Chapter 26: Chu Xuan's Choice—Would You Share This Night With Me?

Men, no matter how old they are, always have a fondness for eighteen-year-old girls. Or rather, for anyone young and beautiful. Ah, even heroes in their twilight years still burn with passion! The elderly, too, have their dreams. As the saying goes, a man only becomes well-behaved once he’s hung on the wall.

“Master Luo, perhaps you—?” Ling Tian looked at Luo Changsheng with a half-smile, as if to say: The old man’s already left, are you…?

“Nonsense!” Luo Changsheng rebuked sternly. If he brought a young girl home, his wife would skin him alive.

“What are they doing?” Xiao Ling’er watched the bustling crowd, puzzled.

“They’re lonely.” Ling Tian shook his head with a smile, then glanced at Xiao Ling’er. “Don’t worry about it, keep eating.”

Yan Chen saw that none of the three moved. If he followed them, he’d lose any chance with Xiao Ling’er. Suppressing his emotions, he sat with Ling Tian and the others.

…

A stone arch bridge stretched over shimmering waters. The light around wasn’t particularly bright, but the whole lake was clearly visible. A flower-laden boat drifted closer from the distance. Petals scattered over the water, setting the mood.

“Fairy, Lin Chuchen, holy son of the Revelation Sect, has come seeking you.” A handsome young man radiated power, declaring his identity. Selection wasn’t just about first impressions—it was about strength as well. As the saying goes, fate is three parts destiny, seven parts effort.

As a saintess, Chu Xuan would hardly choose a hunched old man. After Lin Chuchen spoke, others rushed to introduce themselves. Each glanced at Lin Chuchen, annoyed that he’d gone first. The first to introduce himself always drew attention. The introductions of these prodigies brought the atmosphere to a climax. Gasps of surprise rang out as people recognized them and offered praise.

Of course, those who knew their strength and status couldn’t compare tried to make a scene to leave an impression on the saintess—even jumping directly into the lake.

“Saintess, so many prodigies have come this time, even more than the Six Saintesses!” a maid outside the flower boat remarked, glimpsing the beauty inside through the gauzy veil.

“So what if there are many? It’s just part of cultivation.” Inside the boat, wearing pure white, breathtakingly beautiful with a frosty expression, Chu Xuan replied coolly. As she finished, she took out a thin veil and placed it over her face.

The maid was speechless. Their saintess was perfect in every way except for her cold demeanor.

Chu Xuan brought out a spirit stone, her eyes softening. Within it, a scene played: Ling Tian striking the Nine Sword Bell. She adored swordsmanship, and by extension, admired those who practiced it. Forced by her master, she was participating in this event. Well, she decided, let it be someone she met by chance.

Just as she thought this, the sword-shaped jade pendant at her neck began to shine brilliantly. Her face filled with shock, but soon her eyes lit up with delight: It’s him?

Without hesitation, Chu Xuan stepped out of the flower boat.

“It’s the fairy!”

“She’s out so soon—she must have already chosen someone she fancies.”

“Indeed, she looks quite excited. Who is so fortunate?”

“Fairy, if you choose me, I have a holy sword as a token of our meeting.”

“Fairy, I have a sacred dress—beautiful and exquisite!”

“Fairy, I…”

Seeing the saintess emerge, everyone became animated, eager to show their sincerity. After all, one must offer something for a partnership; no one likes to get something for nothing.

Cold Purity Sect was guarded by a powerful Saint Emperor of the seventh realm; their strength was formidable. The saintess held high status, and any connection would link their sect to Cold Purity Sect—an opportunity not to be missed. Besides, the saintess was truly a national beauty. Winning her hand would be a prize indeed.

Though previous saintess tribulations had ended with participants flushed and rosy-cheeked, it was obvious some delicate matters had transpired. If you’re not willing to risk, how can you win?

Amid the hubbub, Chu Xuan frowned slightly, fixed her gaze in one direction, and stepped forward. Her toes touched the water without sinking.

As Chu Xuan drew nearer, Lin Chuchen’s heartbeat quickened. He was confident in his talent and looks, and no one nearby seemed to match his abilities—except for an old man, whom she surely wouldn’t choose. If she didn’t pick him, he could eat dirt!

