Chapter 173: The True and False Saintess (Part 2)
As soon as Shui Fengxiao finished speaking, the cult member holding a torch immediately threw it without hesitation.
Chu Yanfeng's expression turned bleak. This fake saintess deserved to be burnt by the fiery flames in front of everyone!
The rolling flames licked up along Qiao Wan's dress.
Chu Yanfeng's face contorted in pain as he caught a glimpse of the pure and beautiful smile of the young girl.
Saintess... where are you?
However, to everyone's surprise, the scene of Qiao Wan being engulfed in the demon fire and reduced to ashes did not happen. Not only did it not happen, but instead, the fiery demon fire that was originally filled with killing intent and burning hot obediently climbed up Qiao Wan's skirt, slowly and gently, circling in front of her.
It was as if it was submitting and protecting.
Upon seeing this, Chu Yanfeng's expression instantly changed.
"This... How is this possible? How could the demon fire not kill her?!" Chu Yanfeng exclaimed.
Qiao Wan retorted, "I told you, this fire might not be able to kill me. I sincerely warned you, but you didn't believe me."
Chu Yanfeng ignored her and his face alternated between pale and blue, deep in thought.
The demon fire was capable of reducing anything except for the royal family and the personal guards of the demon realm to nothing but ashes. How could it not kill this person in front of him?!
Unless... this commoner is...
"You... You are..." Chu Yanfeng's expression changed drastically. "You are a personal guard of the demon realm?"
But in the next moment, Chu Yanfeng quickly denied his own speculation. It couldn't be.
The empress of the demon realm (demon realm's ruler) has Xue Yunchao as the leader of her guards. These guards are all experienced warriors. This commoner (Qiao Wan, a woman) only has basic cultivation and cannot possibly be one of the empress's guards.
Could it be...
Shui Fengxiao saw everything happening and hurriedly walked up to Qiao Wan , his eyes widening. He looked at Qiao Wan, who was surrounded by demon fire but completely unharmed.
"Are you... from the royal family of the demon realm?"
Qiao Wan scratched her head. "Or maybe you can be bolder and say I'm the empress of the demon realm?"
"That's impossible!" Shui Fengxiao directly denied this guess, his voice cold. "The empress of the demon realm has been missing for a long time."
"The empress of the demon realm is the blood daughter of Su Buhuo, and you... who are you?" Shui Fengxiao looked down at Qiao Wan.
"Su Buhuo?" Qiao Wan was surprised to hear unexpected news from Shui Fengxiao. She paused for a moment. "Isn't the empress of the demon realm... Mei Yuanbai's daughter?"
This has always been a question that has troubled Qiao Wan.
In the demon realm, the Emperor is known as the Emperor of the Beginning, and Mei Kangping is the Emperor of the Beginning's most trusted companion. Mei Yuanbai is Mei Kangping's younger brother.
No matter how you look at it, she doesn't seem to deserve the position of the empress of the demon realm, right?!
Chu Yanfeng sneered and said, "Su Buhuo is actually Mei Yuanbai. Su Buhuo is not Mei Kangping's biological brother, but he was raised by the Mei family. He gained a strong reputation for his bravery and achievements in battle, which earned him the title of a king. The Emperor of the Beginning also intends for Su Buhuo to succeed him as the ruler of the demon realm."
Her adoptive father sounds impressive, doesn't he? But if Su Buhuo is so extraordinary, why doesn't the cultivation world know that Su Buhuo is actually Mei Yuanbai? And after that big battle, there was no news of Su Buhuo.
"Thank you, you are a good person," Qiao Wan replied sincerely, with no expression on her face.
Indeed, the best villains are the ones who reveal information and solve doubts for her.
Shui Fengxiao watched everything unfold without intervening. Very few people in the world of cultivation knew about the complicated twists and turns, but the relationship between Su Buhuo and Mei Yuanbai in the demon realm was no secret.
One person, two identities. Mei Yuanbai, cunning as a fox, and Su Buhuo, fierce as a tiger and wolf. When these two powers combined, they became the only war god in the demon realm.
Perhaps because Qiao Wan wasn't burnt to death, Chu Yanfeng's state of mind began to crumble a bit.
He had previously boasted about how powerful his demon fire was. But now, to his surprise, he couldn't even harm this despicable commoner. Chu Yanfeng couldn't maintain his composure and sneered mockingly, "What's wrong? Can't pretend to be the saintess, so you want to pretend to be the empress instead? Do you really think someone like you can pretend to be the empress?!"
