W152 Massive Blunder Turns into a Public Spectacle

Fairy Mihuan's vision blurred for a moment, and suddenly a youth of about seventeen or eighteen years of age appeared before her eyes.

His figure was slender and graceful, breathtakingly picturesque like a painting. His black hair was as fine as silk, and his skin was like congealed lard. A pair of beautiful eyes were like lacquered dots, moist and shimmering, brimming with an inexpressible mischievous and lively charm. His pretty lips were a rosy red, resembling the most exquisite peach blossoms in the early morning, rippling with a lustrous sheen. The moment he appeared, he was like the first ray of sunlight in the morning gently brushing across one's gaze, making one's heart skip a beat; yet this sunlight seemed to still carry a touch of dawn's desolate clarity. Not overwhelmingly dazzling, he instead exuded an ethereal, otherworldly lightness and pristine purity. The entire person was crystal clear and limpid, like the morning dew on a leaf tip, or spring radiance atop a flower, exquisitely pretty and peerlessly charming.

Fairy Mihuan could not help but slow her breathing, feeling inwardly astonished: Even though the Nine Heavens Palace was overflowing with celestial maidens and beauties were as numerous as clouds, they simply could not compare to the delicate and stunning youth before her. Could such a peerlessly gorgeous and lovely creature possibly be the illustrious Master of the defying-heavenly palace? No, this person's cultivation realm was merely at the Foundation Establishment stage... He should be that palace master's "wife" whose reputation for breathtaking beauty had spread far and wide through the Phoenix Perch Valley's beauty tournament. Indeed, hearing a hundred times is not as good as seeing once; this person was actually three parts even more beautiful than the rumors suggested!

Ever since Luo Yu embarked on the path of cultivation, enhanced by spiritual energy, his physical beauty index had rapidly escalated. Especially after reaching Foundation Establishment, one undergoing bone-cleansing and marrow-washing transformation after another not only purged the impurities from his body, but also continuously refined the details of his physical form toward perfection. Before cultivating, his foundational appearance was already exceptionally good, with his facial features perfectly positioned and shaped, lacking only in details and temperament compared to the former Qin Yue. Following the correction and optimization of spiritual energy, he could now rival Qin Yue, neck and neck and hard to distinguish in splendor. Later on, when he achieved Nascent Soul, a lustrous spiritual glow faintly emanated from his skin, forcing him to never again dare reveal his true appearance before mortals, requiring a disguise talisman every time he went out.

He had never known that his mighty and domineering self was always viewed by others as an "exquisitely gorgeous sweetheart"... Well, perhaps his subconscious had once sternly told him: You are a bottom! But what is the subconscious? Isn't it just a troublemaker? Not worth trusting at all!

The mighty and domineering Palace Master (Wife) stood right in front of the group of beauties, and cautiously said, "I am the husband of the Revered Master of the Heaven-Defying Palace... uh~ he is her... his man... Beautiful ladies, you have traveled far to honor the Heaven-Defying Palace... what brings you here?"

Fairy Mihuan had originally been filled with indignation, but upon seeing this youth, she found it somewhat difficult to muster her ferocity, and could only speak with cold detachment: "So Your Excellency must be Young Friend Luo. This matter is a long story. Although the Heaven-Defying Palace is a rising star in the immortal realm, my Nine Heavens Palace is not the least bit inferior to it. For Palace Lord Luo and this old body to converse here, is this the proper way to treat guests?"

Luo Yu thought about it and reasoned that made sense: The Heaven-Defying Palace was such a massive sect, and while its communication with the outside world was covert, it was also close. It was impossible to keep the location of this lair hidden forever. Furthermore, now that people had tracked them down to their doorstep, there was no harm in inviting them in to sit—though spiritual herbs were planted everywhere within the array, aside from those hidden in the spirit garden and not meant for display, the ones outside were possessed by everyone with identical varieties, so the visitors had nothing to be jealous of either. Even if they came making a fuss demanding compensation in spiritual herbs, he would use reason and emotion, and at most compensate them with some seedlings... By now, his strength in the terrestrial cultivation world was already at the BOSS tier, so what was there to fear about them turning the place upside down?

Luo Yu gave an awkward chuckle, nodded and said, "Ah, it's me. Uh, it was this junior who lost his manners. Everyone, please come inside!" With a wave of his hand, the mountain wall before them melted away like ice and snow, revealing a cavern ten meters in diameter: inside were azure waters, flying waterfalls, ancient trees and primeval forests; fairy flowers bloomed everywhere, and spiritual birds danced in the sky—truly a magnificent wonderland!

