Chapter 144: Can't a Nun Experience the First Stirrings of Love and Talk About Romance

"..."

"Full Hall Drunken Guests, One Sword Frost Cold!"

At the Sacrificial Saint Altar, on the plaza.

After obtaining Wei Youqing's nod, Pi Yalu immediately returned to her original position and then began to read aloud.

Hearing this line, everyone present felt a jolt, and goosebumps rose on their backs! Full Hall Drunken Guests.

What chivalry the protagonist possesses.

One Sword Frost Cold!

What heroism and dominance this is! And before the crowd could recover from the shock of this poem.

Next, the sounds that spilled from Pi Yalu's mouth left the crowd thoroughly astonished, unable to regain their senses for a long time.

"Drums and Horns, Wind and Waves."

"Lingyun Ambition, Ten Thousand Household Marquis?"

Wei Youqing felt a start in her heart.

This poem... is superb! It can absolutely be passed down for a thousand years and endure without ceasing.

She could not help but put away her contempt and felt ashamed of her arrogance just moments ago.

Her gaze also subconsciously turned toward the eyes of the Literary Saint statue.

"Look, the Literary Saint has opened both eyes!"

At this moment, someone let out an exclamation.

To be specific, there is a set of conventional rules for the descent of Literary Qi.

The Literary Saint opening their eyes is the prerequisite for the descent of Literary Qi.

After that, it depends on the color of the Literary Qi.

And there is an essential difference between opening one eye and opening both eyes.

Like Pi Yalu, it was five-colored Literary Qi from a single eye.

As for Wei Youqing, she had both eyes open, but the right eye showed favor without producing Literary Qi, while the left eye had seven-colored Literary Qi.

On the path of Confucian cultivation, Wei Youqing is naturally a bit smoother.

And if both eyes had seven-colored Literary Qi, that would almost certainly be the new generation's Literary Saint!

But since the fall of the previous generation's Literary Saint, until now, the only person who has obtained the Literary Saint's recognition is that lingering Master on Houji Mountain, who once achieved seven colors in the left eye and six in the right.

Of course.

This is not absolute.

Even for ordinary Confucian cultivators who do not follow the path of Literary Qi protection, there are precedents for reaching the realm of a Supreme Saint.

"The Literary Saint has opened both eyes; is another great talent about to emerge?"

"I wonder who wrote this poem for Young Lady Pi; to not even attend in person, how arrogant!"

"That is the confidence of the arrogant!"

"It is too early to say; let us see exactly how many colors of Literary Qi there are!"

"That makes sense; after all, there are plenty of people who have received the Literary Saint's favor but failed to obtain the protection of Literary Qi!"

"..."

The crowd suddenly became boisterous.

Even the Disciples of Jixia Academy, such as Wei Youqing and Qi Yulou, were staring intently at the Literary Saint's eyes, waiting for the birth of the subsequent Literary Qi.

"It's coming out, it's coming out!"

"The left eye... heavens, seven colors!"

"It is seven colors!"

"The right eye has also produced it!"

"The right eye... one, two, three... my god, is it also seven colors?"

"No way, I heard that even the Master of Jixia Academy, the current Confucian Saint, only had seven on the right and six on the left; today, in my Yonghang territory, seven colors in both eyes have actually been born?"

"Who exactly is this person, why can they receive such affection from the Literary Saint, and what great talent do they possess!"

"With seven-colored Literary Qi descending on both eyes, this person's path in Confucian cultivation is limitless!"

"..."

Boom! For a time, the entire area around the Sacrificial Saint Altar was shocked beyond measure by this sudden scene.

Countless people ran to tell each other.

Even the onlookers on the outermost perimeter and the small vendors all crowded toward the center of the lake, wanting to catch a glimpse of this magnificent sight.

Wei Youqing stared with wide, terrified eyes.

Pi Yalu was also filled with disbelief.

Seven-colored Literary Qi in both eyes.

This does not mean that this poem is the best in the world, only that the person who wrote this poem, namely Ning Mu, had his talent recognized by the Literary Saint.

Of course, a good poem capable of triggering the descent of Literary Qi is also indispensable.