The empress of the demon realm was a more noble existence than the saintess of the Holy Sect. How could this person dare to impersonate the empress of the demon realm?
The guy with the black hood suddenly spoke up, his voice grave, "Chu Yanfeng, step back."
The young man was taken aback, "High priest?"
Black Hood: "Step back."
Chu Yanfeng reluctantly took a step back.
An elderly man with white hair spoke in a menacing tone, "This is the holy fire of our sect. It was obtained from the blood mist mountain, where countless skilled warriors were sacrificed to retrieve it. Yet, this magic fire proves to be useless against this female cultivator. Doesn't the high priest have an explanation?"
From Qiao Wan's perspective, she could see that Shui Fengxiao didn't even spare a glance at his colleague who was trying to fan the flames. He gave orders to his attendant instead.
"Go and see if she's hiding something in her arms."
He turned his gaze towards Qiao Wan, paused for a moment, and said, "Or perhaps she used some kind of spell."
Inside the temple, two more people stepped forward. They reached out and searched Qiao Wan for a while before turning to Shui Fengxiao with a shocked look. "High priest, she has no magical tools or spells."
No magical tools or spells?
How is that possible?
Shui Fengxiao's face darkened. After a moment of contemplation, he looked up and said, "What about the fire seed? Ignite it again."
Another disciple came in carrying a torch and threw it in front of Qiao Wan .
Shui Fengxiao stared without blinking. The flames swept up, dancing around the girl's dress, and then joined the others, swirling and floating around Qiao Wan .
Qiao Wan looked serious and said, "Why not try a medium flame?"
...
They threw a medium flame.
Qiao Wan said, "Let's try a big flame."
They threw a big flame, and even Shui Fengxiao was surprised for a second.
How could this be...
This was clearly the demonic fire from Blood Mist Mountain. Could it be that this female cultivator was truly a royal guard?
Shui Fengxiao was stunned. After thinking for a moment, Qiao Wan tried to reason with him, "High Priest, I didn't mean any harm..."
Shui Fengxiao didn't give Qiao Wan a chance to explain. His face grew even colder as he said, "Light it again."
Just then, there was a sudden commotion in the hall. Another figure wearing a hood rushed in, followed by the person Shui Fengxiao had ordered to chase after Shui Linglong.
"Report to the High Priest! Linglong... Linglong has returned!"
The person's hand was pressing down on a slender figure. As they let go, the person fell to the ground. The hood came off, revealing the face of Mu Xiaoxiao.
Mu Xiaoxiao looked at Qiao Wan, who was being held over the fire, in shock. Her lips trembled. "Martial Sister Qiao Wan?!"
Qiao Wan's heart sank by half.
Oh no, it's Mu Xiaoxiao. She didn't make it out?
Looking left and right at the situation, Qiao Wan asked quietly, "You didn't escape?"
Mu Xiaoxiao bit her lip, as if summoning all her courage. She trembled and took a deep breath. "I... just heard some followers mentioning something in the temple. I was worried about you, younger martial sister..."
Catching a glimpse of a figure at the door, Chu Yanfeng's face brightened. "The Holy Maiden!"
Even though she was wearing a hood and dressed as a maid, there was no one but the Holy Maiden who could possess such a beautiful and delicate face.
Yes, she was their Holy Maiden.
A hint of admiration and adoration flashed across the handsome face of the young man, barely noticeable.
This is the symbol of their Water Phoenix Sect, a strong and gentle holy woman.
The followers in the temple couldn't help but look at each other when they saw Mu Xiaoxiao .
"It's the holy woman!"
"The holy woman has returned!"
"High Priest," Mu Xiaoxiao glanced at Qiao Wan , bit her lip, and walked up to Shui Fengxiao , performing a bow. "I have returned."
"This is my younger martial sister," Mu Xiaoxiao said, "Please spare my younger martial sister, High Priest."
Mu Xiaoxiao has returned, and Chu Yanfeng is happy, but he hasn't forgotten that there is a fake here. He quickly looks at Qiao Wan with a cold gaze.
Shui Fengxiao glanced at Mu Xiaoxiao , and he heard Chu Yanfeng's voice in his ear, "High Priest, now that the holy woman has returned, how should we deal with this impostor?"
How dare this person impersonate the holy woman.
Mu Xiaoxiao tried to raise her eyes and make eye contact with the man in front of her. "High Priest."
The man's expression darkened like a thundercloud, tightly pursing his lips, and his emotions couldn't be seen. "Impersonating the holy woman is a great sin in the sect. Holy woman, do you really want to plead for this person?"
