Chapter 74: The Holy Son and Saintess
Chapter 74: The Holy Son and Saintess
Cheng Lingyu hesitated, “I want Senior Sister to come with me. My father will be returning too.”
Seeing Cheng Lingyu’s mesmerizing eyes, Caiyun blushed slightly and nodded, turning her face away.
When Cheng Lingyu saw her agreement, he cried out joyfully, “Senior Sister is the best!”
He eagerly grasped her jade hands, his face glowing with happiness.
Caiyun rolled her eyes at him, teasing, “Fool, you’re getting too excited.”
Cheng Lingyu gave a sheepish laugh and tugged her along.
“Let’s explore the city. I wonder what’s happened during our absence.”
As they stepped from the chess academy onto the streets, countless envious stares followed them.
Since cultivating the Magic Eyes at eighteen, Cheng Lingyu’s charm had grown with his cultivation level, radiating deadly allure.
Having reached the Blood Martial Realm, Caiyun now carried an air of sacred nobility. Her beauty had transformed completely, both inside and out.
Cultivators crowded the streets. Many gasped upon seeing Caiyun – she hadn’t been seen for over a month.
This marked her first public appearance since slaying Li Yuanlong. Rumors had spread that she’d fled Yunyang City to avoid the Xuanhuo Sect, but her presence now shattered those claims, causing an immediate stir.
Admirers swarmed the streets, updating her on recent events and sharing information.
…
Yunyang City had been restless. Hundreds of cultivators had died competing for Lanling Holy Palace’s treasures. Two-thirds of Baifo Sect’s experts perished, yet the beautiful jade coffin remained with Saintess Hua Yuehong.
The Tianlei Sacred Church and Shanhua Alliance maintained an odd balance – both wanting the coffin but blocking each other, yet avoiding direct attacks on Hua Yuehong.
City Lord Yun Ao faced constant trouble from the scale armor. Despite his position, he struggled against massive sects like Tianlei Sacred Church and Shanhua Alliance.
The Shenhuo Sect reported successful trials of their Ruyi Pill.
Meanwhile, the Xuanhuo Sect defended themselves using the Purple Cloud Banner against looters.
“Another development – Heavenly Palace wants to recruit Baifo Saintess Hua Yuehong as their disciple.”
Caiyun’s expression shifted. “Heavenly Palace’s involvement proves the coffin’s significance.”
“What’s Heavenly Palace?” Cheng Lingyu asked.
Caiyun explained, “The vast Tianyang Empire hosts Three Saints and Four Peerless factions. Heavenly Palace ranks among Three Saints with Tianlei Sacred Church and Jiu Yang Sacred Palace. Shanhua Alliance belongs to Four Peerless.”
“What distinguishes them?”
“Three Saints were founded by actual saints. Four Peerless are powerful but slightly weaker overall.”
Cheng Lingyu paled. Saints meant Sacred Martial Realm legends, appearing once in millennia.
As they wandered, they unexpectedly met Baifo Saintess Hua Yuehong at a crossroads.
Their paths crossed.
Caiyun locked eyes with Hua Yuehong, sparks flying between their gazes.
Cheng Lingyu didn’t recognize the scarlet-clad woman, but her sacred beauty struck him – breathtaking yet dangerously alluring.
At this moment, the figure of Chi Mei’er surfaced in Cheng Lingyu’s mind. Dressed similarly in fiery red, her flame-colored hair appeared more mesmerizing, carrying an indescribable allure.
Hua Yuehong, Saintess of the Baifo, looked around eighteen or nineteen with snow-white skin. Her dark, bright eyes sparkled with vitality. Tall and slender, her curvy figure was accentuated by a fiery red gown that traced alluring contours.
Hua Yuehong remained calm yet exuded confidence as she quietly observed Caiyun, faint sparks flickering in her gaze.
Caiyun stood serene and unfathomable like still water, her lips curling into an elegant smile.
Cheng Lingyu frowned. Though he stood right beside Caiyun, Hua Yuehong completely ignored him as if he were invisible.
