Two individuals locked in a fierce rivalry, one defiant and untamed, the other with a ruthless heart, harbored the unspoken desire to confront each other directly. At that moment, a ethereal "passage" drifted across the sky, woven from swirling, iridescent clouds. It materialized before each of the top ten disciples on the "Newcomer Ranking."
A summons from the Sect Master of the Void Gate; this was an "invitation for escort." This resplendent "passage" resembling a rosy cloud signified honor and prominence, guiding the top ten ranked contestants towards the Void Gate's viewing platform.
"The final stage of the Newcomer Ranking. Let's go."
As per tradition, the top ten on the Newcomer Ranking would receive generous rewards from the host, the Void Gate: qualification to enter the Dragon Island Secret Realm. This was also the moment of glory where they would be honored amidst the misty clouds.
Ru Lan, though not entirely satisfied with her ranking, had still made the list. She cast a glance in the direction of Venerable Nan Yuan. Coincidentally, he was also looking at her. Their gazes met, and Ru Lan's expression froze for a moment. Not yet sure how to face him, she instinctively averted her eyes.
"What are you standing around for? Aren't you going?"
Lu Ziyin, seeing her cowardly demeanor, dared not admit her actions, urged her on with a half-smile.
Ru Lan turned her head and glared at him irritably. Yan Tianjiao also ceased his silent stare-down with Liu Jiangfusheng, instead taking a few steps forward. Ru Lan and Lu Ziyin followed him onto the "passage."
As true disciples of the twenty-eight Heavenly Upper Sects, they were well aware of the Void Gate's customs. They stepped onto the passage with ease, while others tentatively followed. Liu Jiangfusheng remained at the back, turning around.
He seemed to have countless words for Gu Junshi, yet there was no urgency. His robes fluttered gently, his person appearing unstained by the slightest dust. He smiled, his gaze overflowing with tender affection. "Wait for me," he said.
Gu Junshi nodded, a smile that Liu Jiangfusheng couldn't decipher appearing on her face. "Go. I'll be watching you here."
With her assurance, Liu Jiangfusheng ascended the "passage" contentedly.
It had to be said, this couple was becoming more alike. Both were capable of completely reversing their facial expressions from their inner thoughts. Unless they wished it, no one could fathom what they were thinking.
Gu Junshi stood there, a large area around her seemingly empty. Because of her relationship with Liu Jiangfusheng, and the presence of formidable individuals who had stood in this vicinity earlier, other disciples in the plaza dared not approach casually.
However, the gazes fixed upon her only increased after Liu Jiangfusheng and the others departed. Freed from any apprehension, these gazes now carried more malice and disdainful scrutiny.
Among them, one particular gaze was filled with shock.
When Mu Nanxue clearly saw the face of Liu Jiangfusheng's wife, the victor of the "Newcomer Ranking," she was utterly stunned.
She, she, she… Although she currently appeared as a mortal with black hair and black eyes, this face was unmistakably that of her own sister!
She hesitated to acknowledge her, fearing both that she was mistaken and that she was not.
Her sister… was clearly a demon. Why had she suddenly transformed into a mortal and married the victor of this "Newcomer Ranking"?
The union of human and demon was anathema, not only among demons but also in the cultivation world. It was considered even more severe than unions born of forbidden love.
Her sister wouldn't have committed such a grave error, would she… Mu Nanxue's heart pounded erratically, her palms sweating. Avoiding the thought, she mused, perhaps this mortal was merely someone who bore a striking resemblance to her sister.
Yes, she forced a dry chuckle. It must be. When her sister came to find her, she would tell her that she had met someone at the summit of the Nine Peaks who looked uncannily like her. Not only did their features match, but her noble and dignified aura was also similar…
Mu Nanxue's smile faltered.
She raged inwardly, "This damn person is clearly my sister!"
---
Of the top ten, only Chenghong, who was taken away by his martial uncle and nephew from the Maha Zen Temple, was unable to stay for the grand ceremony. The remaining nine stepped onto the "colored ribbons" beneath their feet. It resembled a winding rainbow bridge, connecting one end to the other. It carried the nine over the heads of the crowd, delivering them to the viewing platform of the Void Gate's Tai Xuan.
The nine were each held aloft by the colorful ribbons. Their order was led by Liu Jiangfusheng, followed by the absent Chenghong in second place, then Danya in third, Lu Ziyin in fourth, Yan Tianjiao in fifth… These were all luminaries in the eyes of everyone present, radiating youthful vigor and sincerity, like shining stars.
The Sect Master of the Void Gate, Tai Xuan, scanned each of the nine, examining each one carefully. With appreciation and admiration, he said, "Your battles were magnificent. From the moment you joined our sect, you have diligently cultivated your potential and honed your combat prowess. Today, you have displayed everything without reservation. The Newcomer Ranking is not your destination, but your starting point."
