Chapter 193: The Battle of the Tower (Part 2)
As soon as he finished speaking, Han Song's face changed suddenly. His handsome face turned pale.
"You win! Take this thing yourself! Why do you have to humiliate me like this?!"
Han Song was referring to the reward for this arena match, a bottle of Heart-Nourishing Pill.
Humiliate him?
Mu Xiaoxiao was stunned.
In front of her, the young man clenched his teeth, his eyes filled with hatred.
Mu Xiaoxiao said, "I... I didn't mean it. I just saw Martial Sister Qiao Wan..."
She only wanted to do it because she saw Qiao Wan doing it...
The young man stumbled to his feet, gasping for breath. He swung his sword and knocked the highly sought-after healing pill off the platform, saying, "Take it, I won't accept your charity."
Mu Xiaoxiao couldn't help but take two steps forward and said, "Han... taoist friend?"
There was silence in the arena.
The healing pill was left in front of everyone, but nobody made any move to pick it up.
With different expressions on their faces, they looked down at Mu Xiaoxiao . Seeing that everyone below was eager, she stood still in shock, gripping her fingers tightly.
She only wanted to do it because she saw Martial Sister Qiao Wan doing it.
Mu Xiaoxiao did have the intention to imitate Qiao Wan , but she didn't expect this outcome.
Clearly, when Qiao Wan did it, these people all smiled and accepted it.
As Qiao Wan thought about it, she felt even more unhappy. Tears couldn't help but fall down as she stammered, "I...I didn't mean anything by it. I just saw how hard you were working, Daoist Friend Han, and I thought of giving you this bottle of nourishing elixir."
"If you really want to give it to me, then don't come here and meddle. Stop your tears," sneered Han Song. "I don't care for your pity."
The young man leaned on his sword and limped away.
Han Song didn't buy it, and Mu Xiaoxiao's face flushed with anger. Inadvertently, her teary eyes met Qiao Wan below the platform.
Qiao Wan pursed her lips and held onto her sword without saying a word.
Although it did have an effect, she couldn't exactly call it relief. Instead, it felt a bit heavy.
At Buping College.in front of her immediately noticed the subtle change in her expression.
"You're not happy?"
Qiao Wan gently touched the white chess piece in her hand and quietly contemplated for a while. She gave a sincere answer straight from her heart, "I find it pitiful."
When I first read the book, I didn't think much about it. But after reading it again without following the original story, I realized something was not right. Internet novels are essentially meant to help readers relax and relieve stress. So, if the readers are not happy, it means the author is not happy either. In order to make a living, the author weaves a fragile and beautiful illusion.
Without sticking to the original "Immortal Ascending Road," Mu Xiaoxiao has always sought the attention of others and lived under the shackles called "love" from others.
Li Pan didn't ask much and glanced at her, saying in a serious tone, "This is just the first step."
"It's all false when others try to wake her up. Zhou Yan dotes on her too much, which has shaped her character. She doesn't know how to find faults in herself when facing problems, is afraid to take responsibility, doesn't have any major wrongdoing, but is a bit petty."
As the only dedicated "teacher of the people" at Buping College, Li Pan has a precise judgment of people. He calmly made a comment.
"When faced with difficult decisions, she always finds excuses. This kind of girl, no matter how much others advise her, will eventually have to awaken to the truth on her own."
Li Pan : "What expression is that on your face?"
Qiao Wan : "You've gained some insights, haven't you, senior?"
Li Pan : "This elder martial sister of yours might still be unwilling and plotting something."
"If she can't even handle her, then she is not worthy of being the head of the academy."
*
She just wants to be like Qiao Wan .
The young girl clenched her fingers. Why couldn't she do what Qiao Wan could? Clearly, she was just a substitute for her.
After Han Song stumbled, during the climbing competition that followed, Mu Xiaoxiao didn't utter another word, whether it was because she had come to a realization or something else. She sat on the ground, tending to her injuries quietly.
There can't be deep hatreds without reason in this world.
The young girl was fragile, with long hair like satin that was messy and scattered on her cheeks. Her face was dusty and had some blood stains. She clenched her teeth and silently wrapped herself up, looking disheveled yet pitiful. Some Kunshan children couldn't help but feel a little sympathetic.
