"Brother, why is Tianshui City so lively lately? Is it always like this?"
At a shaved ice stall, Pei Qing handed a cup of shaved ice to the man beside him, asking curiously. The
man next to Pei Qing was a middle-aged man who looked to be in his forties or fifties. He glanced at Pei Qing, noticing his fair complexion and handsome appearance, and immediately became wary.
However, seeing the shaved ice Pei Qing offered, his expression softened.
"Of course not. Tianshui City is currently hosting the once-in-a-decade Tianshui Conference."
"While Tianshui City is usually crowded, it's never this bad."
"These people are completely drawn here because of the Tianshui Conference. They're a bunch of despicable and shameless bastards, like toads trying to eat swan meat."
The middle-aged man complained indignantly, like a radical youth, indiscriminately attacking everyone.
"The Tianshui Assembly? What's that? Why does it attract so many people? Is it some kind of marriage giveaway?"
Shen Yi chuckled, curious about the Tianshui Assembly's purpose; he'd never even heard of it before.
"You're absolutely right, the Tianshui Assembly is for giving away wives."
"It's a grand event organized by Tianshui Academy for single Soul Masters on the continent."
"With the host's interaction, men and women can meet and get to know each other, and if they hit it off, they can become a couple on the spot."
"Although it's only held once every ten years, it's always packed with people."
The middle-aged man seemed quite dissatisfied.
"So, bro, are you unhappy with this event? I know someone at Tianshui Academy, why don't you tell me?"
Pei Qing was just bored; he certainly wouldn't help this middle-aged man ruin an event that had been going on for years.
"No, I think the event is great, it's just that so many people will make me less competitive."
The middle-aged man shook his head, a barely perceptible worry on his face.
He had waited ten years, all for this day to win the heart of his beloved.
If he failed, he would truly be…
"Oh, I see. Well, good luck, brother. I'll be cheering you on from the audience."
"By the way, who's the host today?"
Pei Qing patted the middle-aged man's shoulder reassuringly.
He had a feeling this man would likely leave disappointed. It wasn't that the man lacked merits, but rather that his merits were too well hidden to be obvious.
"Aren't you here for the Tianshui Conference?"
The middle-aged man suddenly became enthusiastic, his gaze towards Pei Qing becoming more friendly.
"I'm here to find a friend, but my friend hasn't come to pick me up yet."
Pei Qing had already communicated with Shui Bing'er using his mental power before arriving, and was simply waiting for her to arrive.
"Oh dear, why didn't you say so sooner?"
"The host of this conference is Miss Shui Bing'er, who possesses the Ice Phoenix and is known as the Ice and Snow Goddess."
"I've heard that Miss Shui Bing'er is absolutely stunning. I wonder which lucky young man will win her heart."
"If I could marry such an outstanding woman, I'd be willing to live in a villa with my gold soul coins!"
Pei Qing was speechless. He realized that this guy really wasn't willing to suffer any loss.
But since the host of the conference was Bing'er, he really had to go and see.
"Brother, do you think I have a chance to make Miss Shui Bing'er fall in love at first sight?"
"I think I look pretty good."
The middle-aged man looked at Pei Qing expectantly, as if he wanted Pei Qing to praise him.
"Uh, well..."
"Brother, you have a good idea, but I don't think Shui Bing'er will fall in love with you at first sight."
Pei Qing wiped the cold sweat from his brow. He felt he couldn't continue talking to this man.
"Hmm, why? Do you think I have no hope?"
The middle-aged man was very dissatisfied with Pei Qing's answer. He considered himself handsome and dashing, and having broken through to Soul Emperor at nearly forty, he was quite talented.
For Soul Masters, that age shouldn't be a problem, and he might still have a chance.
"Yes, that's right, brother, you definitely have no hope, because Shui Bing'er is here."
Pei Qing pointed to Shui Bing'er, who had just landed beside him, and gave the man a friendly smile.
"You..."
"Pei Qing, let's go. Honestly, why didn't you just come to me?"
Shui Bing'er rolled her eyes at Pei Qing, completely ignoring the person who had just spoken to him.
Sometimes, being ignored is the greatest pain. The older brother froze, standing there blankly, as if shattered.
"Brother, we're leaving now. Good luck in the competition! I believe you'll win the heart of your beauty."
Pei Qing added another blow before leaving, this time shattering the older brother's soul, leaving him utterly dejected.
"You, how childish!"
Shui Bing'er looked at Pei Qing speechlessly. Even she, usually so aloof, was somewhat exasperated by Pei Qing's behavior.
"Hehe, just playing around."
"Bing'er, long time no see. Looks like you've been cultivating very diligently this year."
"I'm only one level away from reaching Soul Emperor! I've really worked hard!"
Shui Bing'er's martial soul was Ultimate Ice. With such attributes, her ability to cultivate to this level was enough to demonstrate just how hard she had worked.
"Cultivating ultimate attributes is indeed very difficult. Even with my best efforts, I'm still at least two or three months away from becoming a Soul Emperor."
Shui Bing'er was helpless about her ultimate attribute. Improving with ultimate attributes in the early stages was extremely difficult, but the resulting combat power was terrifying, though the cultivation process was undeniably too slow.
"Ultimate Ice has given you powerful combat strength, so of course you have to compensate in some way. You can't have everything."
"Bing'er, just relax. Your cultivation speed is already fast enough."
"You're only a few months older than me, and you're already close to becoming a Soul Emperor."
"A Soul Emperor with ultimate attributes at less than twenty years old, that's fast enough."
Pei Qing looked at Shui Bing'er, shook his head, and spoke very seriously.
"I was just talking to you. I understand what you're saying."
"While ultimate attributes are powerful, it's understandable that my cultivation speed is a little slower."
Shui Bing'er's lips curled into a gentle smile.
(End of Chapter)