"If...Mu Xiaoxiao pressed her lips together and suddenly pulled out an old-fashioned mirror from her sleeve, 'What about using this?'
"The Mirage Mirror!" Shui Fengxiao and Qiao Wan both looked surprised.
The young girl held up the mirror high, as if she was about to drop it on the ground, her voice trembling slightly: 'If... if I exchange this mirror for the safety of my younger martial sister?'
Shui Fengxiao furrowed his brow.
In truth, if Mu Xiaoxiao hadn't threatened him with the Mirage Mirror, he wouldn't have done anything to harm this female cultivator.
However, he hadn't expected that this seemingly delicate young girl would have the courage to use the Mirage Mirror as a threat. Shui Fengxiao felt a hint of surprise and admiration in his eyes.
His divination wouldn't go wrong. This girl in front of him, who despite her fragility still bravely negotiated with him in the face of adversity, undoubtedly possessed the demeanor of a saint in their sect."
The magic fire couldn't harm the female cultivator at all, making Shui Fengxiao a bit hesitant. He had wasted too much time and was concerned about the person in the side hall. He couldn't delay any longer.
"Never mind," Shui Fengxiao shifted his gaze away. "Chu Yanfeng, you escort the holy maiden back to her room. As for this imposter..."
"Detain her first and assign a few people to guard her closely."
Mu Xiaoxiao took a step back, visibly relieved.
Upon receiving the order, Chu Yanfeng stepped forward and looked deeply at the young girl in front of him. He sincerely bowed and said, "Apologies for startling the holy maiden. I will take her back to her room to rest."
Mu Xiaoxiao turned her head to look at Qiao Wan. "Martial Sister Qiao..."
"Holy maiden," Shui Fengxiao interrupted Mu Xiaoxiao's words calmly. "Please."
As Shui Fengxiao thought about the people waiting in the side hall, he didn't dare to linger any longer. After giving his instructions, he quickly left the temple.
Unexpectedly, just as Shui Fengxiao stepped out of the temple, he spotted a tall figure at the end of the corridor.
Shui Fengxiao was surprised and quickly walked towards the person.
Blue-eyed Evil Buddha?!
The young monk looked up and smiled gently, saying, "High Priest."
"How come the holy monk is here?"
"I got bored waiting," the young monk said with a smile, "so I came out for a walk."
Although the young man in front of him appeared to be around sixteen years old, Shui Fengxiao did not dare to underestimate him.
But the young man seemed to have just casually spoken, and his face, as smooth as white jade, did not show any expression of blame.
"I hope the High Priest has prepared what I want."
Shui Fengxiao humbly bowed and said, "Holy Monk, please do not worry. Immaculate True Crystal has already been prepared within the Water Phoenix Sect."
Speaking of Immaculate True Crystal, one cannot overlook the purpose of Blue-eyed Evil Buddha coming here. Immaculate True Crystal is the sacred object of the Water Phoenix Sect, said to have been brought by the Water Phoenix herself in her mouth.
Before them stood a young monk who had come specifically for the Immaculate True Crystal. However, Shui Fengxiao. couldn't quite figure out what the Blue-eyed Evil Buddha wanted to do with it.
Although he appeared young, his thoughts were deep, and they couldn't simply guess his intentions.
"Although the Immaculate True Crystal is ready," Shui Fengxiao paused for a moment, feeling a slight chill in his heart as he thought of what to say next, "there is just one thing..."
Cen Qingyou asked, "What is it?"
"Well, the Immaculate True Crystal is wrapped in a layer of unbreakable and unmeltable ancient ice. It seems that only the holy monk himself can handle it."
The Immaculate True Crystal is a sacred item of the Water Phoenix Sect. For many years, the sect had no intention of using it, mainly because the crystal was covered in a layer of ice that couldn't be broken or melted.
Cen Qingyou spoke in a gentle tone, "This is your sect's sacred item, and it should be resolved by the high priest. Once the high priest has resolved this matter, then come find me."
Cen Qingyou's voice was gentle, but his attitude was firm. After speaking, he clasped his hands together and turned to leave.
As the young man walked away, Shui Fengxiao stood in place, silent for a while.
If they could break open the thousand-year-old ice, the Water Phoenix Sect wouldn't have left the Immaculate True Crystal gathering dust for so long.
Behind them, a disciple cautiously suggested, "Since the High Priestess... the saint has returned, why not let her give it a try?"
...
