July 15th, 7 PM.
The sun had barely set when it was completely dark.
Several high platforms on the Changyang River were lit up, and dozens of Sunlight Pearl embedded in lanterns hung high everywhere, illuminating the area on the south bank.
Small vendors lined up along the south bank, stretching for miles.
The delicious flavors of charcoal grilling wafted outwards on the night breeze.
The bustling crowds made the night here noisy and lively.
Zhang Qingning, accompanied by several maids and attendants, stayed on the sandy beach of the Changhe River. It was a quieter and cooler place with fewer people and being close to the river.
Her eyesight was quite sharp; she spotted a group of female cultivators in black from afar and immediately waved, calling out, " Wuyou."
She always prided herself on her carefree attitude, and although greeting people in this way was not in keeping with her status as a wealthy young lady, she didn't care at all.
One of the many female cultivators in black stepped forward; it was Leng Wuyou. She exchanged a few words with the person beside her and then quickly went to Zhang Qingning's side.
Leng Wuyou looked Zhang Qingning up and down. " Qingning, you look so beautiful today."
Today, Zhang Qingning is wearing a pomegranate-red jacket and a matching pleated skirt, with a gold hairpin in her hair and a small round fan in her hand.
The sheer gauze dress was as thin as a cicada's wing, revealing glimpses of Zhang Qingning's snow-white neck and beautiful collarbone.
The vibrant red color, deepened by the night, gained an added touch of opulence to its beauty.
"The Ghost Festival is an important holiday. Young masters from various prominent families will come, as well as experts and powerful figures from Flowing Clouds. Of course, I want to dress up nicely."
Zhang Qingning was very proud of her outfit today and proudly twirled around in front of Leng Wuyou.
"So beautiful!"
Leng Wuyou was quite envious. She was Lesser Yin cultivator, and she wore black Daoist robes all year round, even her inner garments were always the same color and style.
"You have a face, that's enough. Why do you need all these other things?" Zhang Qingning found it somewhat amusing. Leng Wuyou Leng Wuyou qualifying as the most beautiful woman in Jingyang.
If she had Leng Wuyou's face, she wouldn't need to put so much effort into matching clothes and accessories.
Zhang Qingning tugged at Leng Wuyou's sleeve and said, "Tonight, each faction will take turns giving lectures. Are you going to go on stage too?"
Leng Wuyou shook her head. "Master said I'm too young, and my preaching wouldn't be convincing. In fact, it would make people look down on us, Lesser Yin."
Zhang Qingning understood. Ultimately, it was because Leng Wuyou was too beautiful. When she went on stage to preach, people would only look at Leng Wuyou's face and wouldn't care about what she was saying.
With cultivators from all sects gathered, Lesser Yin, not wanting to be seen as frivolous, naturally wouldn't allow Leng Wuyou to give a lecture.
Since you're not going to preach on stage, I'll introduce you to a few people.
Zhang Qingning said enthusiastically, "They're all my friends, some of them are quite influential and capable, and there's also my brother—"
Leng Wuyou shook her head. "Never mind, I don't like talking to outsiders."
Although she was naive, she was aware of her own beauty, and many men would become infatuated with her upon seeing her.
Her master always warned her not to associate with men, lest she get into trouble.
" Wuyou, even if you become Third Rank True Person in the future, you will still have to deal with people from all walks of life."
"Those who can be friends with my brother are all outstanding young talents among the disciples of Jingyang. If you befriend them, you will be able to get their help in the future if the sect needs anything."
"You can't build connections without making connections."
Zhang Qingning was diligently educating Leng Wuyou Leng Wuyou's gaze wandered. Suddenly, she pointed ahead and said, "Senior Sister Wuying is here too."
Yue Wuying also saw Leng Wuyou. She nodded to Leng Wuyou from afar, but then left with her teachers.
This left Leng Wuyou somewhat disappointed, but Zhang Qingning still tried to persuade her, "Let's go, it's just about getting to know each other."
"Alright then." Leng Wuyou resist Zhang Qingning's persuasion, Leng Wuyou nodded in agreement.
Zhang Qingning was overjoyed. She led Leng Wuyou to the front of the central platform where the sermon was being given.
This high platform is the center for preaching and also where sword debates are held.
Long bamboo poles carrying a string of lanterns illuminated the high platform as brightly as day.
At this moment, a young Daoist priest is giving a sermon on the high platform. He is dressed in a greyish-white robe and appears to be a cultivator of the Greater Yin Sect.
The Daoist priest had a clear and melodious voice. He would recite a passage of scripture and then explain it in a few words. Although there were quite a few spectators below, most of them were just there for the spectacle and left after listening for a few minutes.
Only followers of the Greater Yin Sect would kneel and sit attentively below the stage.
From afar, Leng Wuyou could see a group of people surrounding the high platform. The outer circle consisted of guards and servants, while the inner circle was filled with people dressed in luxurious clothes.
This group occupied a large area, and the local civilians consciously kept their distance.