Beside Hua Yuehong stood a man in spotless white robes. Any dust nearing him scattered automatically.
The man appeared in his twenties, strikingly handsome enough to make other men envious. His deep, vortex-like eyes drew people in yet revealed nothing.
Radiating arrogance, the man studied Caiyun intently, paying no attention to Cheng Lingyu.
“Miss Caiyun from the chess academy?”
The man flashed a dazzling, tempting smile.
Caiyun shifted her gaze to the man in white, her eyes narrowing slightly.
“That’s me. Are you from the Heavenly Palace?”
The man chuckled. “Impressive. I arrived today, yet you recognized me immediately.”
Caiyun replied calmly, “Your aura is too distinct. If I’m right, you possess the legendary Innocent Body.”
“Sharp as ever. I’m Mo Wuxie, one of the five Holy Sons of the Heavenly Palace. Care to join us? We offer grander stages for talents like you.”
Caiyun paused. “Your offer’s appreciated, but I prefer solitude. The Baifo Saintess here suits your needs better – her future achievements might surpass yours.”
Hua Yuehong countered, “You flatter me. Currently, you’re stronger in Yunyang City.”
Caiyun smiled. “You’re the prized catch among factions. I’m just their nuisance.”
“Being a nuisance proves your significance,” Hua Yuehong retorted.
Caiyun’s eyes gleamed mischievously. “If you’re jealous, call me Senior Sister. I’ll introduce my precious junior apprentice. We’ll become family.”
Hua Yuehong glanced at Cheng Lingyu. “I heard he defeated Ji Yaozu at equal cultivation levels. Pity his Realm remains low.”
“That’s from shorter training time. In few years, he’ll outpace us both. His character’s impeccable, potential limitless. He’d complement you perfectly.”
Caiyun’s enthusiastic smile widened as Hua Yuehong frowned. Holy Son Mo Wuxie scowled.
“You overestimate this junior,” Mo Wuxie sneered. “His cultivation pales next to the Saintess.”
Caiyun grinned. “Jealous he might steal her away?”
Mo Wuxie snorted. “He’s beneath my notice. Only his connection to you spares him oblivion.”
Caiyun’s smile vanished. “How arrogant. Let’s wager: My junior’s at True Martial Fifth Level. Fight him at equal Realm. Win me if you prevail. Lose ten Heavenly Holy Pills if defeated.”
“He’s unworthy,” Mo Wuxie scoffed.
“Ji Yaozu said similar,” Caiyun retorted. “He limped away after seven moves. Too scared to try?”
Hua Yuehong intervened, “The Holy Son just arrived. Let him settle first.”
Caiyun taunted, “I merely worry rumors might spread… about Heavenly Palace’s cowardice.”
Mo Wuxie glared. “Cheap provoking tactic. You think I fear him?”
“Hard to tell,” Caiyun shrugged. “Many so-called geniuses are frauds. My junior’s undefeated in his Realm.”
Hua Yuehong coldly asked, “So confident?”
“Test it. I love wagers. Three years in Yunyang City, never lost. If you withstand ten moves from him at equal level, I’m yours. Fail, become his concubine.”
The insult stung. Hua Yuehong’s composure cracked.
“Truly, the rumors of your pride hold truth. Since you crave gambling, I—”
“How delightful! Yunyang City’s top beauties united by fate!”
A new voice interrupted. Both women turned.
“Who…?” Caiyun frowned at the newcomer.
“Shi’s my surname – history’s ‘Shi’. Name’s Busi. People ask ‘Aren’t you dead?’ I say ‘Not dead’.”
A man in black emerged, radiating eerie charm. His robe bore an ill-fitting Diagram of Mountains and Rivers.
Hua Yuehong gasped. “You!”
Mo Wuxie scowled. “Why’s Shanhua Alliance’s trash here?”
The man smirked. “Like attracts like. Came to see you.”
“Stay away!” Mo Wuxie snapped, disgusted.