Chapter 76: Wind Scales |
Chapter 76 Wind Scales As soon as the list was unveiled, it caused another Huge Uproar, with Criticism like a tide, asking how those three non-Wukang Mountain Disciples also came to Participate in the Conference.
Knowing that there would be such Criticism, someone specially explained in public that Xiang Lan'er, Shi Chun, and Wu Jinliang had officially become Wukang Mountain Disciples, and their seniority was quite high, being of the Senior Uncle Generation to many present.
After seeing the list, Pang Tiansheng returned to the Discipline Hall and almost Laughed Uproariously, chuckling nonstop.
Anyone could see that the three Disciples the Sect had temporarily taken in were meant to Take the Fall for the true Sect Disciples.
Bian Weiying, who saw the official participant list, was also Stunned, then quickly went to her Mother to understand the Truth.
Bian Weikang, upon seeing the list, was filled with Profound Grief.
He frantically ran back to his Humble Abode, pulling Xiang Lan'er to ask what was going on.
Xiang Lan'er tried her best to smile calmly, "I Voluntarily signed up.
If I have the chance to become a true Wukang Mountain Disciple, it will be easier for your parents to Accept us being together, and Wukang Mountain will have no reason not to Accept me. I can't just watch you suffer alone; I have to do something."
He wasn't stupid; how could he not know that Xiang Lan'er was Forced to Participate as a Stand-in due to Pressure?
During his time back at Wukang Mountain, outsiders couldn't imagine what he had gone through. Under Bian Jixiong's deliberate arrangement, he endured with Gritted Teeth various difficulties and Humiliation every day, doing all sorts of Hard, Tiring, and Dirty Work, facing all kinds of Sarcasm and Ridicule, being Bully-ed by a group of Fellow Disciples, and even suffering beatings.
In these short days, he experienced Humiliation he had never known in his life.
These short days made him deeply Understand what it meant to lose the Status and Position of Wukang Mountain's Young Sect Master, and what it meant to lose Authority.
The Fellow Disciples who once surrounded him and made him comfortable suddenly turned Ferocious, reminding him of his former Fair-Weather Friends who immediately Scattered in All Directions when he lost his Glory and Wealth.
To secure a future for Xiang Lan'er, he had been Enduring, and after returning, he had to Force a Smile for Xiang Lan'er, which had made a once Cheerful and Lively person somewhat Gloomy.
Only now did he realize that the Sect Master was so high above him, not someone a mere Disciple like him could meet whenever he wished.
This was Reality.
But he truly hadn't expected that even after enduring so much, he still couldn't protect his own woman.
Crying wouldn't solve the problem.
He Wiped Away Tears with a Sleeve and Ran Off Frantically.
"Young Master, Young Master…" Xiang Lan'er called out several times but couldn't get him back.
In the end, she could only Sigh Faintly.
She had an Informer in Wukang Mountain, so how could she not know the extent of Humiliation Bian Weikang was currently suffering? And even more cruel things were yet to come; what kind of shock would Bian Weikang receive when he discovered that his best Brother and Benefactor's true purpose in helping him was actually for his woman?
To be honest, she couldn't help but feel Cannot Bear To, lamenting that Bian Jixiong, as the father, was truly Ruthless.
This was truly an attempt to Bring Down to Dust his own Son!
Bian Weikang ran to seek an audience with his Father, but couldn't. He sought an audience with his Mother, but also couldn't.
Later, he Forced One's Way In to the Law Enforcement Hall and did meet Elder Ke, Kneeling and Begging for Mercy, hoping he would Show Mercy and spare his woman.
Elder Ke coldly told him the Reality: a list that had already been submitted couldn't be Alter-ed Without Authorization, even by the Sect Master.
Begging anyone was useless, unless one day he could become a figure like the Sheng Continent Domain Lord, then he could Solve with a Single Word.
Then, he had Bian Weikang Driven Out.
Bian Weikang had no other choice. He went to find his Younger Sister, Bian Weiying, asking her to Look After Xiang Lan'er.
