Something about Seraphine’s life?

Behind my white veil, I blinked slowly.

Behind Xue Bushui, Li Zhiming’s expression shifted to one of alarm. He cast a nervous glance at his young master and whispered urgently, “Second…… young master, please watch your words!”

The Luanyang Palace was a major power with vast resources. I’d heard that Seraphine had slain a late-stage Golden Core Thunder bird in the Chongshan Secret Realm just six months ago!

Someone so decisive and powerful hardly seemed like they were on death’s door. The Lianshan Sect was already struggling—they couldn’t afford to provoke the Luanyang Palace any further.

Xue Bushui waved his sleeve dismissively, silencing Li Zhiming’s concerns. With smug confidence, he turned to XueMengtao. “Well? What do you say?”

Xue Mengtao remained silent, looking toward Echo instead. Mu Rong shot Xue Bushui a sharp glare before also turning her attention Echo’s way.

Seeing both women focus on the veiled figure in the center—the one they’d been calling “senior sister”—Xue Bushuirealized Echo was the decision-maker here.

“You just need to deliver my message to Seraphine.” he said, unable to contain his eagerness. “I can promise you anything in return.”

“Oh?” I tilted my head with genuine curiosity. “Anything at all?”

Xue Bushui’s lips curved in a confident smile. “As long as I can provide it!” Once Seraphine saw what he had, let alone one favor—he could grant ten or a hundred! It all depended on how much she valued her life.

“Understood.” I replied matter-of-factly. “Then swear an oath to the Heavenly Dao!”

Xue Bushui stared at Echo in surprise. Her tone was so casual, so ordinary. After a moment, he threw back his head and laughed. “Excellent!”

Elder Li watched as his young master publicly swore a heavenly contract with this mysterious veiled woman, his brow furrowing with concern.

After the three of us departed, he couldn’t help but voice his worries. “Young master, wasn’t that rather rash? You should have consulted with me first. That woman in the middle didn’t seem like she was from the Luanyang Palace, and to make such an oath with her……”

“What do you know?” Xue Bushui sneered coldly. “This is called striking while the iron is hot!”

He’d originally planned to cause a scene at the Weaver’s Workshop, then demand an audience with Seraphine using the Lianshan Sect’s name. But he’d been blocked at the first hurdle—meeting Seraphine had proven harder than ascending to the heavens.

Last night, his heart had been filled with despair. Who could have expected such a turnaround? Running into XueMengtao, now a disciple of the Luanyang Palace, right here!

“They say the Heavenly Dao is ruthless, but today I see it favors me.” Xue Bushui went on, his displeasure with the elder written all over his face. “Speaking of which, Elder Li, you concealed Xue Mengtao’s situation from everyone back then. If you’d informed me earlier, I could have saved myself so much trouble!”

Elder Li sighed deeply. “Back then, Palace Lord Velka had a grudge against Young Master Bufan. To humiliate him, she took Xue Mengtao to the Luanyang Palace as a servant. Perhaps she discovered the girl’s talent and allowed her to join a peak as a disciple.”

The expressions of the several Lianshan Sect disciples surrounding Xue Bushui shifted, showing a mixture of jealousy and disdain. One of them muttered under his breath, “A mere servant, and she really did fly up the branch to become a phoenix? The monthly allowance for Luanyang Palace disciples is more than double ours. If I’d known, I would have gone with her back then!”

“Exactly, exactly.”

They only saw Xue Mengtao’s current glory, completely forgetting that when the White Water Sect disciples had killed and robbed in the Red Dragon Mountains, only Elder Li and Xue Mengtao had survived from their group.

Another disciple sidled up to Xue Bushui with a fawning expression. “Young master, what leverage do you have over Seraphine? When you get your benefits, don’t forget about us! I’m your cousin—we’re family!”

“Brother Bushi, I’ve always liked you the most! Don’t forget me!”

A crowd gathered around Xue Bushui, chattering excitedly. They were even warmer to him now than they’d been to XueBufan after his fall from grace. Xue Bushui felt a surge of pride, thinking that this must have been how Xue Bufan had felt all those years. The Chongshan Secret Realm really had opened too late!

