Before the Battle

The disciples also felt this was unreasonable. The Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, as the number one sect in the world, shouldn't be asking disciples from other sects to interrogate a criminal; it was illogical. Besides, wasn't it supposed to be a joint interrogation by four sects? Why then did they need to involve Qiaoqiao?

Faced with Bai Fu's questioning, Song Wuya remained unfazed. "Qiaoqiao is exceptionally intelligent and can help solve problems. What's wrong with me asking her for help?"

On the upper floor of the Heavenly Tower, two powerful beings whose cultivation had reached the pinnacle of this realm faced off. The wind suddenly stopped, and even the air seemed to freeze.

A strange feeling washed over everyone – it felt like Master and Pavilion Master Song were fighting over Junior Sister!

An unsettling atmosphere lingered in the small building. The Immortal Venerable's aura was as cold and sharp as snow, while Song Wuya wore a faint smile, concealing his sharp edge. The fire phoenix on his shoulder moved its claws uneasily.

The two strongest people in the world were locked in a tense standoff, and no one dared to breathe.

In this extremely tense atmosphere, Qiaoqiao picked up another duck leg and put it into the Immortal Venerable's bowl, saying earnestly, "Master, if you don't eat it soon, the duck leg will get cold."

In an instant, the air began to move again.

She turned to Song Wuya and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Pavilion Master, but I still have to participate in the competition, so I can't help you."

Although she was somewhat tempted to gossip, winning the sect competition was more important. Besides, she remembered perfectly well that her master disliked this person, so it was best to avoid having too much contact with him.

Three days later, this exciting and juicy gossip will naturally be available to enjoy.

She looked at Song Wuya, shaking her head inwardly: [Tsk tsk, he didn't discover Nangong Gua's identity after all this time, what a failure as a sect leader!]

Everyone was a little numb after hearing Qiaoqiao's sharp evaluation of the sect leader of the number one sect in the world.

Fire Phoenix turned to look at her master, only to find that her master had actually been looked down upon! This little girl is truly brave.

Song Wuya's lips curved slightly downwards. He said, "In that case, I won't disturb you any longer. Please invite Miss Qiao to visit the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion after the competition."

--

After enjoying a delicious meal, the group strolled around Tianji City as night fell. This largest city in Central Province was bustling with people and very lively at night.

Qiaoqiao skipped excitedly among the dazzling array of stalls, while the white-robed immortal stood half a step to her side, silently separating her from the crowd.

No matter how far Qiaoqiao walked, she could always see him when she turned around.

She was a little puzzled; why did she feel like her master was following her? She looked at the candied hawthorn in her hand and suddenly realized, "Master, please have some!"

Bai Fu did not take the string of candied hawthorns covered in syrup, but said calmly, "The moonlight is beautiful tonight."

Qiaoqiao took a bite of the candied hawthorn, and the sweet and sour taste instantly filled her mouth. She looked up at the moon, a silver plate-like full moon hanging in the sky, its gentle light flowing softly.

"The moon is full tonight."

She puffed out her cheeks, looked at the round moon, and suddenly laughed.

What are you laughing at?

"It's nothing," Qiaoqiao said, "I just feel that it's so good to be alive."

Being able to appreciate the moonlight on a night like this is a joyful thing in itself.

Bai Fu felt a sudden pang of pain in his heart and remained silent for a long time.

"Master, do you know? I overheard a secret!" She suddenly leaned close to Bai Fu and whispered earnestly, "It's a great secret concerning the Three Realms!"

Amidst the surging crowd, the girl suddenly approached, her delicate fragrance, like that of gardenias, filling his nostrils. Bai Fu's eyes darkened slightly. "What secret?"

Chapter 41 Before the War

Qiaoqiao tiptoed and whispered in his ear, her warm breath brushing against his ear, as if the surrounding crowd and noise had faded away, leaving only the faint scent of gardenias.

Her lithe figure was reflected in Bai Fu's eyes, and the chilling aura and the fragrance of flowers slowly blended in the air.

"I heard that the last Western Divine Pillar is going to collapse, and the world is going to be destroyed!" Qiaoqiao whispered the shocking secret she had heard to him. "Master, is it true?"

Bai Fu's expression suddenly darkened, but he quickly regained his composure. "Where did you hear that?"

Qiaoqiao mumbled softly, recounting her encounter with the Demon Race in Envy Fish City, "I don't think what those Demon Race said seemed like a lie."

After speaking, he observed Bai Fu's expression and couldn't help but wonder: [Why isn't Master excited at all? This is a huge secret that will shock the Three Realms!]

[Could it be... that Master already knew?] Qiaoqiao's mind raced. [Perhaps Master came to Heavenly Secrets City to resolve the Heavenly Pillar crisis and save the world?]

Qiaoqiao instantly felt she had figured out the truth.

No wonder Master didn't say why he came to Heavenly Secrets City; it must be for this important matter!

As a champion of justice, she will definitely keep her master's secret and provide assistance when necessary. If the news of the Divine Pillar's impending collapse were to spread, it would likely cause panic in the Cultivation World. Therefore, this matter cannot be revealed, which is why her master is acting in secrecy.

She looked at Bai Fu with admiration. How could she be absent from such a secret world-saving mission?

"Master, is there anything I can do?"

Bai Fu said, "Just focus on preparing for the sect competition."

Qiaoqiao was a little disappointed. Why wasn't she allowed to participate in such a big thing as saving the world? But there was still plenty of time, and she would have opportunities to do something eventually.

She then asked, "Master, do you think I can win first place in this competition?"

Bai Fu said calmly, "I have confidence in you."

Qiaoqiao's eyes immediately lit up. From the beginning of the competition until now, everyone in the Flowing Cloud Sect thought that she was just participating for the sake of participating. Even her senior brothers and sisters did not think that she could win the championship. Only Bai Fu had full confidence in her. Sure enough, her master was her true confidant!

Just as she was about to speak, Bai Fu suddenly moved, blocking her way. With a flick of his sleeve, a figure that had been sneaking close to Qiaoqiao was swept to the ground, letting out a cry of pain.

The man fell flat on his back, then hurriedly got up.