Chapter 265: Her good friend!
As it turned out, the sect's integrity could still be compromised further.
The Head of the Meizong sect smiled enchantingly, "The love between a man and a woman is aligned with the principles of the heavens and the earth. Please accept this small gift, Taoist Friend Qiao."
Following that, the second, third, and fourth sedan chairs also opened.
Each sedan chair was occupied by a beautiful young man, each with their own grace and charm. There were those with a cold and domineering demeanor, those with a gentle and refined appearance, those with a clear and ethereal aura, and even a proud and charming Jiaojiao. There was even a handsome mature man.
As the sedan curtain opened, everyone present exclaimed, "Are our eyes playing tricks on us?!" (⊙⊙)
Qiao Wan swallowed nervously and stammered, "Are...are all these for me?"
As they spoke, her face couldn't help but turn red.
Yes!! She can do it!
She wants to! She can totally do it!!
Which sexy female college student hasn't had dreams of having countless handsome men in her harem? Even Qiao Wan admits she is a die-hard fan of good-looking guys.
It felt just like a little butterfly, Qiao Wan was like in a dream, with a bright red face, she thought, making it impossible for her to refuse.
Even if she can't win over Venerable One Miaofa, it wouldn't be bad to enjoy the nightlife.
So, everyone watched in confusion and astonishment as the composed-faced Qiao Wan, her eyes immediately met with the handsome boy in the sedan, and her face turned a strange shade of red.
Xiao Boyang was shocked: "Qiao Wan, can't you be a little bit more aware? Is this an appropriate occasion to blush?! Hall Master Ma, Venerable One Miaofa, Select Leader Gongsun are all staring at you!"
Qiao Wan gulped and honestly thought, but she really couldn't refuse!!
Xiao Boyang chuckled: Beauty, causing someone to betray their own soul and spiral into the depths of evil.
Under the gaze of Headmaster Huli, who had a look of "I understand everything," Qiao Wan's face grew hotter and hotter, to the point where her head felt like it was about to emit white smoke. Just then, Venerable One Miaofa glanced sideways, their phoenix-like eyes emitting a faint cold light.
The meaning in those eyes clearly said, "If you dare accept one, I will crush you with an uninterrupted blow of light."
Qiao Wan immediately shivered.
She almost forgot that Venerable One Miaofa was still present!
Instantly, her mind became clear and free of desires.
No, although she really wanted it, the pressure was too great.
Although she was currently secretly in love with Bai ORZ, Venerable One Miaofa, to some extent, really seemed like her father. After all, she said "My heart is set on the bright moon," but the moon only wanted to focus on her studies ORZ.
After all, this was not the right occasion. Qiao Wan reluctantly looked at the handsome boys in the sedan and painfully said to Headmaster Huli, "T-Thank you, Headmaster, for your kindness, but I am currently not interested in this..."
Lady Hu Li smiled and said, "But, Taoist Friend Qiao, you don't seem to think so."
However, with a glance, she caught sight of Venerable One who had already looked away and continued talking with Select Leader Gongsun in the Grand Hall of Light.
Lady Hu Li was very observant and immediately noticed the importance Venerable One placed on Qiao Wan. Since she was valued by Venerable One Miaofa, she wouldn't dare to be too presumptuous. She could only stop at a certain point and retreat. In the midst of Qiao Wan's struggling gaze, Lady Hu Li instructed the disciples of the Meizong to carry the more than ten sedan chairs back.
With that, the gift-giving from the Meizong came to an end and the banquet continued, lasting until late at night before everyone dispersed.
Before leaving, Meng Canglang suddenly felt uneasy and stood up, offering to accompany her back.
Qiao Wan was surprised and couldn't help but instinctively glance in the direction of Venerable One Miaofa.
However, Venerable One was no longer looking at her, seemingly unaware of everything happening here.
Qiao Wan noticed that Meng Canglang wanted to say something to her. She didn't refuse and politely said, "Thank you, Taoist Friend Meng."
Meng Canglang was also taken aback. After spending time with Lu Cixian, he felt awkward and unfamiliar around Qiao Wan.
But as a respectful and considerate young man, he didn't want to say too much and walked out of the palace gates with Qiao Wan by his side.
As they stepped out of the gates, the cool night breeze blew away the intoxication. Qiao Wan looked at Meng Canglang, his cheeks slightly flushed, and suddenly felt a mysterious sense of relief. She couldn't help but smile.
She rarely smiled, but this smile of hers was warm and radiant. Meng Canglang paused for a moment, silently gathering his thoughts, and anxiously tightened his fists. He took a deep breath, feeling nervous.
"Qiao... taoist friend," Meng Canglang stopped walking, and with a solemn expression, he bowed deeply to Qiao Wan. "I want to apologize for what happened before, taoist friend."
"Taoist Friend Meng, we already guessed it was because of this," Qiao Wan pondered over her words and replied solemnly, "Actually, there's no need to worry too much."
Meng Canglang said, "None of us expected that Taoist Friend Lu would actually be a daughter, especially Little Fang. Both Bai Shanhu and I were surprised."
Qiao Wan explained, "Sometimes, the differences between men and women are not so obvious."
Meng Canglang paused for a moment, looking surprised, then glanced at her and agreed with her statement. "Taoist Friend Qiao, you're right."
He hadn't interacted with many female cultivators, and Bai Shanhu was the only elder martial sister he spent a lot of time with.
