Chapter 421: The Last Round

The girl outside the door was also an acquaintance of Chen Mobai.

Her skin was fair, her features delicate, and her almond-shaped eyes sparkled with vitality. Her long, dark hair was tied with a light-colored headband, giving her an air of grace and purity. Her light pink long-sleeved shirt couldn't conceal her full, graceful curves. Beneath her slender waist, she wore a red and black plaid skirt that clung to the shapely contours of her thighs. Her long, beautiful legs, clad in thin black stockings and round-toed leather shoes, were perfectly straight and proportioned, with just a hint of skin visible, accentuating her blend of innocence and allure.

“You… are also participating in the final round?” Chen Mobai couldn't help but look surprised, seeing the radiant Shi Wanyu standing outside the door.

“Yes, my friend saw the open audition advertisement for the Purple Lightning Sword’s chosen master. Since I practice the Flowing Light Sword Art at the academy, she encouraged me to try. I infused a sword qi into a white stone and sent it in, never expecting that True Lord Hao Cao would actually choose me for the final round.”

Shi Wanyu was incredibly surprised and delighted by her good fortune, initially thinking that Mount River Academy had made a mistake. Only after repeated confirmation that the esteemed True Lord Hao Cao had personally reviewed and selected her, did she excitedly board the train to White Stone Cavern-Heaven.

Upon arriving, she heard that Chen Mobai was also on the list of sixteen participants for the final round. Considering they chatted quite well during holidays and festivals, making them friends, she asked the Mount River Academy teacher who greeted her for his address and came to visit.

“So, it seems we’re rivals then,” Chen Mobai joked, then invited Shi Wanyu in. Her face flushed slightly, but upon entering, she noticed two unfamiliar young men already seated inside.

“This is Zhongli Tianyu, and this is Zhai Jianbai; they are both my classmates from the Martial Instruments Dao Academy.”“And this is my good friend, Shi Wanyu from the Flowing Light Academy.”As the host, Chen Mobai naturally introduced the three. The former two, being highly cultivated, had already overheard the conversation at the door while inside.

“A Qi Cultivator can also enter the final round?” Zhongli Tianyu was quite direct. He looked at Shi Wanyu with a slight frown. Although the Immortal Sect wouldn't inspect others' cultivation levels, the vast difference between major cultivation realms was still discernible. His words carried a subtle hint of disdain.

Upon hearing this, Shi Wanyu’s pretty face paled slightly, and a hint of annoyance flickered in her eyes.

“There are eight Qi Cultivators in the final round,” Chen Mobai immediately interjected. He had already learned the general situation of the sixteen participants in the final round from Pei Qingshuang: eight Qi Cultivators, three Core Formation cultivators, and five Foundation Establishment cultivators. This was to promote the idea that the open audition was truly fair and just, offering an opportunity to cultivators of every realm. After all, the Immortal Sect boasts over two hundred million Qi Cultivators, and this fact would greatly boost the morale of the general populace.

“Oh, really?” Zhongli Tianyu looked astonished upon hearing this, then carefully scrutinized Shi Wanyu from head to toe. In his opinion, the sword qi of a Qi Cultivator was certainly inferior to that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator. However, since Hao Cao had selected eight Qi Cultivators from tens of thousands of white stones, it must mean that these eight cultivators possessed unique sword qi, capable of rivaling Foundation Establishment cultivators in some aspects. Zhongli Tianyu was very interested in the mysteries and subtleties behind this.

“May I see your sword qi?” Shi Wanyu was somewhat taken aback by Zhongli Tianyu’s words; he was a bit too direct and frank.

“I don’t have any white stones on me right now,” Shi Wanyu replied truthfully. Although white stones weren't particularly valuable to them, for a Qi Cultivator, they represented an extra expenditure of merit points. After infusing her sword qi, Shi Wanyu hadn't bought any more white stones.

“No problem, Old Chen has plenty here.” Zhongli Tianyu pointed to a basket in the corner. Pei Qingshuang had brought it from Hao Cao’s sword-sharpening room, and Chen Mobai had only used a small portion to infuse five streaks of sword qi, leaving the rest in the corner.

“In that case… please guide me.” Seeing this, Shi Wanyu could only nod in agreement. Just as she walked towards the corner, preparing to pick up a white stone to display her Flowing Light Sword Qi, Chen Mobai reached out and stopped her.

“Everyone’s sword qi is a secret, especially with the final selection of the Purple Lightning Sword at stake. You don’t need to do this,” Chen Mobai said. He knew Zhongli Tianyu’s personality was somewhat unconventional, but he felt that this was a bit too demanding. However, to save face for both parties, he offered a perfectly valid reason.

“Ah, I was being thoughtless,” Zhongli Tianyu mused. Realizing the truth of it, he looked enlightened and apologized to Shi Wanyu.

