meet with another man? Someone must have deliberately spread these rumors to ruin the Saintess's reputation. Their intentions deserve death!”

“Exactly, we absolutely cannot let the guests from other Sects hear about this, or it will damage the reputation of Linglong Holy Land...”

Although there were still many voices of doubt, the stream of rumors, half-true and half-false, quickly caused an uproar in Linglong Holy Land.

Elsewhere.

The majestic and solemn Main Hall of Linglong Holy Land.

Sect Head Shao Xuanji of Linglong Holy Land carefully observed her beloved Disciple not far away, unable to stop herself from frowning.

Although Xiao Yueni appeared properly dressed and dignified, her guilty, evasive demeanor and the faint, lingering charm in her eyes made it easy to guess what had happened last night.

Xiao Yueni felt nervous under the scrutiny. Thinking she hadn't cleaned herself properly, she subconsciously wiped the corner of her lips...“Ah!”

Only halfway through wiping did she suddenly realize what she was doing, immediately stopping as if her hand had been burned.

“Yueni, I ask you...” Shao Xuanji slowly stepped forward, gazing at her, and asked in a cold tone, “Were you bullied by that bastard?”

“If so, even if I risk the crime of defying the Grandmaster, I will stand up for you!”

Xiao Yueni's delicate body trembled, and she lowered her beautiful head, saying:

“Revered Master, it's not what you think. This Disciple went to him willingly to gather information, and this Disciple... this Disciple does not regret it.”

As she spoke, her mind couldn't help but recall the scenes from last night, and a hint of haziness flashed across her eyes.

I must have been crazy then!

To actually be willing to do so many shameless things... Seeing this, Shao Xuanji's frown deepened. She sighed softly and said in a deep voice:

“If I hadn't observed that your Primal Yin was still intact, I would have already gone to settle the score with that brat.”

“The situation is special now. A large number of External Sect Members have gathered here for the ceremony. If we are not careful, this matter will become a scandal spread throughout the world, causing Linglong Holy Land to lose all face.”

“Since you couldn't get any information from him, you should keep your distance for now. I will figure out the rest.”

“As it stands, we can only hope that Qi Yuan, the Dao Child of Tai Xuan, understands the principle of knowing when enough is enough, and doesn't rely on Ancestor Fei Huang's indulgence to do things that excessively harm our Linglong Holy Land.”

After hearing this, Xiao Yueni forcefully suppressed the turmoil and shyness in her heart, nodded lightly, and then said seriously:

“This Disciple respectfully obeys your command. Coincidentally, after breaking free from that illusionary realm yesterday, this Disciple gained some insight and feels that the opportunity for a Soul Transformation Breakthrough is close at hand.”

“After this celebration, this Disciple will enter solitary cultivation for a period to prepare for crossing the Soul Transformation Tribulation.”

“You are going to Break through to Soul Transformation?”

Shao Xuanji was stunned upon hearing this, but after examining her beloved Disciple, she immediately showed delight. “Good. I observe that your Spiritual Vitality is full and your Spiritual Will is harmonious. You have indeed Cultivated to the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm.”

“As long as you don't seek quick success and rush recklessly, you are highly likely to achieve Hundred Tribulations Spirit Transformation, which is several years earlier than I had previously anticipated.”

...Meanwhile.

Sunset Glow Courtyard.

Qi Yuan walked out of his room feeling refreshed, stretched his waist, and felt that he was capable again.

He hadn't expected the Linglong Saintess, who looked cold and indifferent on the surface, to have such a passionate side, giving him a wonderfully stimulating sense of contrast... After savoring the memory for a moment, he quickly realized that the people around him were looking at him, some openly and some secretly, especially some male Cultivators, whose eyes were full of envy, jealousy, and even a hint of worship.

What's going on?

Qi Yuan frowned slightly, just about to pull someone aside to ask, when he saw Lu Changfeng rushing towards him excitedly, immediately giving his shoulder a light punch:

“Junior Brother Qi, Senior Brother, I truly didn't misjudge you. You rejected my suggestion on the surface, but you couldn't bear to see me suffering from emotional distress, so you helped me out, right?”

As he spoke, his eyes welled up, and he said with a face full of emotion:

“As expected of you. In just one night, you managed to conquer Fairy Xiao. Compared to you, my actions over the past decade or so are simply a joke.”

“Although I still kind of want to kill you right now, you went to such lengths for my sake. If I don't appreciate it, wouldn't I be worse than a beast?”

Next, Lu Changfeng heavily patted Qi Yuan's shoulder:

“Junior Brother Qi, from now on, you are my great benefactor. If you ever need help in the future, just ask. Even if it means climbing mountains of knives or plunging into seas of fire, your Senior Brother will absolutely not refuse.”

“Take care, Junior Brother. I must go back into solitary cultivation now to comprehend the Dao of Forgetfulness!”

After saying this, he resolutely turned around and strode away with his head held high. That light green figure appeared especially tall under the morning sun... Qi Yuan, standing rooted to the spot, was somewhat bewildered, feeling a ridiculous sense of not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Damn, the speed at which Linglong Holy Land spreads rumors is ridiculously fast. Did they get internet access?

Soon, Qi Yuan's expression changed.

As the Number One Beauty of the Righteous Path, Linglong Saintess Xiao Yueni had countless admirers in the Cultivation World; she was the dream goddess of countless male Cultivators.

If the news spread outside, he feared he would immediately become public enemy number one for all men.

Could it be that Linglong Holy Land wants to use someone else's hand to kill him?