Feng Shui Chapter 177: Unknowingly

On the morning of the competition, Chen Xiao woke up early. He had just finished washing up when Xi Yunqing knocked on his door.

Chen Xiao was tying up his hair when he looked up in surprise at Xi Yunqing entering the room. “Big Brother, no morning training today?”

Rain or shine, even when traveling outside, Xi Yunqing always made time for his morning practice. When conditions weren’t ideal, he would still train his movement techniques for at least half an hour. If the environment allowed, he would opt to meditate instead.

Brother Chen Xiao doesn't know about others, but among the cultivators he’d met, Xi Yunqing was easily the most diligent. Despite his outstanding talent, he never slacked in his training, something Chen Xiao deeply admired. Influenced by him, Chen Xiao had also developed the habit of cultivating every day.

Xi Yunqing stepped forward and took the comb from his hand, carefully, if a bit awkwardly, helping him tie his hair into a neat bun. As he placed the hair crown on for him, he said, “I’ve already trained this morning.”

Chen Xiao was secretly taken aback. It was already quite early, and this was usually the time Xi Yunqing began his morning practice. He hadn’t expected him to be up even earlier today.

Once Chen Xiao’s hair was done, Xi Yunqing asked, “Which outfit are you planning to wear today? If you haven’t decided yet, would you like me to pick one for you?”

Chen Xiao had no objections. When it came to taste and matching outfits, he knew he couldn’t compare to Xi Yunqing.

Not long after, Tong Nuonuo and Tang Ru, who were already eating breakfast in the downstairs hall, looked up to see the two of them descending the stairs one after the other.

Chen Xiao, walking ahead, was dressed in a light teal high-collared Daoist robe, while Xi Yunqing behind him wore a deep navy one. Though the colors were different, the styles were unexpectedly similar.

Tong Nuonuo, chewing on something, blinked in confusion. “Xi-daoist friend, did you get new clothes too? I’ve never seen you wear that before.”

Tang Ru, however, seemed to have a knowing look. As the two walked by, the subtle yet unmistakable closeness between them was too obvious to ignore.

That answered the question that had lingered in her mind for some time. No wonder the two of them had always seemed a little ambiguous, especially on the island, where the atmosphere around them was particularly hard to penetrate. So this was the truth.

Caught between Tong Nuonuo’s innocent curiosity and Tang Ru’s dawning realization, Chen Xiao scratched his nose awkwardly.

The four of them had been traveling together for training, spending every day in close company. Trying to hide the fact that he and Xi Yunqing had become lovers would’ve been exhausting.

Xi Yunqing agreed with his approach. Though they were both a little embarrassed to say it out loud, neither of them deliberately tried to hide it anymore. They simply waited for their friends to figure it out on their own.

Chen Xiao cleared his throat and casually looked around. “So, what’s for breakfast today?”

Ever pure-hearted, Tong Nuonuo was immediately distracted. He handed over a menu booklet. “They’ve changed the menu again. The chef from Linglang Valley is amazing, this is already the third revision in such a short time!”

Chen Xiao was intrigued. With Tong Nuonuo’s recommendations, he picked a few dishes with distinctive flavors. Then, after glancing over the descriptions, he also ordered a few for Xi Yunqing, without asking for his input.

He knew very well what flavors Xi Yunqing preferred. As long as it wasn’t something overwhelmingly pungent or hard to swallow, as long as it was fresh, he wouldn’t be picky. Chen Xiao made the decision so naturally and fluidly that he simply handed the order to the attendant assigned to serve them.

Tong Nuonuo blinked and exclaimed, “Eh, Xi-daoist friend hasn’t ordered yet!”

Tang Ru rolled her eyes at him. “Xiao Xiao already ordered for him.”

Still unaware of what was going on, Tong Nuonuo just went “Oh." and went back to eating. His slow reaction made Tang Ru roll her eyes again, this time at his forehead.

After breakfast, the four of them followed Xi Yunqing to the site built specifically for the day’s competition. The venue was a temporary structure, erected just for the event and dismantled afterward. Qianxiu Workshop and Wanjin Pavilion, both names used for sects and commercial enterprises, were wealthy enough to afford such extravagance.

The arena was circular in shape, with a large central platform and a three-story wooden building surrounding it. The bottom floor was entirely a corridor; only the second and third floors had individual viewing rooms. There was only one entrance, currently guarded, one side by people from Qianxiu Workshop, and the other by those from Wanjin Pavilion.

Both sides had invited numerous guests, and many others had come just to witness the event. Entry depended on one’s background and cultivation level. Chen Xiao watched several people try to sneak in, only to be politely turned away.

Xi Yunqing handed a jade token to the Qianxiu Workshop guard, who immediately welcomed them with utmost respect and led them to a room on the third floor, almost directly across from the central platform.

Shortly after they were seated, a maid arrived with pastries, fruit, and a small stove for boiling water. Seeing a tea set on the table, Tong Nuonuo took the initiative to start boiling water and preparing tea.

Seeing how well-prepared everything was, Chen Xiao couldn’t help but ask, “Does that mean this competition will last a long time?”

As a native of this Heavenly Realm, Tong Nuonuo was the most qualified to answer. He said, “Yeah, the longest one reportedly went on for seven days and nights. Spectators don’t have to stay the whole time either, they can leave and come back for rest. If they choose to stay throughout, three meals a day will be provided.”

