Chapter 168: The Water Phoenix City Dungeon!
Pei Chunzheng doesn't seem quite right, does he?
Xiao Boyang frowned.
Just then, Mu Xiaoxiao finally arrived, taking her time.
"Sorry," the girl said with a smile on her face, showing a hint of apology. She spoke softly, "I'm sorry for being late and making everyone wait."
There was no sign of dissatisfaction from the other disciples from Kunshan. They were travelling with a Yuqing Spiritual Master's disciple, after all.
The girl had a delicate and slender figure, with a face like peaches and plums, and a smile on her lips. She looked like a new lotus on the misty surface of a lake after the rain, graceful and elegant with her skirt fluttering.
Even though the young master of the Xiao family usually looked down on others, his handsome face blushed slightly, instantly throwing the matter of Pei Chunzheng and Qiao Wan to the back of his mind.
Xiaoxiao... Mu Xiaoxiao glanced at Qiao Wan, her gaze filled with unease.
She arrived late for a reason. Before leaving, her master called her and told her to take good care of Qiao Wan. But she couldn't figure out what Qiao Wan was thinking.
After thinking for a while, she friendly smiled and nervously asked, "Martial Sister Qiao, where did you go yesterday? Master was very worried about you."
Qiao Wan politely replied, "Miss Mu, I went back to the cave."
It was her and Zhou Yan's business, so it was best not to blame innocent people. Now, Qiao Wan also thought so.
Moreover, based on the storylines in Liu Xu Desert and Water Phoenix City, the original plot didn't change much because of her existence as a butterfly. Even though she couldn't help with important matters, she could still try to stay away from the main characters and not oppose them.
After everyone gathered, the team leader announced the departure. It was a bit unexpected for Qiao Wan that Liang Yiqing was the team leader.
But based on previous limited interactions in Youxian Town, Liang Yiqing, although not highly skilled, was cautious and composed in his actions, making him suitable for the position as leader.
Water Phoenix City was not far from Kunshan, and after riding a magical flying device, they quickly landed at the city gates.
Water Phoenix City was not very large and was situated in a remote location.
Inside the city, it was bustling and there didn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary.
Qiao Wan remembered that Water Phoenix City got its name from a mythical creature called the Water Phoenix, which the entire city worships.
"Oh, the Water Phoenix," the elderly person in front of them chuckled. "You taoist friends might not know, but a few hundred years ago, this place was not called Water Phoenix City, but Cloudview City. Back then, there was a severe drought, and the crops failed, resulting in the starvation of many people. The people of the city tried everything to make it rain but not a single drop fell. Just when everyone was losing hope, one day, a blue phoenix soared into the sky from the cliffs outside the city."
" The phoenix soared into the sky and transformed into a waterfall, descending from above."
At that time, Qiao Wan and her group had just entered the city.
"There's nothing on the scroll," suggested Liang Yiqing. "Let's ask someone for information."
The people in the city were friendly, and they quickly found an old man who shared the history of Water Phoenix City with them.
Yu Sanniang cautiously looked at the old man in front of her. "So, Wangyun City was renamed Water Phoenix City?"
"It seems that Water Phoenix City is now a peaceful place, unlikely to have any strange occurrences," said Mu Xiaoxiao.
On this scroll, it clearly stated that many people had gone missing recently, with their fates unknown.
Qiao Wan pondered for a moment. "You never know."
A severe drought struck, and the Water Phoenix Sect... this reminded Qiao Wan of Ximen Bao. For example, her eyes grew cold at the thought. The religious sect had turned evil and sacrificed living people.
In the story "Immortal Ascending Road", the main plot is about the female protagonist, Mu Xiaoxiao, who accidentally falls off a cliff in Water Phoenix City. This cliff is where the Water Phoenix Sect first appeared. Luckily, she is found by the worshippers of the Water Phoenix Sect downstream of the river.
The Water Phoenix Sect has a sacred scripture that predicts a severe drought will occur in Water Phoenix City hundreds of years later. It is said that a holy woman will come and bring rain. Coincidentally, Water Phoenix City has been experiencing a long period without rain. The people in the Water Phoenix Sect are worried and desperate, so they choose a few individuals to sacrifice at the cliff.
