Chapter 172: The True and False Holy Maiden
However, this red mark indicates that Mu Xiaoxiao might have encountered the high priest of the Water Phoenix Sect, Shui Fengxiao, and there might be some emotional entanglement between them.
When Mu Xiaoxiao saw Qiao Wan, she was both shocked and delighted. Her eyes, which were once red, immediately filled with tears.
"Qiao...Martial Sister Qiao, why are you here?"
Qiao Wan quickly moved and walked up to Mu Xiaoxiao. "I've come to save you."
"Take off your clothes quickly and change places with me."
Mu Xiaoxiao was stunned, as if she couldn't react in time. "Martial Sister Qiao?"
After a while, it seemed like she finally understood. Her gaze fell on Qiao Wan's servant attire, and she shook her head uneasily.
"No. I can't...I can't switch with you, Martial Sister. I won't put you in danger."
This was the part that Qiao Wan was most worried about.
Qiao Wan glanced back at the door, unsure of when someone would come in. She had to quickly tell Mu Xiaoxiao , "After you change your clothes, find a way to sneak out. Pei Chunzheng will be there to help you."
Mu Xiaoxiao asked, "What about you, younger martial sister?"
"I can handle things here. I will coordinate with taoist friend Liang and others," Qiao Wan replied.
"Hurry," Qiao Wan said sternly, "We're running out of time."
Although Mu Xiaoxiao was often treated poorly by other men, she was the protagonist of "Immortal Ascending Road" after all. She wasn't stupid and knew that they couldn't delay any longer. After hesitating for a moment, she finally agreed. She took off her clothes and put on a maid's outfit, pulling down the hood.
When it was Qiao Wan's turn to change clothes, she hesitated for a moment in front of the mirror. After all, she wasn't a beauty blogger, so she wasn't sure how to dress up to look like Mu Xiaoxiao.
Mu Xiaoxiao walked up and blinked. "Younger martial sister, let me help."
Rolling up her sleeves, Mu Xiaoxiao sat down in front of Qiao Wan and gently held her face.
It felt a bit strange.
Qiao Wan's heart started beating faster.
Like the touch of an onion knife, Mu Xiaoxiao's fingers landed on Qiao Wan's face, feeling cool and refreshing.
"Is this... the marriage contract with Gan Shidi?" Mu Xiaoxiao asked softly.
Qiao Wan closed her eyes and nodded.
The marriage contract remained unresolved.
Mu Xiaoxiao's hands were skillful, and in no time, she supported Qiao Wan's head and let her look in the mirror.
Although they looked alike, Mu Xiaoxiao had a softer appearance, with rounder eyes and a hint of pitifulness when she lowered her eyelashes. Qiao Wan, on the other hand, had sharper features. The girl in the mirror and the girl outside the mirror.
In the mirror, between light and shadows, bloomed a pair of interdependent flowers.
"Martial Sister Qiao... looks really beautiful, if I ever get the chance," Mu Xiaoxiao raised her eyelashes and eagerly said, "I also want to see how you, younger martial sister, look after dressing up."
Just before leaving, Mu Xiaoxiao hesitated for a moment, half-lifting her hood to reveal her exquisite and charming face. She bit her lip, leaned forward, and hugged Qiao Wan tightly.
It was an embrace filled with the scent of flowers, as if a returning swallow gracefully landed in her embrace.
"Qiao... younger martial sister," Mu Xiaoxiao hesitated as she tightly grasped Qiao Wan's sleeve, "Thank you."
Stepping back, Mu Xiaoxiao couldn't help but take another look at the girl in front of her.
She couldn't accept it, couldn't accept... that Qiao Wan had taken the place in the hearts and sight of their master, Elder Martial Brother, and Pei Shidi.
Her birth was not easy. If it wasn't for Zhou Yan taking her up the mountain, she might have been sold by her mother to get money for her younger brother's marriage. So, don't leave her behind. She can do anything, as long as she is not abandoned. This is the survival rule she learned since she was little.
