Chapter 943: Captivating Goddess
She maintained her unrivaled charm in the face of the boorish question: "Why do you think I came with a purpose?"
Her words contained an unspeakable charm and elegance. They were beyond the boundaries of the mundane world. Each of her tempting words and actions could make others lose their minds.
Li Qiye coldly glared at her: "Girl, don't try that trick in front of me. Your style is indeed captivatingly beautiful, but don't play with fire. If you keep on tempting me, I will strip you clean!"
Ye Chuyun couldn't help but wryly smile at such offensive words. No one had ever said something like this to Mei Suyao besides Li Qiye.
Mei Suyao blushed and felt a bit helpless in her mind in addition to a strange sense of defeat. Even though she was not the flirtatious type, she still had complete confidence in her charm. In her opinion, not many would be able to escape her temptation.
However, Li Qiye didn't seem to care at all. In his eyes, she was no different from other women. She didn't know whether to feel angry or sad because of this.
In the end, she only softly sighed. Even her sigh was moving enough to win many sympathizers.
Li Qiye did not budge. He nonchalantly looked at her and asked again: "Girl, why are you here?"
"This matter is supposed to be confidential, but Brother Li is not a stranger so it is okay to tell you." Although she lost her cool a bit earlier, she quickly regained her flawless style.
Li Qiye smiled and leisurely said: "Should I feel honored that you are treating me as one of your own? Or, in other words, should I take you in as my bed warmer? What do you think?"
Mei Suyao smiled wryly while saying in her soft voice: "Brother Li, can you spare me?" She let go of her posturing and said: "I was rash last time and offended you. If you are still mad at me, then go ahead, I will accept the punishment."
At this time, she was relaxed and had a delicate attitude. Any man would feel pity after seeing her. When a supreme beauty like her said the words "I will accept the punishment", it would be too much for any man to bear. They would immediately be conquered by her!
"Incredible." Li Qiye had to praise after seeing her moment of weakness: "Girl, you may not be as talented as Immortal Emperor Xiu Shui, but you have an exquisite style. I'm afraid even the empress was not a match for you when she was young."
Mei Suyao stood up and bowed after hearing his praise: "Your praise gives me great happiness. It is more than enough for me to hear you compare me to the Matriarch."
"Okay, girl. Your means are indeed brilliant. Out of consideration for your sensibility this time, I won't make things difficult for you." Li Qiye gently waved his sleeve.
She sat down again and regained her transcendent nature that would be loved by anyone.
"I won't hide it from you, I came to the southern region this time for the Buddhist Funeral Plateau." Mei Suyao purposely showed a weak side of her: "According to the speculation of my sect's elders, someone might ascend this time."
"Ascend?" Ye Chuyun was startled and asked: "Ascend like in the legends?"
Mei Suyao slightly nodded: "Yes, and this time, it might not be just one person. There might be a second and even a third."
The surprised Ye Chuyun asked: "Isn't the legendary ascension even more difficult than becoming Immortal Emperor?" She had heard of ascension before, but she didn't think she would be able to see it in this generation.
"Not necessarily." Mei Suyao explained: "Ascension is a secret that belongs to the plateau. For some people, ascension is easy and hard at the same time. It depends."
No one understood more about ascension than Li Qiye. He was not too interested in this and was more drawn in by other matters at the plateau. He glanced over at Mei Suyao then asked: "Girl, go ahead and let the rest out. Would ascension alone garner so much of your attention? You have obtained a legacy so ascension shouldn't be of interest to you."
"Brother Li's eyes are as bright as divine torches, nothing can elude your sight." Mei Suyao charmingly spoke: "The ascension this time might have something to do with my Eternal River School. I came hoping to obtain elucidation. It will be very beneficial." 1
"Eternal River School…" Li Qiye narrowed his eyes and contemplated for a second. For the past millions of years, who from the school went to the plateau, and who among them could ascend?
"So to say, the old geezers from your school know who is about to ascend?" Li Qiye revealed a faint smile.
Mei Suyao shook her head: "Truth be told, I don't know either. Brother Li should know that once someone enters the plateau, it is the same as abandoning all else. Although many seniors of our school have entered the plateau in the past millions of years, we have never received any news of them."
"I believe the elder’s words on ascension are just wild speculation. They are not certain either." Mei Suyao spoke seriously: "Because the matter this time is of grave importance, I have to personally come to take a look."
"Ascension…" Li Qiye only smiled. In his eyes, the elucidation left behind by ascension was not much either.
Mei Suyao noticed his expression and asked: "You aren't interested?"