It is just like a stepping stone.

As the seven-colored Literary Qi gathered in the sky, it seemed to be searching for something, circling in the sky for a while before appearing to lose its target.

However, the people present were not worried.

The next moment.

The seven-colored Literary Qi seemed to discern a direction, and then, like a wisp of smoke, it suddenly flew off toward the southeast.

"It's the southeast!"

"I wonder who that fellow really is; I truly wish to see his demeanor!"

"..."

Watching the double seven-colored Literary Qi identify the direction and head toward the location of the poem's author, the crowd erupted in earth-shattering cheers once again.

And Wei Youqing also reacted.

She hurried to Pi Yalu and asked, "Yalu, who is this person, and where are they now?"

Pi Yalu snapped out of her shock and hurriedly told Wei Youqing everything she knew about Ning Mu.

At this moment, the shock in Pi Yalu's heart could not be increased any further.

She had thought Ning Mu's talent was extraordinary, but she had not expected it to be so peerless and transcendent!

Double seven-colored Literary Qi—if he primarily cultivates the Confucian Dao, he will surely become a Literary Saint in this lifetime! If the Master of Houji Mountain knew, he would likely entrust the entire inheritance of the literary world to him! Pi Yalu could not help but feel complex and indescribably shocked.

After obtaining all the information about Ning Mu from Pi Yalu's mouth, Wei Youqing immediately turned around and looked at Qi Yulou and the other Disciples of the Jixia Academy.

"Fellow disciples, I leave the matters here to you. I must pursue this seven-colored Literary Qi, find this person, and bring them into the Academy!"

"Kaifeng, you shall act as the person in charge in my stead!"

Wei Youqing looked at the oldest person among this group of Disciples, Guo Kaifeng.

He was the Senior Brother of the Jixia Academy, possessed the highest Cultivation Points, and was the most worldly-wise.

Guo Kaifeng immediately cupped his hands and replied, "Junior Uncle, rest assured, I will handle everything properly!"

Wei Youqing nodded, then flew up and headed toward the southeast.

"Senior Brother, Junior Uncle is already the Master's designated successor to the literary world. Although there is no written decree, it is already tacitly understood. Now that this double seven-colored Literary Qi has appeared, why does she want to bring them back to the Academy instead of finding a way to resolve it?"

At this time, a slightly younger-looking Disciple in the group asked a question out of confusion.

With Ning Mu's talent, protected by the Literary Saint's double seven-colored Literary Qi, as long as he joins the Academy or focuses on the path of Confucian cultivation, he will surely surpass Wei Youqing one day.

His future will be limitless.

And Wei Youqing, as the Master's closing Disciple, is the recognized candidate for the literary inheritance.

If Ning Mu did not appear, her inheritance of the literary world would be a certainty.

Now that a Ning Mu with double seven-colored Literary Qi has suddenly appeared, wouldn't the most rational course of action be to nip him in the bud? Even if she were kind-hearted, she wouldn't take the initiative to bring him into the Academy, would she?

Isn't this just finding a competitor for herself!

And a competitor with a high chance of winning, against whom she has no hope.

A normal person wouldn't do this, right?

The young Disciple was puzzled.

Guo Kaifeng shook his head, smiled slightly, and said with a hint of worry in his voice, "Junior Brother, you are thinking too simply!"

"The Literary Saint's aura here—the Master in Houji Mountain must have sensed it. This is a great talent of the current age; naturally, we cannot let him slip away!"

"Moreover, Junior Uncle Wei has never been the type to be jealous of talent. To put it mildly, such a great talent must be brought into our fold!"

"To put it broadly, for the sake of the literary world and the national destiny of Qi, one must set aside personal grievances!"

"After all, double seven-colored Literary Qi... if the Literary Saint statue here hasn't malfunctioned, this is a talent encountered once in a millennium. To nip such a great talent in the bud would invite heavenly condemnation!"

Guo Kaifeng's gaze turned toward the Literary Saint statue.

At the same time.

The capital of Great Qi, Linzi.

Jixia Academy.

Houji Mountain.

