December.
The cold wind was biting, and the snow swirled fiercely.
A powerful Sword Intent erupted from the depths of Yuan Martial Academy, sending tremors through all surrounding space.
Countless cultivators looked up, their faces etched with shock.
This direction... it was Chen Shixian's residence.
Sword Taoist Novice.
This was no ordinary Sword Dao, but the sword path inscribed within the very marrow of a Divine Body.
This sword path possessed an innate grandeur and an imposing aura, as if looking down upon all beings. Once wielded, all other Sword Daos in the world would tremble before it.
However, this was just the beginning.
From that day on, news of Chen Shixian's continued achievements spread. Her swordsmanship reached the novice level, her cultivation realm broke through, and the cultivation methods she practiced reached deeper levels.
With every gesture, she now emanated Dao rhythm.
In just a few short months, her aura became increasingly divine and ethereal. Her internal spiritual sea was as vast as an ocean, filled with myriad phenomena, so much so that even the Grand State Master could not fathom the slightest bit of her true depth.
The Grand State Master expressed his admiration, "Truly worthy of a Divine Body! With such a growth rate, stepping into the King Tao Realm is now within reach."
Chen Shixian smiled but didn't say much.
After all, she was still just a young girl, inexperienced in worldly matters, and a touch of pride lay deep within her heart. She felt that her current achievements had already surpassed those of the ancient Young Emperors. With such strength, Guang Xiaoyu was no match for her. This duel, Guang Xiaoyu was doomed to lose, undoubtedly.
"Guang Xiaoyu of the Wuji Sect has been in the Prince's Mansion for several months, and spring is almost here. I wonder when she will choose to duel you," the Grand State Master said. "There's no need to rush this matter. However, if possible, I hope you can acquire a Spiritual Beast."
Sword Dao was merely a minor path for her.
Chen Shixian's true cultivation was actually related to "beasts."
If she could gain the aid of a Spiritual Beast, reaching the Transforming Realm would be imminent.
Chen Shixian nodded. "Disciple understands."
The Grand State Master added, "Also... be careful when you interact with Chen Pingping. There's something not quite right about that person."
He had reviewed all available information on Chen Pingping. Several years ago, Wen Yuqing of Qingfeng had forcibly taken him back, making him a disciple of Qingfeng.
Oddly, Wen Yuqing had not taught him any cultivation. The prevailing impression his peers had of him was that of a: "loafer, gluttonous and lazy, a spiritless mortal."
Moreover, on Qingfeng, he herded cattle and kept dogs... never taking cultivation seriously.
The very existence of such a person seemed irrational.
Chen Shixian furrowed her brow. "Teacher, do you mean he has hidden his true strength?"
The Grand State Master shook his head. "It's not entirely clear. But if the person you met at Salt Mountain was indeed him, then... he has certainly hidden his strength."
He continued, "His identity is linked to the Wuji Sect, and he's also the chief disciple of Qingfeng. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to confront him directly, so you must handle the matter of the Spiritual Beast yourself."
Chen Shixian nodded and then departed.
She knew her teacher was wary of *that* woman.
「At this moment, within the Prince's Mansion.」
Guang Xiaoyu's cultivation session also came to an end. She pushed open the door and stepped out, only to find Hei, the little black dog, had been lying by her door all this time. Upon seeing her emerge, Hei barked excitedly.
MOO!
Lao Huang, the old ox, followed her out.
"Not bad, you've reached the Ninth Heaven of Breaking Sun. With a bit more time, you could enter the Soul Condensation Realm. Unfortunately... Chen Shixian is already at the Destiny Stage," Chen Pingping said with a smile.
Guang Xiaoyu was speechless. "Senior Brother, I just came out of seclusion! Can you please not undermine my confidence right away?"
Chen Pingping chuckled. "That was the bad news. Now, do you want to hear some good news?"
She looked up. "What good news?"
Chen Pingping said, "The Divine Body has arrived. You two can get to know each other before your duel. How about that? Exciting, isn't it?"
He considered it an opportunity.
But for Guang Xiaoyu at that moment, it was like seeing a ghost. Her opponent was already at the Destiny Stage, while she was still lingering in the Breaking Sun Realm.
If I really meet the Divine Body now, wouldn't I be a laughingstock? What is Senior Brother thinking? Guang Xiaoyu inwardly despaired.
"What? No confidence in yourself?" Chen Pingping asked, looking at her.
"I do!" she declared, lifting her head high.
Hmph! I, the mighty Demon Emperor, will not be looked down upon by anyone! Especially not by a despondent mortal Senior Brother. Is it just one Divine Body? This Emperor killed countless such beings back in the day!
「On the other side.」
Shi Yi had already gone to greet Chen Shixian. He was even more frustrated than Guang Xiaoyu. His dream was to defeat this proud woman and grind her underfoot.
But after not seeing her for just a month or two, she had actually stepped into the Destiny Stage!
Her aura had grown more divine, her energy fluctuations deeper and more profound.
If he weren't the Prince of the Stone Country, he would definitely be rooting for Guang Xiaoyu to kill the Divine Body, or at least break her legs!
「Before long, the two of them arrived together.」
This was the first meeting between the Demon Emperor and the Divine Body—and the first clash between the two young women.
Chen Shixian sized her up. Delicate features, a slender build, her energy fluctuations perfectly contained... I don't know how she manages it, but does it even matter? I've already entered Destiny, while she's only at Breaking Sun, isn't she? A powerful surge of confidence rose within her.
The Demon Emperor was also sizing her up, a single thought echoing in her mind: Hmph!
She was thoroughly annoyed. Chen Shixian was undeniably beautiful: delicate features, skin like snow, a tall, willowy figure with all the right curves. In a few years, she would surely blossom into a peerless beauty.
And on top of that, she's a Divine Body! Beauty and strength combined—she's like the bright moon in the heavens, adored by all! And then there's me. Who the hell even knows I'm the Demon Emperor?
The atmosphere in the hall changed instantly, becoming cold, somber, terrifying, and oppressive.
Shi Yi, who was at the Soul Condensation Realm, felt a formidable pressure and couldn't help but ask, "What? Are you two planning to fight in my mansion?"
As soon as he spoke, the terrifying oppressive feeling finally dissipated.
Chen Shixian smiled. "Your Highness is joking." After a pause, she added, "I would like to speak with Chen alone. Would Your Highness permit it?"
Got it! Shi Yi's expression stiffened. He cursed inwardly, This is my mansion, damn it! And now she wants to kick me out!
But he still made his choice and left.
Guang Xiaoyu, standing to one side, also understood the implication. She actually came for Senior Brother! How infuriating! There's no denying Senior Brother is somewhat handsome, but it's just his face. I don't believe Senior Brother has anything that could attract a Divine Body. Something fishy is definitely going on.
Guang Xiaoyu remained unmoved, showing no intention of leaving.
Chen Shixian looked at her. "Xiaoyu?"
"Yes?" Guang Xiaoyu feigned ignorance.
"I wish to speak with Chen alone."
"Then go ahead and chat!" Guang Xiaoyu retorted, a corner of her mouth twitching, thinking, Like hell I'm leaving. Let's see you try and make me!
Chen Shixian glanced at Guang Xiaoyu, then towards Chen Pingping. It seems there's something going on here, she thought, noticing the peculiar way the younger girl was looking at Chen Pingping.
If that's the case... A graceful smile touched Chen Shixian's lips as she walked over to the chair beside Chen Pingping and elegantly sat down.
Guang Xiaoyu's eyes widened, and she nearly drew her sword on the spot.
Just then, Chen Pingping spoke up, "Alright, Junior Sister, please step outside for a moment."