Although Fairy Mihuan and the others hailed from the Kunlun Immortal Realm, having stayed for a long time at the pristine and white Langfeng Peak, they still found this somewhat novel: Unlike cultivation towns, this array lacked broad streets and bustling crowds. The surroundings were elegant and serene, with winding paths leading to secluded spots, verdant courtyards, ink-scented pavilions, and jade-white terraces. Exquisite pavilions and flying bridges adorned bizarre peaks, with every single detail placed to absolute perfection.

The group stepped across light clouds and entered the array, whereupon the cavern outside quietly closed up, transforming back into a solid mountain wall without the slightest flaw.

Luo Yu led the group into the Heaven-Defying Palace. Hearing the news, Qin Yue also hurried over, having the beauties seated in the main hall. Luo Yu slipped out to find a few rabbit and fox spirits, disguised them as maidens to serve spirit tea to the immortals in the hall, and then dismissed them all, setting the stage for a private discussion with the celestial maidens—such shameful matters as compensation were better discussed without outsiders present.

With the etiquette properly observed, the celestial maidens were quite satisfied with the two masters' conduct.

Qin Yue swept his sleeve and took the throne in the center of the hall, leaning slightly to the right against the armrest, coming a bit closer to Luo Yu beside him. He propped his jade hand against his ear and hair, exchanged a glance with Luo Yu, and said indifferently, "What brings Daoist Mi here today? Please speak your mind."

Fairy Mihuan took an elegant sip of tea, feeling inwardly ashamed: This Heaven-Defying Palace Master was truly peerlessly handsome, majestic and venerable; after hundreds of years of practicing a tranquil mind, even she felt somewhat... This was truly mortifying! If even she felt this way... what about those few disciples with shallow cultivation...

Her divine sense probed to the side, and the female disciples sitting in the lower seats were acting fidgety and coy: some were tugging at their ribbons, others were brushing their temples, and all of their faces were flushed pink... How unseemly was this? It was simply a disgrace to the sect's reputation!

Fairy Mihuan slammed her teacup heavily onto the table and glared fiercely at those disciples. The poor celestial maidens were startled, instantly lowering their heads and sitting rigidly, their eyes fixed on their noses and their hearts, not daring to move a muscle again.

Fairy Mihuan withdrew her gaze, calmed her mind, and said coldly, "As the Chief of External Affairs for the Nine Heavens Palace, I have come to visit upon the orders of the Sect Master, and indeed I have important matters to report. My Nine Heavens Palace has been passed down for ten thousand years, mutually watching over various sects. While we dare not claim to be the head of all immortals, we nevertheless receive the deference of all directions and govern the affairs of the immortal realm. The immortal realm of the Central Plains has always been peaceful and stable; even if petty villains occasionally rebel, they still act with restraint and dare not act rashly.

Yet now, the Heaven-Defying Palace has risen as a new power with prestige soaring to the heavens. Not only do you fail to stand shoulder to shoulder with the other sects, but you actually indulge heinous villains to commit evil at will. How can this possibly be justified? Since the Nine Heavens Palace governs the immortal realm, and we have long heard of the Heaven-Defying Palace Master's formidable reputation, we would not dare underestimate Your Excellency's supernatural powers. However, this matter originated because of the Heaven-Defying Palace, and we hope the Palace Master will think twice and not remain detached!"

Luo Yu had been listening attentively, but as he listened, the direction seemed a bit wrong? They weren't here for spiritual herbs... What, what? The Heaven-Defying Palace was condoning evil and committing atrocities? What on earth was going on? Could it be that some subordinates had relapsed into old habits and sneaked out to rob and harm people?! He provided them with good food and drink, and this was how they repaid him? Damn it, daring to smear the reputation of the Heaven-Defying Palace?!!

Luo Yu was furious, his hair standing on end as he slapped the table and stood up: "Such a thing exists? Which bastard is so bold? Beauty, make it clear! This big brother will definitely break his dog legs! No, he must be severely punished according to the law, and never let off lightly!"

Seeing that this handsome youth was even more agitated than she was, Fairy Mihuan was stunned for a moment and froze on the spot.

Qin Yue cast a faint glance at Luo Yu and said in a deep voice, "In recent years, this sovereign has frequently been in secluded cultivation and wandering the clouds with my beloved partner, and palace affairs have always been managed by my younger sister... However, my younger sister has also not been often in the palace recently, and this matter truly went unnoticed. We hope the celestial maidens will be magnanimous."