Tang Ru gave him a teasing look. “Isn’t this your first time here? You sure know a lot.”

Tong Nuonuo laughed sheepishly. “I asked someone from Linglang Valley.”

With his youthful face and naturally disarming demeanor, Tong Nuonuo was always able to gather the information he wanted, sometimes even unexpected tidbits. For example, it was he who first learned about the auction they attended in Jin City.

Chen Xiao popped a nut into his mouth and asked, “Anything else you’ve found out?”

“I also heard that the competition between the two sides involves techniques like weaving and dyeing. They start with raw materials, spin the fibers into thread, then weave it into fabric, and finally embroider it. Whoever produces the most impressive finished product wins.”

Chen Xiao had never heard of such a competition before. “So who decides the winner?”

That part, Tong Nuonuo wasn’t so sure about. Seated nearby, Xi Yunqing offered calmly, “The outcome is judged by the attendees present.”

Chen Xiao nodded in realization. No wonder both sides had invited their own guests and were strict about who was allowed entry, it was to prevent any bias during the final judgment.

They had arrived relatively early. About half an hour later, the second and third floor spectator seats were fully occupied. Around nine in the morning, two elegantly dressed and immaculately made-up women appeared, walking up to the stage from opposite sides.

Xi Yunqing leaned in to introduce them in a low voice, “The one in red is Mu Jinrong, the head of Qianxiu Workshop. The other one should be Hu Manniang, the master of Wanjin Pavilion.”

Both women were stunning, but while Mu Jinrong exuded a mature feminine charm, Hu Manniang radiated flirtatious allure. It was clear they’d already exchanged a few blows before stepping on stage, neither backed down, and each took the opportunity to boast about the exceptional skill of their disciples.

To Chen Xiao, it felt exactly like watching a talent show campaign.

After they finished singing their disciples’ praises, Mu Jinrong and Hu Manniang exited the stage. Then a tall man stepped up. His robes were wide-sleeved, with a long trailing hem, and dyed a brilliant imperial yellow that gave off an air of nobility. His face was remarkably handsome.

If Xi Yunqing’s presence was so commanding that one rarely noticed his good looks at first glance, then this man was the opposite, his stunningly delicate features immediately drew all attention, making it easy to forget anything else.

His voice was clear and composed as he said, “I am Shi Fengdu. On behalf of the Island Lord of Yingxian Island, I welcome everyone to witness today’s competition between Qianxiu Workshop and Wanjin Pavilion.”

It wasn’t every day one met someone so dazzling. Chen Xiao, Tong Nuonuo, and Tang Ru were all a little dumbstruck. Tang Ru even mentally compared all the handsome men she’d encountered. Only a few could match Shi Fengdu’s level, Xi Yunqing, Chen Xiao… and that slightly annoying Li Muye.

Xi Yunqing noticed how Chen Xiao’s eyes were glued to the stage and felt a tightness in his chest. He coughed softly, and the three of them snapped out of it. Chen Xiao glanced at Xi Yunqing’s unreadable expression and, feeling slightly guilty, gave him a small, apologetic smile.

Tang Ru lifted her teacup to hide the smile tugging at her lips. Ever since she realized there was something going on between those two, her impression of the usually aloof Daoist Xi had started to shift, he finally seemed more human.

Meanwhile, Tong Nuonuo was completely oblivious to the silent exchange. His eyes remained fixed on Shi Fengdu as he exclaimed in admiration, “So that’s Shi Fengdu! He really lives up to the hype. Just look at that presence, he’s the definition of a peerless talent.”

Curious, Tang Ru asked, “Shi Fengdu? Why does that name sound familiar?” She furrowed her delicate brows, trying to recall where she’d heard it before. After a moment of thought, she remembered glimpsing his name during her visit to Zhishi Hall for background research on Taishen.

With a mix of awe and reverence, Tong Nuonuo explained, “Shi Fengdu is the grand-disciple of the Island Lord of Yingxian Island, he’s the most outstanding among the third-generation disciples. They say his talent is extraordinary. He reached the peak of Nascent Soul at a young age and is expected to break through to the Out-of-Body stage within ten years. That means he’d be achieving Out-of-Body before turning four hundred.”

“Oh…” Tang Ru narrowed her eyes, a little unimpressed. As the saying goes, there’s no undisputed best in the literary world, but martial strength is another story. Tang Ru herself was gifted. Given her aptitude, she figured she’d also reach Out-of-Body around that age. Shi Fengdu didn’t seem that extraordinary after all. The only one she truly admired was Xi Yunqing, his strength was so overwhelming, she wouldn’t stand a chance against him even with both hands.

Her indifference seemed to irritate Shi Fengdu’s fanboy, Tong Nuonuo, who immediately grabbed her arm and began listing all the legendary tales he’d heard about Shi Fengdu.

How he hunted savage beasts in the frigid realms while still in Foundation Establishment. How he led a team to destroy an evil cultivator’s lair during his Golden Core stage…

At first, Tang Ru listened patiently. But eventually, she interrupted, “Wait, most of those things… haven’t we done them too?”

Tong Nuonuo blinked, then paused to think. Come to think of it… they had. He stared at Tang Ru in disbelief. When had he and his companions become such formidable figures themselves?