“It’s nothing,” Shi Wanyu said with a faint smile, waving her hand after Zhongli Tianyu apologized. “Actually, when I learned that Senior Chen Mobai was also participating, I knew this was probably as far as I would get. The Purple Lightning Sword’s final choice definitely won’t be me.” Shi Wanyu was quite clear-headed about her own situation, implying her Flowing Light Sword Qi wasn’t anything special. “However, my sword qi cultivation isn’t very refined. It takes three days and nights of silent meditation for me to infuse a complete streak. So, I might only be able to show you in three days.” As Shi Wanyu spoke, she had already picked up a white stone from the basket, her bright eyes, like crescent moons, curving into a smile as she explained.

“It’s a rare pleasure to meet old friends so far from home,” Chen Mobai said with a smile, seeing the atmosphere among the three acquaintances had relaxed. “I arrived a few days early and know a good seafood restaurant at Mount River Academy. Let me treat you all to a meal today.”

The three naturally had no objections.

Mount River Academy, being situated atop a seaside cliff, boasted the freshest seafood daily. Pei Qingshuang had previously taken Chen Mobai to some of the most famous restaurants there, so he was now quite familiar with the area.

After the four finished their meal, they prepared to go their separate ways.

“I need to use these last few days to thoroughly practice the Purple Cloud Divine Thunder Sword Art. None of you should disturb me,” Zhongli Tianyu said with a serious expression before leaving. For others, a last-minute effort would be useless, but for a genius like him, a few days were enough to significantly deepen his understanding of this sword art.

“Don’t worry, I promise not to see you,” Chen Mobai said. Knowing Zhongli Tianyu’s peculiar way of thinking, he rolled his eyes and waved him off, indicating he could leave.

“Mount River Academy, as a sacred land for sword cultivators in the Immortal Sect, possesses countless sword arts and techniques,” Zhai Jianbai, a very practical person himself, remarked. “I don’t have any grand expectations for the Purple Lightning Sword. Instead, I might as well go to the sword training grounds here and find two opponents of the same realm to properly discuss the way of the sword.” He sincerely admired Chen Mobai, clearly understanding that the Dao Academy’s chief disciple possessed ten or even a hundred times his own talent in swordsmanship. Since Chen Mobai was participating, Zhai Jianbai regarded his own participation as an opportunity to broaden his horizons and also to exchange knowledge with the Foundation Establishment sword cultivators of Mount River Academy.

“Alright then, both of you keep an eye on the time. Don’t miss the day of the final round for interacting with the Purple Lightning Sword.” Chen Mobai was quite concerned about the two of them. After all, as the chief disciple of the Martial Instruments Dao Academy, it was his duty and responsibility to look after them while they were under his watch.

“Then I’ll head back on my own. I won’t disturb you three seniors,” Shi Wanyu, who had overheard their conversation, politely excused herself, sensing the appropriate moment.

“Let me walk you back,” Chen Mobai offered. “I still owe you a lipstick, and there’s a commercial street atop the hundred-zhang stone sword at Mount River Academy. We can go there and see if there’s one suitable for you.” Chen Mobai had thought of this matter the moment he first saw Shi Wanyu. He had seemingly owed her this for over eight years. Although they exchanged messages during holidays and festivals, he had always been too busy with various matters to find time to invite her out. Since they had met at Mount River Academy today, it was the perfect opportunity to finally resolve this long-standing matter on his mind.

Shi Wanyu, upon hearing this, suddenly blushed intensely. She couldn’t help but lower her head, fiddling with the hem of her skirt, seemingly a little embarrassed.

Zhongli Tianyu and Zhai Jianbai, having heard this, couldn't help but exchange glances, recalling the rumors about their chief disciple’s questionable reputation within the Dao Academy. They had been somewhat skeptical before, but after witnessing and hearing it firsthand today, they had no choice but to believe.

“Let’s go. Relax, I’ll fly you over,” Chen Mobai said gently. Knowing that Shi Wanyu had not yet reached the Foundation Establishment realm, he softly unfurled his Crimson Cloud Silk Robe and extended a hand, inviting her to step onto it.

Watching the two of them fly off, standing side-by-side on the misty clouds, Zhongli Tianyu and Zhai Jianbai both shook their heads simultaneously.

“Let’s just pretend we don’t know about this,” Zhai Jianbai whispered to Zhongli Tianyu, earning a scornful look from the latter.

“Am I the kind of person who gossips behind others’ backs?” Zhongli Tianyu retorted. “Besides, the more he indulges in women, the more advantageous it is for me. As long as his progress slows down, with my talent, I’ll catch up to him one day.” Indeed, Zhongli Tianyu’s thought process was quite different from that of a normal person like Zhai Jianbai.

Chen Mobai had no idea that his casual invitation had led these two to combine it with the rumors circulating in the Martial Instruments Dao Academy, concocting a strangely imaginative scenario.