"Those standing here have already stepped onto a higher starting platform than others. I hope you will all forge yourselves into steel, pursue knowledge, and put it into practice, continuously improving. For the sect, for the outside world, for the twenty-eight Heavens, your destinies are intertwined with their rise and fall. The cultivation world will have a share of your responsibility in the future."
His words echoed across the plaza atop the Nine Peaks.
The nine much-anticipated genius disciples clasped their hands and responded in unison, "We will not disappoint."
All nine agreed uniformly.
Tai Xuan exchanged glances with the various sect members on the surrounding viewing platforms and continued, "The top ten disciples of the Newcomer Ranking will all receive the qualification to enter the Dragon Island Secret Realm. You shall now receive them."
The Sect Master of the Great Evolution Sect, Wei Li, upon hearing this, his fox-like pupils widened. He suppressed the excitement surging within him.
"The champion is Liu Jiangfusheng, a disciple of the Great Evolution Sect. You will receive a Platinum Jade Token. Use this token to enter the island from the Eastern Border."
Tai Xuan waved his sleeve, and a brilliant white light flashed from the sky, landing in Liu Jiangfusheng's hand. He looked down, a hexagonal, flat jade token resting in his palm, intricately carved with a majestic dragon soaring through clouds.
"Thank you, Sect Master Void."
"The remaining nine will receive Golden Jade Tokens. Use these tokens to enter the island from the Western Border."
With another wave of his sleeve, Tai Xuan sent nine streaks of golden light towards the eight people before him. The remaining one flew off in a specific direction, automatically seeking out Chenghong, the second-place winner, to be delivered to him.
"Thank you, Sect Master Void."
The eight were somewhat exhilarated upon receiving their jade tokens.
Danya glanced at the Platinum Jade Token in Liu Jiangfusheng's hand, which differed from theirs. As the champion of the "Newcomer Ranking," he would naturally receive some special treatment. For instance, by entering from the Eastern Border with this "Platinum Jade Token," he would be teleported to the central area of the "Dragon Island Secret Realm," avoiding unnecessary detours and gaining more time and opportunities to find his desired fortunes.
The Dragon Island Secret Realm was divided into three layers: the Eastern Outer Layer, the Western Outer Layer, and the Central Area. The directions of East and West were aligned, while the South and North were seas and glaciers, with no land to anchor upon.
Those who entered from the Western Border with the "Golden Jade Token" would only arrive at the outer layers. As to whether it would be the Eastern or Western Outer Layer, there was no certainty. However, generally speaking, the outer layers did not hold anything of significant value, and reaching the central area would require considerable time.
Furthermore, although the Dragon Island Secret Realm was a distinct world created by the Void Gate as a reward, it was not entirely safe. Wherever there were sparse populations and abundant spiritual energy, naturally, there would be demonic plants and spiritual beasts.
Some of these creatures were docile and kind, not easily provoking conflict with the outside world. As long as you didn't provoke them, they would not attack.
However, a portion of them were inherently malevolent. Even if you didn't provoke them, if you encountered them, they would actively seek trouble. Those with beast-taming abilities might even hope to encounter powerful spiritual beasts or enlightened spiritual plants within the Dragon Island Secret Realm.
---
Three days later, the top ten disciples of the "Newcomer Ranking" would venture into the "Dragon Island Secret Realm" for treasure hunting. Upon returning to the West Cliff, the disciples of the Great Evolution Sect, who had maintained a dignified facade, unwilling to bring shame upon their sect, could finally let loose.
The elite disciples swarmed around Liu Jiangfusheng and Danya, showering them with excited praise. Their effusive compliments were not repeated once. The mountain lords also appeared proud and elated, no longer suppressing their emotions. Daoist Zhiyang was the happiest of them all; his personal disciple had won the championship.
Hahaha, the champion! He was overjoyed.
He spared no expense, taking out three large jars of priceless, fine wines from his Qiankun bag to celebrate with everyone until they were drunk.
That night, they laughed, joked, argued, and celebrated. It was lively and joyous, as if they had momentarily forgotten past discords and unpleasantries. Everyone drank until they were tipsy, boasting to each other.
Of course, there were also those who slyly harbored thoughts of marital intimacy. They were self-disciplined and cunning, instinctively avoiding alcohol.
Liu Jiangfusheng did not wish to meet Gu Junshi with the smell of alcohol on him. However, before he could go to find her, the Sect Master of the Great Evolution Sect suddenly summoned him.
Wei Li, naturally, did not join them in their drunken revelry to celebrate the Great Evolution Sect's future fame.