Actually, deep down, it's all jealousy. Jealous of the girl in front of her who has courage and ability. Qiao Wan , she has already stood up from her shadow and gradually grown into a dazzling and powerful presence that even makes her a little overwhelmed. Although her reputation is not yet prominent, one day, the girl in front of her will surely become a pillar of the cultivation world.
Mu Xiaoxiao looked at Qiao Wan with a complicated look in her eyes, bit her lip, and hesitated to speak before pulling down her hood.
Qiao Wan was momentarily stunned by the embrace.
So comfortable.
Quickly gather herself and change clothes as soon as Mu Xiaoxiao leaves.
After changing her clothes, Qiao Wan sat on the bed and touched the Sound Passing Talisman in her sleeve. According to the plan, once Mu Xiaoxiao went out, there would be others to pick her up. As for Qiao Wan, Liang Yiqing had already contacted Kunshan in advance. After ensuring Mu Xiaoxiao's safety, they would find a way for Qiao Wan to sneak out.
Just as she touched the Sound Passing Talisman, there was suddenly a knocking sound at the door.
Qiao Wan immediately jumped off the bed and carefully imitated Mu Xiaoxiao's words and actions, timidly asking, "Who is it?"
A low voice came from outside the door, "This is Chu Yanfeng, paying respects to the Holy Maiden."
Chu Yanfeng?
Qiao Wan's mind quickly turned. In the plot of Water Phoenix Sect, besides the High Priest entering Mu Xiaoxiao's harem and becoming a subordinate under her, there was also a person named Chu Yanfeng who was among them.
Chu Yanfeng was the Left Guardian of the Water Phoenix Sect and he fell in love with Mu Xiaoxiao at first sight.
Opening the door, there was indeed a handsome and tall young man standing outside.
A young man knelt respectfully in front of the door, his dark eyes shining with admiration and infatuation.
Qiao Wan's mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.
"Is the Holy Maiden ready?" The young man asked gently. "If she is, then let me take her to the temple."
She vaguely remembered this part of the plot.
After Mu Xiaoxiao was brought to the temple, she faced opposition from the Water Phoenix Sect's opposition faction. In the end, it was the High Priest of the Water Phoenix Sect who stepped forward and resolved her predicament.
Qiao Wan calmly observed the young man in front of her.
Qiao Wan was unsure if the High Priest would recognize her. When she arrived, there were many guards outside the corridor, so it would be unwise to rush out at this moment. She could only take it one step at a time, delay as much as possible, and wait for news from Kunshan.
So, Qiao Wan nodded. "Alright, please wait for a moment. And, I am not the Holy Maiden."
The young man glanced at her but remained stubborn. "Once a Holy Maiden, always a Holy Maiden."
Walking along the long corridor with Chu Yanfeng, Qiao Wan asked, "So what is the basis for determining the Saintess?"
Chu Yanfeng pressed his lips together and replied, "Based on the teachings in the holy scriptures."
"Does the scriptures mention what the Water Phoenix is and where it comes from?"
Chu Yanfeng answered, "There is no definite answer to where the Water Phoenix comes from in the scriptures. But the High Priest once mentioned that it might come from the Blood Mist Mountain."
Blood Mist Mountain?
Qiao Wan was shocked. Isn't that the demon realm? The book "Immortal Ascending Road" didn't really explain what the Water Phoenix is. Is it a magical creature? Is the Water Phoenix Sect really a cult?!
Chu Yanfeng lowered his gaze and didn't dare to look at her directly. "Please, follow me, Saintess."
He grew up in the sect, rarely interacting with the opposite sex. In addition, his mother was a prostitute. Before joining the Water Phoenix Sect, he always mistreated Chu Yanfeng. Over time, he transformed from a handsome young man into an introverted person who disliked women but fell in love with the saint described in the scriptures. Later, he met Mu Xiaoxiao and instantly fell in love with her, considering her a goddess he dared not disrespect.
Knowing that Chu Yanfeng wouldn't reveal anything, Qiao Wan remained silent and followed him through the corridor illuminated by wall lamps, all the way to the temple.