Outwardly, he maintained his composure, pressing down with his hands. “Don’t worry. As long as you follow my lead, I’ll never let you down!”

Pushed to the outer edge, Elder Li watched their excited faces—celebrating benefits they hadn’t even received yet—and his frown deepened. Glancing at the distant crowd, he let out a long sigh.

The Lianshan Sect was truly declining with each generation. He’d better start making plans……

⁂

Crunch.

I bit into my candied hawthorn.

The golden syrup coating the bright red fruit created a thin candy shell that shattered like ice when I bit down. The sweet sugar mixed with the hawthorn’s subtle tartness made me shake my head in delight.

Staring at the treat, I thought: If the Main System could upgrade the simple sweetness of System Realm snacks to match the complex flavors of human food, it would definitely earn tons of integration points!

Mental note: Submit snack flavor improvement suggestions to Main System.

Xue Mengtao wrung her hands anxiously, glancing at Echo as she walked ahead. “Senior sister, what Xue Bushui said earlier……”

My processing centers chimed softly as I made a small “ding-dong” sound. “So that’s his name—Xue Bushui.”

“Yes, he and Young Master Xue Bufan share the same father but different mothers. He’s the second young master of the Xue family.” Xue Mengtao explained quietly. “He’s always been jealous of Young Master Bufan. His talent is mediocre, and he prefers indulgence and pleasure. But what he said about something concerning the Palace Lord’s life…”

Mu Rong leaned in closer, frowning. “Is he just talking nonsense?”

“Hahaha!” I laughed, genuinely amused.

“Don’t worry, leave it to me.” I assured them. “Just focus on the examination. But please don’t tell anyone else about this.”

I raised my index finger to my lips. Xue Mengtao and Mu Rong did the same, and all three of us went “Shh!”

⁂

The bone-testing platform stood in the center of the plaza. Disciples lined up by sect, with the major Eastern Continent powers at the front.

As the hosting sect, the Luanyang Palace disciples not only held first position but filled five separate lines for their five peaks, chatting and laughing among themselves.

Xue Mengtao went to find Siyi, while Mu Rong joined the Propriety Central Peak disciples’ queue.

I continued forward alone, and as I passed, the Luanyang Palace disciples excitedly greeted me. I waved left and right, calling out “Hello, hello!” as I made my way past the testing platform.

Beyond the platform, the plaza opened up to reveal a grand stage. Wide white jade steps led upward, with palace attendants stationed every meter—men and women alike wore silk robes with scale-like patterns, looking more luxurious than many of the competing disciples. The stage itself held tables and chairs where sect leaders and elders sat in quiet conversation, their sect banners fluttering behind them.

The central position naturally belonged to the Luanyang Palace.

I lifted my skirt and began climbing the white jade steps one by one, taking my time. My hem cast blue shadows that flowed like fish across the pale stone, while the golden silk netting at my waist rustled softly, the silver beads within catching the light.

The dignitaries on the stage sat in solemn dignity, while below, disciples from various sects crowded together in excitement. Gradually, everyone fell silent, watching as this blue-robed, veiled figure ascended the platform as if she owned the place.

“Hmph.”

I crossed the final step, smoothed down my skirt, dusted off my clothes, and took another bite of candied hawthorn as I walked toward Seraphine.

At the far edge of the stage, someone stared in shock, pointing at Echo retreating figure and whispering, “Who is that person? How terribly rude.”

The person beside them quickly pushed their hand down, hissing, “Shh—Fellow Daoist, watch your words! That’s the Lingshan Sect disciple who killed Li Wuhe on the dueling platform!”

The first person’s finger trembled as they quickly raised their tea cup, swallowing their alarm along with the liquid.

I approached Seraphine’s table, and my cool voice drifted from beneath the veil.

The elders from various sects, straining to listen, felt as if a wind carrying frost and moonlight had brushed past their ears as Echo called Seraphine’s name and said simply, “I’m back!”

At the center of the stage sat a jade throne carved with phoenixes. The breathtakingly beautiful Luanyang Palace Lord occupied it, wearing a golden phoenix crown inlaid with countless crimson gems that glittered brilliantly in the sunlight.

Her eyes had watched Echo emerge from the crowd, watched her climb the platform, watched her approach step by step.

