He Was Almost There?

"Yes, the battle between the Celestial Person and the humans has ended," said the white-robed Warlock.

He glanced at the deep underground and, seeing that his fifth senior sister hadn't come up, quickly pulled the lever and slowly closed the stone door.

Beneath the Star-Gazing Tower lies a formation personally set up by the Supervisor, where Senior Sister Zhong is located, capable of shielding her from misfortune. However, calamities must eventually be overcome, unless one wishes to remain underground forever.

"Is the battle between the Celestial Person over?" Yang Qianhuan nodded with some regret. "Chu Yuanzhen's combat strength is extremely formidable. Although I haven't met Li Miaozhen, I imagine she's no pushover either. It's truly a pity I didn't get to see them clash."

He moved the back of his head and asked, "Who won?"

As a fourth-rank Warlock, a chosen one of heaven, he was quite concerned about the outcome of the battle between Celestial Person and man.

"Neither of them won," the ninth-rank junior brother said.

A draw?

This result surprised Yang Qianhuan.

"No, the winner is Young Master Xu. He single-handedly defeated two outstanding disciples from both the Daoist School Celestial Person Sects in full view of everyone, making him the talk of the town," said the Healer in white.

He single-handedly defeated two outstanding disciples of the Daoist School in full view of everyone. Yang Qianhuan's breath caught in his throat. Based on his years of experience in performing miracles in front of others, he could understand the profound and mysterious wonder of the feat.

Taking a deep breath, Yang Qianhuan said in a low, slightly trembling voice, "You, you tell me the whole story in detail."

"I only heard about it secondhand; I wasn't there to witness the battle firsthand," the young Healer said.

"The battle between Celestial Person and Man took place on the Wei River outside the capital. It is said that Young Master Xu arrived in a small boat, accompanied by melodious and resonant music."

A scene flashed in her mind. Yang Qianhuan closed her eyes, imagining the surging crowds on both sides of the river, the two protagonists of the battle between Celestial Person and man facing off in a tense standoff, when suddenly, a resounding zither rang out, startling everyone. They all pointed at the proud figure standing at the bow of the boat and said:

Ah, it's Young Master Yang from the Bureau of Astronomy.

"It's said that Young Master Xu even recited a poem." The young Healer clapped his hands.

A glint flashed in Yang Qianhuan's eyes, her breathing became heavy, and she stared intently at him with the back of her head, pressing him urgently, "What poem? Tell me, tell me!"

The young Healer reminisced, saying:

"Sword drawn, boat gliding on the Wei River, not for enmity, not for gratitude. A thousand battles, yet he claims never to wield his blade; born with eyes that scorn all heroes. Unable to bear seeing a mere child rise to prominence, he angrily steps onto the arena to strike again. With a single stroke, he cleaves the path of life and death; with both hands, he subdues heaven and man."

Compared to Young Master Xu's previous poems, this one was only of average quality. Just as he thought this, he suddenly heard heavy breathing.

The young Healer stared at the back of Yang Qianhuan's head. "Senior Brother Yang?"

"What a fine poem! This poem is just as brilliant as the half-finished poem he recited when he blocked the Meridian Gate that day. It's one of the top three best poems Xu Ningyan has ever written."

Yang Qianhuan murmured.

"Not at all," the ninth-rank Healer waved his hand. "Everyone outside says this poem is quite ordinary."

Yang Qianhuan scoffed, "That rabble doesn't know anything. You can't just look at the surface of a poem; you have to appreciate it in the context of the time."

"Think about it, the whole capital is focused on the battle between the Celestial Person, on Chu Yuanzhen and Li Miaozhen. Does anyone still care about Xu Qi'an, who once made a name for himself in a magical duel? No one does, right? So, it is at this moment that we must recite: 'I cannot bear to see a mere child become a new favorite, I will angrily step onto the stage and strike again.'"

The ninth-rank Healer thought about it and found it made a lot of sense; indeed, he felt a surge of excitement.

