Chapter 205: Wishing for a Speedy Recovery

Qian Songshi’s style was undoubtedly the kind that most disciples loathed, yet none dared voice their objections. After all, those who had been angered by him couldn’t defeat him, and those who could put up a fight were still observing from the sidelines.

Like Guan Huailin, he was an external disciple who had returned to the sect after traveling outside, but his temperament was far less gentle than Guan Huailin’s.

“He also wields dual swords. Now, among the Chief Disciples of the Four Great Sects, three are dual-sword cultivators, leaving Lu Feishuang as the sole single-sword practitioner. Qian Chief Disciple’s combat style is domineering, being adept in both sword and bow. It’s hard to say what would happen if he faced Lu Chief Disciple.”

“To be able to cultivate dual paths at such a young age, his spiritual power must be of high quality, equivalent to over a hundred years of cultivation for others.”

“Isn’t there still Lian Mu among the single-sword cultivators? She’s unique like Qian Songshi and might be able to contend with him.”

Despite the discussions around her, Lu Feishuang remained expressionless, her demeanor calm.

Shen Wusang asked, “Team Leader, what do you think?”

Everyone’s attention turned to Lu Feishuang, curious about her opinion on Qian Songshi.

Lu Feishuang slowly replied, “He’s just someone who lost to Ying You. He only looks imposing. My only opponent is Ying You.”

After speaking, she glanced at Lian Mu: perhaps this person barely counts as one too.

“Don’t underestimate him,” Tang Wuxun said. “Even though he lost to Ying You, it doesn’t mean he’s much weaker.”

The Azure Profound Sect’s Chief team remained silent.

Jiang Yuechen pursed his lips. “…”

Tang Wuxun was right. As a dual Spiritual Root, Qian Songshi being placed in the position of Chief Disciple meant his raw strength was definitely superior to most with a Heavenly Spiritual Root.

Those who witnessed his battle for Chief Disciple against Ying You knew he lost because he used only his sword. In truth, his most remarkable weapon was the bow, and the competition limited his performance.

But in the Illusion Realm of the Immortal Sect Grand Competition, it was different. With both sword and bow, he held a significant advantage at any range.

“Your sect has produced Ying You and now another formidable character. Aren’t the upcoming matches guaranteed wins?” Tang Wuxun probed.

Jiang Yuechen closed his eyes, and the other Chief Disciples wore expressions of unspeakable concern. “…”

In front of outsiders, they kept silent, saying nothing.

Lian Mu wasn’t concerned about the new Chief Disciple. Her next goal was to obtain the Rainbow Spring Stone. If he didn’t deliberately seek her out, they likely wouldn’t encounter each other. He claimed he would challenge the three strongest Chief Disciples, but he might be eliminated before reaching her.

As she pondered, a group of elders flew down from the sky. They had been observing the trials from above, and with the morning’s free competition time over, they descended to announce the dismissal.

Azure Profound Sect’s Shang Liu immediately focused on Lian Mu, his expression complex. “Lian Mu, come here.”

Lian Mu was cautious. “Elder Shang, although I’m strong and accidentally injured your former Chief Disciple, seeking revenge outside the arena isn’t advisable.”

Shang Liu’s gaze was not friendly.

Everyone couldn’t help but twitch their mouths. “…”

What a thick-skinned statement. Her strength wasn’t bad, but she didn’t truly injure Ying You through her own skills, did she?

Shang Liu raised an eyebrow. “Do I look like that kind of person?”

Lian Mu said, “Elder Shang, if you have something to say, you can say it here.”

Shang Liu replied, “Are you coming or not? Sword cultivators shouldn’t waste words.”

The Returning Immortal Sect elder nearby commented, “We’re not dead.”

Lian Mu and Shang Liu exchanged a glance, and Lian Mu seemed to guess his intention. “Since Elder Shang is coercing me, I have no choice but to go.”

Shang Liu was speechless. This kid was clearly doing it on purpose.

Shang Liu, unwilling to argue with the younger generation, turned and left. Lian Mu signaled to those behind her and followed.

The two left the competition arena, gradually distancing themselves from the crowd, passing through a serene, ancient wooden pavilion, with only the sounds of birds and the wind remaining.

Shang Liu stopped, and Lian Mu halted, waiting for him to speak.

“Xiao You wants to see you,” he said.

Lian Mu asked, “He’s still alive?”

“…What do you mean by that? Do you hope something happens to him?” Shang Liu’s expression was cold. “We don’t know what’s between you and Xiao You. He won’t tell us. But as long as he’s in Azure Profound Sect, whatever your intentions, I advise you to restrain yourself. If anything happens to him, Azure Profound Sect won’t let you off.”

Lian Mu said, “There’s nothing between us.”

Shang Liu replied, “You better hope so.”

Shang Liu pointed her in a direction and left with a flick of his sleeve.

Lian Mu followed the path to a waterside pavilion. From a distance, she saw the pavilion on the water, with green lotus leaves covering the surface, swaying like skirts in the wind. Within the pavilion was a figure in pale cyan, leaning against the railing, his sleeves draping into the lotus leaves.

The person seemed unaware of her presence. Lian Mu was about to approach but hesitated and adjusted her sleeves.

“Leader Ying.”