Echo’s veil concealed her features, making her appear particularly aloof. Combined with her cold, emotionless tone, most people would instinctively keep their distance.

But the moment Echo stopped walking, Seraphine’s mind conjured the face behind her veil—expressionless but with bright, clear eyes that gazed directly at whoever was speaking, utterly focused.

“Is the candied hawthorn good?” Seraphine asked.

I gave her a thumbs up, walked around the table to her side, and politely inquired, “May I sit beside you? Thank you.”

Echo already said thank you. Seraphine made room on her throne, and Echo quickly sat down with a small “heave-ho” sound.

Seraphine kept watching Echo as she reached into her storage ring and began pulling out items—all the things she’d written on her notes. Soon, Echo had created a small pile on the table.

Finally, I produced a candied hawthorn skewer and held it out to Seraphine. “Here!”

Seraphine took the treat, raising an eyebrow. The flower mark on her forehead shifted slightly as she said with deliberate slowness, “I don’t believe I wrote this one down.”

“My treat.” I replied, extending my left hand. The ring on my finger flashed once. “I have money.”

As if I didn’t know that already. Seraphine snorted softly, placing the candied hawthorn on a jade plate. “I’ll eat it later.”

With so many eyes watching, it would be improper.

“Okay.” I agreed quietly, but as I lowered my voice, I also lowered my head, causing my veil to bump against hers.

“……Hiss.” Seraphine winced.

“Panic and confusion!” I quickly exclaimed, reaching out to rub the spot where Seraphine had collided.

Seraphine caught Echo’s hand and pressed it down.

“It’s fine.” From the corner of her eye, Seraphine caught Siyi and the other elders trying not to laugh. She hummed in annoyance and said clearly, “Is it time? Where is Senior Sister Lanzhi?”

Siyi rose. “I’ll summon the representative from the Insight Academy Palace immediately.”

She threw out a silver bell that expanded as it hit the ground, positioning itself in the center of the plaza and ringing with a clear, resonant tone. The disciples fell into respectful silence as a spirit boat flew from within the Luanyang Palace, carrying a figure holding a scroll—Lanzhi herself.

Lanzhi’s voice was measured and unhurried as she spoke. “To revitalize the righteous path, my teacher, the Ink-Trace Venerable, has reopened the Five Continents Competition. The first round will begin simultaneously across all five continents—seven days of bone-testing, followed by sixty days of trials. The Eastern Continent will select five hundred disciples to advance to the second round in the Central Continent.”

“All participants must not engage in fraud or deception. The Five Continents Competition aims both to enrich the Academy Palace and to foster martial friendship. Contestants must know when to stop in the arena—do not use the competition as an excuse to sow discord or deal killing blows.”

On the stage, I paused mid-bite of my candied hawthorn and blinked.

Seraphine narrowed her eyes, lightly scratching her cheek with one finger and making a very quiet “tsk” sound.

They both thought the same thing: What a shame.

In the queues below, Xu Zehua and Xue Bushui—standing in different lines—simultaneously shuddered and looked around nervously. Xu Zehua rubbed his neck and glared up at the stage, his eyes burning with hatred and jealousy as he stared at the woman who appeared so glorious in the center. Through gritted teeth, he muttered, “What a shame.”

A disciple behind him quickly reassured him, “Young master, they only said no killing—nothing about how far ‘stopping at the right moment’ goes, right?”

Xu Zehua’s eyes lit up as he gave the disciple an appreciative pat on the shoulder. “Not bad.” he said slowly.

Seraphine, you’d better pray you don’t meet me early in the competition. Otherwise……

⁂

On the spirit boat, Lanzhi continued explaining various rules—such as how spirit beast cultivators were the only ones allowed to bring companions, while others could not. The spirit dragon coiled around Seraphine’s wrist, Error, made a small sound and flicked its tail.

Nothing about dragons, anyway.

She also explained that aside from natal weapons, no other tools were permitted. After Lanzhi finished reciting all the regulations, she cast out the scroll in her hands.

The pressure of an early Soul Transformation cultivator rippled outward—not threatening, but causing everyone in the plaza to instinctively bow their heads with expressions of understanding. Truly worthy of a Insight Academy Palace representative!