"Although Xu Ningyan is only a sixth-rank martial artist, far inferior to Chu Yuanzhen and Li Miaozhen, it is precisely because of this that the line 'With one slash, he cleaves the path of life and death; with two hands, he subdues heaven and man' appears exceptionally powerful, fully demonstrating the poet's courage in the face of powerful enemies and his spirit of overcoming difficulties." Yang Qianhuan said emphatically.

"Wonderful!"

The white-robed Warlock clapped his hands and said, "Senior Brother Yang is learned and talented; I admire you."

Yang Qianhuan sighed, "The truly formidable one is Xu Ningyan. He always manages to make himself the center of attention, gaining fame and prestige. In this respect, I am inferior to him."

If peace exists, why should illusion arise?

Ever since she met Xu Qi'an, Yang Qianhuan has often had similar feelings.

"Xu Qi'an always has these opportunities, while I lack them," Senior Brother Yang remarked.

"Senior Brother Yang, actually, His Majesty sent someone to invite you to come out of seclusion and stop the two during this battle between the Celestial Person and humans. However, the Supervisor refused His Majesty on the grounds that you were suppressed underground," the white-robed Healer said.

"?"

Yang Qianhuan was petrified. After a long while, he seemed to have suffered a huge blow and could hardly stand. He slid slowly against the wall and knelt on the ground.

"Junior brother, is this... is this really true?" he asked in a trembling voice.

"Of course it's true, why would I lie to you, Senior Brother?" the ninth-rank Healer said. Then, he saw Yang Qianhuan scratching his head repeatedly.

"Senior Brother Yang? What's wrong?"

"My brain feels like it's trembling."

Yang Qianhuan let out a mournful cry, saying each word clearly, "The... the Supervisor has wronged me again!!"

The next day, Xu Qi'an returned home from the Imperial Academy of Music and picked up Zhong Li on the way. He went straight to his bedroom to meditate and calm the last bit of fatigue in his primordial Primordial Spirit.

At this moment, Zhong Li, with her hair disheveled, walked to the bedside, reached out her small hand, shook his shoulder, and whispered, "Senior Brother Yang is here."

"Why did Yang Qianhuan come to see me?" Xu Qi'an opened his eyes, nodding in confusion, "I understand."

He immediately went outside and saw Yang Qianhuan standing with her hands behind her back by the stone table in the backyard.

The little girl stared curiously at Yang Qianhuan's back. Taking advantage of his inattention, she suddenly ran up to him, and with a flash of light, she returned to her original position.

Undeterred, the little boy stared intently at Yang Qianhuan's back, sometimes circling to the left, sometimes to the right, and sometimes sliding under him with a tackle.

But each time, he would be teleported back to his original position, and no matter how hard the little bean tried, he could not see Yang Qianhuan's face.

"Dalang, is this your friend?"

The aunt approached in small steps, muttering, "I don't know when he entered the manor, he's just been standing there, not moving at all. What a strange person."

"This is Senior Brother Yang from the Bureau of Astronomy," Xu Qi'an explained, then called out to Yang Qianhuan's retreating figure.

"Senior Brother Yang, what brings you here?"

"I'm watching you!" Yang Qianhuan replied calmly.

"Staring at me?"

"You've repeatedly stolen my thunder and fortuitous opportunity. From now on, I'll keep a close eye on you, and if a similar fortuitous opportunity arises, I'll snatch it back from you," Yang Qianhuan said in a deep voice.

"One day, I will make sure the supervising teacher knows that fortunes change every thirty years, and one should never underestimate a young person's potential."

The aunt immediately looked at Xu Qi'an, pursed her lips, and said, "No wonder you two are friends, hehe."

Auntie's goddess pose, hehe.

That unfortunate nephew, Dalang, said something similar back then.

"Whatever you want."

Xu Qi'an shrugged, then saw Old Zhang, the gatekeeper, enter the inner courtyard and call out, "Dalang, you have some friends visiting."

As Lao Zhang arrived at the outer hall, he saw Daoist Jinlian, Hengyuan (number six), and Chu Yuanzhen (number four) sitting in the hall drinking tea.