To this, Bian Weiying Readily Agreed, making Bian Weikang Immensely Grateful, so moved he almost wanted to Kneel Down in Thanks, especially since he still remembered the City Lord's Mansion incident that night.
Returning to his Humble Abode, Bian Weikang Wiped Off his Tear Stains, a smile still on his face, as if nothing had happened.
He comforted Xiang Lan'er, "Lan'er, I asked around. The Sect will provide many Talismans for Self-Defense.
My Younger Sister, Weiying, is the Team Leader, and she will Look After you. Nothing will happen.
I'll wait for your return…"
The day of Departure arrived quietly. It had nothing to do with most Wukang Mountain Disciples; they continued with their usual work.
In the early morning, as Dawn Breaks, outside the Council Hall, besides a group of High-Level Officials from the Sect seeing them off, no one else was Disturbed.
Shi Chun, Wu Jinliang, and Xiang Lan'er all changed into Chestnut Brown Color Wukang Mountain Disciple Attire.
Wu Jinliang was still so conspicuous in the Crowd, the tallest, with the largest Saber. Just looking at that Saber, one could tell he wasn't a Wukang Mountain Disciple, yet he was mixed among the Wukang Mountain Disciples, which made the High-Level Officials feel An Eyesore.
But that was his Weapon, and he was accustomed to using it, so it was hard to ask him to Discard it.
Elder Ke was responsible for sending them to the Domain Government.
Since it was One Matter, One Master, he simply remained Responsible to the End. He also brought five Accompanying Disciples.
After bidding farewell to Bian Jixiong and the others who were seeing them off, Elder Ke walked to Shi Chun and the others. Suddenly, he executed a Flip Hand, Conjuring Out of Thin Air a Pinecone-like Metal Sphere.
As it appeared in his palm, it immediately began Flashing with Green Light, as if Melting in his hand, then Flying Out Like Locusts, Whoosh-Whoosh! rushing upwards from his palm, Dense-ly Soaring in the Air. It was actually countless Fish-scale-like Azure Scales.
After all the Pinecone-like Metal Sphere in his palm had fully dissolved, Elder Ke executed a Form Hand Seals with his fingers, and the dancing scales immediately Rushed Downwards, swiftly Enveloping the departing group. They rapidly flew around everyone, sometimes forming a Cylindrical Shape, sometimes a Conical Shape, and sometimes a Spindle Shape.
Soon, a rushing Wind Power slowly Lifted Up the departing group. The speed of the Lift Up grew faster and faster, carrying everyone swiftly to Ascend into the Air.
Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang felt their bodies, stirred by the wind, had No Purchase. They repeatedly Cast a spell to Balance themselves before finding the Knack of Balance.
Looking down at Wukang Mountain, it was already growing smaller and smaller. Looking at the rapidly swirling shadows around them, though it was their first time seeing it, they knew what it was: a type of Flying Magic Treasure called "Wind Scales".
This was not something just anyone could afford to use.
The Wind had scales, like a Fish Swimming in the Air.
In the eyes of those seeing them off at Wukang Mountain, the Wind Scales had transformed into a Streaking Light, Dash-ing Towards the distant Horizon…
Around noon, the group Descended from the Sky and landed. The scattering Wind Scales gathered like water falling from a Funnel, Whoosh! concentrating into Elder Ke's palm, quickly transforming into a Pinecone-shaped Metal Sphere and being put away.
Everyone looked around and found themselves Surrounded by Magnificent Buildings as vast as mountains. They were standing in an Open Plaza.
Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang, being Inexperienced, Couldn't See Enough and kept Looking Around. After a while, Wu Jinliang asked, "Where is this?"
"Sheng Continent Prefectural City," Gan Tangyu replied.
He was Handsome and Elegant, with a Tall and Upright figure and Well-Defined Features. His expression was quite Cold and Stern, and he spoke very little, spitting out words two by two.
He seemed to possess a Master's Demeanor, and since his appearance, he had continuously followed Bian Weiying closely, with the aura of a Flower Guardian.