Liu Jiangfusheng did not know why the sect master would summon him at such a moment but went nonetheless.
To his surprise, in the sect master's chambers, he saw Gu Junshi standing there.
When she saw him, her expression was calm, showing no abnormality.
Wei Li reclined on a chaise lounge, his tall and elegant figure draped in a soft jade-colored silk robe. His demeanor was indifferent, but his eyes were like a fox's. His charming eyes casually gazed at a point in the air. Before Liu Jiangfusheng could speak, he spoke first, "Fusheng."
Liu Jiangfusheng lowered his eyes. "Sect Master."
"Haven't you always wanted me to lift the Soul Locking Curse for your wife? If you agree to one request of mine, I can lift it right now."
Liu Jiangfusheng raised his eyes, meeting Wei Li's gaze intently for a moment. He had indeed planned this. After securing a good ranking in the "Newcomer Ranking," he would ask the sect master to remove the Soul Locking Curse for Gu Yi.
"I implore you to give your command." He presented such a condition, confident that he could not refuse.
Indeed, Liu Jiangfusheng would not refuse.
Seeing that he was reasonably obedient, Wei Li smiled. "You will enter the Dragon Island Secret Realm in three days. Bring a spirit beast with you."
Gu Junshi, who had been a silent observer, cast a discreet glance at Wei Li.
A spirit beast?
Would a demon cultivator raise a spirit beast?
Or, could the "spirit beast" he mentioned be his true form?
Did he also want to go to the "Dragon Island Secret Realm" with Liu Jiangfusheng?
The "Dragon Island Secret Realm" only allowed one person with a jade token to enter. This was a strict rule. However, this rule did not prohibit bringing one's spirit beast. He was exploiting a loophole in the regulations.
Liu Jiangfusheng was unaware that Wei Li was a demon cultivator, so he naturally couldn't guess the intention behind his actions. However, he had no reason to refuse. "Your disciple will obey."
Having received the answer he desired, Wei Li waved his hand. "Alright, you may leave now. I will proceed to lift the Soul Locking Curse for Gu Yi."
Liu Jiangfusheng naturally wanted to stay with Gu Junshi. He looked at her. "Ayi…"
"Husband, could you wait for me outside?"
Since the matter of the "Soul Locking Curse" had been brought up again, Gu Junshi had a feeling that she might not be able to hide her true nature tonight. However, she could be unrestrained in front of Wei Li, but not in front of Liu Jiangfusheng.
Liu Jiangfusheng remained silent for a moment, then replied, "Alright."
After he left, Wei Li's arrogant demeanor, befitting a sect master, changed. His fox-like eyes flickered, and he stood up and walked towards Gu Yi. He reached out to touch Gu Yi's face, but she turned her head, avoiding him.
She said, "Sect Master, it has been a while since that day."
"You are quite obedient and sensible, not saying what you shouldn't have," Wei Li raised an eyebrow.
He reached out again, and she took a step back, avoiding him once more.
She asked, "Is the spirit beast you mentioned yourself?"
"You know, yet you ask?"
This time, before his hand even reached her, she seemed to casually turn in another direction.
Dodging, dodging again!
Was his hand poisonous or something? Why was she so eager to avoid him?
"What are you hiding from?!"
He had a quick temper, especially in front of Gu Yi, where he seemed unable to hide his true nature. If anything displeased him, he would become scowling and angry.
He forcibly grabbed her and placed his hand on her face.
The Soul Locking Curse disappeared…
"Who lifted it for you?" His calm voice, paradoxically, made one's heart tremble.
Gu Junshi knew she could no longer hide it.
"It was…"
"Was it that damned woman?"
Gu Junshi was taken aback.
"...Yes."
She was slandering herself.
"So, you met her long ago?"
"I met her once. She was wearing a black cloak, and her face was indistinct. She was the one who lifted the Soul Locking Curse for me."
Wei Li couldn't understand why she would lift the Soul Locking Curse for a love rival. Did she truly love him to this extent?
She, a demon, why did she constantly do such foolish things?
"Do you know her relationship with your husband?"
Gu Junshi looked at him strangely. "Does she have any relationship with my husband?"
This was also a foolish woman. Her husband was being fawned over by others, persistently pursued, and yet she remained oblivious.
"Watch your man. Don't be abandoned someday without even knowing why!"
Initially, Gu Junshi dismissed these words with indifference. However… she suddenly recalled Wei Li's past unusual, fortune-telling-like actions…
"That woman who disguised herself as me and stayed by my husband's side, is it because she admires him?"
"Otherwise, why else? Do you know how much she has silently sacrificed for your husband?"
Gu Junshi was momentarily speechless.