"Master Jinlian, Brother Chu, Master Hengyuan."

"Hey, why isn't Master Jinlian on the cat?" Xu Qi'an greeted her warmly and instructed Old Zhang to bring over some fruits and pastries.

"Lord Xu, please ask Li Miaozhen and Lina to come out. I have something to discuss with you." Daoist Jinlian smiled.

Xu Qi'an immediately returned to the inner courtyard and summoned Li Miaozhen and Lina.

This was the first time Lina had met Chu Yuanzhen and Hengyuan. She had been seriously injured and unconscious since the last time, and had not yet woken up.

"Wow, except for Number One, all the members of our Heaven and Earth Society are here," said Little Blackie from Southern Frontier happily.

This statement didn't seem strange to the others, because this was the Xu Residence, and Xu Xinnian (number three) was also there.

"By the way, what about number three?" Chu Yuanzhen asked.

Li Miaozhen immediately glanced at Xu Baipiao, and Lina also looked at him, remembering their agreement not to reveal their identities.

Oh no, I accidentally let it slip! What should I do? Lina thought frantically.

Xu Qi'an remained calm and replied, "I went on a date with Miss Wang."

Chu Yuanzhen was taken aback. "A date?"

"Talking about love."

"Oh, as expected of a romantic and talented man." Chu Yuanzhen laughed.

Xu Xinnian did indeed go on a date with Miss Wang, but Miss Wang unilaterally considered it a date, while Xu Xinnian viewed it as going on a rendezvous.

After everyone was seated, they took small sips of tea, but Lina alone began to nibble on fruits and pastries, her mouth never stopping.

Just then, Xu Lingyin came over and strode into the party with her short legs.

Lina picked her up and placed her on her lap, and the two of them ate watermelon together.

Master Jinlian coughed and said, "This humble Daoist priest will be leaving the capital in the next few days."

No one was surprised by this. When Master Jinlian hid in the capital to escape the pursuit of the evil sect, it was only a temporary measure. After recuperating in the capital for more than half a year, it was indeed time for him to leave.

If it was just to announce this matter, Master Jinlian wouldn't have needed to gather us all at the Xu Residence. Chu Yuanzhen took a sip of tea and waited for further developments.

Xu Qi'an remained silent, waiting to see what Daoist Jinlian had to say. He wondered what the old silver coin was up to now.

Amitabha Buddha, all good things must come to an end. Hengyuan sighed inwardly and couldn't help but put his hands together in prayer.

That stinky Daoist priest instructed Xu Ningyan to disrupt my duel; I didn't want to see him today. Li Miaozhen still harbored resentment and didn't particularly like Daoist Jinlian.

Lina: "This melon is so sweet, hahaha."

Xu Lingyin: "Yes, yes, hehehe."

Master Jinlian sighed, "The reason I infiltrated the Earth Sect that day was to steal a treasure called the Nine-Colored Lotus. It can enlighten all things, even stones, and give them sentience."

"The evil cultivators of the Earth Sect have been searching for my whereabouts, wanting to reclaim the Nine-Colored Lotus. I have been hiding in the capital, actually to mislead them, making them believe that I have brought the Nine-Colored Lotus to the capital."

"Actually, I had already secretly moved it to a hidden place. As the nine-colored lotus gradually matures, its aura can no longer be suppressed. At that time, it may attract the covetousness of the Earth Sect and the demonic path."

"Therefore, I must go back to look after the lotus flowers."

What is this nine-colored lotus? It can even transform stones? Holy crap, Daoist priest, my silicone wife from my past life needs your help. Xu Qi'an's heart burned with excitement.

If he could even transform stones, Xu Qi'an felt he would become the object of envy, jealousy, and hatred for otaku all over the world.

Nine-colored lotus flower... I seem to recall seeing it in some ancient book. Chu Yuanzhen frowned in deep thought.

The Nine-Colored Lotus? The second most precious treasure of the Earth Sect, is the Nine-Colored Lotus about to ripen? Li Miaozhen's eyes lit up slightly.