The temple of the Water Phoenix Sect was ancient and solemn. A row of guards wearing hoods stood at the entrance. As they walked inside, the dimly lit hall was already filled with people.
Qiao Wan glanced around and immediately saw the high priest she had seen before.
The man stood solemnly inside the hall, his dark cloak trailing on the ground. He seemed surrounded by a gloomy cloud. Across from him stood an elderly man with white hair. There were many followers scattered around them, forming two opposing groups.
In the blink of an eye.with the cloak saw the fake saintess Qiao Wan. The elderly man smiled kindly and respectfully greeted her, "Has the saintess arrived? Shui Xian has seen the saintess."
The words "saintess" were pronounced with particular emphasis by the elderly man.
The high priest wearing a black hood on the left side sensed something and glanced in Qiao Wan's direction. His deep gaze landed silently on her face and didn't move for quite some time.
Could it be... he recognized her?
Qiao Wan raised an eyebrow and discreetly reached into her pocket to touch the Sound Passing Talisman hidden there. She quietly tore it apart.
"Wait." The man looked at Qiao Wan and calmly said, "This isn't right."
Suddenly, Chu Yanfeng walked quickly towards Qiao Wan. He pulled off her hat and gave her a cold look. "You're not the holy maiden, who are you?!"
In an instant, Chu Yanfeng raised his hand and brought it down with a knife hand strike. Qiao Wan quickly moved to catch it!
As their fists and feet collided, the entire temple became noisy!
Caught off guard, Qiao Wan's whole face was exposed to Chu Yanfeng's gaze. She reacted quickly, stepping back. Although she had anticipated that she might be recognized, she didn't expect it to happen so soon. Since she had been recognized, there was no point in continuing her disguise. She tore it off and silently reached for the sword hidden in her hat. She asked in a cool voice, "How did you recognize me?"
Chu Yanfeng, who was following behind Qiao Wan, was stunned. "High Priestess? What do you mean?"
Not the holy maiden?!
How is she not the holy maiden?!!
Upon closer inspection,
She really does look a little different.
The young man's face instantly changed, becoming cold and icy. "You're not the Holy Maiden... who are you?" His attitude was completely different from before.
This isn't the Holy Maiden?!!
Everyone in the temple was stunned.
The person in front of them isn't the Holy Maiden?
The temple immediately became restless, with whispers and murmurs.
Wasn't she chosen by the High Priest?
As the hood was lifted, revealing the face underneath, it was clearly the same woman from before. Why did the High Priest say she wasn't the Holy Maiden?
Taking in everything, the person in the black hood glanced at Qiao Wan, then turned to ask their subordinate, "Who was the last person to see the Holy Maiden?"
"It was Linglong."
"This isn't the Holy Maiden." The person in the black hood turned to face the old man with white hair. "Linglong is a disciple of Shui Xian, the elder."
The old man with white hair was taken aback and his expression soured. "Are you accusing my people of taking away the Holy Maiden?"
He had been in conflict with Shui Fengxiao for so many years.
Shui Fengxiao became unhappy. He became happy when Shui Xian smiled and said, "The holy woman was chosen by the high priest. Why is the high priest now refusing to acknowledge her? What's this? Are you suggesting that we can just change our holy woman as we please in our sect?"
Shui Fengxiao glanced at him and said, "Elder, you're thinking too much. I have never had such thoughts. It's actually you, the elder, who is reacting so strongly, revealing your own incompetence in managing your subordinates."
"You're just feeling guilty."
These last two sentences really hit the old man with white hair right in the heart.
Qiao Wan silently watched, holding her sword.
When things go wrong, they blame each other. The holy woman is being accused of being switched, showing that there is indeed disharmony within the Water Phoenix Sect.
She lowered her head and pondered for a moment.
Perhaps she could try to take advantage of this and escape.
The old man with white hair was obviously very angry: "That person is still waiting in the side hall. At this point, the High Priest is still here, trying to shift the blame with me?! If we make that person in the side hall wait too long, can the High Priest bear the consequences alone?!"
