The Taixu Hall’s plaza was packed with cultivators. Cups clinked and laughter filled the air, it was a lively scene.
After the recent successful capture of the traitor, and with the demon race showing no response, everyone believed that the demons dared not confront them head-on. They thought themselves victorious, having foiled the demons’ schemes in advance, and mocked the demons’ overconfidence.
With the Immortal Convention concluded successfully and the younger generation showing such promise, the cultivation world was brimming with vigor, a scene of flourishing prosperity.
Even though the campaigns against the demon race hadn’t yet begun, everyone already felt assured of victory.
Soon, the flying vessel appeared above the Taixu Hall. Before anyone could even look up, a dragon’s roar split the sky.
A massive black dragon streaked through the air, carrying a white-robed figure, landing swiftly at the left side of the main platform where the Zixiao Sect’s representatives were seated. Naturally, Gu Baiqing was among them.
Many of those present had never seen a true dragon before. The sheer pressure of its presence left them frozen in place. Some felt thrilled, thinking the cultivation world now had a true dragon ally, their strength surely unmatched. Others couldn’t help but feel jealous.
“What an entrance. Anyone who didn’t know better would think Xuanli’s just showing off,” Jingzhan said, grinning beside the vessel. “He’s so clingy, who’d believe it if we told them?”
Li Xiuran also smiled faintly. They had all seen it, one man and one dragon, both staring intently downward like loyal statues beside a “waiting stone.” The truth was simply that they couldn’t wait to see the person they missed.
Only when Ao Hang finally lost patience and transformed into his dragon form did Mo Xuanli leap onto his back, his eagerness almost comical.
A flash of light passed by. Gu Baiqing felt a light breeze brush his hand then Three Bean vanished from his shoulder, and the sound of the dragon’s roar grew distant.
The one now holding his hand was Mo Xuanli.
Mo Xuanli landed before him, grasping those cool fingers tightly, his heart burning as he fixed his gaze on the person before him.
Only three days apart, yet it felt like an eternity. Whoever said “separation makes the heart grow fonder”—nonsense. Better never to be apart at all.
In Mo Xuanli’s pitch-black eyes, there was only the reflection of the cool, distant figure before him. He missed him so, so much, even now, standing right in front of him, the yearning still burned fiercely.
He couldn’t simply pull the man into his arms. He could only hold his hand and even that, not for too long before having to let go and properly perform the formal disciple’s greeting.
“Master, I’m back.” Mo Xuanli’s voice was soft and light, tinged with something like a pout, something like grievance. His gaze shimmered faintly, wet and tender, eyes fixed intently upon his master.
Gu Baiqing was momentarily stunned by his demeanor, why did the child look as though he was about to cry from excitement? He rubbed the fingers that had been burned by Mo Xuanli’s warm palm, and nodded calmly. “You advanced smoothly. Well done.”
At those words, the onlookers, who had found Mo Xuanli’s behavior rather odd, gasped in surprise.
“He advanced? But didn’t he just reach the Nascent Soul stage?”
“So now he’s at the mid-stage Nascent Soul?”
“That’s insanely fast!”
“No wonder he was so emotional just now, it was because he advanced! Congratulations, congratulations.”
Gu Baiqing helped Mo Xuanli up with one hand. Mo Xuanli smiled faintly, thumb brushing the ring on his index finger. “With Ao Hang’s protection, I managed to advance right on Constellation Island. Fortunately, everything went smoothly.”
Fortunately, there had also been the aid of the ring his master had given him but this wasn’t the time or place to mention it. Nor could he yet offer the gift he had kept close to his heart all this time.
Meanwhile, the others were disembarking from their flying ships, returning to their sects to pay their respects.
Compared to Mo Xuanli, Nan Zhi was far more reliable, she made her report properly and waited for further instructions.
“You’ll stay here for now. There’ll be rewards for you later,” Fu Zhiyi said with a smile. To him, directly peering into fate to find one’s destined match was a fine opportunity, so he allowed them to remain on the high platform.
At those words, Mo Xuanli’s heart trembled slightly. The first time he heard about it, he’d wanted to stand beside his master before the Yinyuan Stone, not because he sought heaven’s recognition, but because, to him, it was a kind of blessing. It would also let him see just how much his master cared for him, which would satisfy that deep, secret vanity of his. But now wasn’t the time to do something so blatant. So when it came to standing before the Yinyuan Stone, he hesitated. What meaning was there if he went up alone?
