Chapter 22: Unexpected

"Is this real or fake?" Wei Yuning was utterly shocked.

Even on technologically advanced Earth, he recalled that holographic projection technology only began to appear after 2010, yet in this strange, technologically barren world, a Foundation Establishment disciple could actually achieve similar effects through sorcery.

He reached out to touch the fallen petals, his hand passing through them effortlessly with no resistance.

"Of course it's fake; this is our sect's illusion art. Though Fengwu girl's other talents are ordinary, among the new generation disciples her aptitude for illusion arts is first-rate. Still, illusion arts are just illusion—mere flashy emptiness! Of course, to those who can't see through it, there's no difference from the real thing." Yunyan Fairy had always paid attention to Wei Yuning; his offhand sigh made her gladly explain further.

Wei Yuning opened his mouth, hesitated, then swallowed what he wanted to say.

"Fengwu girl is pretty, right? Her talents are good too—interested? I can set you up!" Yunyan Fairy said again.

"Thank you for your concern, senior, but I currently have no plans to take a spiritual companion." Speaking close to Yunyan Fairy, he could smell a fragrant orchid-like scent from her lips and teeth, making him feel a bit uneasy.

"Even if you don't become spiritual companions, you can still be friends—you're the futures of both sects, and you'll have plenty of chances to interact. Besides, if you don't want to be her spiritual companion, this marriage alliance will likely leave Fengwu girl empty-handed!" Yunyan Fairy said matter-of-factly, as if it were the most natural thing.

Wei Yuning was startled. He glanced around and saw that aside from Qiu'e female cultivator slightly tilting her head, everyone else was intently watching Fengwu's pre-match performance on stage, especially the Cloud Hidden Sect disciples, who shouted and yelled, faces flushed, as if they were labor camp inmates who hadn't seen a woman in three years. He also glanced at Steward Hongzhi, whose face turned ashen and whose beard-stroking motion froze.

"I haven't heard about Senior Brother Qingcong..." Wei Yuning whispered.

"I know what you're talking about are just rumors; in fact, the Azure Phoenix Sect hasn't taken anything from your sect without compensation—we've given equivalent exchanges. As for the little gifts between pursuers and pursued, that's a voluntary matter I can't interfere with. In my view, that disciple isn't a good match for Fengwu Fairy; actually, among your sect's disciples, I only favor you." Yunyan Fairy cut off Wei Yuning's words, adding, "Moreover, I can make decisions for the ladies of our sect—you can take a liking to any one of them, and I'll agree!"

The surroundings were too noisy for their conversation to be overheard, but the last sentence still struck Wei Yuning like a thunderbolt; Yunyan Fairy seemed to transform into an old madam with a fan and a mole, hawking the girls of the brothel. Yet what shocked him most was her attitude—how could he possibly have earned the notice of this Azure Phoenix Sect senior?

Given Yunyan Fairy's stature, he certainly wouldn't think she was joking, but sadly he currently lacks the energy to consider spiritual companion matters.

Finding a way back to Earth remains his top priority; although this place is wondrous, it lacks a sense of belonging, he shares no common language with its people, and it lacks the bustling industrial-commercial civilization and convenient lifestyle.

Still, though he thought that, his self-destructive streak suddenly flared up again; of course he was confident they'd reject his request, and they certainly never imagined he'd make such a demand.

"I want to become dao partners with Qiu'e girl!" Wei Yuning said solemnly.

"What?" Yunyan Fairy could hardly believe her ears, asking again, "You mean Qiu'e?"

"Yes, what's the problem? Didn't you say any girl would do?" Wei Yuning confirmed, while also glancing at the equally stunned Qiu'e female cultivator beside him.

Seeing Yunyan Fairy's surprised reaction, he guessed the matter was impossible, and inwardly gloated. According to his guess, Qiu'e's status was certainly not ordinary, and he didn't believe she could decide for Qiu'e.

"Haha, how could I disagree? I agree—100%, 1000%! Qiu'e girl, I've always worried about your lifelong affair; wow, great, great!" Yunyan Fairy lost all her enchanting-fairy airs, clucking like a hen that just laid an egg; Wei Yuning saw no hint of difficulty in her eyes.

"Could I have guessed wrong?" Wei Yuning went dumb.

Qiu'e female cultivator was equally stunned, looking at Yunyan then at Wei Yuning, her lips trembling. Wei Yuning kept blinking at her, signaling he meant no harm, unsure if she understood.

"Qiu'e girl, look how happy you are—remember, young ladies should be reserved. It's no wonder you're like this; I didn't expect you to have joined the Azure Phoenix Sect for so short a time, yet your fortune is excellent: your cultivation has advanced greatly and your love life is smooth, and I'm truly delighted for you!" Yunyan Fairy, apparently misreading Qiu'e female cultivator's expression, said with a kind face.

Qiu'e female cultivator's face shifted repeatedly, then she sighed and said, "Yunyan Aunt, I agree—I'm willing to become spiritual partners with this Young Master Wei Yuning of the Cloud Hidden Sect."

Wei Yuning didn't know whether to be happy or to refuse; Qiu'e female cultivator's immortal beauty hidden beneath an ordinary appearance was something he had never seen before.

"But... do I really need another bond in this world?"

However, his words having been spoken and the other party nodding in agreement, this could only become a settled fact—even Steward Hongzhi would lack a reasonable excuse to break them apart.

On stage, Fengwu Fairy had finished her opening act, now closing her eyes to regulate her breath, preparing a magical attack.

Her weapon was distinctive: a jade phoenix hairpin inserted into her bun, slightly thicker and longer than an ordinary hairpin, like a pocket precious sword. Fengwu raised the hairpin with her right hand, pointing it at the wooden dummy.

After a few breaths, a cluster of blossoms suddenly appeared, enveloping Fengwu Fairy within several meters; these petals were no longer the earlier peach blossoms but had turned into a gold-and-red mixed flower unknown to Wei Yuning, complementing her red-bottomed, gold-embroidered loose dress, enhancing her graceful bearing and making it hard to pinpoint her exact position.

"Ding ding ding..." a rapid attack sound rang out.

Though made of jade stone, the hairpin emitted a clear, metallic ring.

In less than a quarter of a breath, the storm-like assault ended, the petals fell away, and Fengwu stood poised on stage with a heroic air, utterly unlike the charming, willow-swaying girl from moments before.

"Good, not bad—score reaches the divine tier, a bit higher than Qinge's attack. Divine Bird Nine Strikes, condensing a hundred techniques into one—surely one of the Azure Phoenix Sect's signature arts. Combined with Fengwu girl's Flower Rain Body Technique, it's unstoppable; for now the score is temporarily first. Yunyan Junior Sister, don't you think I'm right? Haha!" Steward Hongzhi spoke plainly, indifferent to Fengwu surpassing the Cloud Hidden Sect disciples, showing his broad-mindedness.

"Senior Brother's words are spot-on, the explanation was wonderful, though you praised a bit too much!" Yunyan Fairy replied with a smiling tone, nodding in thanks.

"He clearly attacked many times—why call it 'Divine Bird Nine Strikes'?" Wei Yuning muttered to himself.

"Nine is the ultimate number, representing an extreme quantity; Divine Bird Nine Strikes isn't just nine attacks—it's about delivering as many strikes as possible in the shortest time, which is the essence of the technique!" Qiu'e glanced at Wei Yuning and said flatly.

"Wife, you've taught me well!" Wei Yuning felt his self-destructive trait maxed out.