On that day, almost everyone in the Water Phoenix Sect knew that the saint personally invited by the High Priestess had almost been replaced. As for the impostor, they were currently being held captive, under the watchful eye of a few people appointed by the High Priestess.
And among them was Chu Yanfeng, the Chief Protector of the Holy Sect.
Standing in front of the prison cell, Chu Yanfeng's face was filled with astonishment.
He had thought that when the saintess returned, he would personally serve her. But he never expected that the High Priestess would send him here to guard this fake one?!
As for Qiao Wan, she was sitting on the bed at that moment, silently meditating.
Qiao Wan didn't expect Mu Xiaoxiao to return at this time.
Shui Fengxiao was wary of her and kept her locked up, but he also provided her with a nice room, so she wasn't treated poorly.
Her trip wasn't entirely fruitless. Qiao Wan silently pondered; this place was peaceful and gave her the time she needed to gather her thoughts. After spending over forty years in the world of cultivation, she had learned one thing: "accept what comes your way." Stay calm and there will always be a solution, especially since "Immortal Ascending Road" didn't mention how many casualties there were this time.
Chu Yanfeng sneered, "You may be imprisoned, but you seem quite at ease."
Qiao Wan calmly retorted, "The Saintess has returned, and yet the Left Protector doesn't go to protect her, instead condescendingly taking care of me. It's tit for tat."
Chu Yanfeng's face instantly turned dark as he clenched the sword in his hand, repulsed. "Don't think that just because the High Priest ordered it, I won't dare to touch you."
The mean person is actually the younger sister of the saint! How can this mean person be compared to the saint?
Qiao Wan pretended not to hear this and asked, "How is Mu Xiaoxiao?"
The young man in front of her immediately shifted his attention to Mu Xiaoxiao, "She is the symbol of our holy teachings, and she enjoys the utmost glory. The holy teachings will naturally treat her well."
"It's actually you who should be honest in this place. Impersonating the saint is a serious crime in the teachings. If it wasn't for the saint's plea on your behalf, the holy teachings would have already..."
Qiao Wan interrupted, "Would they have burned me with unquenchable magical fire?"
Chu Yanfeng angrily replied, "You!"
Just then, there was a noise at the door, and a worshipper with a blue hood appeared, bowing at the entrance.
"The left protector, the high priest has something to command you."
Chu Yanfeng suppressed his anger and walked over to the hooded person.
"What is the High Priest's command?"
Blue Hood: "The High Priest commands the Guardian to bring the Immaculate True Crystal to the female cultivator in front of you and have her dissolve it."
"Immaculate True Crystal?" Chu Yanfeng was surprised.
Isn't that a sacred object in the sect? The High Priest...
He turned his head and glanced at the girl behind him.
She had a blank expression on her face, with a bow on her head fluttering in the wind.
The High Priest actually chose her to dissolve it?
Chu Yanfeng: "How can she dissolve the Immaculate True Crystal? By the way, why didn't you go to the Holy Maiden for this?"
Blue Hood: "We have already tried, but even the Holy Maiden is powerless in this matter. The High Priest commanded us to let this cultivator try."
Chu Yanfeng remained silent for a moment and then reluctantly brought the Immaculate True Crystal and threw it in front of Qiao Wan.
Qiao Wan was a bit surprised as she looked at the spiritual crystal in front of her. It was about the size of her palm, emitting a shimmering blue light. It was obviously a rare and precious treasure. Even if she got closer, she could feel its sharpness. However, the crystal was wrapped in a thick layer of mysterious ice, making it difficult to take out.
Chu Yanfeng glanced at it with disdain and remained silent.
"What is the High Priest thinking? Even the Holy Maiden couldn't melt this thing, yet this imposter commoner can?" But before the words could be spoken, they got stuck in his throat.
The mysterious ice, which nobody in the temple could melt, suddenly began to melt when it was only a short distance away from the girl's side. The young man looked up in shock, his pupils shrinking. "Who...who are you?"
The ice...it actually melted on its own?! Even the magic fire couldn't harm her, and yet the ice melted by itself. Who on earth was this girl?
Qiao Wan was stunned and hadn't expected the ice to melt on its own.
"Does your Water Phoenix Sect all obey the demon realm?"
"The Holy Sect originally came from the demon realm, so naturally they follow the orders of the demon realm."
"Don't waste time...who are you exactly?"
Qiao Wan threw the true crystal in her hand in front of Chu Yanfeng and saw his eyes widen in shock.
She changed her posture and sat down seriously, saying, "I'm your boss's boss."
Qiao Wan said, "I have some terrible news for you. You've lost your salary."
