Though the uncle and nephew pair from Mohe Zen Temple were surprised by the outcome, they cared little for victory or defeat. Buddhist cultivators always sought self-elevation, pure in their own nature, indifferent to external matters.
Unaware of Chenghong’s injuries due to the distance, they sensed his grave condition. Remembering the Abbot’s earnest instructions to care for the Buddha’s son, their serene expressions shifted. They immediately flew through the air to support him, their hands busy examining and treating his wounds.
Within Mohe Zen Temple, Chenghong was cherished by all.
Chenghong halted their anxious movements. Despite his defeat, he remained as graceful as a gentle breeze, showing no signs of dejection, standing tall and refined like green bamboo, exuding an ethereal charm. His thin sleeves rustled against the cold bamboo in the twilight.
“Sixth Blossom Benefactor, regarding your matter with Benefactor Gu, this monk overstepped his bounds. However, she has not been feeling well recently. Once this newcomer’s ranking concludes, I hope you will show her more concern and care.”
With his thin eyelids lowered, fulfilling his duty, he spoke this to Liu Jiang Fusheng. Then, accompanied by his senior brother and nephew, he departed with grace, without a pause, parting ways. Only their backs, like those of green bamboo and jade branches, remained.
As Liu Jiang Fusheng landed, he flicked his sleeve, and a white light appeared, retracting his “Flower Spirit.” He stared in the direction Chenghong had left, his eyes, both alluring and pure, narrowed. It wasn’t the words of this “flower monk” showing concern for his wife that angered him, but his worry about Gu Junshi’s physical condition.
He tilted his head, his long, dark eyelashes falling, his eyes as clear as glass. He recalled a recent event when she had mentioned feeling unwell. Being unskilled in medicine, he had asked Elder Jiuli to examine her.
Elder Jiuli was akin to a village doctor, possessing much experience but weaker skills. However, based on the situation, it seemed there was no issue.
He had said it was merely that her mortal constitution could not withstand the abundance of spiritual energy for twenty-eight days, but it was not a major problem. With ample rest and Liu Jiang Fusheng’s occasional “guidance” by her side… this was what he had thought. But what did Chenghong’s words imply?
He suddenly remembered someone mentioning that Master Chenghong, due to his innate Dao bones, was compassionate and skilled in healing, possessing miraculous restorative powers. Could it be that when he encountered Gu Junshi that time, he had discerned something?
At this moment, Liu Jiang Fusheng believed Gu Junshi had only met Chenghong in private once.
On the viewing platform of Wushuang Realm, beside the serene and beautiful Southern Yuan Shangzun on a midsummer day, a mysterious veiled woman suddenly said to him, “Immortal Master, Wan Yan has found the person she has been looking for.”
Southern Yuan Shangzun was taken aback. He turned his head, his gaze gentle and accepting, like listening to a flowing spring by a rock. “Found? Who is it?”
Fu Wan Yan pondered for a moment and then smiled, “I am going down to find him now.”
Southern Yuan Shangzun was surprised, but then he saw her leap from the viewing platform. Her slender waist, adorned with a jade belt, danced like celestial silk, her skirt resembling a blooming lotus, her posture graceful and captivating.
As she landed, many people turned their attention to her. Even with a veil obscuring her face, the beauty of a stunner was not entirely dependent on her features.
Fu Wan Yan’s eyes seemed to hold only the figure of Liu Jiang Fusheng. A smile bloomed on her face, a smile like the brilliance of stars. She believed that if he saw her, he would feel the same way she did.
There was shyness, and there was anticipation.
The mountain lord and disciples of Dayen Sect were excited and thrilled, feeling a sense of unexpected surprise, as if a pie had fallen from the sky. Wei Li also hadn't expected Liu Jiang Fusheng to be the ultimate winner.
His greatest ambition for his disciples was merely a top-ten ranking, and he had believed that it would be Danya who achieved this honor.
Indeed, Danya had achieved it, but Liu Jiang Fusheng, a disciple who had only cultivated for three years, far exceeded his estimations and expectations, giving him too many pleasant surprises and unexpected turns, to the point where Wei Li found it somewhat… uncomfortable to accept.
Was it because that hateful woman knew that Liu Jiang Fusheng was destined for extraordinary achievements that she treated him differently?
Where might she be now?
Was she hiding among the crowd, secretly watching Liu Jiang Fusheng, or had she donned another disguise and was openly admiring Liu Jiang Fusheng’s victorious and spirited demeanor?
Congratulations from various sects and factions surrounded the disciples of Dayen Sect. They exchanged pleasantries and humble greetings. For the first time, they received such grand attention and treatment. To be honest, the feeling was exhilarating.