On the mountain peak, there was a study.

Outside the study was a flat area, surrounded by a vegetable garden, where lush, tender green vegetables were growing.

From time to time, a few chickens pecked for food in the garden.

An ancient pine with strong roots and lush leaves stood on the left side of the house, and under the tree was a chessboard with an unfinished game.

At this moment, two people were playing chess on either side of the board.

A man and a woman.

The man exuded a rich scholarly aura, had white hair and a youthful face, was dressed in gray robes, his beard fluttering in the wind, and he had a rather immortal air about him. His sword-like eyes were clear and penetrating, showing no signs of the cloudiness of old age.

The woman was young and beautiful, her actual age impossible to tell. She wore a brocade palace gown and a phoenix hairpin. Her skin was delicate and fair, and her figure still showed her charm beneath the gown.

She was holding a piece, yet to place it, her long, narrow phoenix eyes full of majesty staring at the chessboard, revealing a look of contemplation.

The old man with white hair and a youthful face was not in a hurry, wearing a faint smile, blowing the mountain breeze while quietly stroking his beard.

From where the two were playing, one could clearly see the clouds swirling below the mountain; this place was like a fairyland.

Suddenly.

The black piece in the woman's hand shattered, and she suddenly raised her head to look at the old man opposite, a flash of shock passing through her phoenix eyes.

The old man was equally startled; he stood up with his hands behind his back, his gaze burning as he stared to the south.

"How many years has it been since such a talent appeared!"

"One thousand two hundred years before me, and I fear it has been over nine hundred years since me!"

"Over two thousand years... and only now has a person with double seven-colored Literary Qi appeared. Should we foster them, or nip them in the bud?"

"If they cannot be used by me, what does it matter how strong their talent is?"

"Master, what is the future national destiny of our Great Qi?"

The woman in the palace gown stood up and stood side-by-side with the old man. After a few sentences, she suddenly said something unrelated.

"Grand Princess, there is no need to worry. This child shall be a pillar of our Confucian Dao. If they can become a Saint, they can protect our Great Qi for another thousand years without falling! Grand Princess may inform His Majesty that the campaign against North Wolf can be put on the agenda. The Academy will dispatch capable Disciples to assist, but we must be wary of Southern Chu causing trouble!" The old man said to the Grand Princess, his hands hidden in his sleeves behind his back slightly clenched.

This woman was the paternal aunt of the current Emperor of the Great Qi royal family. She presided over the royal house and rarely asked about worldly affairs; many in the world did not even know of her existence.

As for the old man, he is the master of the Jixia Academy on Houji Mountain, the current Confucian Saint of Great Qi, and the Master who has protected Qi for over nine hundred years! The two of them can be said to be the top combat powers in the entire Great Qi.

"Grand Princess, please make yourself at home. This old man must write a letter to my disciple, telling her she must find this person!"

Suddenly.

The Master flicked his sleeve, issuing an order to leave, and then returned to the study to write a letter to Wei Youqing.

At the same time.

Xima Mountain, Ningyang Stronghold.

The backyard.

In Liuli's room.

"Shitai, be gentle. Why don't you use some Buddha saliva to apply it? It would be much smoother if you do it repeatedly like that."

Ning Mu lay on his back on Liuli's couch, his hands pillowing his head, leisurely admiring the shy and moving appearance of Liuli Shitai.

At this moment.

Liuli Shitai was currently performing the Jade Buddha Hand dragon-capturing technique. Hearing Ning Mu's brazen words, Liuli's face instantly flushed red. She gave a soft snort, rolled her eyes at him, and then, too lazy to pay him any mind, pursed her lips and busied herself.

As for the massage.

This was also a type of massage, after all.

Seeing Ning Mu's look of enjoyment, Liuli frowned deeply, feeling a surge of anger, yet she was helpless.

Ning Mu, meanwhile, took this opportunity to open the system task distribution interface once again.

【Do you wish to issue the following tasks to the Number One Sub-System?】

"Issue!"