Fairy Mihuan finally recovered her wits at this point, and continued resentfully, "So that is how it is! But the person in charge of your sect's affairs should also include an immortal lord surnamed Bai. Our sect already informed your sect of this matter last month, and at that time it was this immortal lord who made the decisions. Yet this immortal lord was utterly unreasonable, actually treating such a major matter as entering the left ear and exiting the right, completely ignoring it!"

Upon hearing this, Luo Yu realized: So this matter was actually condoned by Bai Wuhuo? Over the past two years, Luoli had been busy with the recruitment and management of new employees on the Mother Continent, leaving the Heaven-Defying Palace side entirely to those hall masters. Bai Wuhuo had learned sealing techniques, and had cheerfully run back to live here for a period of time. Given his special status—considered both family and proudly proclaimed as the guardian divine beast of the mountain—coupled with his formidable strength, if he interfered in palace affairs, the juniors wouldn't dare defy him. This bastard! Didn't he understand the principle that a thousand-li dike collapses in an anthill? He was purely making trouble!

Upon hearing this, Qin Yue said indifferently, "Qingyao, go quickly to the Yunlu Immortal Mansion and summon Bai Wuhuo here." As soon as his voice fell, a crisp response was heard from outside the hall, and the person departed swiftly.

Luo Yu felt in the wrong, so he called for two more people to bring over spiritual fruits and pastries, and asked cautiously, "Those bastards... how many people did they injure? Is the situation serious?" Damn it, compensating the victims was going to cost a huge amount of spiritual stones, right?

Fairy Mihuan gave a light cough and stammered, "This... although no lives were taken, they have turned everywhere upside down and robbed us of peace: highway robbery, plundering men and seizing women... It is extremely vile, arousing public outrage and unappeasable anger..."

"Why are you calling this lord? Oh... none of you are as pretty as this lord!" Before Fairy Mihuan finished speaking, a youth's clear voice suddenly rang out inside the hall, but only his voice was heard without seeing his shadow. Hearing this, everyone cast their gazes toward the hall doors.

The inner hall of the Heaven-Defying Palace had a teleportation array leading to the Yunlu Immortal Mansion, and it was convenient for cultivators to search for people using divine sense. Within a moment, a cloud drifted down from outside the hall.

Bai Wuhuo put away the Kunlun Storm as he landed at the entrance of the hall. With his enchantingly striking face bearing a habitual arrogance, he walked in lazily: "You people from the Nine Heavens Palace? Why are you here again? This lord tells you: women shouldn't be too naggy, or else you won't be able to get married!"

Fairy Mihuan's expression changed abruptly at these words, and a female disciple beside her had already stepped forward indignantly, saying, "It was this immortal lord last time... Senior, you are extremely discourteous!"

Bai Wuhuo was not concealing his cultivation, but with the seal on him, he still looked like he was only at the Nascent Soul stage. With a glance, Fairy Mihuan could not discern the depth of his cultivation, and she was startled on the spot: She hadn't expected the Heaven-Defying Palace to have another Nascent Soul senior! She forcefully swallowed the angry rebuke back down her throat: "Caiyi, stand down!" With that, she rose and bowed to Bai Wuhuo, saying prettily, "This junior Mi Shuyun pays respects to Senior, and asks Senior to forgive my disciple's uncultured transgression."

As soon as these words were spoken, the few shame-faced and indignant celestial maidens behind her were dumbfounded: This... this youth was actually a Nascent Soul senior?

Bai Wuhuo waved a hand dismissively at her and rolled his eyes, saying, "This lord won't argue with women! However, are you guys here because of last time again? Those fellows are not people from our Heaven-Defying Palace anyway, so it has nothing to do with us. If you want to manage them, go manage them yourselves; we are very busy!"

Luo Yu was stunned: Huh? It wasn't the Heaven-Defying Palace people causing trouble? Then what on earth did they come here for? Since that was the case... wouldn't compensation money not need to be paid? Excellent, excellent!

Qin Yue frowned, his gaze shifting to Fairy Mihuan with a deeply displeased expression: "So you mean to say that the evildoers are not members of our Heaven-Defying Palace after all? I wonder why the Nine Heavens Palace pinned this matter on this sovereign then. Could it be you think this sovereign is someone to be bullied?"

Although Bai Wuhuo exerted immense pressure on Fairy Mihuan, she couldn't leave the matters entrusted by the Sect Master unexplained... With a bead of cold sweat hanging on her forehead, she feigned calm and said, "This matter indeed originated because of the Heaven-Defying Palace, Palace Master, please listen as I recount it one by one."

Qin Yue narrowed his eyes, leaned back against the throne, and said in an unfriendly tone, "Fairy Mi, please speak."