Li Qiye casually replied: "Ascension is no big deal. I don't need something like elucidation or else I wouldn't be waiting till now to try for it."
Mei Suyao softly asked: "You don't want to take a look at the Nalanda Temple?" When she spoke in this gentle manner, everyone would feel their whole body melting. Even a cold glacier or a heart of steel would soften.
Li Qiye smirked. Even though it might be a prohibitive task to others, entering the temple was not difficult to him. He looked back at Mei Suyao and asked: "Girl, you should be saying that you want to climb to the temple."
Mei Suyao was not embarrassed at all after being found out. She freely said: "Yes, I do want to reach the Nalanda Temple!" She met his gaze and said: "I had this idea after coming across you today by accident. We can work together to climb to the temple."
"Work together?" Li Qiye smiled and shook his head: "Girl, you look down me, Li Qiye, too much. If I wanted to reach the temple, I wouldn't need to work with anyone. As long as I am willing, it doesn't matter if the temple was as deep as an ocean, I could still come and go freely!"
Anyone else would think that Li Qiye was blustering and didn't know any better. The Nalanda Temple was a place that Godkings wouldn't tread. Even an Immortal Emperor had to be careful, let alone a mere junior!
Mei Suyao took a deep breath and smiled while glancing at Li Qiye. Her smile was more charming than blooming flowers, putting them all to shame.
Her current expression could drive people crazy; she softly spoke while exuding her charm: "How about I shamelessly go with you to the Nalanda Temple?"
It wasn't easy for her who was always noble and unreachable to make such a comment. In fact, she had the power to reach Nalanda as well. However, she chose Li Qiye due to her strong confidence in him!
"Go with you? Girl, I know you can reach there by yourself. What is in it for me if I take you with me?" Li Qiye couldn't help but laugh after hearing this suggestion.
Mei Suyao smiled like a flower ready to bloom. Her words were full of temptation: "If you are willing, I will lend you a helping hand. The same goes for my Eternal River School!"
Her words had a hidden connotation since she spoke on the behalf of the entire school. Anyone's heart would beat faster after gaining the support of the river school, a mighty existence with three emperors. Its support was the same as adding wings to a tiger, especially for the younger generation. It would open up a path of unlimited potential!
943 TeaserShe maintained her unrivaled charm in the face of the boorish question: "Why do you think I came with a purpose?"
Her words contained an unspeakable charm and elegance. They were beyond the boundaries of the mundane world. Each of her tempting words and actions could make others lose their minds.
Li Qiye coldly glared at her: "Girl, don't try that trick in front of me. Your style is indeed captivatingly beautiful, but don't play with fire. If you keep on tempting me, I will strip you clean!"
Ye Chuyun couldn't help but wryly smile at such offensive words. No one had ever said something like this to Mei Suyao besides Li Qiye.
Mei Suyao blushed and felt a bit helpless in her mind in addition to a strange sense of defeat. Even though she was not the flirtatious type, she still had complete confidence in her charm. In her opinion, not many would be able to escape her temptation.
However, Li Qiye didn't seem to care at all. In his eyes, she was no different from other women. She didn't know whether to feel angry or sad because of this.
[collapse] Elucidation is true understanding or enlightenment in this case. Enlightenment is used too much so I'm going with elucidation. Verity was the other choice. ↩Chapter 944: Spank Your Sweet Buttocks
"Girl, I am not interested in your river school's support." Li Qiye only chuckled at this enticing offer: "Of course, I can think about you following me into Nalanda."
He paused to look at her before continuing: "Naturally, my willingness to take you is not because I like you or because of how beautiful you are. It is simply out of consideration for your Matriarch, Immortal Emperor Xiu Shui, got it?"
"I truly appreciate your help.." Mei Suyao quickly stood up to thank him regardless of whether he would say yes or not.
"Go. To tell the truth, I've grown a bit bored." Li Qiye looked at her with one eye and gently waved his sleeve.
Ye Chuyun was surprised to hear this. Mei Suyao's beauty was renowned across the world. Countless people in the younger generation, including supreme geniuses, would be willing to stay with her. It could even be said to be a dream of many. But now, Li Qiye was the complete opposite; he was tired of Mei Suyao. It was simply unbelievable for a beauty like her to be treated in this manner.
Mei Suyao didn't seem to mind. She still bowed elegantly and smiled: "Just let me know if you ever need me, I won't say no." The soft words from the supreme beauty of this generation were completely irresistible to anyone.