【Task One: Do you feel that life on the mountain is very dull and boring? Then let's find some fun!】

【Task Details: Choose one from the following three options!】

【Option One: Proactively invite your Binding Companion Ning Mu to the balcony railing on the second floor of the Ningyang Stronghold main hall while at least one hundred people are training in the drill ground. Lean against the railing and look out, and let Ning Mu engage with you from behind in a tail-joining manner until Ning Mu is satisfied! Complete the task to receive 2000 cultivation points and 200 Heroic Couple Points!】

【Option Two: Invite your Binding Companion Ning Mu to a hidden patch of grass near the reclaimed land in the back mountain and share a moment of passion with him. Complete the task to receive 2000 cultivation points and 200 Heroic Couple Points!】

【Option Three: Proactively invite your Binding Companion Ning Mu to inspect the production of the stronghold residents together. While wearing the Black Xuan Sand Silk Lace Garment or the Heavenly Silkworm Black Ice Silk Stockings, maintain the Empty Gap State and allow Ning Mu to tease you; you must not refuse during the process. Complete the task to receive 2000 cultivation points and 200 Heroic Couple Points!】

【Task Two: Coerce Yang Yanqiu, the Saint Mother of the Demon Sect's Sun Moon Divine Sect, and order her to become a slave and servant. Have her sign and press her thumbprint to become the private slave of your Binding Companion Ning Mu. You may use the efficacy of the 'Spirit Restoring Pill' to entice her to agree. If she refuses, abolish her cultivation entirely and keep her in captivity. Once she agrees, secretly control her to gradually dismantle or absorb the Sun Moon Divine Sect, or even take control of the Sun Moon Divine Sect! Completing this task will grant 5000 cultivation points and 500 Heroic Couple Points!】

【Task Three: Purchase the item 'Fine Corn Seeds' at the Couple Black Market, then cultivate them and teach the stronghold residents how to plant them! Completing the task will reward 1000 cultivation points and 100 Heroic Couple Points!】

At this moment.

On the small path leading to Ningyang Stronghold.

From the main gate of Ningyang Stronghold down the mountain, the path that was originally covered in thorns had now been gradually cleared into a road about one zhang wide.

However, the distance was not very far, having only extended about ten-plus miles.

And at the end of that zhang-wide road.

One could see Liu Qingmei lifting a giant rock taller than a person and throwing it into the mountain hollow nearby.

Her expression was calm, without a ripple.

Besides her, there were several Action Team Disciples present.

"I really admire our Young Master—no, our Stronghold Master—for actually letting such a delicate lady as the Madam run over here to clear the road and do hard labor?"

One of the female disciples used her internal energy to flatten a mound of dirt in front of her with one palm.

A significant amount of the splashed dirt and dust flew toward her face. She wiped it messily, and mixed with sweat, her fair little face instantly became dirty.

Watching Liu Qingmei in the distance lifting a giant rock with both hands as if walking on flat ground and throwing it away with ease, the female disciple couldn't help but complain in a low voice.

"What, regretting following us here now?" A male disciple beside her smiled, wiped his sweat, and then swung the precious sword in his hand to clear away the weeds one by one.

While swinging his sword, he said with a smile: "I actually prefer it this way. Who says martial artists have to be high and mighty?"

"Besides, the Stronghold Master is right. If this road isn't open, our stronghold will never develop. Always keeping to ourselves is not a good thing in the end!"

Upon hearing this, the female disciple hurriedly retorted: "I don't regret it. I just think that letting a True Person... come here to clear the road and move rocks is somewhat of a waste of talent, and she's the Madam, too..."

The female disciple fidgeted, feeling that no matter how she looked at it, something was wrong.

A True Person martial artist...

Those are top-tier figures that every faction craves.

Even the royal families of various countries treat them as honored guests.

Such experts, no matter where they are, are people who live in luxury, with countless commoners driven to serve them.

Now, it's the opposite.

Liu Qingmei, a dignified Martial Dao True Person expert, is being arranged to clear mountains and build roads here, doing hard labor.

Smashing a giant rock with one palm—this kind of strength is indeed suitable for this job.

But why does it feel so off?