That person? Qiao Wan was puzzled by the unfamiliar title coming out of the old man's mouth. Who could it be?
And surprisingly, the person in the black hood seemed persuaded. After glancing at the old man with white hair, their gaze returned to Qiao Wan: "Who are you? How dare you impersonate the Holy Maiden and enter the temple? Where is Linglong?"
"Never mind." The person in the black hood lowered their eyes, not even looking at Qiao Wan anymore. "This person dared to infiltrate the Holy Sect and impersonate the Holy Maiden. Guards, capture this person."
They then commanded one of the followers standing on their right side: "Shuiye, go and bring the fireseed. Shuicang, immediately go and chase after Linglong."
Qiao Wan carefully listened for any sounds around her and couldn't help but complain in her heart: "...no, this is too much! In the original story, the protagonist would have helped the holy maiden out of trouble. Why is it so heartless now just because it's her?"
Several guards surrounded her in a circle.
Clang!
A sword suddenly appeared in front of her neck, held by Chu Yanfeng, a man with an unpleasant expression. He questioned, "Where is the holy maiden?"
Even though they had only spent a day together, he had already become deeply fascinated by the holy maiden.
She was so pure and kind-hearted, so holy and approachable.
And yet, this person dared to impersonate the holy maiden?!
Chu Yanfeng's eyes were filled with disgust. The thought of having spent such a long time with this imposter made him feel sick.
"How dare you impersonate the holy maiden! Do you think you can pretend to be someone of such a noble status? You, a commoner?!"
The man has seen many women like them before, they only desire the position and glory of the holy maiden, blinded by their own selfishness. Otherwise, why would they be willing to switch places?
Before long, the disciple who was instructed to fetch the fire seed came forward, holding a torch. "High Priest, here is the fire seed," he said.
Chu Yanfeng expressed disgust, saying, "Listen to the High Priest and throw it up."
The torch in the man's hand burned fiercely with black flames. Qiao Wan couldn't help but feel heavy-hearted, as she planned how to escape.
Chu Yanfeng seemed to notice her actions and said, "Don't waste your efforts trying to escape. This fire seed was specially retrieved from the demon realm's Blood Mist Mountain. It won't extinguish no matter how much you try to smother or douse it."
The Water Phoenix Sect comes from the demon realm's Blood Mist Mountain. They are a sect that is closely aligned with the demon realm, and this magical fire is their holy fire.
The young man looked respectfully at the torch and said, "The magical fire can reduce everything, including demons, to ashes."
Chu Yanfeng said, "Since you dare to pretend to be the Holy Maiden, prepare yourself to endure the pain of this fierce fire."
The demon realm... is it demonic fire?
Qiao Wan was stunned for a moment, and then suddenly, she felt like she was in Sparta.
"I think... this fire might not be able to kill me." After a brief moment of silence, Qiao Wan scratched her head and sincerely suggested.
Chu Yanfeng became even more disgusted, "At this point, do you still think you are the Holy Maiden?!"
Shui Fengxiao withdrew his gaze indifferently, and sneered at the words, "In this world, only the Holy Maiden, the royal family of the demon realm, and the guards can resist the invasion of this demonic fire."
His gaze fell on the girl in front of him, and a slight smirk appeared at the corner of the man's lips, "Are you from the royal family of the demon realm or one of their guards? Or perhaps you are the famous demon realm... Empress?"
"Ignite it," Shui Fengxiao said in a deep voice.
His divination has never been wrong, and neither has the sacred scripture of the sect. The saintess is Mu Xiaoxiao, although he doesn't really care who the saintess is. However, the female cultivator in front of him is clearly one of the prisoners captured from the water dungeon. This female cultivator is more unpredictable and harder to control compared to Mu Xiaoxiao. The Blue-eyed Evil Buddha is still waiting in the side hall, and he doesn't have time to waste here. The Water Phoenix Sect is just a secluded small sect. If the famous Blue-eyed Evil Buddha gets angry, they won't be able to bear his wrath.