Even though Qingshan Lake is also a female cultivator, Meng Canglang paused for a moment, "Because she is a female cultivator, she has received a fair amount of scorn and disdain, despite being on par with me, Taoist Friend Lu, and Taoist Friend Xie. Although we privately criticize others' behavior as unbecoming of a gentleman, from my perspective, among the four of us, Taoist Friend Lu is undoubtedly the best, Qingshan Lake comes second, and Taoist Friend Xie is third. Qingshan Lake's excellence is on par with any male cultivator."
"What I mean by saying this," Meng Canglang paused and looked at Qiao Wan seriously, "Taoist Friend Qiao, it applies to you as well."
Even Qiao Wan felt a little embarrassed by such straightforward praise and could only nod with a blush, saying earnestly, "I understand what Taoist Friend Meng means."
"To be honest, I apologize for the moment when I saw you, Taoist Friend, at the banquet," the young man's face also turned red, "Me and Little Fang, like everyone else, were a bit incredulous and distracted."
The desire for beauty is inherent in everyone, it has nothing to do with admiration, it's simply pure appreciation.
Everyone's attitude towards Taoist Friend Qiao has become somewhat unfamiliar compared to before. But it's not because they are distant from Taoist Friend Qiao, it's just that they haven't quite adjusted to Taoist Friend Lu suddenly becoming a "not fond of praising others," Meng Canglang with a much softer voice, and turning into a beautiful young lady.
Actually, in our opinion, to Little Fang, Qi Junior Brother, Shan Lake, and to us, Taoist Friend Qiao is still our friend, the friend who fought by our side.
Taoist Friend Qiao, perhaps you don't know, but Little Fang really likes you.
I also really like you.
We all feel that you, Taoist Friend, are somewhat different. The night is a bit dark, making it hard to see the expression on Meng Canglang's face, but we can hear the calmness and gentleness in the young voice.
Taoist Friend Qiao, you are the most resilient person Meng Canglang has ever met in his life. He can't explain the feeling, but he senses a certain power in you. Even if the journey ahead is difficult, the power in you remains strong and vibrant, like... Meng Canglang pondered for a moment, "like a lamp that never loses its way as long as it follows you."
"I'm sorry for saying so much. Meng Canglang may have gotten carried away, but what he means is that you look beautiful today. Many people admire your appearance, but to us, your exceptional qualities go beyond looks. They are the most beautiful thing in the world."
Qiao Wan also felt a bit lost in thought, and her eyes seemed to well up with tears.
I have heard that Taoist Friend Qiao was not well-liked among the disciples in the sect. However, I believe that it's just a matter of time. Just like now, one day, the whole cultivation world will be captivated by Taoist Friend's elegance.
Finally, the young man raised his eyes, with a determined look. "I am one of those who are captivated by Taoist Friend's elegance. I want to say that both Lu Cixian and Qiao Wan are good friends of Meng Canglang."
Blinking back tears, Qiao Wan spoke slowly and confidently, looking directly at Meng Canglang. "Taoist Friend Meng is also my good friend."
The young man chuckled lightly, then quickly cleared his throat. He straightened his back and awkwardly averted his gaze. "It's getting late. I apologize for taking up so much of Taoist Friend's time with my sudden words."
"Let me accompany Taoist Friend back to the cave."
On their way, Qiao Wan and Meng Canglang didn't say a word, but they seemed like good friends who had known each other for many years. The atmosphere gradually became natural and familiar.
Because they were wary of their gender differences, when they arrived at the entrance of the cave, Meng Canglang didn't go inside. He awkwardly explained that the gifts they had all sent were inside the cave, as a way of making up for their previous incident at the hot spring where they had held Qiao Wan underwater.
After returning to the cave, Qiao Wan indeed saw the gift that Meng Canglang had mentioned. It was a box full of various kinds of bows!
On top of the box, there was a note with Meng Canglang's signature. "Martial Brother Qi collected all the different styles available in the market. Taoist Friend Xie and Little Fang personally went to the Eight Treasures Pavilion to select them. Finally, Shanhu and I chose and packed them up ourselves. We hope you, my taoist friend, will like it."
Qiao Wan's face turned red, tears fell uncontrollably, but she couldn't help but feel excited and joyful. In the end, she couldn't help but cover her face and laugh.
Her good friend!
Even Meng Guangze couldn't help but get infected by her excitement and asked with a smile, "What's making my dear Little Wan so happy?" Hmm?"
Blushing, Qiao Wan extended her hand and gestured in the air, saying, "Gan Nan, Master Cen, Meng Canglang, Little Fang, Martial Brother Qi, Bai Shanhu, elder martial sister, Ruyi, Yu Xingzhi, Xie Xingzhi..."
"They are all my friends!"
She was so happy! She didn't have any friends before, but now she had so many! Good friends!!
Thinking about this, Qiao Wan immediately rushed to the table and planned to write a reply. But as soon as she sat down, she noticed something on the table.
It was actually another letter, with a bowl of hangover soup placed on top.
She opened it and saw neat and stern handwriting.
"The fading waves and remaining sunlight. The fleeting world, ever-changing. I hope that you will hold onto a righteous heart, diligently cultivate yourself, and never slack off. One day, you will surely transcend the mortal realm and break free from troubles.
Drinking harms one's body, so please rest early after drinking this bowl of hangover soup."
Maybe realizing that her words were too gentle and indulgent, the handwriting on the letter suddenly became sharp and firm, saying, "If there is a next time, I will not be lenient."