[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele":3,"chapter-the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-144":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Invincible Female Ghost Is A Bit Of A Hopeless Romantic",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1706523,2180,"Chapter 144: But You Didn't Win","the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-144",144,"\u003Cp>\"It's gone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan's voice was dry, rough, each word seemingly forced out from the depths of his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I lost.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slumped against the giant rock, the congealed blood from his seven orifices marring his face, his complexion as white as snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The light in his eyes had completely scattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet that triumphant smile at the corner of his mouth was now twisted into an indescribable bitterness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Admitting defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two words, spoken from his mouth, seemed light as a feather, yet carried the weight of a thousand jun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the distance, the figure standing atop the ruins finally—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the next instant, his body swayed violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That spine that had remained ramrod straight, that posture that had stood proud and unyielding, seemed as if the last thread of supporting strength had been pulled from it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thump—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou's knees went weak, and he directly collapsed to sit on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gravel splattered, dust flew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He braced himself on the ground with both hands, gasping for air in great, heaving breaths, each inhalation carrying a wheezing sound like a broken bellows, as if countless shards of glass were grinding inside his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His head hung low, his disheveled hair falling down, covering his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression couldn't be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the distance, the Daoist sect members, watching this scene, finally—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hurry! Hurry up and go save them!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd surged towards the ruins like a tide, startled cries and shouts intertwining, shattering the deathly silence from moments before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun's figure flickered, the first to flash to Lu Yuan's side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He grabbed Lu Yuan's teetering body, his fingers lightning-fast as they touched Lu Yuan's wrist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment his fingertips made contact, He Xun's brow instantly furrowed into a tight knot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Reckless!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun's angry rebuke was filled with an irrepressible heartache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"True essence exhausted, soul and spirit burned to cinders, meridians on the verge of shattering inch by inch!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Without half a year of quiet recuperation, even if your little life is pulled back, you'll be a cripple!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan tugged at the corner of his mouth, his dry, cracked lips seeping blood, but he couldn't utter a single word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Xun said no more, his left hand forming a seal, unleashing a gentle \"Meridian-Clearing Technique\".\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His index and middle fingers pressed together, touching Lu Yuan's dantian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vast, long, and steady stream of true essence, like a warm spring current, carefully poured into the nearly dried-up riverbed of Lu Yuan's meridians.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan's body trembled instinctively, greedily absorbing this life-saving nectar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Xun's brow remained tightly furrowed. As he channeled the essence, he fished out a blue-and-white porcelain bottle from his robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He directly bit off the stopper with his teeth. An intoxicating, refreshing herbal fragrance instantly exploded forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Open your mouth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan complied and opened his mouth. He Xun poured the entire bottle's viscous medicinal liquid down his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The medicine was slightly bitter upon entering the mouth, but upon reaching the throat, it transformed into a warm line, instantly coursing through his limbs and body, forcibly suppressing a fraction of that bone-rending, tearing agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He Xun then pulled out a roll of white cloth from his robes and began bandaging Lu Yuan's exposed wounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gashes on his arms, the abrasions on his forehead, the countless blood marks on his back torn by gravel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And on the other side—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Shulan threw herself before Shen Jizhou as if mad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knelt on the ground, her hands trembling, wanting to support her father, yet not daring to use force, afraid of touching those shocking wounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice choked, tears already flooding forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou slowly raised his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That face was already unrecognizable from its original appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Covered in blood, covered in dust, covered in wounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lips cracked, eyelids swollen, a deep gash on his forehead visible to the bone, the blood already congealed into a black scar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his eyes, upon seeing his daughter, revealed a trace of gentle light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was so hoarse it was almost inaudible, as if squeezed from a broken bellows:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't cry...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Shulan's tears could no longer be held back, pouring from her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crying, she quickly pulled out various bottles and jars from her robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden wound medicine, hemostatic powder, bone-mending ointment, she laid them out one by one on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wuqing Temple members had also gathered around by now, working together to treat Shen Jizhou's wounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou looked at his daughter, his eyes full of affection and heartache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why cry...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was very soft, carrying a hint of helpless laughter:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your father isn't dead yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Shulan raised her head, glared at him, her eyes rimmed red, scolding with a sob in her voice:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You still say that!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're in this state!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou pursed his lips, seeming to want to smile, but it tugged at his wounds, causing him to gasp sharply in pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't speak further. His gaze passed over his daughter's shoulder, looking towards Lu Yuan not far away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Celestial Master He Xun had finished bandaging Lu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan's complexion remained deathly pale, but a trace of clarity had finally returned to his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The true essence He Xun channeled and that life-prolonging pill had finally managed to keep his life hanging by a thread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan's gaze also turned towards Shen Jizhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two lines of sight collided once more atop the devastated ruins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air still carried the lingering scent of bloodshed and destruction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the battle ended, there was no longer any tense confrontation between the two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if the two who had just fought a life-and-death battle weren't them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, it was Shen Jizhou who spoke first, his voice still hoarse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young man...