Especially the mountain lord of Dayen Sect, Zhi Yang Daoist, who was Liu Jiang Fusheng’s master. The triumphant scene he had fantasized about since accepting Liu Jiang Fusheng as his disciple was now a reality. His joy was evident on his face, his eyes crinkling with a smile, as if standing at the center of the world. His slightly hunched back began to straighten, and from head to toe, he wanted to display his inner pride and excitement.
While being flattered, the disciples of Dayen Sect were momentarily unable to extricate themselves from the surrounding crowd. Thus, Liu Jiang Fusheng, having regained his memories, stood alone on the field. Winning the “Newcomer’s Ranking” title brought him a sense of accomplishment, like completing a mission, but not the simple joy he felt when he had amnesia.
He needed to succeed, but he would not lose himself in prosperity. Moreover, as he looked around, at such a moment, his “A Yi” had not appeared. Though surrounded by bustling activity, he felt a sense of desolation…
While feeling utterly bored, his gaze, which had been casually scanning the surroundings, suddenly stopped at one spot.
He blinked his eyes, as if transforming from a profound and cunning figure into someone somewhat lost and childish, because behind a group of disciples, he saw a familiar and surprisingly welcome figure.
Liu Jiang Fusheng stared intently for a while, then suddenly pursed his lips into a smile, his face as radiant as peach blossoms.
His figure, clad in snow-blue floating mist, stood out brilliantly against the crimson twilight, yet felt perfectly natural. The vibrant colors filling the sky and earth seemed to have been born for him, especially his smile, which melted like ice and snow from the nine heavens.
It was her.
She had arrived.
It turned out she had been watching him all along.
The sudden and stunning change in Liu Jiang Fusheng’s demeanor was felt by everyone. Yet, simultaneously, they were deeply captivated by his elegant and transcendent aura.
Fu Wan Yan’s pupils brightened, as if infused with light, and she seemed mesmerized by him.
In the bloom of youth, how many infatuated maidens could resist Liu Jiang Fusheng’s full charm?
Fu Wan Yan took a deep breath and walked towards Liu Jiang Fusheng, unhurriedly. Although she yearned for their first meeting, she maintained her pride and self-possession. She thought that she could walk closer to him, but for the final step, she hoped he would take the initiative to walk towards her.
Fu Wan Yan had this confidence in herself and believed she possessed the qualifications.
She walked steadily and calmly towards Liu Jiang Fusheng. However, when they were only a few steps apart, Liu Jiang Fusheng, ignoring everyone who tried to approach him to strike up a conversation or offer congratulations, suddenly stepped out from the crowd.
Fu Wan Yan watched him, her heart beginning to beat uncontrollably. Their distance closed, and she couldn't help but hold her breath… until they passed each other. He did not look sideways, and she stood frozen.
She remained rooted to the spot like a stone statue, unable to believe it. She abruptly turned her head, only to see Liu Jiang Fusheng’s clear trajectory. He had started with a stride, then slowed to an irrepressible, hurried walk, and finally, with utmost impatience, sprinted towards the crowd of "Newcomer’s Ranking" disciples who had come to watch.
The female disciples, seeing the victor of the “Newcomer’s Ranking” up close, found him like a god from the heavens, inspiring longing yet also a sense of inferiority. Their faces flushed with shyness and reserve as they made way for him. They couldn’t help but wonder, was he looking for someone?
Who was he looking for?
And for whom did he have such an eager and joyful expression?
His steps did not falter, and wherever he went, the crowd parted. Finally, he stopped accurately in front of a woman.
At this moment, they all knew.
Fu Wan Yan’s expression was grim. Everything she had imagined was shattered by his retreating figure as he rushed towards someone else. She hadn’t expected her destined person to ignore her existence and rush toward another woman with almost uncontrolled eagerness.
That woman, simply by standing there, had captured all of his attention.
Fu Wan Yan’s scrutinizing, icy gaze fell upon that woman.
Who was she?
What was her relation to Liu Jiang Fusheng?
—
After Liu Jiang Fusheng won the top spot in the “Newcomer’s Ranking,” Gu Junshi appeared among the crowd. She thought that being a wife was like being a monk for a day and counting the bells on that day. At such a time, perhaps she should appear to share in her husband’s glory.
This was supposed to be a staple of sweet romance.
Therefore, her attire today was not as plain and simple as her usual, almost impoverished, style. It was true that she disliked overly bright colors, but her slender figure was accentuated by a moon-colored, waist-cinching long dress. The design was simple yet elegant, effectively narrowing her to reveal her proud bust and curves. The layered skirt, woven with cloud-like red and gold threads, flowed like liquid brilliance.
Her skin was like glazed white jade, as if a thin layer of pearl powder had been applied. Her facial features were not as delicate and soft as those of ordinary women, but rather possessed a grand aura that balanced her gender. Her eyes were spirited, like Wuguan jade hidden in the depths of the nine abysses, which was even rarer than the so-called beauty of skin or bone.