Elder Ke was Handover-ing with a group of Armored Soldiers and soon called them over as well.
After the Armored Soldiers performed an Identity and Cultivation Verification, they locked prepared Metal Bracelets onto the wrists of the corresponding personnel. Each Bracelet had a small Metal Tag with writing on it.
Shi Chun looked at his. One side bore his name, and the other read "Sheng Continent Wukang Mountain Four".
He pulled Wu Jinliang's hand to look; it was the same, one side with his name, the other "Sheng Continent Wukang Mountain Five". He secretly tried to Break by Pulling the Chain, but found it impossible.
With all Handover complete, Elder Ke told everyone, "Just follow them. We will also go to the Royal Capital later."
The Armored Soldiers urged the five participants to move, leading them into a Passageway within a Barbican.
As they proceeded, there were Fluctuating Void Ripples. This sensation was familiar to Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang; they had experienced it when leaving the Living Prison.
This was the so-called Xun Gate.
Along the way, Wu Jinliang couldn't help but ask again, "Where are we going?"
An Armored Soldier said gravely, "Nonsense, to the Shengshen Continent Royal Capital!"
Passing through the long Passage, the moment they Saw the Light Again, others were fine, but the two Inexperienced ones were instantly Stunned and Speechless on the spot, as a Splendor of Myriad Sights and Scenes Assail-ed Their Senses.
Before their eyes were Mountains Pulled Up by Their Roots, Floating in the Air, Scattered at Different Heights, with Carved Beams and Painted Rafters buildings of various colors on them. From some peaks, River of Heaven Water Poured Down ceaselessly onto the Great Earth, with Rainbows arching in the sky and Spirit Birds flying.
On the Extremely Beautiful Scenery below, there was a Full of Prosperity, with countless Continuous Magnificent Buildings.
Between Heaven and Earth, Divine Beings were constantly Rising and Falling, flying to and fro.
As far as the eye could see, the Grand and Magnificent beauty was layered upon layer, everywhere a Dazzling Brilliance, Indescribable.
And they themselves stood on a Floating Mountain.
"What are you staring at? Hurry up." An Armored Soldier pushed Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang.
At the Base of the Floating Mountain, a Giant Flood Dragon with Horns, Almost Like a Divine Dragon, wound its way upwards, Bow-ing and Wait-ing for Boarding like a bridge. As soon as the Armored Soldiers herded everyone onto the Giant Flood Dragon, it immediately executed a Shift Body, carrying them to Soar away.
Riding the Wind and Pierce-ing the Clouds all the way, the prosperity in the air and below, Vast and Endless, brought a Heart-Shaking Visual Impact, also making Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang truly realize their Insignificant-ness. They Stared Foolishly with Open Mouths throughout, forgetting to speak.
Their destination was another Immortal Mountain, Heavily Guarded. The Giant Flood Dragon dropped them off and then Ascended and Depart-ed.
Upon arrival, Shi Chun and the others learned that this mountain was specifically for Sheng Continent participants to Settle Down temporarily, and many Sect-s' people had already arrived.
The various Sect-s Checked into Rooms according to their Order of Arrival, and were Order-ed not to contact the Outside World Without Permission.
Not too far from this Immortal Mountain, in a Quiet Area within the Royal Capital's prosperity, was an Exquisite Garden situated on a Slope, with Ancient Trees Providing Deep Shade all around, and the Pavilions and Towers within the Garden were extremely Elegant.
Miao Yilan, dressed simply and elegantly, Personally Tend-ed to Exotic Flowers and Rare Herbs in the Garden, while Lan Qiaoyan, looking like a Good Wife and Kind Mother, Personally Cook-ed inside the house.
This was their home in the Shengshen Continent Royal Capital, and they had similar homes elsewhere.
Miao Yilan was able to come here from Zhaotian City because Lan Qiaoyan had helped her request a Long Leave.