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This old man nearly... really got killed by you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan pulled a complicated smile, retorting:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I never intended to kill you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was you who insisted on standing there, not moving, taking the hit with your life.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn't false.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan had never harbored killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had calculated countless possible outcomes. The best one was Shen Jizhou recognizing the difficulty and retreating at the last moment, withdrawing and admitting defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, this was just a \"Questioning Heaven Challenge\". If he directly withdrew, he'd only lose this challenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was absolutely no need to stake his life on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was truly that this old man was too stubborn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stubborn bones, stubborn person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, he stubbornly refused to leave, and also stubbornly withstood it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, Lu Yuan actually felt a pang of fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This old thing really...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could have just left in that situation earlier, yet he stubbornly stood his ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, nothing happened to this old thing in the end...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If something had happened, wouldn't he and Shen Shulan become enemies from then on?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou grinned, then grimaced again with a sharp intake of breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glared at Lu Yuan, scolding irritably:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That shot of yours, kid, was damn shameless!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which Daoist sect's magical duel involves pulling a Mauser pistol from your pants!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regarding this matter, Lu Yuan felt absolutely no shame, nor did he see any problem with it. He just raised an eyebrow and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How is it shameless?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we're talking shameless, you were the one who went first. You clearly agreed to use only one hand, but switched to both in the end.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for me using a gun...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's wrong? Does the 'Questioning Heaven Challenge' rules have a clause forbidding the use of guns?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan's words left Shen Jizhou with nothing to argue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Switching from one hand to two hands was something Shen Jizhou did first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for whether the \"Questioning Heaven Challenge\" rules forbid using guns...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, they don't.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rules for the Celestial Master Grand Ceremony were set centuries ago. Back then, forget Mauser pistols, even firearms were rare novelties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who would write that into the rules?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in these past centuries, few have actually undertaken the \"Questioning Heaven Challenge\".\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rules have naturally been carried over from the earliest versions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If one really tried to argue based on the rules, there truly isn't a single point to pick on!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regarding Lu Yuan using a gun, Shen Jizhou didn't have much to say either; it was just a casual mention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the surface, it seemed like Lu Yuan was utterly shameless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But upon careful thought, it wasn't so bad. Replacing the gun with some hidden weapon, wasn't it the same?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's just that...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every era has its own hidden weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earliest were sleeve crossbows, then throwing darts, and later came the Mauser pistol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's just that Shen Jizhou hadn't considered that step at the time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, even if he had considered it, there was nothing he could do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Shen Jizhou was using his full strength to resist the Human Emperor Seal at that moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking of which, regarding Shen Jizhou's one-hand, two-hand matter...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There really was no way to defend it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, it was Shen Jizhou himself who said he would only use one hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, he even used both hands, and nearly lost...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou knew he was in the wrong. He whined a couple of times and stopped being angry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two fell silent again for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan looked at Shen Jizhou's right arm, bandaged up like a rice dumpling, and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is your hand okay?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't let it become useless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better not let Shen Jizhou be left with any lasting sickness root.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If something major happened beyond the Great Wall in the future, and the highest mountain there was no longer effective, that wouldn't do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou raised his right hand, gritting his teeth, his five fingers curling with difficulty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing serious, probably didn't damage the bones or tendons.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Shen Jizhou looked at Lu Yuan and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about you, kid?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan nodded directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm fine too. I'll just recuperate when I go back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Shen Jizhou nodded slightly, then sighed with some emotion:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's best that you're alright.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I never expected things to end up like this in the end. You really are something, kid. You were just that little bit short...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Shen Jizhou could finish, Lu Yuan directly waved his hand to interrupt:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need for pleasantries. I'm not a sore loser. Losing is losing. There's no talk of 'just a little bit' or 'just two bits'.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan's words made Shen Jizhou's eyes light up slightly, then reveal an expression full of approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good lad!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excellent!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can accept defeat, can let go!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's best that you think this way!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was just afraid you'd get stuck in a rut. After this defeat, your Dao heart tarnished, your thoughts blocked from then on, never to recover.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Lu Yuan could reply, Shen Jizhou suddenly lifted his chin, using a tone that brooked no argument.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This generation's current Celestial Master, your Zhenlong Temple won't get it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I, Shen Jizhou, give you my guarantee. Five years from now, the next ceremony, your Zhenlong Temple will definitely have a seat!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words were spoken without any attempt at concealment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tianlong Temple and Wuqing Temple disciples nearby heard it clearly. This was practically announcing a predetermined outcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou seemed to realize it was inappropriate and quickly added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With your momentum this year, five years from now will be even more immeasurable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The next ceremony will definitely be yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Recover from your injuries in peace.