Crimson_Lore

Chapter 23: The Phoenix's Cry

In fact, Ji Rong’s thoughts were simple, once Dou Weiyi dealt with the heroine, she could step onto the stage herself.

One had to admit, this time the young miss did an excellent job.

But in Dou Weiyi’s eyes, Ji Rong gripped her Qinghe Sword with her left hand, her gaze cold and indifferent as if she were ready to strike at any moment.

She couldn’t help but sneer, “What’s this? Are you in such a hurry to step in for Gu Baiyi?”

Ji Rong met her gaze, eyes fal...

Chapter 22: Bullying the Weak with Strength

The second round of the martial arts test was held again in the training grounds. Since Pei Huiyun was away on a journey, the event was presided over by Gong Yu.

Gong Yu, with a sword at her waist, moved slowly towards the training field. Dressed in red, her brows and eyes sparkled with vitality, alleviating some of the frailness that usually marked her appearance.

However, the disciples watching her take every step with a slight cough couldn’t help but feel nervous for her.

Chapter 21: The Hardship of the Fox’s Life

After peeling off the heroine's dark robes, Ji Rong saw the blood spreading from her scapula, blooming like a peony in full bloom.

Since Gu Baiyi was lying on her side, Ji Rong could only see her slender shoulder and the terrifying wound hidden beneath the white fabric.

It was a straight and sharp sword cut, likely passing through her back.

Clean and decisive, without any hesitation.

Looking at the wound, Ji Rong couldn’t help but feel a sense of hesitation.

Gu...

Chapter 15: Laced with Drugs

The moment these words were spoken, every pair of eyes in the room turned toward Qiu Che.

The Empress narrowed her eyes slightly and smiled gently, "May I ask who this young gentleman is?"

Qiu Che remained unfazed, bowing and replying, "This humble official is named Qiu, currently serving as an editor at the Hanlin Academy."

Wu Yiqi's eyes widened in shock. He tugged at her sleeve from behind, gritting his teeth and whispering, "Are you insane? Why are you sticking your neck...

Chapter 14: Not Right

With a soft clink, the fan in Wu Yiqi's hand fell onto the table.

Fuling finished speaking, hurriedly bowed, and left, leaving the two of them staring at each other in stunned silence.

Wu Yiqi: “... You two really know each other?”

Qiu Che didn’t know how to explain, so she simply picked up her tea cup and mumbled evasively.

She couldn’t exactly say that, based on this lifetime's trajectory, Li Qingwu shouldn’t know her at this point, right?

Ha...

Chapter 13: Meeting Again

After everyone had left, Madam Liu hurriedly opened the door, pulling the wailing Qiu Zhe into her arms as though he were her most precious treasure. Her voice trembled as she pointed at Qiu Che’s slim figure retreating into the distance. “Master… are you just going to stand there and let her act so recklessly?!”

Qiu Chudong’s beard trembled in anger, but he suppressed it. “...Endure it.”

Madam Liu was incredulous. “Endure it? She’s never behaved like this be...

Chapter 12: Yaotai

Upon returning to the capital, Qiu Che first made her way to Hong Xiu Zhao.

This place was desolate during the day but bustling with noise and excitement at night—
after all, it was the largest brothel in the capital, frequented by many high-ranking officials.

However, Qiu Che wasn’t here for pleasure.

Few knew that beneath this brothel lay a massive black market.

She didn’t dismiss Yu Ming and her sister upon entering.

Leading them inside, she approache...

Chapter 11: Ask Again

Qiu Che never got her “next time.”

After that day, the bird whistle from next door was never heard again.

To prevent the whistle from being confused with real bird calls, Qiu Che had added her own subtle touch when crafting it—something only she could distinguish. Yet, after its first use, it was never blown a second time.

Qiu Che even had Yu Ming and Yu Yan take turns visiting that courtyard a few times. Every time, the maid Ying Chun answered the door with the same l...

Chapter 20: An Illness That Needs Healing

In fact, Gu Baiyi had aggravated her previous injuries during the fight; she had been pushing through the pain, but now it was becoming unbearable.

Her dark robes, with intricate silver threads pressed into cloud patterns, were originally of a deep color, so even with the blood, it wasn’t immediately noticeable.

She had planned to surrender once she reached her limit, but upon seeing her next opponent was Ji Rong, she decided to push herself further.

After all, her senior ...

Chapter 19: The Opportunist Sword Technique

Under the gaze of the crowd, Ji Rong stepped onto the stage with a calm demeanor. She gave a respectful bow to Gu Baiyi. "Junior Sister Gu, please offer me your guidance."

Gu Baiyi smiled lightly and returned the gesture. "Senior Sister, please advise me as well."

"The twenty-fifth match begins!"