Some who had tried to sneak in despite not meeting the requirements broke into cold sweats and quietly slipped away from the queues.

I tilted my head back to look at the unfurled scroll.

The long parchment was blank, without any ink marks. Then Lanzhi looked at me and transmitted her voice: “Fellow Daoist, please take out your jade token, inscribe your sect and name upon it, and channel your spiritual energy into it.”

Roger that.

I followed her instructions, retrieving my jade token inscribed with “Dawn and dusk seeking dao, gentle and lustrous.”

When I channeled my spiritual energy into the token, it flashed with light. At the very top of the scroll hovering in the air, text appeared: “Lingshan Sect—Xi Lingren.”

The cultivators craning their necks upward showed fluctuating expressions, their eyes filled with longing.

Only by passing the competition would their names appear on that scroll! Only then could they travel to the Central Continent and seek learning at the legendary Academy Palace!

A smaller group looked up and discussed among themselves:

“Senior sister’s surname is Xi! Xi Lingren!”

“What a unique name—you can tell she’s extraordinary just by hearing it! Truly worthy of senior sister!”

“I want to be as mighty as senior sister—berating everyone present as trash, cutting down those Crimson Thunder Sword Sect scoundrels, and bringing glory to our palace! Should I change my name first?”

Lanzhi descended from the spirit boat to the plaza, taking out nine Blue Jade Beads that she cast toward the testing platform. The Blue Jade Beads glowed with soft light.

Seraphine stood up, pressing me back into the throne with one hand as she said lazily, “I’ll be right back. Wait here for me.”

“Okay.” I replied obediently.

Seraphine glanced at Echo—hands placed properly on her knees, sitting up straight—and nodded with satisfaction before walking down with Siyi. After descending the platform, she asked, “Is the item I asked you to refine ready?”

Siyi smiled lightly and produced a jade box, handing it to Seraphine.

Back on the stage, Echo remained perfectly calm.

The people seated beside Echo were peak masters and elders from the Luanyang Palace, with representatives from other sects further out. Anyone who could sit on this stage commanded respect throughout the Eastern Continent.

After yesterday’s battle with Li Wuhe, Echo’s name had spread throughout Luanyang Palace City. A young Nascent Soul mid-stage cultivator from an unknown sect—it made these people curious. They wanted to learn about the Lingshan Sect and get acquainted with Echo.

One person approached first, clasping his hands in greeting. “Greetings, Fellow Daoist Xi. I am Yu Heng of the Star Lodge.”

I introduced myself as I’d been instructed: “Lingshan —Xi Lingren.”

At least I didn’t blurt out “Lingshan Sword Venerable.”

The man smiled warmly. “Please forgive my ignorance, but where might the Lingshan Sect be located?”

I replied seriously, “On Lingshan.”

“……” The man paused, then asked, “Ah…… I see! And might I ask how many individuals as formidable as yourself the Lingshan Sect has?”

I fell into deep thought.

While I had become human, my fellow systems weren’t human yet. But people didn’t know about the Lingshan Sect, and my kind were systems—we were naturally united and would agree to join the sect. But in terms of being as formidable as me……

I pondered carefully, taking too long to respond. The others seemed to understand something and burst into knowing laughter. “Ah, we see! We understand now!”

“?” I was confused.

What exactly do you understand?

I watched the man clasp his hands and return to his seat in bewilderment, then uncertainly raised my hand in a little wave.

Goodbye?

⁂

Below the stage, the moment Seraphine appeared, thousands of Luanyang Palace disciples bowed in unison, their previous casual chatter replaced by respectful silence.

Seraphine hummed in acknowledgment and walked to the testing platform with unhurried grace, placing her palm on a Blue Jade Bead.

The Blue Jade Beads blazed with light.

With thousands of Luanyang Palace disciples present, the crowd pressed close. People on the outskirts stood on their toes, straining to see the figure at the center of attention. Someone called out excitedly, “It’s the Luanyang Palace Lord! She’s so beautiful!”

“It lit up! The orb lit up immediately!”

“I heard Palace Lord Velka is a Great Perfection Golden Core cultivator with profound cultivation and a vast consciousness sea. After seeing that immortal beauty from the Lingshan Sect, now I get to witness Palace Lord Velka’sheroic bearing with my own eyes—this trip has been worthwhile!”