Fairy Mihuan sighed and said, "Three years ago, Senior Huangxuan of Phoenix Perch Valley suddenly came to visit the Nine Heavens Palace, mentioning that he, along with the Heaven-Defying Palace Master, his companion, and Elder Su Sangyi of the Cultivating Bamboo Pavilion and others, had jointly broken into the Heavenly Court and retrieved a large quantity of celestial herbs.

Later, because these celestial herbs could only enhance spiritual energy, he wished to cede them and distribute them to major sects for cultivation. Senior Huangxuan thus personally came to negotiate with various sects, requiring each sect to gift the newly cultivated seedlings to rogue cultivators outside the sects... This was an act benefiting all living beings, and naturally we agreed. Shuyun also knows that everyone seated here has made monumental contributions, and your palace frequently dispatches people out to distribute celestial herbs to rogue cultivators... This was originally a good deed, but..."

Fairy Mihuan suddenly hesitated, and after a long while, she gritted her teeth and said, "Forget it, forget it. Mi Shuyun will speak bluntly. If there is any offense, I hope Senior Bai and Your Excellency will be magnanimous."

"Your sect's disciples... when they went out to distribute celestial herbs, frequently encountered people they were familiar with from the past, and heard rumors... that your sect's members previously had notorious criminal records, with highway robbery and pillaging being nothing out of the ordinary; yet this time they suddenly turned from evil to good, as if reborn from shedding their mortal shells, and furthermore their cultivation soared tremendously—truly something to marvel at! This matter briefly became a sensation, and the cultivation world discussed it endlessly. The Heaven-Defying Palace Master's formidable reputation also soared to the heavens, gaining the admiration of tens of thousands; even our Nine Heavens Palace's Holy Mother Suxiu was full of admiration.

As your sect's reputation grew day by day and the rising power emerged, naturally countless low-level rogue cultivators were willing to offer their allegiance and join your ranks. Yet your palace refused to accept them, leaving these rogue cultivators outside the door unable to enter, which naturally aroused suspicion. Before long, rumors spread... spreading... that the Heaven-Defying Palace Master, cough, was once known by the moniker 'Fiery Dragon Demonic Lord', and his subordinates also carried their old notorious names... From this, it can be seen that the Heaven-Defying Palace Master's preferences are... rather extraordinary... If they are not utterly wicked people, he flatly refuses to recruit them..."

Fairy Mihuan continued to stammer through her explanation, and the two top bosses of the Heaven-Defying Palace finally came to a sudden realization: So, those rogue cultivators had seen the subordinates sent out by the Heaven-Defying Palace soaring in level, displaying extraordinary strength and equipped with superb gear, and had instantly turned green with envy. Everyone had flocked to inquire at the sect's storefronts, eagerly expressing their desire to join the Heaven-Defying Palace. However, Luo Yu and the others had just established a developmental strategy a few years prior that "troops should be elite rather than numerous," so their subordinates had naturally turned all these people away.

Since a sect had been established, who wouldn't want to expand and flourish? Yet this Heaven-Defying Palace refused to accept a single person, not even glancing twice at top-tier seedlings with Heavenly Spiritual Roots. What kind of logic was this? Cultivators couldn't fathom the mystery behind it, and after gossiping for a period of time, they unanimously concluded: The Heaven-Defying Palace Master had been slaughtering people like hemp years ago, and even intended to massacre entire families. As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together; he must have a peculiar fetish for "liking wicked people."

Once this bizarre conclusion came out, some honest and dutiful cultivators could only gaze at the ocean and sigh: As for arson and murder, they simply couldn't bring themselves to do it. Oh well, let's just honestly remain ordinary rogue cultivators.

The other group of bizarre individuals learned of this "truth" and instantly went Spartan: This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Some fellows who were already morally corrupt thought: With the Heaven-Defying Palace backing us "fellow travelers," the revival of our great villain clan is in sight! What are you waiting for? Kill and plunder! Raise your long-dust-covered butcher knives and strike without hesitation against the fat sheep! If those old hags from the Nine Heavens Palace come looking to settle accounts, the brilliant and mighty Heaven-Defying Palace Master will definitely rescue us and recruit us into the Heaven-Defying Palace. Killing two birds with one stone—simply wonderful!

There were also some true oddballs who thought it over and hardened their hearts: To join the Heaven-Defying Palace, I'll just go rob some things and do some bad things to put on a good performance! It's no big deal!

Thus, the cultivation world lost its peace, turned upside down by these people into a murky mess, with people frequently guarding city gates to commit robberies. In the past, those robbers used to act stealthily, fearing retaliation if recognized; but now, they robbed while loudly announcing their own names, terrified that others might credit their "glorious deeds" to someone else.