The water area where Mu Xiaoxiao falls happens to be the sacred ground of the Water Phoenix Sect. When they find Mu Xiaoxiao, the members of the sect become enraged and believe that she has defiled their sacred place, which will anger the phoenix. They decide to kill Mu Xiaoxiao as a way to appease the Water Phoenix.
In this dangerous situation, Mu Xiaoxiao remembers the magical artifact called the "Mirage Mirror" that Zhou Yan had given her. This item is a powerful water-based tool.
The people of Water Phoenix City were full of doubt. After comparing it with the teachings in the sect, they immediately concluded that Mu Xiaoxiao was the holy maiden, specifically sent to solve the troubles of the Water Phoenix Sect. As a result, Mu Xiaoxiao was taken back with them.
Later, using her intelligence, Mu Xiaoxiao solved many big and small problems. She obtained a magic tool and resolved the issue of the missing people. She successfully escaped from the predicament, received the position of High Priestess in the Water Phoenix Sect, and completed the Water Phoenix City mission. That's the story in a nutshell.
Xiao Boyang sighed impatiently, "Didn't they say that a phoenix appeared on that cliff? Let's go take a look at that cliff first."
The cliff was just outside Water Phoenix City and not very far.
When Qiao Wan climbed up and looked around, she found that the cliff was no different from the others. It was covered in lush vegetation.
There was a clear path made by someone leading up the mountain, and the surrounding weeds had clearly been cleared away by someone.
As they walked further, they could faintly hear the roaring sound of rushing water. The cliffs were tall and steep, with a piece of white silk hanging upside down on the rock wall. The water was flowing rapidly.
To make it easier to move around, Liang Yiqing decided to split the group into pairs and explore the area to see if they could find anything.
"Sanniang and I," Liang Yiqing glanced at Yu Sanniang, "Martial Brother Xiao will go with Senior Brother Pei."
"As for Miss Mu," Liang Yiqing paused for a moment.
It had been a year and a half since he came to Kunshan. He had only seen Mu Xiaoxiao, but Liang Yiqing had never seen Qiao Wan, who wore a pink dress and was standing by Mu Xiaoxiao's side. He had heard the name Qiao Wan before.
In theory, he had never met Qiao Wan before, but why did this girl in the pink dress look so familiar, as if he had seen her somewhere before? Liang Yiqing felt puzzled.
But the mission was more important. Suppressing his curiosity, Liang Yiqing continued to divide the group. "Miss Mu and Miss Qiao are from the same school, so they can go together and take care of each other."
Qiao Wan was taken aback.
In the original story of "Immortal Ascending Road," it seems like there were no groups. Because of this, Mu Xiaoxiao accidentally fell off a cliff.
Has the plot changed?
However, in this part of the plot, there was no character named Qiao Wan to begin with. Upon careful consideration, it's normal for the plot to change.
Anyway, the small plot has already changed quite a bit from the beginning until now. It wouldn't be a problem to make a slight change. Qiao Wan silently thought to herself; it was not like there was a system forcing her to follow the script of a malicious supporting female character to maintain the plot; if she didn't maintain the plot, she would be written off.
However, how to reject this proposal is a problem.
Mu Xiaoxiao says, "Younger martial sister, let's go together."
After thinking about it, Qiao Wan shakes her head and says, "I want to go alone."
"Taoist Friend Qiao?"
As soon as the words were spoken, the disciples of Kunshan all had varying expressions on their faces.
Mu Xiaoxiao greets with a smile, but compared to her, the other person seems a bit unfriendly.
It is said that Qiao Wan and Mu Xiaoxiao don't get along well. Liang Yiqing feels a sinking feeling in his heart. Could this be true? If it is, things might become difficult.
Mu Xiaoxiao's eyes darken. "Younger martial sister, are you still unwilling to forgive me and our master?"
"I have an idea," someone furrows their brow slightly. "Taoist Friend Mu, why don't you join us? As for Taoist Friend Qiao..."
All eyes fall on Qiao Wan.
"After Taoist Friend Qiao disabled her martial arts and left Kunshan, she was able to return unharmed. I believe she can take care of herself and doesn't need, or perhaps even want, to be part of a team."
These words were a little harsh, laced with a hint of mockery.
The atmosphere suddenly turns tense.
The Kunshan disciples who spoke show no intention of backing down. They form a protective stance with their senior brothers, firmly shielding Mu Xiaoxiao behind them.