Elsewhere, Li Xiuran was the first to return to the Tianzhao Sect, where He Zixuan naturally came to greet him. She stepped forward with concern, her gaze soft and affectionate. Li Xiuran answered each question, though he could feel a burning stare searing into the back of his head.
He smiled faintly, not in a hurry to turn around. After finishing what he had to say, he was about to head over to the Hidden Gods Clan but He Zixuan grabbed his sleeve. “Next is the celebration, not the Hidden Gods Clan’s teaching session. You should stay here.”
“Senior Sister…” Li Xiuran said softly. “I’ll just go say a quick hello.”
“No need. They won’t mind. Xiuran, remember, you belong to the Tianzhao Sect.” When she said this, her expression stiffened slightly. She had never imagined that one day she would have to use the sect’s name to make him stay. In the past, he would obey her with just a word.
Facing this senior sister who had always treated him well, who had once stirred his heart, Li Xiuran felt torn, but in the end, he allowed her to pull him to sit beside her on the platform.
He Zixiao came over with a wine flask, slinging an arm around Li Xiuran’s shoulder and murmuring, “Kid, when it’s time to stand before the Yinyuan Stone, you’d better watch yourself. If you’re not sure, don’t go up. If you make my sister sad, I won’t let you off.”
Li Xiuran glanced at the unusually serious He Zixiao, his emotions mixed. Fortunately, other disciples soon crowded around, asking about his cultivation progress. After all, the younger generation had already begun comparing him with Mo Xuanli in secret, Mo Xuanli had already advanced, and while Li Xiuran wasn’t anxious, they certainly were.
Watching Li Xiuran sit down quietly, Ji Chuling’s expression dimmed slightly.
Over on the other side, Zong Lei listened to his daughter’s report, her voice tight with suppressed anger and patted her hand. “Don’t worry. Soon enough, he’ll be yours. Remember, once he steps up, you must find a way to stand up there too, understand?”
Zong Xuezhen thought of her father’s plan, and her mood lightened a little. “Mm…”
“Ziming, remember to watch and act accordingly,” Zong Lei warned with a frown.
“Father, didn’t you also once want to pair me with the Little Goddess?” Zong Ziming asked coldly, head lowered.
“Do you even know her well enough? Would she stand up for you? Besides, if we overdo it, others will grow suspicious. For now, just help your sister. Don’t ruin her proper business.”
“Exactly,” Zong Xuezhen said icily. “Brother, you were useless on Constellation Island, if you’re useless again this time, you really are a waste.”
Zong Ziming abruptly looked up, eyes flashing red as he said to Zong Lei, “But I’ve advanced, I’m in the Nascent Soul stage now.”
Zong Lei seemed pleased enough with that. “Don’t get arrogant. As long as there’s someone ahead of you, you’re never the winner.”
Having said this, Zong Lei ignored him and led his daughter to the front, leaving Zong Ziming standing alone behind them. His crimson eyes lifted slowly, coldly fixing on the father and daughter pair.
Afterward, Zong Lei spoke some rousing words, praising the seven who had returned from Constellation Island with great gains. Amid the lively atmosphere, talk soon turned to the Yinyuan Stone. Allowing the younger generation a chance to view it and perhaps find their destined partner was a delightful event and the gossip made the mood even more exuberant.
The first who couldn’t hold back and stepped forward was Jingzhan, he had long been curious about the Yinyuan Stone and was eager to try.
It was a massive stone, as tall as a man, bound by red-thread enchantments, its smooth surface gleaming like a mirror. Its hue was dreamlike, carrying a mysterious aura. It was said the Yinyuan Stone had fallen from the Immortal Realm itself, beyond the comprehension of the cultivation world.
Following the legends, Jingzhan stood before the stone and released his spiritual energy to draw a sigil. The Yinyuan Stone flickered for a moment but no image appeared.
Jingzhan frowned in confusion.
Someone nearby explained, “Young Master Baili’s destined one likely hasn’t appeared yet or perhaps neither of you have developed true feelings. That’s why it doesn’t show.”
