Chapter Twelve: The Helplessness of Adulthood

Du Juezi exchanged greetings with several other sect leaders, and from the way he spoke, the dynamics between the sects were laid bare.

There were enemies, such as Liehuang Mountain and Swallowing Cloud Sea, whose relationships were so sour that even the pretense of courtesy was unnecessary. Their conversations were laced with barbed remarks, each word meant to step on the other.

With other sects, it was all about saving face. Outwardly, relations seemed decent, but when trouble struck, they would fight each other to the bitter end.

Ah, wherever there are people, there will be a world of intrigue.

Ning Xianyu watched the drama unfold from the sidelines, feeling none of it really concerned her. Careless as she was, she failed to notice that she had become the focal point of the gathering. Everyone was exchanging pleasantries, but their eyes kept drifting toward her.

No one expected to encounter Xuan Yuan Tunhan here—a figure infamous throughout the Six Realms of Yunhuang, a ruthless demon lord who could halt an army of a hundred thousand fiends single-handedly. With a mere wave of his hand, mountains moved and seas shifted. Who would dare provoke him?

Yet what shocked them most was not his presence, but the fact that a female disciple, still in the Qi Refining stage, was standing right beside him. She stood tall and proud, exuding an air of arrogance and disdain, aloof from everything around her.

Who was she? Where had she appeared from? Had Xuan Yuan Tunhan found new love in his twilight years?

Qi Chengfeng whispered instructions to his disciples, “Later, go ask the Jade Immortal Sect about that girl—who she is and what her background is.”

Other sect leaders issued similar orders. Xuan Yuan Tunhan was of utmost importance; whatever happened to him demanded their attention. Who could predict what he might do in a foul mood? Or—perhaps—he had finally revealed a weakness?

Just then, the sect leaders stepped forward, intent on greeting Xuan Yuan Tunhan. Regardless of their fear, etiquette had to be observed before a senior.

But before they could approach, Ning Xianyu, standing close to Xuan Yuan Tunhan, quietly turned her head, her gaze hollow as she swept her eyes over them.

That look seemed to brim with boundless murderous intent.

Terrified, the crowd hurried to bow, then spun around and fled.

Run, quick! Don’t look back!

Xuan Yuan Tunhan also glanced at them, then at Ning Xianyu.

Heh—these people, after all these years, are still so spineless.

If only they knew what was passing through this woman’s mind, they’d be ashamed of their panic.

Ning Xianyu was speaking to her system: “That scared me half to death! Luckily they all ran away. If they’d really come over to greet me, I wouldn’t even know who was who.”

Small talk could be exhausting at times.

The system scoffed, “Why bother humoring them? Just cast them a glance, make a low, sexy hum like Xuan Yuan Tunhan, and they’ll scatter.”

Truth be told, the sect leaders were just as terrified, forced by circumstance to approach; none wanted to greet the demon lord.

Ning Xianyu sighed, “This is the helplessness of adults forced into socializing.”

The adult world was too difficult. Better to live as a salted fish.

At that moment, the barrier of Flower Sound Island opened, and four masked immortals floated out atop petals.

They were dressed in white robes with gold patterns, ethereal as moonlit maidens, their steps light upon the petals, their figures graceful.

A faint fragrance wafted through the air, making everyone feel as if they were floating.

Several male disciples were entranced, stepping forward as if to follow. Their senior brothers quickly knocked them on the head, warning them to behave.

“That’s Flower Sound Island’s unique enchantment technique. Disciples with weak wills will follow them right off.”

Ning Xianyu was about to nod when she felt a surge of murderous aura at her back. Startled, she straightened her spine, adopting a cool, aloof demeanor.

Behind her, some disciples whispered, “Look how composed the Ancestor is. I heard that years ago, Luna Immortal begged the Ancestor to become her Dao companion, but he refused.”

Another chimed in, “Seems the Ancestor prefers plain, understated types—doesn’t like those dazzling beauties.”

Yuyaozi turned and glared at them, ordering them to hush.

To gossip about the Ancestor right in front of him—were they mad? One slap and they’d be dead.

Ning Xianyu herself noticed nothing; she hadn’t heard a word. She was admiring the beauty of Flower Sound Island’s disciples.

Truly stunning—slender waists, shapely hips, every curve exactly where it should be. Their faces were full of collagen, radiant with the classic charm of ancient beauty.

Xuan Yuan Tunhan, meanwhile, glanced at her. This woman was indifferent to others’ opinions of her appearance—a rare conviction.

The disciples of Flower Sound Island invited them inside.

“This year, there are only ten spots. Please choose ten among yourselves, and our disciples will decide how to select further.”

Because each visit for spots was fiercely contested, Flower Sound Island had prepared a special arena. Cultivators from each sect entered, fought amongst themselves, and chose ten candidates.

During this period, any method was allowed—so long as Flower Sound Island itself was unharmed and its disciples untouched, they would not interfere.

At the invitation, the barrier opened a wide gap, and the cultivators soared inside atop their magical treasures.

Ning Xianyu, helpless, clung to Xuan Yuan Tunhan as she entered, nearly in tears.

Feeling his body so stiff beside her, she wondered if her hand might soon be lost.

Flower Sound Island was divided into front and rear sections; the front was small, for entertaining guests, while the rear was the main island.

Inside, she found the place overflowing with flowers and rare immortal herbs, many of them uncommon species—enough to dazzle the eye.

If the guest area contained so many treasures, what splendor must await in the disciples’ quarters?

Led inside by Flower Sound Island’s disciples, they were told to select candidates before the day after tomorrow, while the disciples observed from the sidelines.

However the contest unfolded, they would not interfere.

At this point, Du Juezi came forward. “Two young immortals, your master Luna Immortal passed away some days ago. As fellow cultivators, we wish to pay our respects—may we?”

The other sect leaders echoed his request, not wanting to fall behind.

Ning Xianyu was amused, watching the show. “Looks like many are vying for the Nine-Petal Epiphyllum. The demon lord’s hands will be full.”

The system snickered, “The Nine-Petal Epiphyllum is a treasure—of course everyone wants it.”

After reaching a certain cultivation level, the greatest threat was inner demons. The Nine-Petal Epiphyllum was immensely effective in dispelling them; the higher one’s cultivation, the more coveted it became.

Flower Sound Island’s disciples said they could pay respects to Luna Immortal, but not now. When the Festival of Hundred Flowers began, there would be an opportunity for everyone to honor her together.

As the disciple spoke, for some reason, she glanced toward Xuan Yuan Tunhan.

But Ning Xianyu was the one being observed, and she was baffled.

Were the Flower Sound Island disciples looking at her? No—why were they looking at Xuan Yuan Tunhan?

Could it be they’d taken a fancy to him?

Oh my, even at his age he can still attract admirers—remarkable!

Heh?