Pei Chunzheng looks calmly at Qiao Wan in the distance, unaffected.
Qiao Wan had already guessed that if she directly refused, it would lead to such a chaotic situation. She was very accepting of this hostility because she didn't have many friends, especially in Kunshan.
Liang Yiqing quickly sensed that something was wrong and tried to defuse the situation by saying, "Since that's the case, let's get started and not waste any more time."
After the teams were formed, everyone began to go their separate ways.
The cliff was not very big, and there wasn't much to see after walking around. After only a short time, everyone had gathered in front of the cliff above the waterfall. This place, if Qiao Wan remembered correctly, was where the Water Phoenix Sect pushed people off the cliff for sacrifice. Qiao Wan bent down and saw that the rocks had been washed away by the water, leaving almost nothing behind.
But seeing these rocks still made her feel a bit uncomfortable.
A familiar female voice came from behind.
Mu Xiaoxiao whispered, "I want to go and take a look above the waterfall first."
Immediately after, one after another, voices sounded.
"Miss Mu."
"Miss Mu, be careful."
On top of the waterfall, the rocks have been eroded by the flowing water over many years, and lots of moss has grown on them. It's not easy to walk, one step could be slippery. Mu Xiaoxiao lifted her skirt and revealed a tender white ankle as she carefully walked through the water.
Then, when she looked up, she bumped into Qiao Wan and exclaimed, "Martial Sister Qiao? Are you also here?"
At that moment, the once calm water suddenly became rapid.
Before she could finish speaking, Mu Xiaoxiao stumbled and lost her balance, falling backwards towards the waterfall! Qiao Wan was stunned but quickly lay down on the edge of the cliff and reached out to grab her hand just in time.
"Qiao... Martial Sister Qiao..." Mu Xiaoxiao's entire body was hanging above the waterfall, looking pale as she stared at Qiao Wan, scared and helpless.
Hearing the commotion, the disciples of Kunshan who were scattered around turned their heads, asking, "What happened?!"
Xiao Boyang's face turned pale. "Xiaoxiao!"
Just then, Qiao Wan suddenly snapped out of her daze.
Wait a minute! This seems like part of the story...
It seemed like Mu Xiaoxiao fell on purpose, as if it was part of the plot.
Qiao Wan looked down at the girl hanging in mid-air, her eyes slightly dazed.
Should she rescue her or not?!
If she rescues her, who knows which direction the plot in Water Phoenix City will take.
But if she doesn't, she would have to let go of Mu Xiaoxiao in front of everyone?! Then she would truly become a supporting character...
In that instant, Qiao Wan was caught in a dilemma of whether to save her or not.
"Qiao Wan!!"
When the others arrived just in time and saw this scene, they were slightly stunned, their faces showing a peculiar expression.
"Qiao Wan!!" Xiao Boyang exclaimed in anger, "What are you doing standing there at a time like this?! Hurry up and pull her up!"
Forget it.
Qiao Wan pursed her lips, made up her mind, and said in a deep voice, "Hold onto my hand tightly."
While preparing to pull Mu Xiaoxiao up, the stone beneath her suddenly couldn't bear its weight and started rolling down with a rushing sound.
Mu Xiaoxiao widened her eyes and looked blankly at the falling stone. The water-soaked fingers slipped out of Qiao Wan's hand.
A chill ran down Qiao Wan's back.
Oh no!
Just then, a tall figure quickly flashed by. With a strong force, Qiao Wan took a step back.
Pei Chunzheng's face changed drastically. He bent down and reached out his hand. "Xiaoxiao."
But in that split moment of touching fingertips, it was still not enough to save her.
Mu Xiaoxiao widened her eyes in terror, and her lips moved. "Pei...!!"
Xiao Boyang also fell in front of the waterfall. "Xiaoxiao!"
With a scream, Mu Xiaoxiao suddenly plummeted.
Pushed aside, Qiao Wan lowered her head and looked at her own palm.
For the first time, she felt the unstoppable force of the plot. Could this be the will of fate?
"Qiao Wan."
It seemed like someone walked up to her, their gaze filled with mixed emotions.
"What on earth are you doing?"
Miss Mu treats you like a younger martial sister, and yet, at such a critical moment, you hesitate!"
Around them, they could feel the subtle anger in the gazes of the crowd.
Something doesn't seem right. Something feels off.