“Good thing I’m not in the Golden Core stage. She’s killed late-stage Golden Core spirit beasts—her strength is extraordinary! I really feel for the other Golden Core cultivators in this competition!”

Outside the Luanyang Palace disciples’ section, Xu Zehua—first in line for the Crimson Thunder Sword Sect—channeled his spiritual energy into a Blue Jade Beads at the same time as Seraphine.

As Seraphine lowered her hand and looked toward the Blue Jade Beads that had just lit up on his side, she chuckled softly.

Xu Zehua seemed to sense something, his gaze snapping toward her with predatory intensity. Meeting Seraphine’smeaningful look, he curled his lips into a smile and gripped his sword tighter.

Good. I thought he might flee in the night. This should be interesting. Seraphine thought to herself as she casually waved to the disciples, walking back through their chorus of “Farewell, Palace Lord!”

“How infuriating that she gets to show off like this! If only the Eastern Continent Competition were held on Crimson Thunder Sword Sect territory!” Xu Zehua angrily flicked his sleeve, his mind filled with malicious speculation. “I heard from Father that Seraphine’s mother once studied at the Insight Academy Palace and was a senior sister to the current Academy headmaster The competition was probably awarded to the Luanyang Palace because of that connection!”

Just look—since the competition began, cultivators from across the Eastern Continent had flocked to Luanyang Palace City, and countless spirit stones flowed in with them. Even in this brief morning period, the surrounding vendors had made considerable profits!

The thought of spirit stones made Xu Zehua frown as he recalled something unpleasant. “Speaking of which, did you find Xue Bushui? He had the audacity to abandon me at the Immortal’s Rest Inn last night!”

A Crimson Thunder Sword Sect disciple who’d just passed the bone test followed behind Xu Zehua as they circled around the crowd toward the city. The disciple scratched his head. “He never came back last night. Maybe he returned to the inn his sect rented. Should we wait for him here? He should be coming for the bone test today.”

Who was Xue Bushui to deserve his waiting? Xu Zehua glared at the disciple and swept his sleeve dismissively. “Let’s go!”

The disciple smiled awkwardly and hurried to catch up. But as they left the plaza, they encountered a row of vendor stalls different from those on the plaza’s sides. These stalls displayed jade tokens, with banners reading: “Nascent Soul death match—you’ll regret not watching!”

“Crimson Thunder Sword Sect elder battles Lingshan Sect fairy—see the exciting footage first!”

Xu Zehua felt his vision go dark as he realized what was happening. Behind these stalls stood disciples in crimson robes—all from the Luanyang Palace!

The Luanyang Palace disciples recognized the Crimson Thunder Sword Sect uniforms immediately. And wasn’t this the Crimson Thunder Sword Sect’s eldest young master?

The vendors exchanged glances and grinned before approaching with expressions of complete innocence, their enthusiasm overwhelming. “Friend, please wait! Are you still troubled by stagnant cultivation? Still lamenting your inability to network with powerful cultivators? For just ten spirit stones, you can take home footage of the Eastern Continent’s two strongest Nascent Soul cultivators battling! Study it, learn from it! Any insights you gain could be a heaven-sent opportunity! You can’t lose!”

Xu Zehua’s chest heaved as his face flushed red with anger. He was about to push past and flee when the vendor continued, “Besides the battle between these two powerhouses, it also includes reference material on how the Crimson Thunder Sword Sect leader’s son handles situations diplomatically. Two exclusive collections for just ten spirit stones!”

The Crimson Thunder Sword Sect leader’s son stared wide-eyed at the grinning Luanyang Palace disciple, sputtering in fury, “Do you know who I am?”

“Huh?” The Luanyang Palace disciple played dumb, holding up a spirit stone right under Xu Zehua’s nose as he enthusiastically recommended, “Really, you won’t take one? Just ten spirit stones!”