There was no other reason; the "Heavenly Rain Meteor Grand Assembly" was approaching, and she brought her daughter to Watch the Excitement. Though she said it was to Watch the Excitement, they were not Interested in the Minor Character-s' Desperate Struggle.
Nor was it for Shi Chun, although they already knew Shi Chun would Participate in the Conference.
Lan Qiaoyan knew Shi Chun had gone to Wukang Mountain and guessed Wukang Mountain would also Participate in the Conference.
When checking the Participating Sects' situation, she subconsciously looked for Wukang Mountain and found it was indeed on the list. What surprised her most was finding Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang also on the participant list, which greatly Astonished the Mother and Daughter.
Her true reason for bringing her daughter back to the Shengshen Continent Royal Capital was that many Nobles would come from Various Places. Nobles from Within Sheng-shen Continent and all Four Great Continents would Gather Like Clouds for this event.
It was a time for people like them to Socialize, and also to Seize the Opportunity to Seek a suitable Good Match for her daughter.
While she appreciated a Minor Character like Shi Chun, she Disapprove-d of him as a Son-in-Law.
As the Carefully Cook-ed Delicacy was just placed on the Outdoor Table, the Master of the House also returned. He wore Green Clothes and a Black Gauze Hat, was Tall and Upright with a Fair-Skinned Face, a Small Mustache, and a somewhat Feminine appearance, but he was still a man of considerable Demeanor.
Miao Dingyi, one of the Six Grand Pivots of Far-Gazing Tower.
Miao Yilan ran over, Chatter-ing Noisily, and sat down at the Dining Table with her Father.
After Lan Qiaoyan also sat down, Miao Dingyi remembered something. He Take Out-ed a Shell-colored Metal Token and Threw it in front of the Mother and Daughter, then picked up his Chopsticks to savor his wife's Skill.
The Mother and Daughter thought it was some Gift, Squeez-ing their Heads Together to pick up the Token and examine it. On it was Engraved: "Wukang Mountain Four, Shi Chun One Hundred Thousand Gold, First Place One Thousand Times Multiplier."
Miao Yilan, with her Lack of Experience, didn't know what it was, but Lan Qiaoyan recognized it at a glance.
She looked up in Astonishment and asked, "You Placed a Bet on the Betting Market? And you bet One Hundred Thousand Gold at once?"
Miao Dingyi Shook his Head Helplessly, "No choice. I just ran into The One Who Opened the Betting.
He mentioned it, and if I didn't Place a Bet, it would Show Disrespect. If I bet too little, it would seem too perfunctory.
To Not Offend People, I had to Show Support."
Lan Qiaoyan was Stunned, "But you shouldn't Bet on Shi Chun! And Bet on Him to Get First Place? Betting on Wukang Mountain would be better than betting on him personally, wouldn't it? Are you trying to Gamble for a One Thousand Times Multiplier on luck?"
Miao Dingyi Laughed Heartily, "I'm Not Interested in the multiplier.
I Don't Understand those Betting Targets, and I Haven't Researched them. You two have mentioned this Shi Chun a few times recently, haven't you? I didn't know who to bet on before.
Rather than Throw Away One Hundred Thousand Gold on an Unknown Person, I might as well Throw it on this Shi Chun. I just Conveniently/In Passing Bet on him.
Forget it, it's just a matter of Show-ing Support. You don't really expect to Hit the Jackpot with Great Luck, do you? But when I placed my bet, I Conveniently/In Passing checked this Shi Chun's Basic Information on the Betting Market.
I feel his situation isn't good; he was likely Forced to Participate as a Stand-in."
Lan Qiaoyan was Slightly Startled, "What do you mean?"
Miao Dingyi: "He's only at the Early Martial Cultivation Level.
If Wukang Mountain truly intended to enter the Competition, how could they let him Participate in the Conference? Didn't you say that kid even Disapprove-d of joining our Far-Gazing Tower? How could he Be Willing To become a Disciple of the Small Wukang Mountain? It's highly probable he was Forced to Take the Fall."
(End of Chapter)