Chapter 215

Once she makes a name for herself at the Heavenly Dipper Assembly and lets the higher-ups of the Holy Academy see her talent and strength, even the Clear Sky Saint King won't be able to do anything to her anymore.

Soon, the two arrived at a magnificent and grand city.

Although it's called a city, it has no city walls.

Numerous magnificent and towering pavilions stand tall, shops line the streets in an endless array, and splendid palaces are scattered throughout. Countless cultivators come and go, making it a bustling and prosperous place.

Xu Xiuer stopped and pointed to a magnificent and towering tower in the distance, like a pillar supporting the sky.

"This is the Hundred Inquiries Pavilion, Princess, please come with me."

"Yes." Xiao Minghuang nodded.

The journey was smooth and unimpeded.

Many of the guards bowed their heads in greeting when they saw Xu Xiuer.

The two entered a magic array, and the next moment they arrived in front of a palace.

After taking a few steps inside, Xu Xiuer straightened up and called out loudly, "Xu Xiuer requests an audience with Senior Sister!"

A detached voice responded from within the hall, "Come in!"

Then the main hall doors opened, and Xu Xiuer led Xiao Minghuang inside.

Upon entering the main hall, a woman in a green robe stood with her hands behind her back. She was slender and graceful, with delicate and rosy skin, and long, glossy black hair that cascaded down to her waist. She exuded an elegant and serene aura, as if she were untouched by worldly affairs.

"Greetings, Senior Sister Gu." Xu Xiuer bowed.

Xiao Minghuang also bowed.

"Alright, what can I do for you?"

The woman in the green dress turned around, her eyes clear and her tone indifferent, as if she didn't care about anything.

It was none other than Gu Qingyu, the Gu Qingyu Young Pavilion Master Hundred Inquiries Pavilion.

But her gaze fell on Xiao Minghuang.

"I have something to ask you, Senior Sister. This is my close friend Xiao Minghuang, from the Southern Border..." Xu Xiuer recounted in detail the problem Xiao Minghuang encountered at the Second Courtyard B, eagerly awaiting the woman in the green robe's reply.

Upon hearing this, Gu Qingyu's eyes darkened, and she calculated with her fingers.

A moment later, her gaze toward Xiao Minghuang became complicated.

"Xiu'er, I have something I'd like to discuss with your friend privately. You can go ahead and do your work."

Xu Xiuer asked, puzzled, "I have nothing to do! How did Senior Sister's calculation go? Is the Clear Sky Saint King deliberately making things difficult for the princess? You can't just sit idly by..."

"I know, please step out for a moment. I have a few words I'd like to say to Princess Xiao alone."

Xiao Minghuang could tell that the Young Pavilion Master seemed to be enduring something, so she stopped Xu Xiuer in time.

"Xiu'er, since the Young Pavilion Master wants to speak with me alone, you can go ahead and do your work. I'll come find you later."

Hearing this, Xu Xiuer gave her a somewhat resentful look and sighed, "Fine, then I'll wait for you outside."

As Xu Xiuer's figure disappeared into the magic array, the atmosphere in the main hall suddenly became quiet.

Xiao Minghuang didn't speak. She knew that the Young Pavilion Master must have something special to say to her, otherwise he wouldn't have specifically asked Xu Xiuer to leave.

In the midst of the silence, a voice suddenly rang out.

"... How far have you and Qingkong... Saint King gone?"

256. No, senior!

These words were spoken haltingly, seemingly with a hint of embarrassment, and coming from the mouth of the ethereal beauty, the Young Pavilion Master, gave off a strange sense of detachment.

Xiao Minghuang was slightly taken aback, somewhat puzzled. What did he mean by "what stage have we reached?"

"What do you mean by that, Young Pavilion Master? I don't quite understand."

The woman in the green dress pursed her lips, her gaze scrutinizing her as if trying to see right through her.

"Don't play dumb in front of me. Six days ago, you went to the Second Academy under the guidance of the Seventeen Water Spirit King. You were greeted at the entrance by the Little Lily Sisters, and then you went to the... Saint King's... residence. Tell me everything that happened after that, or don't even think about leaving here!"

