Chapter 84: Lan Xiaozhu

“It’s said the world holds many unique beings. Some possess special physiques, others bear unusual fates, while a few are born with great fortune. Those who hold the Heavenly Destiny Stone are always exceptional talents favored by the heavenly way. This stone signifies divine mandate—one reason Hua Yuehong is so valued by major Forces.”

Cheng Lingyu frowned. “Are you saying Hua Yuehong will inevitably shake the world and become peerlessly powerful?”

Song Xuejiao gave a bittersweet smile. “That’s her fate, beyond our reach.”

Cheng Lingyu countered, “Not necessarily. Even the heavenly way isn’t flawless, let alone mortals.”

“You’ve grown as bold as your Senior Sister—unyielding and sharp-tongued.”

Cheng Lingyu chuckled, sidestepping the remark.

At dusk, Song Xuejiao led him to Yaxin Bamboo Cottage, a renowned spot in Yunyang City owned by Lan Xiaozhu—one of the city’s top ten beauties.

The cottage stood serene, its bamboo grove dotted with fragrant blooms. But as Cheng Lingyu entered, his handsome face tensed. Hidden beneath the beauty lay a mysterious formation invisible to ordinary eyes. Only his grasp of the Heavenly Spirit Diagram revealed its secrets.

That evening, half of Yunyang’s famed beauties gathered there: the city lord’s daughter Yun Xi, divine doctor Song Xuejiao, Baifo Saintess Hua Yuehong, Mingyue Gate’s Bai Ruomei, and hostess Lan Xiaozhu. Their dazzling presence left Cheng Lingyu breathless.

Of the five, Bai Ruomei and Lan Xiaozhu were new to him. Bai Ruomei sat goddess-like in white, her sharp features icy yet elegant. Lan Xiaozhu, clad in green bamboo hues, radiated youthful sweetness at eighteen, her petite frame contrasting with Bai’s detachment.

Four young elites also attended: Lu Yu (Lu family), Jiang Mufeng (Jiang family), Nangong Zuoye (Nangong family), and Shenhuo Sect’s Du Bin—all Soul Martial Realm experts far surpassing Cheng Lingyu in status.

Yet when Cheng Lingyu appeared, the women’s curious stares drew scowls from the men.

“Welcome, honored guest,” Lan Xiaozhu greeted warmly, rising with a smile.

“My intrusion troubles you, Miss Lan.”

Song Xuejiao nudged him. “Relax—Xiaozhu’s like family.”

As he joined the group, Hua Yuehong shot him a frosty look, recalling their interrupted wager involving Shanhua Alliance’s Shi Busi. Bai Ruomei’s calm gaze put him on edge—while Hua Yuehong was famed, Bai’s eerie aura unsettled him more. Only Yun Xi and Song Xuejiao seemed ordinary among the radiant five.

Lan Xiaozhu’s aura fluctuated between weak and strong. Cheng Lingyu noticed but avoided direct observation.

Lu Yu and Jiang Mufeng wore grim expressions, having encountered Cheng Lingyu multiple times yet finding him irritating. However, due to Senior Sister Caiyun’s influence, they refrained from open confrontation.

Nangong Zuoye and Du Bin openly displayed their displeasure through sour faces, which Cheng Lingyu completely ignored as he cheerfully admired the five beauties.

Casual conversation continued until dinner arrived.

Though Lan Xiaozhu arranged an extravagant feast, Hua Yuehong excused herself abruptly. Watching her retreating silhouette, Cheng Lingyu felt a jolt of shock.

“She’s reached the Blood Martial Realm already?”

Lan Xiaozhu chuckled. “Where’ve you been? She broke through half-month ago. Her cultivation speed rivals Caiyun’s.”

At Caiyun’s mention, strange expressions rippled through the group, all eyes turning to Cheng Lingyu.

Yunyang City’s two most famed beauties stood as Hua Yuehong – desired by many – and Caiyun, who forged her reputation through ruthless methods.

The lavish meal passed uncomfortably, soured by Lu Yu and Du Bin’s poorly concealed jealousy toward Cheng Lingyu.

After dinner, Bai Ruomei departed first with Nangong Zuoye as escort. Yun Xi left soon after, trailed by Jiang Mufeng.

Lu Yu and Du Bin remained stubbornly seated until Song Xuejiao addressed Du Bin softly: “Elder Brother Du, please return first. I need private words with Xiaozhu.”

Lan Xiaozhu similarly dismissed Lu Yu with polite formality. Both men left grudgingly.

Cheng Lingyu rose. “Night approaches. My thanks for today’s company, Miss Song. I’ll…”

“Wait.”

Song Xuejiao halted him. Only when the others vanished did she and Lan Xiaozhu lead Cheng Lingyu indoors.

Puzzled, Cheng Lingyu eyed the women. “What’s this about?”

“Sit,” Song Xuejiao gestured. “What’s your impression of Xiaozhu?”

Bewildered, Cheng Lingyu focused on Lan Xiaozhu. His Magic Eyes technique activated instinctively, revealing the true essence distribution and bloodflow patterns within her body.

“Miss Lan’s health… something’s wrong.”

Song Xuejiao nodded gravely. “An incurable condition.”

Cheng Lingyu paled. One of Yunyang’s top ten beauties harbored terminal illness?

“You’re the divine doctor! Can’t you…?”

“Her special abilities – foreseeing futures – invite heavenly backlash. This curse drains her vitality.”

“Heavenly curse? Actual divine punishment?”

“More accurately, cosmic backlash,” Lan Xiaozhu corrected. “Heaven’s rejection, if you will.”

“But your foresight – can’t you find cure?”

Song Xuejiao interjected. “Her visions point to you as solution.”

“Me?” Cheng Lingyu blinked. “I’ve no medical skill!”

“Details require study,” Lan Xiaozhu said. “My visions showed only your involvement, no specifics.”

“I’ll help if possible,” Cheng Lingyu offered. “But my stay here’s uncertain. Contact me if…”

“Let fate decide,” Lan Xiaozhu smiled.

Song Xuejiao added, “Stay awhile. Though homebound, Xiaozhu knows much.”

Curious, Cheng Lingyu tested: “Since you know hidden truths… Earlier, Bai Ruomei felt… different.”

Lan Xiaozhu’s eyes sparkled. “Sharp as ever. Among Yunyang’s ten beauties, three stand apart: Caiyun, Hua Yuehong, Bai Ruomei. That last seems ordinary but…”

“Ordinary?” Song Xuejiao frowned. “I noticed nothing.”

“Mingyue Gate’s legacy mirrors Baifo Sect’s,” Lan Xiaozhu explained. “Bai Ruomei conceals power rivaling Hua Yuehong’s.”

Gasps filled the room. Hua Yuehong’s destined greatness was legend. A secret rival?

“Three prodigies from backwater Yunyang?” Song Xuejiao breathed.

“Never underestimate this city,” Lan Xiaozhu warned. “Empire’s birthplace holds ancient secrets. The Lanling Holy Palace’s nearby emergence wasn’t random – Orchid Saintess sought something here.”

Cheng Lingyu leaned forward. “Truly?”

“Her true tomb appeared seeking traces,” Lan Xiaozhu confirmed. “In youth, she loved a man. Fate tore them apart. When she achieved sainthood, he’d gained power but vanished. Her endless search… always blocked by invisible divides.”