Chapter Sixteen: The Stunning Young Woman

Early morning, the tavern was already beginning to fill with guests coming down from the upper floors to enjoy their breakfast.

Today was the day the Shu Mountain Immortal Sect opened its recruitment exam, and everyone had risen early to dine, hoping to be in their best condition for the first round of testing.

Morning sunlight filtered through the intricately carved wooden windows, casting a warm glow that enhanced the tavern’s antique charm. At the distinguished window seats to the left of the main entrance sat four graceful young gentlemen.

Leading them was a strikingly handsome youth, his demeanor noble and elegant, every gesture radiating unparalleled brilliance—none other than Feng Qingcheng, the foremost inner disciple of the Shu Mountain Sect’s sect leader. Beside him sat Hua Qiandu, rubbing his sleepy eyes; Qiao Chuya, yawning wildly; and Mei Ren, brimming with energy.

The four were quietly eating their breakfast: several plates of steamed buns, assorted pastries, dumplings, a few light side dishes, and several bowls of congee.

Hua Qiandu rolled his eyes at Mei Ren. “Coalball, you snored all night and woke me up. I’m exhausted.”

Qiao Chuya gritted his teeth. “The worst off is me! Not only did I sleep on the floor, but I had to endure snoring louder than thunder. I didn’t get a wink of sleep.”

Mei Ren took a bite of a bun and playfully retorted, “Why didn’t the sly fox Feng have any trouble? You two just make a fuss.”

Among them, only Feng Qingcheng remained poised and alert, elegantly eating as if nothing could disturb him. Only he could make such a simple morning meal appear like a royal feast.

“Hmph, Feng the fox is a pig—never seen him suffer from insomnia,” Hua Qiandu said, his seat facing the stairs upstairs. Suddenly, he bit into his bun and stared dumbfounded ahead, his mouth agape, bun falling unnoticed onto the table.

“What’s wrong? Haven’t slept all night and gone daft?” Qiao Chuya helped pick up the bun and looked where Hua Qiandu was staring. He too was stunned. “A beauty? A young maiden?”

By now, the tavern was filling with more breakfast patrons, the once noisy atmosphere suddenly quieting. Everyone stretched their necks, eyes fixed intently on the stairs leading to the guest rooms.

More precisely, they were all watching a stunning young girl slowly descending the stairs.

Someone rubbed their eyes in disbelief. “Wow, such a beautiful maiden.”

“Oh my, a little fairy! Where did she come from?” another exclaimed excitedly.

“There’ve been so many beauties these days; what a feast for the eyes,” murmured the crowd, all fixated on the stairwell, forgetting even their breakfasts.

Among the diners were Princess Nalan Meidai and Jiang Yiyi. Hearing the admiration, they glanced toward the stairwell. Seeing the girl’s plain clothes and obvious lack of family status, both curled their lips in disdain.

Jiang Yiyi sneered, “I thought she’d be more beautiful. Not even a fraction as good as you.”

Nalan Meidai merely scoffed but said nothing.

The maiden was about twelve or thirteen, slender and delicate. Her skin was as translucent and pure as snow, her small oval face as delicate as a palm, with a dainty, upturned nose. Beneath finely arched brows, her pair of black, gem-like eyes sparkled with clarity and life, seeming to hold the very essence of heaven and earth’s spiritual energy, giving her an ethereal vitality that was radiant and captivating. Truly bright-eyed and radiant, her beauty was fresh and elegant, exquisitely refined—like a budding flower at dawn.

Her rosy lips curved in a subtle, almost shy smile, blending youthful innocence with exquisite charm, radiating an aura of captivating spirit and unmatched grace.

Hua Qiandu stared blankly at the descending beauty, rubbing his eyes and murmuring, “Since when did such a peerless maiden reside in this tavern? Why haven’t I seen her before?”

Qiao Chuya touched his chest. “Just one look from her, and I feel it’s hard to breathe.”

Mei Ren, slightly excited, said, “I think she’s smiling at me?”

Even the ordinarily indifferent Feng Qingcheng couldn’t help but steal a few extra glances. The radiant sparkle in the maiden’s eyes made her appear exceptionally refined, her entire being emanating an otherworldly glow. Feng’s slender phoenix eyes flickered with awe and realization.

Watching the maiden descend, Feng’s deep, serene eyes fell upon those familiar, pure orbs. After a moment’s thought, he understood.

This was the beggar girl from yesterday—Ming Yue.

Yet, the matter was more complicated. Feng felt there was something vaguely familiar about her eyes, as if they held the essence of the world’s spiritual energy.

Suddenly, a memory flashed in his mind: beneath a peach blossom tree, a charming little girl of three or four years old, bright-eyed and pure like the blue sky, calling him repeatedly, “Brother Jiu, Brother Jiu, Brother Jiu...”

Ten years had passed; Xiao’er must be about that age now.

How had she fared?

Did she still remember the promise they once made?