The other prodigies shook their heads, surprised that this guy had caught her attention. Those who introduced themselves later regretted missing the chance; they might have won the beauty otherwise.

“Thank you all for yielding!” Lin Chuchen flashed what he thought was a charming smile as Chu Xuan approached. If not for fear of the crowd’s reaction, he’d already begun to gloat.

He opened his arms, ready to embrace Chu Xuan. “Fairy, rest assured, during your tribulation, I’ll care for you and never leave your side!” he promised solemnly.

The crowd silently scoffed—didn’t he just want to find an opportunity? His grand words were nothing but a cover for his real intentions.

“Fairy, I…” Lin Chuchen stepped forward, his grin stretching ear to ear. A pleasant fragrance wafted toward him. Fairy, you smell so good!

The next moment, he froze. Chu Xuan stepped onto his face, using him as a springboard to leap away.

Lin Chuchen: ?

What? I was already savoring the moment, and now you say you’re not going through with it?

Though her step wasn’t hard, it landed squarely on his heart, leaving him cold and empty. How could it not be him?

“Haha, Holy Son Lin, you asked for it!” A holy son from another sect couldn’t hold back his laughter. Show off, will you? Take that!

Lin Chuchen’s face reddened. He’d boasted in front of everyone, only to be snubbed by the fairy. The humiliation was palpable; if scornful glances were slaps, his face would be swollen beyond recognition.

The crowd snickered but left him be—no telling what someone desperate might do. He was strong, and fighting would be troublesome. Best to leave room for future encounters.

…

“Look, where’s the fairy going?” A shout drew everyone’s attention. Today’s protagonist was the fairy, not the clown.

Lin Chuchen, watching everyone follow her, finally lifted his head, curious to see whom Chu Xuan would choose.

“Burp~… I’m full!” Xiao Ling’er rubbed her belly with satisfaction.

“You really can eat!” Ling Tian sighed, but was promptly rebuked.

“And you dare say that?” Xiao Ling’er glanced at the mountain of bowls and chopsticks in front of Ling Tian—he ate even more than she did!

“We’re different. I’m small, so I need to eat more. Come on, let’s find a place to stay.” Ling Tian dodged the argument, cutting her off before she could continue. Xiao Ling’er grumbled but reluctantly stood up.

“I’m afraid we won’t be able to leave easily,” Luo Changsheng frowned, eyeing the approaching crowd.

Yan Chen, too, noticed them—especially Chu Xuan at the front. Even with her veil, he could sense her beauty.

The next moment, Chu Xuan landed before Yan Chen. Beautiful, so beautiful. Yan Chen examined her features, marveling silently.

“I can’t believe the fairy chose such an ugly youth. What a pity!”

“I’m not any worse than him! Why?”

Hearing the crowd’s words, Yan Chen suddenly realized—the woman before him was the fourth saintess they spoke of! As he felt the jealous stares around him, he grew elated. Though he’d paid to enter the city, being chosen by the fourth saintess made it all worthwhile. Ha, he truly was blessed by fate!

He shot Ling Tian a triumphant look. See? The crowd’s judgment is clear—the fourth saintess chose him, proof enough.

Of course, he had to consider Xiao Ling’er’s feelings. “Fairy, I’m honored you chose me, but since Junior Sister Ling’er is here, I… However, considering this concerns your future, I’m sure she’ll understand. Fairy, I promise I’ll…”

Before Yan Chen could finish, Chu Xuan strode past him, tossing out a cold word: “Noisy.”

A booming sound went off in Yan Chen’s mind. Dizzy, he thought: Noisy? She called me noisy? Weren’t you here for me? No…

His eyes contracted as he looked toward Ling Tian. The truth did not disappoint.

“Sir, hu…” Chu Xuan approached Ling Tian, her heart fluttering uncontrollably. She uttered a single word, took several deep breaths, and nervously twisted her dress.

She wasn’t a practitioner of the emotionless path; she had feelings and desires. Meeting her idol made her anxious and uneasy.

Ling Tian looked at her, noting the line above her head: [Childhood Playmate!]

He hadn’t expected his childhood companion to appear here, as if an NPC had respawned.

Chu Xuan gathered her courage and finally spoke, “Sir, may I invite you to my room for a night together?”