"Hahaha, this kind of wild imagination—I'm afraid only our Stronghold Master has the courage for it in the whole world!"

Another disciple couldn't help but laugh.

"Laughing my ass off, get to work! We must open up twenty miles of road today, otherwise, no one gets to eat tonight!"

At this time, Liu Qingmei, having thrown down the giant rock, turned her head to look at them, clapped her hands very easily, and said: "This Stronghold Master is doing this of her own volition, what are you all worrying about for nothing!"

She agreed with her husband's point of view.

If you want to be rich, build roads first.

Ningyang Stronghold is destined not to be a territory that just keeps to itself and plays small. With a True Person, a Grandmaster, and even with her husband's talent, he will far surpass her in the future.

With so many top combat powers, there is no need to worry about attracting covetous eyes once the road is open.

If one wants to make a name for oneself in this era of great contention, one must inevitably face the wind and rain.

So when Ning Mu proposed clearing the mountain road, she immediately volunteered.

If they relied solely on those villagers of the Mountain Stronghold, the road wouldn't be finished for years, and besides, they were needed for the farming work.

But she was different.

As a Divine Origin True Person, not to mention her strength, how many of her palms could even the most difficult boulders withstand? Everyone in the Mountain Stronghold was busy.

Ning Mu was no exception; though he appeared leisurely, he still had to formulate various plans.

Tong Yuyue was even more so; she was responsible for the land reclamation, with A Diao, the young wife of Huang Yutang, assisting from the side.

This A Diao was indeed a capable hand when it came to work.

The seasonal timing of heaven and earth, the fertility of the soil, the location of water sources—she could speak expertly on all of it with just a glance.

Therefore, Ning Mu now gradually intended to let A Diao take charge of the agricultural affairs.

Hearing Liu Qingmei's laughing scolding, those disciples of the Action Team all cheered, then immediately began working even harder.

But Liu Qingmei frowned slightly, looking at the new task that had appeared on the light screen before her.

There was nothing to say about the three options for Task One; she was not surprised at all.

After a quick glance, her heart began to race as she made her choice.

It was just that Task Two—to coerce the Saint Mother of the Sun Moon Divine Sect, 'Yang Yanqiu', and take her for one's own use—was something she had completely not expected, and she did not know how to go about it.

'Forget it, I'll ask my husband for his thoughts tonight!'

Liu Qingmei raised her eyebrows and stopped dwelling on it, instead temporarily suppressing her thoughts and casting her gaze toward the small hill not far in front of her, which was a full seven or eight zhang high.

The route had been planned in advance, and this hill had to be leveled.

Otherwise, not only would it take longer to go around, but the road would also be quite steep.

"Hoo! Today's task: take down this little hill!"

And at the same time.

In the Liuli room.

Liuli was kneeling on the couch, her face delicate and beautiful like a mountain flower in full bloom, her eyes shimmering like autumn water filling her sockets.

Her Bodhi Jade Lotus Zen Robe had become wrinkled at some point.

It revealed her shoulders, as delicate and white as mutton-fat jade.

And that half of her full, firm, and round compassion, blooming in anger.

"It's already been nearly half an hour, are you actually capable or not?"

Liuli frowned, her small face flushed red, glaring at Ning Mu in a huff.

Ning Mu raised an eyebrow: "Can you blame me for that? It's been several times already; who told you, Master, not to let me touch you? Why don't you come a little closer?"

Ning Mu smirked, his gaze pointedly directed.

He looked at that milk-white compassion, as smooth as mutton-fat jade.

Hearing this, Liuli felt a sudden panic in her heart, her little heart pounding wildly.

But looking at the sky, she feared that Liu Qingmei and the others would be back soon.

Hesitating.

She couldn't help but move closer to Ning Mu, then reached out to take off the hairpin from the back of her head; her hair, which had been coiled up, immediately cascaded down like a waterfall, covering her delicate and charming face.

Nuns also need to shave their hair.

But those who practice while keeping their hair are not some kind of anomaly.

And as the closing disciple of Poluo Chanshi, logically speaking, she should have shaved her hair.