Jingzhan was quite dejected. He’d liked countless girls before, how could he still not have a destined partner? Was this the prelude to a lifetime of loneliness?
But among the crowd, the women who had once been toyed with by him secretly felt vindicated, some even wishing they could applaud. Serves him right. Karma.
Next up was Si Chun. Yet she stood and said calmly, “I don’t need it. Can I give my turn to someone else?”
Zong Lei spoke to her kindly, trying to persuade her, but seeing she truly didn’t wish to go, he didn’t force it. Si Chun then offered to pass her opportunity along, whoever wished to test fate could go instead.
It was indeed a rare chance, and many people’s hearts stirred.
Just then, a slender figure flashed forward and landed beside Si Chun.
“Elder Sister Si Chun, let me have it. I’ve never seen this thing before, I’m curious.”
Si Chun hadn’t expected it to be Ji Chuling who wanted the chance. Her gaze instinctively swept toward the Tianzhao Sect and at that same moment, Li Xiuran froze, staring blankly at Ji Chuling’s radiant smile. Sitting beside him, He Zixuan stiffened, her body tense with unease. After a moment, she slowly reached out and grabbed Li Xiuran’s arm, changing the topic. “When do you plan to advance…”
Si Chun was naturally willing to yield, so Ji Chuling stepped up to the Yinyuan Stone. Throughout, she never once looked toward Li Xiuran, nor gave any signal.
“This girl is truly brave, cutting through the knot cleanly. Now we’ll see if the other side gives her an answer,” Gu Baiqing remarked with a faint smile.
Behind him, Mo Xuanli finally couldn’t hold back and leaned forward. “Master, I’ll give up my turn to someone else later.”
Gu Baiqing turned back in mild surprise. “Why?”
Mo Xuanli blinked, looking utterly puzzled. “Does Master think I should go up?”
Gu Baiqing considered it. If it were me, I’d be curious as h*ll. How is he not curious at all?
Mo Xuanli was bewildered. What does Master mean? Is he telling me to just go through the motions? Or could it be… that Master intends to go up with me, publicly, together?
The thought made his heart stop for a beat.
No… impossible. That’s too outrageous. Master wouldn’t… would he?
But what if, just what if, that was Master’s intention?
Mo Xuanli swallowed hard, trying to calm himself down. The possibility was minuscule but he still couldn’t help the surge of excitement. If it’s true… I’d better be mentally prepared.
Seeing his shifting expressions, Gu Baiqing simply said, “Decide for yourself.”
Mo Xuanli had no idea what that meant anymore. But going up couldn’t hurt and if there was even the slightest chance, how could he let it slip away?
Right now, he didn’t even think about how, if their relationship or genders were exposed, it might draw endless condemnation. His head was filled only with one image, the moment their bond became known to all, their relationship blessed under the heavens.
He couldn’t be rational even if he tried. Just imagining it made his pulse race.
Meanwhile, Ji Chuling was just about to channel her spiritual energy when Hall Master Zong said, “Miss Ji, your cultivation method differs from ours. I fear you might draw the sigil incorrectly and lose your chance. How about letting my son assist you?”
Ji Chuling’s sudden move had disrupted Zong Lei’s plan, but after a moment’s thought, he decided to push Zong Ziming forward again. Yet before Zong Ziming could act, another figure leapt onto the stage.
The entire hall erupted in astonishment.
Ji Chuling stared blankly at the newcomer, then frowned and said, “What are you doing up here?”
Li Xiuran shot Zong Lei a glance. How could he not see through the man’s intentions? After all, the Zong family had once sought to match Ji Chuling with him. Even if the Yinyuan Stone couldn’t possibly reflect such a pair, it still felt awkward. This silly girl doesn’t even think to refuse, really…
“I’ll guide you in drawing the sigil,” he said simply.
As he spoke, he took her hand with one of his own and used the other to trace the sigil upon the Yinyuan Stone. Soon, the stone began to glow softly and within that gentle radiance, the surface revealed the faint silhouettes of two figures, unfamiliar yet intimately known. The surrounding light lingered, as if silently bearing witness, offering its blessing.
Ji Chuling’s expression wavered; tears threatened to spill. Li Xiuran exhaled heavily, relief washing over him.