“Young master……” The disciple behind Xu Zehua called out uneasily, his mood complicated. The Luanyang Palace and Crimson Thunder Sword Sect were bitter enemies—how could they possibly be praising Xu Zehua? The so-called “diplomatic handling” was probably……

In that instant, Xu Zehua wanted nothing more than to draw his sword and pierce this smug Luanyang Palace disciple’s heart! Not only had they recorded Li Wuhe’s death match with that Xi Lingren woman, but they’d also captured the scene of him being forced to say “I am trash” and were now selling it! This went beyond shameless and despicable!

“You…… you’re going too far!” Xu Zehua couldn’t catch his breath and nearly fainted. The frightened disciple quickly stepped back, waving his hands. “Hey, if you don’t want to buy, don’t buy! I’m not forcing you. Why are you playing dead?”

“Young master!” The Crimson Thunder Sword Sect disciple hurried to support Xu Zehua, who struggled to his feet and said with difficulty, “Buy! I’ll buy them!”

“I’ll buy all the recording stones here!” he roared, then in his agitation, slapped the disciple who’d been helping him. “Get moving!”

“……Yes.” The Crimson Thunder Sword Sect disciple covered his face and opened his storage ring under the amused gazes of the Luanyang Palace disciples.

A Luanyang Palace disciple said cheerfully, “Absolutely worth it—ten mid-grade spirit stones per recording stone.”

“How much!?” Xu Zehua and the Crimson Thunder Sword Sect disciple exclaimed simultaneously.

The Luanyang Palace disciples replied in unison, “Ten mid-grade spirit stones.”

Was there something wrong with that? They’d always said ten—they’d definitely never lie. The Luanyang Palace disciples were upright and honest, absolutely trustworthy! Hahaha!

How could Xu Zehua not recognize this as Seraphine’s revenge? Not only had she killed their late-stage Nascent Soul elder, but now she was humiliating him too!

Worse, someone else chimed in, “Are you buying or not? If not, move along—don’t block our business! Other sect disciples are starting to come out!”

I can’t let them sell these!

Xu Zehua shouted frantically, “Buy! I’ll buy them all!”

He spent most of his wealth purchasing every recording stone at the stall, then fled with his disciple without looking back. After he left, the Luanyang Palace disciples shrugged and pulled another box of recording stones from their storage rings, arranging them on the table.

“Recording stones! Lingshan Sect disciple versus Crimson Thunder Sword Sect elder death match—just ten lower-grade spirit stones! Only ten!”

Xu Zehua’s seven orifices burned with rage. When he rushed back to Luanyang Palace City, he found every shop bearing the phoenix symbol had familiar recording stones displayed outside. Shop assistants called out with beaming smiles, “Recording stones! Nascent Soul battle recording stones—just twenty spirit stones! Twenty!”

Xu Zehua’s mind went blank. With a “bang.” he collapsed to the ground, having literally fainted from rage.

⁂

Sitting on the elevated platform with a perfect view of the plaza below, I had already stood up and begun clapping before Seraphine returned.

“Seraphine is amazing!” I clapped enthusiastically. “Absolutely incredible! Sharp as a blade, peerless in the world, commanding the wind and—mmph.”

A juicy fruit appeared through my veil and was unceremoniously stuffed into my mouth, cutting off my remaining words.

Seraphine chuckled softly and popped another red fruit into her own mouth. Seeing Echo stand motionless for a long moment, she asked, “Isn’t the fruit sweet?”

It was sweet.

But—

“Seraphine.” I said seriously, “You didn’t wash your hands.”

Seraphine: “……”

Seraphine: “…………”

Her lashes fluttered as her gaze dropped to her faintly pink palms.

I looked down too, cupping her hands in mine as I earnestly explained, “Germs are invisible to the naked eye. We must practice good hygiene and be polite.”

Palace Lord Velka smiled, silently mouthing the word “Polite.”

She chuckled softly, then withdrew her hands from my grasp. Slowly, she reached through the blue veil hanging from my hat and suddenly covered my entire face, rubbing vigorously.

I waved my hands frantically in the air, grasping at her arms as my voice came out broken and intermittent: “Sera… no… phine…”

“Help…… help……”

“Calling me dirty?” Seraphine laughed coldly. “Since we’re united in purpose, sharing fortune and misfortune alike, then I’ll make you dirty too!”

[Author’s Note]:

Work Log …

Actually, I could help you wash your hands!

Main System’s reply: Hm? Hm hm??