Zhang Qingning led Leng Wuyou over, and she greeted the young man at the head of the group with a smile, "Second Brother, I've brought a friend to see you."
This young man, around thirty years old, wore a bamboo-green long robe and a gauze hat, and held a folding fan in his hand. Among the group of young men, he appeared refined and composed. He was none other than Zhang Shiqi, the second son of the Zhang Household.
Zhang Shiqi's gaze swept over Leng Wuyou, and although he was usually calm and composed, his eyes lit up at this moment.
Such a beautiful and outstanding female cultivator must be Leng Wuyou, Zhang Qingning often talks about.
As expected, Qingning wasn't exaggerating; Leng Wuyou was indeed stunningly beautiful, though she still possessed a certain innocence in her eyes, which made her lack some of the charm of a woman.
That's why its unparalleled brilliance seemed to glow, making it unforgettable.
The other young men also looked at Leng Wuyou, their expressions varied, but they were all amazed by the beauty of this female cultivator.
Although Leng Wuyou disliked being the center of attention, she still bowed to everyone and said, "Leng Wuyou of Shaoyin greets you all."
Zhang Shiqi and the others returned the greeting with clasped hands.
Zhang Shiqi even took the initiative to introduce everyone to Leng Wuyou, Leng Wuyou nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
Among the young men present, all were considered Jingyang talents. Zhang Shiying was particularly handsome and spoke with a strong presence; he was the third young master of the Zhang Household.
Jin Zhengye is the son of the Jin Household. He is slightly overweight, gentle, and composed, and has a very approachable demeanor.
Lu Mingfeng of the Lu Household was eloquent, and there was another young man named Li Wanming, who was of average appearance and spoke very little, appearing somewhat reserved.
Leng Wuyou had a strong Divine Sense; after Zhang Shiqi introduced everyone once, she remembered them all.
She also thought these young people were quite good; their speech and manners were exceptional.
Several of them were even quite skilled in martial arts. Zhang Shiying was at least Fifth Rank, Li Wanming was Sixth Rank, and even the worst one, Lu Mingfeng, was a Seventh Rank.
The strongest, Zhang Shiqi, is either Fifth Rank or Fourth Rank martial artist. If he's truly Fourth Rank, then he's an extremely powerful martial arts master.
With Leng Wuyou present, the young people became more talkative and their voices grew louder.
"I believe that Xinru from Dragon Elephant Temple will definitely win first place at this Dharma assembly."
As soon as Zhang Shiying spoke, he realized something was amiss. He apologized to Leng Wuyou, saying, "Master Leng, I didn't mean to look down on the Lesser Yin Sect. It's just that Xinru is too strong."
"I've heard that he has comprehended the wisdom of Prajna and can wield the power of Dragon Elephant, which is why he was able to subdue the giant demon in the Changyang River."
Jin Zhengye is slightly overweight, also nodded in agreement. " Xinru monk Xinru is as beautiful as a woman, and his words are full of profound wisdom. He has a very charming personality that can win people's hearts."
"Leaving aside this person's cultivation level, just considering his preaching, he truly has the ability to utter lotus blossoms from his mouth."
"Buddhists are indeed far more eloquent than Daoists in this respect." Zhang Shiqi agreed with this, having met Xinru several times and had to admit that the man was indeed Wuai of debate.
If we're talking about preaching and spreading the Dharma, Jingyang may be great, but no one can compare to Xinru.
Lu Mingfeng was, after all, a Lu Household, and he was displeased to see so many people praising the monks of Dragon Elephant Temple.
"My cousin Lu Wuyuan already advanced to the Fourth Rank, and his cultivation is profound. Xinru to face him, she couldn't be guaranteed a victory."
"Each faction still has many talented experts; in a battle of magic, it's Xinru will win."
Seeing Leng Wuyou present, Zhang Shiqi became much more polite in his speech, giving Lu Mingfeng some face as well.
Zhang Shiying was young and impetuous, and he didn't want to change his tune in front of Leng Wuyou, but he also knew that it wasn't good to keep praising Xinru.
He thought for a moment and then asked Leng Wuyou, "Master Leng, who do you think will win this Dharma Assembly?"
Leng Wuyou thought about it seriously for a moment and said, "My knowledge is limited, so I dare not make any rash judgments."
"However, I feel that Zhou Wuji will win the championship."
After being defeated by Zhou Wuji at Cloud Immortal Tower, Leng Wuyou returned to diligently practice her Sword Intent.
After several months of diligent practice, she has opened up the Huangzeng Heaven and advanced to the Fourth Rank.
It was precisely because of her improved cultivation that she became increasingly aware of just how profound Zhou Wuji's Sword Intent was on that day.
Even if she reached the Fourth Rank of perfection, she probably still couldn't do that. She didn't quite believe that anyone among her peers could surpass Zhou Wuji's Sword Intent.