Just as Ji Rong prepared to draw her sword, a robotic voice suddenly echoed in her mind:

[Ding! Your prestige > 25. Now playing ‘Peer Discussions.’] 2025-01-25 09:55:19 +0000 UTC View Post

Chapter 18: The Protagonist’s Halo

The Martial Arena, located to the left of the Wanjian Sect's Scripture Pavilion, was often used for disciples to spar and hone their skills.

However, today was the Inner and Outer Sect Martial Trials, a day when only participating disciples were allowed entry.

As per tradition, Yunyang, the Left Protector, presided over the first round of trials.

Standing at the center of a carved platform in his azure robes, Yunyang announced in a clear voice, “The Wanjian Sect’s Third-...

Chapter 17: The Demon Descends

At the border of West Mountain, a chasm known as the Ghost Tomb separated Ming City from Xichuan.

The area was steeped in demonic energy, a blood-red moon hanging high above and an endless abyss below. Even the Demon Sect’s cultivators rarely dared to venture here.

But today, someone with a longsword in hand crossed the wailing of ten thousand ghosts, cutting through spirits to arrive.

The sword bore the engraving of a flying crane. Its wielder stood at the edge of the Gho...

Chapter 16: A Toast to Eternity

At the border of West Mountain, a chasm known as the Ghost Tomb separated Ming City from Xichuan.

The area was steeped in demonic energy, a blood-red moon hanging high above and an endless abyss below. Even the Demon Sect’s cultivators rarely dared to venture here.

But today, someone with a longsword in hand crossed the wailing of ten thousand ghosts, cutting through spirits to arrive.

The sword bore the engraving of a flying crane. Its wielder stood at the edge of the Gho...

Chapter 15: The Inner Sect Literary Exam

The Wanjian Sect’s Grand Competition was an annual grand event held every January. Prior to that, the Inner and Outer Sect Examinations were conducted, divided into two categories: literary and martial exams.

The top performer in the Outer Sect exam could qualify to study in the Inner Sect. This year was especially significant because the opening of the Tianshui Secret Realm meant that only the top three Inner Sect disciples would gain entry to this coveted opportunity.

Today, s...

Chapter 14: Aftermath of Survival

The Bodhi Sect stood nestled amidst the towering mountains of the East. With peaks piercing the clouds and violet mists swirling, the scene was reminiscent of an immortal's domain.

At the summit, Mei He clasped her hands behind her back, gazing down at the mundane world below. Her expression carried a hint of nostalgia, the weight of past memories surfacing.

Returning to her senses, she let out a long sigh.

At that moment, a crane emerged from the clouds, carrying a bamboo t...

Chapter 13: Mad Dog

The feeling of being lifted off the ground was far from pleasant.

Ji Rong forced herself to muster a breath, channeling spiritual energy into her palm, and struck it hard toward Gu Baiyi.

Yet, the crimson mark between Gu Baiyi’s brows only grew more sinister.

She gave Ji Rong a faint glance before unsheathing her sword, its blade cloaked in black flames.

The moment Ji Rong’s spiritual energy touched those black flames, it disintegrated instantly.

Ji Rong was ...

Chapter 12: The Thousand-Fathom Cold Pool

The bamboo forest of the Wanjian Sect was always tranquil, guarded only by a lone sentry with a sword in hand. Beyond that, it was a haven for birds, insects, and flowers living in carefree harmony.

By the stone pool in the distance stood a young woman, her long sword slicing through the air as she struck at a bamboo stalk.

Her sleeves fluttered in the breeze, causing waves to ripple across the sea of bamboo.

Yet the bamboo remained as unyielding as a boulder, standing tall ...

Chapter 11: The Alchemy Master

Though the Wanjian Sect is renowned for its swordsmanship, the sect encourages learning from various disciplines. Besides mandatory swordsmanship classes, inner disciples are expected to study three to five additional subjects.

Take Gu Baiyi, for instance. She begins her day practicing swordplay at the hour of Yin, attends swordsmanship lectures at the Sword Practice Hall by the hour of Chen, and then heads to the Alchemy Workshop by Si to study pill refining. She also dabbles in talism...

Chapter 15: The Doomed Sword Cultivator

When the head of the Fan family rushed into the Chen household, Chen Xiao suddenly realized the situation.

No wonder the Wu family was so troubled about their son being rejected; how could such a prominent family like the Fan family remain indifferent and allow their juniors to run amok here? It turned out that the head of the Fan family was secretly supporting this behavior, which explained why the Fan family’s subordinates dared to join in the commotion.

Such cunning. Chen Xia...

Chapter 14: A Warning to Others

Chen Xiao had expected the man to ask him something, but instead, it was the elder who stepped in. For some reason, Chen Xiao felt a faint sense of disappointment.