A decade ago, Feng had returned to Baihua Village, only to find it reduced to ruins, overgrown with weeds, abandoned long ago. No one knew where the villagers had gone or when they left.

Feng Qingcheng’s thoughts drifted hazily: perhaps some people, once missed, would never meet again. Missing them meant a lifetime of loss.

Hua Qiandu murmured dreamily, “One glance can topple a city, another a kingdom. Though born in the palace and seen many beauties, I have never encountered such a pure, exquisite, peerless maiden...”

Qiao Chuya eagerly set down his chopsticks. “The beauty is coming toward us...”

The radiant maiden approached gracefully, her lithe figure like a living painting. She stopped before the four, smiling brightly like a blooming flower. “Senior brothers, sorry for being late.”

Hua Qiandu shook Feng Qingcheng’s arm, rousing him from his reverie. “Feng the fox, did you bring this beauty here?”

“Hmph,” Feng Qingcheng shook his head helplessly. “This is Ming Yue.”

Hua Qiandu jumped up excitedly. “You’re Ming Yue? What a transformation! That scruffy beggar from yesterday is really you?”

Qiao Chuya arranged the bowls and chopsticks for Ming Yue, while Mei Ren piled food in front of her. Qiao Chuya said politely, “Junior sister, please have your breakfast.”

“Thank you, senior brothers,” Ming Yue glanced at Feng Qingcheng, a shy light flickering in her eyes as she smiled softly. “I know a bit of medicine and some disguise techniques, so the contrast is a bit surprising. I hope you won’t mind.”

Feng Qingcheng nodded appreciatively. “Quite good.”

“Rare for Feng the fox to compliment someone—what’s good? The person, the medicine, or the disguise?” Qiao Chuya teased with a sly grin.

“All of it,” Feng answered calmly.

Qiao Chuya laughed. “Ming Yue junior sister, today’s the first test. You’d better eat well.”

Ming Yue nodded in thanks. “I’ve heard the test is tough. I’m not sure if I’ll pass.”

“Junior sister Ming Yue, eat first. No rush,” Hua Qiandu winked at Feng Qingcheng. “You showed great skill yesterday and are skilled in medicine. You should have no trouble passing.”

Ming Yue looked at Feng Qingcheng and asked, “What tests are there exactly? I haven’t prepared much.”

Feng Qingcheng explained, “There are three tests, detailed at the registration desk beside the tavern. The first is a test of martial ability. You’ll know your level by testing the Martial Stone. If you’ve trained since childhood, a level five passes.”

Ming Yue wrinkled her cute nose. “Ah, so high? I’ve only practiced some basics, not systematically. I wonder if I can make it.”

Feng Qingcheng continued, “The second is a potential test. You’ll learn your potential through the Potential Stone. Those with poor comprehension tend to score low.”

Ming Yue opened her mouth to speak but hesitated.

Qiao Chuya asked, “Any questions? Feel free to ask.”

Ming Yue shook her head. “Please continue, senior brother.”

Feng Qingcheng went on, “The third and final test is the challenge of the Demon Beast Forest. It takes about three days. You’ll receive the requirements in due time.”

Ming Yue glanced at the aloof, noble youth opposite her, whose every move exuded unparalleled elegance. She respectfully asked, “Senior brother Feng, is this an elimination by each test, or a combined assessment?”

A surge of determination filled her heart. How she longed to enter the Shu Mountain Immortal Sect, to train alongside such outstanding senior brothers. What a fortune that would be!

Feng Qingcheng replied slowly, “It’s elimination by stage. If you fail one, you cannot proceed to the next.”

Ming Yue sighed, “No wonder so few are admitted each time. It sounds quite challenging.” Then she clenched her fist resolutely. “But I will do my best.”

Hua Qiandu gave her a thumbs-up. “Junior sister, good luck. We’re rooting for you.”

By then, most of the tavern’s patrons had left, likely following the sect disciples to the entrance to await the start.

The five set off together, soon arriving at the Shu Mountain Immortal Sect’s entrance.

The entrance was a vast square, with two rows of sect disciples standing guard near the mountain wall. The square was packed with candidates, lively and bustling.

Seeing Feng Qingcheng and the other inner disciples approaching, everyone greeted them with folded fists.

Ming Yue stepped among the candidates, waiting for the barrier to the sect to be opened.

Among the crowd was a richly dressed, stunningly beautiful girl who, upon seeing Ming Yue, revealed a look of disdain, even letting out a cold snort.

Ming Yue stood behind a plump girl, who glanced back and smiled, showing gleaming white teeth.

After a brief wait, a bell rang thrice: “Dong, dong, dong.” The time to open the barrier had come.

Feng Qingcheng, Hua Qiandu, Qiao Chuya, and Mei Ren lined up and formed complex hand seals. Moments later, the first seal lifted, revealing a winding staircase leading up the mountain. The candidates entered, guided by attendants deeper inside.