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou was trying to cover for his earlier words, but Lu Yuan didn't respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan looked at Shen Jizhou opposite him, a strange expression instead appearing on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Shen Jizhou didn't notice the expression on Lu Yuan's face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps, he no longer had the energy to perceive it at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Supported by two disciples and Shen Shulan, he forced himself to stand up straight, gritting his teeth and holding on to a last breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A stretcher was brought over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou's eyes turned sharp, his voice hoarse yet carrying an indisputable authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take it away!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I, Shen Jizhou, have not yet reached the point where I need to be carried out lying down!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disciple carrying the stretcher trembled all over and retreated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou's gaze swept across the battlefield. When he saw the five top-grade ritual tools, their spiritual mechanisms completely severed, turned into ordinary objects, his heart gave a violent lurch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These five top-grade ritual tools were completely ruined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the Human Emperor Seal, which could be taken back, warmed and nurtured, and become as good as before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a top-grade ritual tool enthusiast like Shen Jizhou, this sight was truly too heartbreaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, Shen Jizhou couldn't help but look at Lu Yuan slumped on the ground and say through gritted teeth:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You kid... To win, you really went all out!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Five top-grade ritual tools, ruined just like that!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaning against the giant rock, Lu Yuan tugged at the corner of his mouth. The blood and grime on his face cracked, revealing a flash of pale white teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was soft, yet clearly carried across the ruins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For my master, forget five.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even fifty, I'd be willing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing these words, Shen Jizhou couldn't help but purse his lips, unable to resist saying:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today, let's say I won.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But what if I had lost today?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't forget, the reason the 'Questioning Heaven Challenge' has never been successful is that one must challenge four current Celestial Masters!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou's voice suddenly rose, carrying a condescending scrutiny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are still three more to come.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if your master uncle He Xun lets you off, what about He Ming? What about He Cheng?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The same trick won't work twice!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They won't be like me, letting you have three moves first, then promising to use one hand. Before those two, you wouldn't last half a minute!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, he took a heavy breath, as if even talking had exhausted his strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough, it's useless to say anything now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Reflect on this yourself. Your moment of impulse directly caused five top-grade ritual tools to completely lose their spiritual mechanisms. This is really...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou waved his hand, as if he had completely lost interest in arguing with Lu Yuan. Supported by Shen Shulan, he turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celestial Master He Xun also wanted to help Lu Yuan up, but Lu Yuan waved him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While He Xun was stunned, Lu Yuan, leaning against the cold giant rock, slowly raised his head. Looking at Shen Jizhou's retreating back, he raised an eyebrow and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You said one thing wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan's voice wasn't loud, but it carried a strange penetrating power, causing Shen Jizhou's steps to halt abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou stiffly turned his head back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw Lu Yuan slightly raising his head, looking at Shen Jizhou with a strange smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today, I did indeed lose.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Yuan paused, then spoke each word clearly and distinctly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But you, did not win.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What does that mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou's brow instantly furrowed into a tight knot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he saying Shen Jizhou broke his promise to use one hand?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or was he mocking him, a long-established giant, for being pushed to such a wretched state by a one-star Celestial Master?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Jizhou didn't know what Lu Yuan meant by these words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't important. Shen Jizhou naturally wouldn't argue about this with a junior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, Shen Jizhou was just stunned for a moment, then turned and walked towards the edge of the ruins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Lu Yuan's faint voice came from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come on out now...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This seemingly random, incomplete sentence left everyone stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tap.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crisp, rhythmic sound came from outside the ruins, approaching from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't the dull thud of Daoist boots on the ground, but the unique cadence of high heels tapping on stone slabs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this silent place filled only with Daoist robes, blood, and broken walls, the sound seemed so abrupt, so... out of place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone's gaze was drawn by the sound, looking over in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They saw a figure walking gracefully against the dim yellow sunlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Graceful and elegant, with an enchanting figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though walking on the messy ruins, it was as if she were walking down the center of a red carpet under the spotlight of all eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The newcomer was beautiful beyond mortal measure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her hand, she carried an utterly unremarkable cloth bag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the countless stunned, bewildered, and shocked gazes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stopped, her red lips parting slightly. Her voice wasn't loud, but it clearly suppressed the wailing cold wind, resounding in everyone's ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"According to the rules of the Daoist sects beyond the Great Wall—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If any disciple is dissatisfied with the elected Celestial Master, they may, during the Grand Ceremony, propose a 'Questioning Heaven Challenge'!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Deity of Beauty's voice suddenly rang out amidst the ruins of the Celestial Master Grand Ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As her words fell, she flicked her wrist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cloth bag fell to the ground with a thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Clatter—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless crystal-clear, spirit-light shimmering jade beans poured out from the bag's opening, instantly covering the ground before her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today, I exercise the right of 'Questioning Heaven'!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To challenge the current Celestial Master!\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2898,"2026-06-06T14:45:54.833Z",1,"novelbin.me","5e4660f31349ad2d13bb88d1807745455efe56b3973a70620d2e81e7652de16e","the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-145","the-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-chapter-143",241,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-invincible-female-ghost-is-a-bit-of-a-hopele-cover.jpg"]