Sword Intent is different from Law Technique. Law Technique is rarely decisive in arena battles, but Sword Intent can bring out the full power of Sword Qi.
As long as Zhou Wuji has a sword, he can win on this arena!
Regardless of what everyone was thinking, out of politeness or their admiration for the beautiful woman, they all nodded slightly on the surface.
Zhang Shiqi added, " Zhou Wuji received Northern Emperor's Blessing and transformed his sword into poetry at Cloud Immortal Tower, making him famous throughout Jingyang. He is indeed formidable!"
Zhang Shiying couldn't help but say, " Zhou Wuji is indeed very famous, but I think he's a bit overrated—his reputation doesn't live up to it!"
He then explained to Leng Wuyou, "I'm just stating my opinion, please don't take offense, Daoist Leng."
Leng Wuyou said dismissively, "Young Master Zhang has his own judgment, and I have my own thoughts, but there's no need to force everyone to agree."
Lu Mingfeng suddenly said, "Actually, we can set up a small betting game. I'll be the banker, and everyone can place their bets on whoever they think will win."
Jin Zhengye said with a smile, "If it's just betting, there are gambling dens right next door. Everyone can place a few taels of silver to play around—"
This remark immediately piqued the interest of the crowd, and some people went to find the person who ran the gambling stall.
Leng Wuyou had no interest in this. She looked at the platform, where it was Yue Wuying's turn to give a sermon.
The " Greater Yin Scripture of Deliverance and Salvation " recounts the various ways in which Taiyin Heavenly Venerable of the Moon) saves and helps people, and expounds on principles that encourage people to do good.
The scriptures of the seven schools of Daoism are mostly similar, explaining various principles, mainly for the purpose of educating believers.
Yue Wuying was not good at speaking, and his sermons were dry and uninteresting. Although there were many people listening to his sermons, most of them were there to see Yue Wuying.
Leng Wuyou, sitting in the audience, was secretly relieved that she hadn't gone on stage. Preaching and spreading Buddhist teachings depended heavily on personal charisma and eloquence, and had little to do with appearance.
After the Greater Yin ends, the Lesser Yin, Lesser Yang, and Pure Yang schools will take turns on stage.
Each sect has young practitioners preaching and transmitting the Dharma. One or two of them preach quite well, but that's all they do.
After Zhang Wuhong of Pure Yang stepped down, it was Zhou Wuji's turn to take the stage.
Zhou Wuji and gold belt, and dressed in a star-gold brocade Daoist robe, gracefully ascended the stage. His handsome and dashing demeanor alone drew cheers from the audience.
Zhou Wuji's name is still very well-known in Jingyang.
It was said that Zhou Wuji going to preach and expound the Dharma, and a large audience was attracted around the high platform.
Zhang Dingyang and Huo Dongling, the two deputy leaders of the Great River Gang, stood at the very back of the crowd.
Looking at the elegant Zhou Wuji on the high platform, Huo Dongling exclaimed, "This man's demeanor and appearance are truly exceptional. Xinru is beautiful, she lacks his refined elegance and lofty grace."
Zhang Dingyang sneered, "No matter how good his appearance is, tonight he'll lose all face!"
He brought over two hundred followers specifically for this Dharma assembly. As soon as Zhou Wuji began preaching, these followers would start making a ruckus.
Zhou Wuji spoke, it was all useless.
People only see a lot of people making a fuss and causing trouble, so they think Zhou Wuji's speech was bad.
The monks of Dragon Elephant Temple all looked towards the high platform at this moment.
Many people were seeing Zhou Wuji in person for the first time, and everyone had to admit that Zhou Wuji indeed had the demeanor of a master.
Even a proud and arrogant expert like Xinkong couldn't help Xinru, "Senior brother, this person really does seem quite extraordinary."
A smile appeared on Xinru's beautiful Xinru feminine face, "His fame resounds throughout Jingyang; he must be extraordinary."
He paused for a moment, then said with some anticipation, "I've heard he's quite skilled at preaching and spreading the Dharma. I wonder what he'll do this time?"
"The Buddha is compassionate and saves all sentient beings, regardless of their social status or wealth, by transmitting the wondrous Dharma to all."
Xinkong scoffed, "The Daoist sect keeps its Secret Method hidden, afraid that outsiders might even peek at them. Such pettiness makes their talk of preaching and spreading the Dao laughable."
He then said loudly, " Zhou Wuji is only skilled in Swordsmanship; in terms of preaching and teaching, he is far inferior to my senior brother. How can he compare!"
Xinru was about to speak, a sudden change occurred on the high platform, causing Xinru 'Xinru gaze to sharpen and her expression to become serious.
Xinkong was completely astonished. "What kind of evil and heretical methods are these!"
Not only Xinru, but also experts from various sects, sons of powerful families, and hundreds of ordinary people were all drawn to the strange changes on the stage.
People performing rituals and offering prayers gathered around, including tourists.
In no time, almost everyone attending the Ghost Festival ceremony had gathered below the high platform.