Lina: "Hahaha."

Xu Lingyin: "Hehehe."

Master Jinlian was very satisfied with everyone's expressions and said with a smile:

"At that time, demonic cultivators from the Earth Sect will surely follow the aura and come knocking on my door. I will set a trap for them, and I hope you will all lend a hand."

The members of the Heaven and Earth Society reacted differently to this plea.

Xu Qi'an frowned and asked, "Will the leader of the Earth Sect make a move?"

Master Jinlian nodded. "Yes, but his condition is extremely poor. He spends most of his time asleep, and has no choice but to remain asleep. Even when he does act, it's only with an avatar or a wisp of his soul, so his strength is limited."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

Li Miaozhen said, "Okay, but I want a lotus seed as payment afterward."

The others' eyes lit up.

Master Jinlian nodded. "Of course, each person will receive one lotus seed, Xu Qi'an will receive two."

Upon hearing this, Li Miaozhen raised a delicate eyebrow and retorted, Qi Ingestion, "Why does he have two?"

Xu Qi'an snapped his fingers and said, "Because I defeated you and Brother Chu, this is the reward that Daoist Jinlian promised me."

Master Jinlian looked at Lina, frowned, and said, "Number Five, what are your thoughts?"

Lina, her mouth full of food, tilted her head, thought for a moment, and asked, "Are lotus seeds delicious?"

Master Jinlian opened her mouth, looked at her for a long time, and said helplessly, "It's not a matter of whether it tastes good or not, it's a very rare treasure. If you really have to eat it, it'll probably be very sweet."

Upon hearing this, Lina patted her chest and said, "No problem, Daoist priest, I will help."

Seeing this, everyone sighed inwardly, thinking what a carefree and cheerful girl she was.

Master Jinlian said with satisfaction, "I will contact you through the fragments of the Earth Book before the Nine-Colored Lotus matures."

After years of planning and establishing the Heaven and Earth Society, his efforts have finally yielded some results.

The other two members cannot be relied upon for the time being, but the members gathered here now are already a force to be reckoned with.

Chu Yuanzhen, who possesses the combat strength of a fourth-rank cultivator; Li Miaozhen, a fourth-rank cultivator from the Daoist School; Hengyuan, an eighth-rank martial monk, whose true combat strength is extremely high; and Lina, a girl from the Southern Frontier with immense strength.

Of course, what pleased him the most was Xu Qi'an, who was the last to join the Heaven and Earth Society.

This kid possesses great fortune, making everything he does possible. He has also mastered the Vajra Divine Skill to a minor level, making him both resilient and capable of fighting, and he can play a significant role in battle.

Master Jinlian even felt that if these children were given a few more years, it might not be difficult for them to form a team to fight him in the future.

Two days later, in the Imperial Study.

Emperor Yuanjing privately met with Chu Xianglong, the deputy general of the Prince of Zhenbei.

"The first batch of provisions will take a few more days to prepare, General Chu, there's no need to rush," Emperor Yuanjing said.

"Your Majesty, my mission upon returning to the capital is not merely to escort grain supplies; the Prince of Zhenbei has also entrusted me with another task," Chu Xianglong said, clasping his hands in a fist salute.

"What mission?" Emperor Yuanjing asked.

"Escort the princess to the border," Chu Xianglong said in a low voice.

Emperor Yuanjing's usually composed expression was slightly off at this moment, not out of fear or anger, but out of delight.

He skillfully concealed his emotions, glanced at the old eunuch waiting below, and said in a deep voice, "Step back."

The old eunuch bowed to the other eunuchs and silently withdrew.

Emperor Yuanjing then rose from his dragon throne, strode to Chu Xianglong's side, and exclaimed with delight, "He... he's almost done?"

PS: Thank you to the patron "Miracle Entertainment" for the donation. It was a long time ago, but I accidentally forgot to thank him. I was probably busy that day. Anyway, it was my fault. I'm so sorry.

Thank you to "Anonymous", "5061687", "Newbie Party", and "Mr. Big Yellow" for your generous donations! Love you all!