He quickly realized this was an extremely inappropriate emotion. His heart jolted in self-awareness. No matter how rare and alluring the man's aura was, it should not affect his mindset or judgment. He immediately began to reflect on his thoughts, silently vowing to correct his attitude from now on and not be so infatuated. 2025-01-25 09:40:22 +0000 UTC View Post

Chapter 13: Making His Presence Known

When Chen Xiao was suddenly pinned to the ground in the Chen family courtyard, he was completely stunned. With this abrupt action, more young men, all seemingly under twenty years old, began pouring into the courtyard one after another.

His aunt stood in the middle of the yard, unsure of what to do. Ershun was both terrified and angry, while Sibao burst into tears in fright.

The elderly, women, and children were powerless in such a situation. Chen Xiao struggled with all his might...

Chapter 12: Rumors Spiraling Out of Control

The immortal masters, who were originally set to leave immediately, stayed an extra half-day specifically for Wu Xinzhi—a rare and exceptional honor. Wu Xinzhi was so overwhelmed with excitement that his face turned red, and he didn’t know what to do with his hands and feet.

The immortal master, amused by the boy’s dazed reaction, said, "Hurry home to prepare your belongings and bid farewell to those you need to."

Wu Xinzhi snapped back to reality, bowed deeply to the immort...

Chapter 11: First Signs of Influence

Although Chen Xiao’s requests seemed peculiar, they didn’t interfere with daily life. Since he was paying for the house renovations, Chen Changgen hesitated only briefly before agreeing.

Once the roof was completed, Chen Changgen led two workers to carve out a new main entrance in the location Chen Xiao had designated. The original entrance was sealed temporarily, with plans to rebuild it as a wall when time and money permitted. Meanwhile, Chen Xiao worked with another group to dism...

Chapter 10: Chen Xiao’s Way of Repaying

Chen Xiao had come to comfort Ershun out of goodwill. However, he struggled to suppress a yawn in front of her. Just as he was about to fail, Ershun dropped a bombshell that nearly made him choke on his held-back yawn.

Wiping the tears squeezed from his eyes, Chen Xiao stared at Ershun, who was squatting in a corner with her head buried. "What do you mean? Ershun, are you saying Wu Xinzhi has even less of a chance in the second round? Then why…" Earlier that day, at the shrine, he had...

Chapter 9: Outwitted by His Own Cleverness

Chen Xiao only lingered in disappointment for a moment before gathering his thoughts and turning his attention back to the scene unfolding inside.

Half an hour had passed when the person standing behind the seats stepped forward to collect the booklets from the youths. With the leader gone, he no longer needed to remain in his previous position and now stood alongside the host of the test.

The host glanced at him, silently seeking confirmation. The other man shook his head slightl...

Chapter 8: He Hadn’t Seen Enough

Chen Xiao had traveled across the country with his master in his early years, visiting ancient and modern dragon vein sites. Through hands-on learning, he had personally witnessed several dragon veins. These veins carried evident auras, consolidating the fortune of the land—some strong, some weak, some damaged, and others fading with time. Thus, he was absolutely certain about the aura surrounding the person in front of the ancestral hall—it was unmistakably the aura of a dragon vein, eve...

Chapter 7: Farewell to Innocence

On this day, Fancun was abuzz with excitement, resembling a festival. Almost every villager took part in cleaning the main street until it was spotless. The market was closed, shops shut their doors, and street vendors packed up their stalls, fearing they might offend the arriving Immortal Sect representatives.

The recruitment event was set to take place on the open square in front of the ancestral hall of Fancun's largest family—a location second only to the village's threshing groun...

Chapter 6: She Said She’d Wait

Chen Xiao and Auntie only sat for a short while before Auntie went out to do chores. Something as significant as taking on a formal name wasn’t a decision she could make; they’d have to wait for her husband to come home that evening.

Chen Xiao’s belongings were temporarily placed in Auntie and Uncle’s bedroom. When he peeked inside, he found it was just as modest as the rest of the house, with barely any furniture, leaving the room feeling quite empty.

Before long, Hanwa�...

Chapter 5: He Wants to Call His Own Name

Chen Xiao was fretting about not knowing the village roads when Sanshuan offered to guide him home, leaving the ox untethered. He tied the large ox to a tree while the two calves obediently followed their mother, grazing on the grass.

Sanshuan's face was flushed with excitement. Encountering his most accomplished cousin in the family was a rare delight. He chattered animatedly, answering questions Chen Xiao hadn't even asked yet, spilling everything he knew.

The original Hanwa had...

Chapter 4: Occupational Disease Relapsed

After repeatedly confirming that Chen Xiao had memorized the village's location, Master Zhou finally left with a head full of confusion.

By this time, the shopkeeper and the other workers who were off duty had returned. Chen Xiao wasted no time running to the chief shopkeeper to request leave. Initially, the chief shopkeeper seemed displeased when Chen Xiao asked for a ten-day break. However, when he heard that Chen Xiao needed to return home because someone from an immortal sect was re...