Having just stepped down from the stage, she wiped the sweat off her face and looked in this direction. Du Fannie sneered, "This place is crowded. If you want to climb the tower, you have to pass through here. Not many people have strong skills, but the place is cunningly chosen."
Her hidden intention was exposed. Mu Xiaoxiao tightly bit her lip and tears welled up in her eyes. "I have no grievances with my younger martial sister. Why does she keep targeting me?"
As the two confronted each other, more and more people gathered around them. Some tried to stay out of it, some were annoyed by Mu Xiaoxiao's behavior, but there were others who were more thoughtful.
These outer disciples were all experienced and seasoned.
Mu Xiaoxiao ran to the White Tower without thinking, showing her naivety. It's easy to deceive someone who is naive. If she could establish a good relationship with Mu Xiaoxiao, Yuqing Spiritual Master wouldn't mind, and they might even become close friends within the inner sect.
Immediately, an outer sect disciple held back Du Fannie's sword and said, "Taoist Friend Du, you've gone a bit too far with your words."
"Yes, after all, anyone can go to the White Tower. I don't think Taoist Friend Mu has thought that much about it."
"I don't think Taoist Friend Mu has thought that much about it either."
Du Fannie's face immediately turned as dark as a pot. "Didn't think that much about it? If it's not foolish, then it's malicious."
Mu Xiaoxiao said, "Xiaoxiao doesn't know what made younger martial sister so angry. If Xiaoxiao was wrong, I apologize to younger martial sister and ask her not to continue this confrontation."
The young girl respectfully bowed, and her slightly reddened blood seeped through the bandages, making her look even more like a helpless and scared hamster.
[Buping College]
"What's your next step?"
Qiao Wan thought quietly for a moment, "Without realizing it, the outer disciples and inner disciples have formed two distinct groups. Once a group is formed, it becomes influenced by this collective mindset without even realizing it."
In fact, this conflict between Mu Xiaoxiao and the White Tower disciples can be seen as a class conflict. "Please continue."
Qiao Wan paused briefly and continued speaking fluently, "Under the influence of this collective mindset, people often behave in extreme ways in pursuit of collective 'honor'."
"Group?" Li Pan pondered for a moment, glancing at her with a hint of surprise, "That's an interesting idea."
In the end, he added, "But if no one steps forward to guide them, I'm afraid no one will dare to take that step."
The "young man" in front sat upright, his composure calm.
He understood instantly and could even come up with new and interesting insights.
Even Li Pan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow with curiosity. Qiao Wan, how did she manage to raise herself in the absence of Zhou Yan's interest?
Those who can see through it know that it's not actually her.
But Li Pan was right. In order to intensify this conflict, there needs to be someone who stirs up trouble from the inside. With the influence of the inner circle, no one would be willing to easily become the target.
And her.
Qiao Wan scratched her head. She didn't want to provoke the dispute between the inner disciples and the outer disciples for now.
"You don't seem to plan on doing so," Li Pan said, as he casually touched the black chess piece in his hand. "If you're unwilling, let me teach you another move."
"To attack someone's weaknesses, while preserving their strengths."
As soon as he finished speaking, the black chess piece on the board quickly captured three of the white pieces, ferociously.
Attacking someone's weaknesses, while preserving their strengths?
Qiao Wan pondered silently.
Li Pan said, "You know what to do."
After a moment of hesitation, Qiao Wan replied, "One sentence is enough."
To resolve Mu Xiaoxiao's devious intentions, just one sentence is enough.
In Kunshan, Du Fannie's expression turned dark.
Maybe the men can't see through the twists and turns here, or maybe they pretend to be unaware, but it's different for us women.
"Taoist Friend Du, you're being too much!"
"Taoist Friend Mu probably didn't mean it that way, so don't bother with her."
The girl's retreat appeared weak and pitiful, making Du Fannie feel a bit uneasy.
Just then, a cold voice suddenly sounded from above.
Without expression, Qiao Wan held her sword and leapt down from the tree, landing firmly in front of Mu Xiaoxiao.
Mu Xiaoxiao looked up in surprise, took a few hesitant steps back, clearly showing fear. "Qiao... younger martial sister."
