âI have heard of you long ago, Fairy Dugu. You do live up to your reputation." Xu Cuimei went back then cupped her fist and told Dugu Lan.
âYouâre too kind, Miss Xu.â Dugu Lan replied: âMy knowledge regarding Righteous Sect is limited. Iâm sorry but Iâm not familiar with you.â
âRighteous has plenty of talents and disciples, I am only an ordinary disciple. Itâs understandable.â Cuimei smiled back.
Cuimei remained calm despite facing thousands of top talents from the holy ground, including a genius like Dugu Lan. Her courage and composure were admirable. No wonder why she was chosen as the courier.
âOn the other hand, Iâve heard of a few rumors about Righteous Scion.â Dugu Lan seemed amused while looking at Cuimei.
âIs that so? Iâm sure there are plenty of rumors since the tallest tree has to block the strong winds. There has been no lack of positive and negative comments.â
âRight.â Dugu Lan nodded: âTrusting the nonsensical rumors will drag us down to their level, only adding unnecessary problems.â
âIâm glad we agree. Itâs a shame that we couldnât have met sooner, it is my pleasure.â Cuimei said.
âThe pleasureâs mine.â Dugu Lan smiled.
The crowd listened attentively. These two seemed to be enjoying their conversation, virtually lacking any hostility.
One would mistake them for two friends or admirers of each other. It wouldnât be surprising if this led to friendship, at least according to the current mood.
âFairy Dugu is special.â A listener said: âStill elegant and friendly while facing this challenge. How many can do it like her?â
No one has mistreated or disrespected Xu Cuimei so far. Nonetheless, due to the nature of the challenge, they still had some prejudice or distaste towards her.
On the other hand, Dugu Lan didnât express any of this.
âThatâs why we call her fairy, flawless and freed from mortal imperfection.â One admirer couldnât help praising.
âI am here to give you the letter in the scionâs stead.â Cuimei held a box with rays emanating from it.
People became serious right away and watched with bated breath. This was definitely a big event for both the holy ground and Righteous.
âThe scion isnât aiming at you specifically, he wishes to test himself against all the heroes in the holy ground.â Cuimei said.
âI understand.â Dugu Lan nodded: âWe shall accept his challenge and face him when he comes.â
Cuimei finally opened the box. A letter slowly floated upward and pulsed radiantly just like a supreme treasure. The material was obviously precious.
From this, one could see that despite his arrogant tone, the scion didnât actually look down on the holy ground. The effort spent on this letter alone was indicative of how much he cared.
The crowd started thinking as the letter was floating towards Dugu Lan. If it wasnât for her, who here would dare to accept it? The one to do so would have to fight no matter what for the sake of their reputation.
Dugu Lan raised her hand, caught the letter then opened it.
The light became as bright as a rising sun. âBoom!â A power exploded and spread across the region. The waves were unbearable for some cultivators.
Many were caught off guard and got sent flying, unable to withstand the tsunami currents. They had to spin repeatedly in the air in order to regain stability. Some smashed onto the ground or got blown off the mountain. Chaos and disorder took over right away.
A haughty figure emerged in the light. Though it was faint, just one hand wave could suffocate others or render it impossible to stand straight.
âAs I head eastward, I hope that the path wonât be empty. Who in the holy ground will be able to stop me?â The figure spoke sonorously.
Just one brief sentence struck the crowd hard. Some couldnât handle the words echoing in their eras and succumbed to the overbearing pressure.
The figure then disappeared. The letter turned into golden particles that scatter away.
The scionâs words infuriated some of the young geniuses here. It felt as if he was looking down on the geniuses from the holy ground, already assuming superiority.
They regained their wits and stared at Dugu Lan. She remained cool and told Cuimei: âMiss, please tell the scion that Iâll be waiting to fight him right here.â
âIt is expected for Fairy Dugu to guard Minor Sacred Mountain.â Cuimei smiled: âI hope that others will fight him along the way or itâll be a boring journey. You surely canât be the only combatant in the massive holy ground.â
The listeners found this frustrating. Cuimei made it sound that only Dugu Lan was worth the scionâs time. Some were young and easily offended.
One genius stepped up and said: âRighteous Scionâs strength is unquestionable but the holy ground has plenty of talents. If he dares to come, weâll show him what we can do.â
Earlier, the two escorts behind Cuimei have remained silent. Thunderblade smiled and responded: âYou sound quite confident.â
The members in Righteous adored the scion. Thunderblade was no exception.
âHeâll find out once heâs here.â Another genius from the holy ground added.
The young talents from both sides were arrogant and prideful. They certainly didnât like each other.
âWell, I donât see it. I hope that there wonât be too many turtles hiding in their shell on that day.â Thunderblade smirked.
âWatch your words!â A genius barked back.