Thus, even though many had been critical of Gu Junshi’s mortal status, no one who saw her could fault her appearance or demeanor.
Gu Junshi saw that Liu Jiang Fusheng had noticed her quickly and was approaching her openly in front of everyone.
She knew Liu Jiang Fusheng had regained his memory, but he did not know that she knew.
Her expression was calm, her gaze playful, as she observed him.
In contrast, Liu Jiang Fusheng’s emotions were more evident when facing her. Perhaps it was because he wasn’t deliberately suppressing them, or perhaps it was the first time he had seen Gu Junshi since regaining his memory, which made him unable to control himself.
Gu Junshi wanted to know what his next move would be.
Would he kill her as in the original plot, or would he simply divorce her?
She figured the story might not follow the original plot. First of all, he hadn’t cultivated the “Great Dao of Heartlessness,” so there was no need to kill his wife, nor was he influenced by the “Great Dao of Heartlessness” to sever emotions and abandon love. However, given his proud nature, he might still feel that marrying a village girl while amnesiac was a desecration and insult to him.
Therefore, he might not tolerate such a marriage and would choose to divorce her, then seek a highly suitable and excellent marriage. A perfect match.
Coincidentally, the female lead had also appeared.
Her attention had been focused on the martial arts arena, so she had momentarily overlooked the female lead’s appearance.
It wasn't until she leaped from the Wushuang Realm viewing platform and walked steadfastly towards Liu Jiang Fusheng that she discovered the female lead’s presence.
The original plot seemed to have changed again.
The female lead was not supposed to appear at the “Newcomer’s Ranking.” After all, as the female lead, her first appearance should naturally be high-profile and beautiful, special and miraculous.
Instead of this low-key appearance, hidden within the Wushuang Realm contingent.
“A Yi…”
He looked at her and softly called her name, the intimacy between his lips and teeth carrying a tender meaning.
But Gu Junshi didn’t hear it. She waited for his next words.
“You’ve arrived…”
Gu Junshi thought he should say, “Let us divorce.”
She even guessed that he might suspect the restriction on his memories was related to her.
“I am very happy.”
Yes, he was… Gu Junshi’s expression faltered.
He was what? Very happy?
She raised her face, only to have her chin cupped by a hand. Subsequently, his lips fell upon her forehead, her eyes, the tip of her nose, and finally, unable to resist the temptation, he kissed the soft lips he had longed for, fueled by a touch of intoxication.
Gu Junshi’s mood at this moment was… complex.
What strategy was this?
Gentle appeasement?
To pacify her and prevent her from making trouble, then resolve it privately?
But was such tenderness and fervor necessary?
It was as if he wanted to devour her.
This public display of affection shattered the hearts of all the female cultivators. Fu Wan Yan, who was supposed to be the female lead, turned pale and stumbled back a step, bumping into Southern Yuan Shangzun, who had appeared behind her at some unknown time.
He gently placed a hand on her shoulder and asked with concern, “Are you alright?”
Fu Wan Yan turned her face and said, “I was mistaken.”
Her destined person could never be so openly affectionate with someone else, leaving her in fire and ice.
“That… is the victor’s mortal wife, isn’t she?”
“That’s her. I heard Liu Jiang Fusheng is fiercely loyal to his wife. The senior sisters and junior sisters around him are all beautiful, but he remains completely indifferent, devoted solely to this mortal wife.”
“Is she worthy?”
“Alas, how can one say? She only has a lifespan of a few decades. If we can wait, perhaps we can wait for her.”
This reignited their hopes.
Fu Wan Yan remained silent for a moment and then came up with an idea.
She looked at the dazzling scene before her and thought that she shouldn't give up too soon. She would walk up to him and make him see her. She would let Liu Jiang Fusheng know that she was the optimal choice for him.
If Liu Jiang Fusheng was truly infatuated with that mortal and did not intend to change, she could wait for her mere few decades of lifespan.
“Wan Yan, what are you thinking about?” Southern Yuan Shangzun asked.
Fu Wan Yan brushed aside her previous unhappiness and said, “I am thinking, what charm does a mortal possess to captivate someone who draws all attention simply by standing there, making him see no one else?”
Southern Yuan Shangzun: “Is Liu Jiang Fusheng the person you have been seeking?”
“I hope he is.”
Southern Yuan Shangzun was a man who greatly valued ethics and morality. Therefore, he could not accept Ru Lan’s improper feelings for him, and naturally, he did not wish for a woman as fragrant and pure as an orchid, as wise and gentle as Fu Wan Yan, to interfere in someone else’s relationship.
“You shouldn’t be like this,” he sighed.
Fu Wan Yan naturally understood what he was thinking. “Southern Yuan Shangzun is not Wan Yan, so you do not understand. The person I seek is my destined person. This is a fated marriage arranged by heaven. I cannot change it, and neither can he.”