The girl took off her wig, exposing her bald head. She looked fierce and scary, with blood dripping from her arm, flowing slowly from her fingertips.
The surroundings fell into complete silence.
It must be said that compared to the brutal scene, Mu Xiaoxiao appeared rather delicate among her fellow disciples in Precept Hall.
Among those present, whether male or female, who hasn't broken an arm or leg? Only the inner disciples are held in such high regard.
Qiao Wan jumped down and said only one sentence: "Taoist Friend Mu, it wouldn't hurt to practice more in the White Tower, so as not to burden the outer disciples in Mudstone Secret Realm as before."
As soon as these words came out, the entire White Tower on Blue Sky Island was in an uproar.
Almost everyone in Kunshan knows about Mu Xiaoxiao secretly entering the secret realm.
But due to the protection shown by the inner disciples, although there is quite a bit of criticism in private, no one dares to openly speak up.
Precept Hall originally agreed to a three-year seclusion, but they soon used the excuse of amnesia to avoid it. Later on, this rule became like an empty shell in order to seek medical help for Mu Xiaoxiao.
This is also the most vulnerable aspect of Mu Xiaoxiao's modest character.
Seven lives were sacrificed without any punishment, serving as stepping stones without consequence.
Mu Xiaoxiao, with a pretty face, turned pale at once. She subconsciously took a few steps forward upon hearing the words, "Younger martial sister...?"
Du Fannie's thoughts quickly changed, and she immediately grinned, "Yes, I was just being careless. Elder Martial Sister Mu, it wouldn't hurt for you to practice more. Those brothers who lost their lives because of you, if they could see from the spirit realm, they would realize that their worthless lives could actually be exchanged for the younger disciples of the inner sect who are eager to improve. I believe they would take it as a consolation."
...
They couldn't shake off the feeling of being targeted.
In the scene, the outer sect disciples, whose lives meant nothing, felt a pain in their knees one after another.
Indeed, everyone was well aware of the final outcome of this sentence. It surely hit the sore spot of the White Tower disciples. The lives of the outer sect disciples were cheap. Even those who managed to sneak into the hidden sect only ended up with a poor fate after death. Let alone the hidden sect disciples, let's take Qiao Wan, who is standing, and Mu Xiaoxiao, her younger martial sister, they both received a thirty-year heavy sentence.
This is the inner gate, this is the noble family, do they not understand in their hearts? These people know very well that the ones below are like sacrificial animals, such as pigs, dogs, cows, and sheep. Sacrificing a few is not a big deal, as long as it doesn't cause too much trouble. They just turn a blind eye.
They want to take advantage of Mu Xiaoxiao , climb up the inner gate, but they don't realize their own capabilities.
"Farewell. Some people can provoke, others are cherished. One wrong move, and we all have to pay the price."
*
The slender fingertips unfolded the narrow strip of paper in frontwith dark hair and a golden ring. He folded the paper back, and a slight flicker appeared in his smiling eyes.
An attendant in white immediately sensed something was wrong and asked, "Young master?"
"My soon-to-be wife."
Xiao Huan helplessly relayed the message that was handed to him, he sighed and spoke with affection, "She's unbelievably foolish, just like my younger brother. It's like they were made for each other."
Upon hearing this, the guard in white was a bit confused and asked, "Young master, what do you mean by that?"
"One's strengths should not be destroyed by focusing only on their weaknesses. People are bound to make mistakes, and when they do, they should be held accountable for their actions. The protection of the spiritual master, in this case, has harmed my wife who is not yet officially part of the family."
Xiao Huan laughed and said, "My friend, you've been with me for so long, why haven't you improved? Besides, if our Xiao family members were not here, whether she goes to the White Tower or not would be seen as a matter concerning Kunshan. But if she goes, it puts our Xiao family in a difficult position."
Xiao Huan casually smiled and asked, "Did our Xiao family mistreat her?"
"Should I marry my beloved Jiaojiao just to have a memorial tablet placed in our home and burn incense three times a day? In that case, it would be better if I actually married a memorial tablet."
"At the very least, marrying a memorial tablet," Xiao Huan chuckled, tapping his forehead, "won't give me any more trouble."