“How do you like this one?” On the commercial street of Mount River Academy, Shi Wanyu, after applying a light, dewy, brightly colored lipstick, gently pressed her lips together. Her fair cheeks flushed crimson as she slightly parted her cherry lips, which were now coated with a layer of smooth, jade-like transparent glaze, and faced Chen Mobai.

As Chen Mobai gazed at the radiant girl with her peachy cheeks, rosy face, and slightly parted cherry lips revealing pearly white teeth, his mind drifted back to when they first met. Time seemed to have left no trace on her. Over eight years had passed, yet she remained pure and charming, brimming with youthful vitality. Being with her, Chen Mobai suddenly felt invigorated and full of vigor himself.

“Absolutely beautiful!” Chen Mobai exclaimed, his praise heartfelt. Beneath the transparent glazed lipstick, Shi Wanyu’s soft, moist cherry lips were luscious and captivating, a perfect match for her pure demeanor.

“Then I’ll take this one,” Shi Wanyu said. Seeing the admiration in Chen Mobai’s eyes, she felt a trace of shyness along with her happiness. She capped the lipstick and handed it to the attendant.

“Please get two more of the same,” Chen Mobai told the attendant. Shi Wanyu immediately shook her head, saying one was enough, but when they left the store, she was happily carrying a small gift box containing three lipsticks of the same color.

It was precisely at sunset, and the twilight glow over the ocean was especially magnificent.

“It’s truly beautiful,” they both murmured. They instinctively walked to the edge of the hundred-zhang stone sword, gazing at the splendid sight of the fiery red sun, obscured by vast mists and waves, where the sea and sky merged into one in the distance, expressing their inner awe.

“May I take a photo with you?” Shi Wanyu hesitated for a moment. Seeing the sunset was about to fully fade, she finally mustered the courage to ask Chen Mobai, who nodded without hesitation. “It would be my pleasure.”

Upon hearing this, Shi Wanyu happily took out her phone, used an object manipulation spell to position it perfectly, then stood with Chen Mobai against the backdrop of the vibrant sunset and pressed to capture the moment.

“Thank you. Today has been the happiest day of my life,” Shi Wanyu said, her blush still lingering as she looked at the man and woman standing side-by-side on the screen. She revealed a little of her true feelings to Chen Mobai.

“I’m happy too. Let’s both do our best in the final round,” Chen Mobai replied with a polite smile. Then, seeing that it was getting late, he carried the joyful girl back to her accommodation arranged by Mount River Academy, as the last light of dusk faded.

For Chen Mobai, if Shi Wanyu didn't reach the Foundation Establishment realm, this would likely be their last meeting. Among students of the One Hundred and Twenty Academies, only those at the chief disciple level could successfully reach Foundation Establishment. If Chen Mobai remembered correctly, Shi Wanyu was in the same cohort as him, and with only a year and a half remaining, her chances of reaching Foundation Establishment were slim. Returning her three lipsticks today was a way to bring their connection to a definitive close.

After completing this matter, Chen Mobai felt his state of mind elevate. Within his Violet Palace Sea of Consciousness, a sapling of green parasol tree suddenly sprouted branches and leaves, then merged into the central Jadeite Parasol Tree, causing his divine sense to grow by a small increment. “Is this karma?” he wondered. Chen Mobai inexplicably recalled the successor of the Divine Mechanism Pavilion he had met, who also seemed to form connections through karma. He wondered how much she would improve when his karmic ties with her were resolved.

Time flew by, and soon it was the day of the final round for the Purple Lightning Sword’s chosen master, as announced by Mount River Academy. Chen Mobai, as one of the highlights, was scheduled to interact with the Purple Lightning Sword on the fourth to last day. Before him were twelve peerless sword dao geniuses selected by Hao Cao, ostensibly to conceal the reincarnated body of Old Ancestor White Light.

The less cultivated Shi Wanyu was scheduled third. Before entering the Sword Pagoda, she gave Chen Mobai a sword pouch, an artisan craft she had bought when they were getting the lipstick on the commercial street. Compared to when she bought it, this palm-sized sword pouch now featured an embroidered design: a simple sketch of the two of them from their photo together against the sunset. Inside the sword pouch was a white stone infused with Shi Wanyu’s Flowing Light Sword Qi, which she said was an early congratulatory gift for Chen Mobai’s acquisition of the Purple Lightning Sword.

Chen Mobai thanked her and, finding it difficult to refuse, politely accepted it.

After the sixteen cultivators in the final round interacted with the Purple Lightning Sword, they were required to remain in their rooms and not go out until the last person exited the Sword Pagoda and the final results were announced.

Soon, Zhongli Tianyu and Zhai Jianbai also exited the Sword Pagoda, and it was Chen Mobai’s turn. Since he had been there before, Hao Cao didn’t personally escort him this time, merely teaching him the incantation to open and close the sword scabbard.

At the entrance of the Sword Pagoda, Chen Mobai saw Pei Qingshuang waiting there. She didn’t say much, simply giving him a thumbs-up.

Chen Mobai nodded and stepped inside.