As cheers erupted around them, celebrating the first revealed pair of lovers, Ji Chuling said nothing more. Li Xiuran simply took her hand and led her down from the platform.
The members of the Hidden Gods Clan, who had once scoffed at the Yinyuan Stone, now nodded with satisfaction, clearly pleased. This pair had already won their full approval.
The Tianzhao Sect’s He siblings were nowhere to be seen. Li Xiuran glanced briefly in their direction before ultimately choosing to return with Ji Chuling to the Hidden Gods Clan’s side.
Though Zong Lei felt a hint of regret, having such a well-matched couple appear first set a good tone, it would make the rest of the event flow more smoothly.
Soon, Zong Lei called for the next group, the Zixiao Sect.
Gu Baiqing was genuinely pleased by Li Xiuran’s decisiveness. According to Half-Step Mad’s earlier prediction, even if another female cultivator had gone up with Li Xiuran, the stone might still have revealed something. But since Li Xiuran had chosen Ji Chuling himself, it meant he wouldn’t do this with anyone else. That pairing was now effectively sealed.
“Master, I’m going up.”
When Gu Baiqing returned to his senses, it was already Mo Xuanli’s turn.
Actually, it should have been Nan Zhi’s turn first. She had wanted to give her chance to Yun Yue, being indifferent to matters of romance herself and hoping her sister could have a good match but when she turned around, Yun Yue was nowhere to be found. Left with no choice, Nan Zhi went up herself, only to end up like Jingzhan. Jingzhan immediately brightened, at least he wasn’t the only one.
And so, it was finally Mo Xuanli’s turn.
Gu Baiqing nodded. “Go ahead.”
Mo Xuanli gave him a long, quiet look, feeling a wave of disappointment. So it really was just my imagination.
As he stepped up before the Yinyuan Stone, the crowd stirred with excitement, eyes fixed upon him.
“What if a figure appears?” Jingzhan whispered eagerly. “Wouldn’t that mean… pretty much confirmed?”
“He should’ve let someone else go instead, why waste such a chance?” Si Chun shook her head, though she was curious to see what the Yinyuan Stone would show when the one testing it was a man.
“That… will it even reveal anything for him?” Ji Chuling, who had been too shy to speak until now, finally piped up. Li Xiuran glanced at her and couldn’t help but laugh. “If he can’t make the stone reveal his beloved, then no one can.”
Mo Xuanli stood before the Yinyuan Stone, thinking that seeing his master’s image appear would be an interesting experience in itself, no reason to be disappointed. With that calm thought, he reached out his hand, released his spiritual power, and began drawing the talisman. The moment he finished the final stroke, a sharp scream suddenly came from above.
He looked up just in time to see a figure plummeting straight toward him. Instinctively, Mo Xuanli summoned a gust of wind to catch the person, letting them descend safely.
When he saw who it was, his brows furrowed.
“Forgive me, Xuanli. I didn’t mean to interrupt you. Strange… just now, it felt as if some force had sucked me over here,” Zong Xuezhen said, eyes full of confusion as she bowed her head apologetically.
Mo Xuanli was about to tell her it was fine when a loud stir erupted behind him.
“It’s them!”
“Heavens, did the Yinyuan Stone just bring Miss Zong over?”
“So it is fate after all! What a perfect match, handsome man, beautiful woman!”
The sudden wave of chatter left Mo Xuanli’s mind blank for a moment, and then he saw Zong Xuezhen’s face turn faintly pink as she looked shyly toward the Yinyuan Stone.
Mo Xuanli’s thoughts froze. The instant he turned his gaze, he was struck motionless as if hit by lightning.
The Yinyuan Stone was glowing. On its surface appeared the image of him and a woman. He couldn’t even clearly tell if the woman was the Zong Xuezhen beside him, he only knew that the image didn’t contain his master.
No Master….None….
He had imagined countless possible scenes the Yinyuan Stone might reveal but never this. Never one without Gu Baiqing…..
There had to be a mistake. Something had to be wrong…..
All color drained from Mo Xuanli’s face. His first instinct was to look toward his master. He was terrified, terrified that his master would misunderstand, that this would make him turn away.
But Gu Baiqing’s face showed no anger. His eyes were lowered, expression mild, as he listened to the surrounding congratulations and even smiled in polite response.