As she spoke, Gu Qingyu exuded a terrifying aura.

A suffocating atmosphere enveloped the surroundings.

Xiao Minghuang's delicate body trembled instantly. She quickly steadied herself and replied, "We only chatted casually for a few minutes afterward, nothing happened! Senior, what's going on..."

She was a little confused.

The Young Pavilion Master actually suspected her of having done something with the Clear Sky Saint King.

"Nothing happened?" Gu Qingyu raised an eyebrow. "The Little Lily Sisters have already told me that you stayed in the room for a full half hour that day, and you still say nothing happened?"

"This..." Xiao Minghuang was stunned for a moment, then her pretty face flushed red. "Really, no, the Clear Sky Saint King did try to bribe me... but I didn't agree, so she let me go."

Gu Qingyu sneered, "Do you think I'd believe you?"

She didn't believe a word Xiao Minghuang said at all.

Ever since that fleeting glimpse at the longevity banquet three thousand years ago, I have never been able to forget it.

Over the years, Mu Qingkong has never been seen to show any kindness to anyone, let alone allow anyone into her boudoir.

Even she, many years ago, had shared a drink with Mu Qingkong at his longevity banquet.

However, she could tell that Xiao Minghuang did not possess any Saintly aura, indicating that he was not lying... However, she could not rule out the possibility that the Clear Sky Saint King was the passive party!

"Young Pavilion Master, you are wise. I have acted uprightly and honestly. If you do not believe me, I am willing to confront Young Pavilion Master face to face!"

Xiao Minghuang could tell that this Young Pavilion Master of the Hundred Inquiries Pavilion seemed to have feelings for the Clear Sky Saint King, and she could take advantage of this opportunity.

"Fine, I won't stoop to your level. You can leave now!"

The Young Pavilion Master snorted softly. How could she dare to confront Mu Qingkong face to face? If she really had the guts, she wouldn't have asked this outsider so indirectly.

Xiao Minghuang was completely bewildered by this inexplicable situation, but the purpose of her trip had not yet been achieved. If she left now, it would be a wasted trip, so she could only bite the bullet and ask:

"Young Pavilion Master, may I become a disciple of the Hundred Inquiries Pavilion?"

When it came to business, the Young Pavilion Master temporarily suppressed the chaos in his mind and glanced at Xiao Minghuang.

Wow! You're something else!

A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. "A Heaven-rank Five Elements Spiritual Root, Innate Pure Yang Fire Spirit Body, and you've even comprehended the Sword Dao Domain? You're truly remarkable! You've got some skills!"

Xiao Minghuang smiled shyly, "You flatter me, senior."

The Young Pavilion Master carefully examined Xiao Minghuang once more.

The girl before me was stunningly beautiful, with an elegant and refined demeanor, graceful bearing, and a faint smile that exuded an unparalleled charm that made it impossible to look away.

A thought suddenly occurred to her: if a girl like this could win Mu Qingkong's heart, it wouldn't be impossible, would it?

But in the next moment, she banished the thought from her mind.

She had liked Mu Qingkong for so many years without getting what she wanted, so why did this little girl win Mu Qingkong's heart the moment she appeared?

That's not fair!

Gu Qingyu's mind raced. Xiao Minghuang's sudden appearance was a variable, and she needed to seize the opportunity.

Simply driving her away or eliminating her would not benefit her in any way, nor would it change the current situation.

Moreover, if Mu Qingkong were to find out later that she was the one who orchestrated this, it would undoubtedly worsen their relationship.

It should be noted that the last time she spoke to Mu Qingkong was three thousand years ago at the longevity banquet when Mu Qingkong ascended to sainthood.

She might as well go with the flow and use their strength against them, establishing a connection between Xiao Minghuang and Mu Qingkong. As long as she can create a link between the two, there will definitely be a possibility between them!

As for Xiao Minghuang's threat?

It doesn't exist!

She, the dignified Young Pavilion Master of the Hundred Inquiries Pavilion and the renowned Thousand Words Saint King, is she really inferior to a mere little girl?