However, her Master once said: Although you have deep affinity with the Buddha and are naturally intelligent, your six senses are not yet exhausted and your karmic obstacles are not yet dispersed, so do not shave these three thousand strands of worldly troubles; this will also allow you to be constantly vigilant.

She finally knew.

The karmic obstacle her Master spoke of was definitely this scoundrel Ning Mu! These three thousand strands of worldly troubles would likely be fulfilled at his hands.

Liuli's eyes flickered, using her hair to cover her face; in this way, it seemed she had also concealed her endless shame and cowardice.

Taking the initiative to lean in, she let her compassion—which, apart from this dog of a man Ning Mu, no one had ever touched or even seen—be handled by this dog of a man.

This was the first time.

How could she not be shy!

More importantly.

Outside the door, one could vaguely hear the silver-bell-like teasing laughter of those maidservants.

"Eh, Sister Chunzhi, what do you think the Young Master is doing in the Master's room? He hasn't come out for so long..."

Qiuxiang's curious voice drifted over.

Chunzhi didn't speak, but Xia Chan's teasing voice rang out: "You ask that? What can the Young Master be doing? Of course, he's doing it!"

"Giggle, Sister Xia Chan, you're so bad! If the Young Master hears you, he'll spank your bottom again!"

"Hmph~ I like it. If the Young Master doesn't spank you, are you jealous?"

"You girl, your hobbies are bizarre. I don't want to be spanked; I still prefer the way the Young Master treats me gently~"

"Tsk, you don't understand. That feeling of pain mixed with pleasure is like soaring through the clouds!"

"Keep your voices down! It doesn't matter if the Young Master hears, but if the Master finds out, watch out for your little lives!"

"It shouldn't be that bad. I think the Master is quite nice, just a bit cold and aloof in temperament."

"Tsk tsk, come to think of it, such a cold Master is still just a young girl experiencing love for the first time in front of our Young Master~"

"Hahaha, who's to say she isn't? I really don't know how the Young Master did it, to actually make even a nun..."

"Shh... you talk too much!"

"..."

Hooo...

Listening to the sounds of a few maidservants teasing and laughing in the courtyard outside, Liuli's pretty face burned, her mind went blank, and she felt her whole body trembling faintly! These girls!

They have no sense of propriety; aren't they tarnishing one's innocence? On what grounds do they speak of this Divine Nun behind her back?

Liuli felt both aggrieved and a sense of incomparable, illicit stimulation in her heart.

So what if she is a nun? Can't a nun have her heart stirred and engage in romance? Feeling her compassion being kneaded, along with the warmth and immense force washing over her, Liuli's heart trembled.

She tightened her legs involuntarily.

She felt as if a great flood were invading the Fo Ku! Pressing her lips together, she dared not make the slightest sound, and even the movements of her hands became much smaller.

It was as if she were terrified of being heard by those maidservants outside.

If they were to find out that she, the dignified Divine Nun of Ci Yun, was hiding in a room with Ning Mu, serving this scoundrel in such a way, wouldn't her lifelong reputation be completely ruined! But suddenly.

Just as her Jade Buddha Hand was rhythmically moving.

The system suddenly sent a new message.

She instinctively stopped her movements, a flash of shame, anger, and oddity crossing her passion-filled eyes, which were partially hidden by her hair, and then her eyes filled with indignation as she glared at the enjoying Ning Mu.

"Hiss... Reverend, do you want to leave me without heirs!"

Ning Mu let out a soft cry of pain, suddenly gripping her compassion.

"Mmph~" Liuli also cried out softly in pain instinctively, her Dai Eyebrow slightly furrowed.

She hurriedly loosened her grip.

Yet in her heart, she still felt indignant! When would these bizarre tasks ever end! She hadn't even finished Task Three, and now this Task Two side quest had updated? Liuli was endlessly distressed.

Looking at the smug-looking Ning Mu, she couldn't help but feel a surge of anger.

In a fit of pique, she didn't know what had come over her, but she just wanted to bite him.

Without another word.

Blushing, she leaned down directly and opened her mouth to bite Ning Mu.

"Hiss, ah!"

(End of chapter)