It's like something is missing from inside her sleeve.
A Bodhi seed.
Her Bodhi seed is gone!!
Qiao Wan's entire body shivered, and she immediately rushed back to the waterfall and looked down.
Cen Qingyou's Bodhi seed! It's gone!
The young man knelt in the pouring rain, silently untied the Bodhi seed necklace from his forehead, and placed it in her hand.
As their fingers intertwined, he gently touched her face, as if he could still feel the faint tenderness of the cold rain.
"Xin Yi, that's enough. You're my friend."
After doing all this, Cen Qingyou turned and walked away.
She had always said that she didn't have many friends, but Cen Qingyou, or rather, Blue-eyed Evil Buddha, was one of them.
This was Cen Qingyou, the friend who had given her the jade butterfly.
Qiao Wan tightly pressed her lips together, scanning the area below and her heart skipped a beat.
She found it.
The water was rushing rapidly, and the round blood-red Bodhi seed was wedged perfectly between two rocks.
She measured the distance.
Thank goodness, it was within reach.
Without hesitation, she leaned out, using her spiritual power to hang herself from the rock, stabilizing her position.
"Qiao Wan?!"
"Taoist Friend Qiao?!"
Xiao Boyang turned his head to look at Qiao Wan, angrily reaching out to pull her. "Qiao Wan! Are you crazy?!"
The thunderous sound of water echoed through the valley, continuing for a while.
The young man half-knelt on the cliff, wide-eyed and anxious.
Xiaoxiao.
She reached it.
Qiao Wan silently and finally touched the Bodhi seed, gripping it in her hand.
Suddenly...
A shadow cast down behind her, her wrist tightened, and she was pinned to the ground by Pei Chunzheng!
"Xiaoxiao."
The young man moaned in pain, and Pei Chunzheng pinned Qiao Wan to the ground, his clear peach blossom eyes narrowing.
The water dripping from her body fell onto Qiao Wan's clothes as she looked down at her, with an expressionless face.
His gaze seemed to blame her for not holding onto Mu Xiaoxiao.
Qiao Wan stayed silent for a moment and said, "I tried my best."
Even though it was just part of the story, it didn't feel good to witness a person slipping away from your grasp.
"Whether you used enough strength or not, only you know in your heart," Pei Chunzheng said coldly, firmly holding onto Qiao Wan's wrist.
Her wet black hair stuck to her face, making her expression even colder. A bright red mark on her forehead looked like blood, and her ponytail fell onto Qiao Wan's face.
Qiao Wan looked up, confused for a second.
Was Pei Chunzheng blaming her?
Blaming her for intentionally not catching her?
After his gaze fell on the round bodhi seed, Pei Chunzheng's pupils, which were usually black, contracted slightly and his gaze became focused.
This is... a bodhi seed.
Throughout the journey, she had seen Qiao Wan thoughtfully touching something inside her sleeve.
Qiao Wan glanced at the dialogue that echoed in her ears in front of Wenshi Hall.
"I have someone else in my heart."
"My beloved is the one and only man in the whole world."
The young man froze for a moment, pursed his lips, shocked and angry, pressing on the veins in Qiao Wan's hand, causing a fiery pain on her face.
This bodhi bead...
It... was given by that man, right?
Even if it costs their lives, they must protect this bodhi bead...
Pei Chunzheng was stunned, as if something had hit his heart. In his dark and clear eyes, a subtle hint of mockery emerged instinctively, and he blurted out, "Xiaoxiao , when you fell down the waterfall, is this what you were looking for? This thing... this lifeless object?"
Qiao Wan expressionlessly snatched the bodhi bead from Pei Chunzheng's hand and swiftly kicked towards his chest!
"Give it to me."
Caught off guard by the kick and falling to the ground, Pei Chunzheng widened his eyes in disbelief, his breath suddenly becoming rapid.
Bodhi bead.
Rabbit silk lantern.
Suddenly, Qiao Wan thought of the image of a girl with a nosebleed, looking up and holding a perfectly preserved bunny lantern in front of him.
Bunny lantern.
His bunny lantern.
Pei Chunzheng's face turned pale as he stared fixedly at the Bodhi fruit in front of him. His eyes seemed to be filled with unbearable pain, shining with a hint of blood red. The vermilion mark between his eyebrows looked like a drop of blood.
"Is your love so cheap?"