The young man in the pavilion turned his head. The moment their eyes met, a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes, then he seemed to remember something and lowered his gaze.

“Did Elder Shang trouble you?”

As Lian Mu approached, she noticed his hair was entirely white, casually draped over his waist, fluttering like snow in the wind. Paired with his delicate face, he appeared somewhat fragile.

The Flying Swan Sword Spirit was also present, the white bird nestled on his head, its snowy feathers almost blending with his hair.

Lian Mu unconsciously lowered her voice. “No.”

Shang Liu’s words were hardly troublesome. She had faced far more dangerous situations, and a few words couldn’t harm her.

Ying You asked, “Then why… did you agree this time?”

“You previously sent someone to find me?” Lian Mu inquired.

“Yes,” Ying You replied. “Xu Xianxing said you didn’t want to see me.”

Lian Mu explained, “I had matters to attend to a few days ago. Xu Xianxing said that to everyone.”

Xu Xianxing had been covering for her, dismissing inquiries without much thought, which suited her style.

Ying You moved aside a lotus flower, making space. “Would you like to rest for a while? It’s quite a journey from the competition arena to here. Thank you for coming.”

He held a freshly picked lotus, its pink and white petals brushing against his cheek. The white bird on his head reached out to nibble a petal.

The bird’s movements were comical, and Lian Mu found herself wanting to laugh. Ying You noticed her mood. “It insisted on coming out to admire the lotus today, but it’s really just greedy. I hope you don’t mind.”

Lian Mu smiled slightly. “It’s fine, it’s quite cute, just like you.”

They exchanged casual conversation, each harboring their own thoughts, neither bringing up the main topic.

Lian Mu sat across from him, and Ying You poured her a cup of tea. His fair, beautiful hands caught her eye, and she couldn’t help but follow his wrist with her gaze. However, he wore long sleeves today, and from this angle, she could only see his pale skin disappearing into the shadows.

Unable to see the state of the Begonia Mark, Lian Mu asked, “Isn’t it hot wearing so much? Long sleeves aren’t convenient for a sword cultivator, are they?”

Ying You paused. “…I’m no longer the Chief Disciple.”

Lian Mu: “You’re not the Chief Disciple, but you’re still a sword cultivator. Honestly, I always thought you looked better in the body cultivator’s robes.”

Ying You turned his face away, but a hint of pink crept up his ears.

Lian Mu: “Did you come to find me just to invite me for tea, or is there something else you want to do?”

Ying You stood up, and a white bird flew down from his head, landing on Lian Mu’s shoulder.

Ying You: “If you find it too hot outside, you can come inside. I do have something I want to say to you.”

Lian Mu: “Alright.”

Meanwhile, several people observing them from above remained silent.

Hua Qiuxin smiled meaningfully: “It seems that Xiao You has quite a close relationship with her.”

Beside her, Shang Liu couldn’t help but frown, recalling what he had just heard: What were those two talking about?

They had intended to observe them secretly to gather some information, but instead, they overheard some inexplicable conversation.

“Why does this sound like flirting?” a senior sword cultivator remarked bluntly. “Ever since Xiao You joined our sect, he hasn’t left. Could he have known Lian Mu before joining?”

When they heard the word “cute,” they felt something was off, especially with the mention of “body cultivator’s robes,” known for being the most revealing among the five disciplines, baring the entire arm.

Shang Liu: “The disciples of the Returning Immortal Sect are truly disrespectful, flirting with disciples from other sects in broad daylight. How did Murong Yi raise such a person?”

As they spoke, the two went inside, even leaving the Flying Swan Sword Spirit outside.

Hua Qiuxin: “So the Second Seat of the Returning Immortal Sect climbed over the wall that day to see Xiao You because of an old flame? Xiao You has been keeping secrets from us. Well, children grow up and have their own secrets. We elders shouldn’t meddle too much.”

Shang Liu: “But I have a feeling Xiao You’s condition is related to her.”

“Let’s not worry about it for now. Let him rest well. Since Lian Mu arrived, his mood seems to have improved, which isn’t a bad thing.”

Shang Liu: “When can he return to the Chief team?”

Hua Qiuxin pondered for a long time before slowly saying, “We’ll see. At least not this time.”

…

“Is someone watching you from outside?” Lian Mu casually closed the door. “Your sect really values you. It’s broad daylight, and I’m not going to do anything to you.”

As she finished speaking, she paused, then walked forward somewhat heavily.

Ying You: “The elders and the sect leader are just worried about me, not guarding against you.”

Lian Mu: “There’s no need for pleasantries, Ying You. You called me here because of the Illusion Realm, right? That was just an accident.”

Ying You: “I’ve never blamed you. I believe in you.”

Lian Mu looked at his pale face, wanting to show him some affection, but she could never connect him with Changsheng.

“Is there nothing you want to say to me?” Ying You stared into her eyes.

Lian Mu: “I wish Team Leader Ying a speedy recovery and a swift return to the Chief team.”

Ying You was taken aback, a trace of helplessness flashing in his ink-black eyes: “Do you really… know nothing?”

Lian Mu: “Team Leader Ying, let’s not beat around the bush. I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

He pulled a strand of black hair from his sleeve, the end tied with a red thread, still warm: “Then what is this supposed to mean?”