Once Mu Qingkong truly recognizes her charm, he will definitely fall head over heels in love with her!

Having made up her mind, Gu Qingyu coughed lightly and said, "Princess Xiao, I know about your situation, but you are indeed already a disciple of the Second Academy. Even I cannot change this. Such are the rules of the Holy Academy, and I deeply regret it."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Minghuang paused, realizing that all she had been holding back for so long was this one sentence?

"This... senior..."

"But don't rush. Rules are rules, but people are flexible. If you can answer one question for me, I can recommend you to become a disciple of the Sun Hall directly, bypassing the process of registering at the Second Academy. How about it?"

Gu Qingyu spoke slowly, her eyes flickering.

"Oh? Please speak, senior." Xiao Minghuang immediately became alert.

She wasn't stupid; she knew this Young Pavilion Master was definitely not a kind-hearted person.

It's important to know that the promotion path within the Holy Academy is very clear: generally, one progresses from outer court disciples to inner court disciples, and then to Two Halls Disciple.

Once you become Two Halls Disciple, you will have inexhaustible resources, a status second only to the elders of the Holy Realm, and you can even participate directly in the competition for the title of Saintess without any selection process!

This opportunity is probably even more precious than becoming the head disciple!

Therefore, what she wants to do must be extremely difficult.

Gu Qingyu eyes flashed with an unusual light as she slowly walked down the steps towards Xiao Minghuang. She stopped less than a foot away from Xiao Minghuang, stood in front of her, and took her hand, looking down at her with an air of superiority.

"I want you to go back to Mu Qingkong's side, please her, know all her preferences, figure out her personality, her habits, and everything about her!"

She spoke slowly and deliberately, her tone still soft, yet carrying an undeniable domineering air. "I need to know everything about her!"

Xiao Minghuang's pupils constricted sharply, utterly shocked. "Senior... you..."

That's really a bit perverted!

"Hehe... some things just require ruthless means." Gu Qingyu squeezed her palm and smiled, "I can hear your thoughts now, so don't think about anything messy!"

Xiao Minghuang was immediately startled!

"Ah! Senior, please don't!"

257. Those old guys are all the same!

The moment the words left his mouth.

Xiao Minghuang's hand was violently flung away, and she staggered back several steps, nearly falling.

Gu Qingyu's pretty face flushed red, her eyes flashing with coldness as she said sternly, "I told you not to think about such nonsense! At such a young age, how come your head is filled with so much... rubbish!"

"Hmm..." Xiao Minghuang steadied herself, feeling somewhat wronged. What she thought was her own business; what did it have to do with others?

"You were the one who eavesdropped on my thoughts, yet you turn around and blame me! This Young Pavilion Master is truly unreasonable!"

A hint of resentment flashed in Xiao Minghuang's eyes, but she dared not show it. She simply lowered her head, looking as if she had been bullied.

"Alright, I won't say any more. Remember, the task I've given you must be completed!"

"Yes," Xiao Minghuang replied obediently.

Seeing Xiao Minghuang's obedient and compliant demeanor, a complex emotion flashed across Gu Qingyu's eyes.

She wasn't a cold-hearted person; otherwise, she wouldn't have been so unforgettable after only meeting Mu Qingkong once.

She knew in her heart that this matter originally had nothing to do with Xiao Minghuang.

Knowing full well that Xiao Minghuang already had Dao Companion and had rejected Mu Qingkong, she still allowed her to infiltrate Mu Qingkong's side, which was an extremely difficult thing to do.

This was entirely due to her selfish desires.

A sense of guilt arose in Gu Qingyu's heart. She then waved her hand, and a sudden suction force pulled Xiao Minghuang to her side.

"Raise your head," she commanded.

Xiao Minghuang raised her head and looked at her with a puzzled expression.

"Open your mouth!" Gu Qingyu commanded again.

Xiao Minghuang hesitated for a moment, but still did as she was told; when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head.

A crystal-clear pill was placed into her mouth.

The pill melts instantly upon entering the throat, leaving a sweet and refreshing taste.

Xiao Minghuang frowned, swallowed, and asked, "What is this?"