Li Qiye looked at her then gestured for her to come over with his fingers: "Girl, come here."
"Brother Li has some advice?" Mei Suyao came closer and tilted her head. She was truly too beautiful. Each of her actions and gestures would cause one's soul to sway.
When she tilted her head closer, she was within his reach. Her exposed bare neck accentuated her black hair that fluttered in the breeze, carrying an elegant fragrance that made the heart beat faster.
Such a scene couldn't be described with words. It was a perfect picture. Even Ye Chuyun marveled while watching on the side. She was really too beautiful.
Ye Chuyun was also known as a great beauty. However, there was quite a sizable gap between her and Mei Suyao. No matter how pretty she might be, she paled before Mei Suyao.
In the blink of an eye, Mei Suyao fell into Li Qiye's chest.
"Pop! Pa! Pa!" Li Qiye's hand slapped her round and sweet buttocks like a storm.
She screamed like a cat that had had its tail stepped on and immediately jumped up. Her usual supreme grace was nowhere to be found, only fear and anger were left amidst the confusion.
"What are you doing…" She cried out after jumping up. Regardless of the circumstance or the peril, she could always stay calm with a matchless attitude, but not this time.
This was her first time being treated as frivolously as this. No, it was the second time. The first time was by Li Qiye as well!
Contrary to her shocked demeanor, Li Qiye was still acting leisurely as he looked at her and said: "Girl, I'll show you the right path. If you want to seduce me, there's no need to act in such an amorous manner. Just obediently listen to me and I'll consider taking you in. As for this type of cautious, deliberate scheming, it is time to stop!"
"There's no need to try to break my dao heart." Li Qiye chuckled: "I am not a goal you can overcome, you don't have the ability to steal my heart. Just think it through and be obedient, then I can consider taking you in. After all, we had a physical connection before, so I don't want someone else to take a beautiful woman like you! However, if you have other plans, then get away from me or else I won't show mercy in plucking a flower!"
"You…" Mei Suyao was ashamed and extremely embarrassed. It could be said that this was the first time she had been so mistreated.
Ye Chuyun was also shocked to hear about the physical connection between the two. Those words would make the imagination of others run wild.
"I am someone who is not overly cruel to women." Li Qiye dismissively said: "On the contrary, I have always been willing to favor women. However, this is under the condition that they do not scheme before me."
Li Qiye's eyes narrowed: "If, say, you want some benefits from me or if you want to influence my actions, this isn't difficult. You just need to do one thing, and that is to listen to me! I will bring you unimaginable benefits! However, if you want to use the honey trap or schemes to manipulate me, girl, you are still too young. You aren't qualified and you also don't have the power to do so…
"… Be good and listen. I won't care for other matters. I will be considerate of Immortal Emperor Xiu Shui and grant great benefits to both you and the river school!"
His eyes turned cold at this point: "However, if you or the river school have any ideas or plans, then watch it or else I'll take a trip to the school! It won't be so easy to get me to leave at that point!"
Li Qiye was straightforward enough in his warning towards Mei Suyao.
Mei Suyao and Ye Chuyun by the side both turned silent. Ye Chuyun found that she wouldn't know what to do in this difficult situation either.
For others, Mei Suyao was a high above existence akin to a goddess. No one would dare to disrespect her, but Li Qiye didn't care for any of this and did as he pleased.
"I was wrong." Mei Suyao bowed and said: "If Brother Li wants to scold me, then do it. I am willing to accept your punishment!"
This time, she was full of sincerity without the same provocative chord from earlier. Nevertheless, she was still as beautiful as ever. It was natural to her very being.
"Forget it." Li Qiye looked at her and recalled a few people. He said: "Go. In the future, be direct with me. Don't play around with these tricks."
Mei Suyao sighed in disappointment. She bowed one more time and gave him one last glance before leaving. She drifted into the sky and disappeared in the horizon in just a second.
"Brother Li, Goddess Mei likes you." Ye Chuyun, who had been silent the whole time, commented.
Li Qiye only smiled and shook his head: "Whether she likes me or not doesn't matter. There are many who like me and many who hate me. Beauties who like me or even those who I like will be destroyed if they foolishly scheme before me!"
Ye Chuyun sighed softly as well. This was a matter between Li Qiye and Mei Suyao, it was not her place to comment on it.
However, she was very curious. In fact, anyone who knew that these two had a physical connection before wouldn't be able to contain their curiosity about what had actually transpired.
"If someone is ascending in the plateau, do you want to go and see?" Ye Chuyun changed the subject.
Li Qiye smiled and said: "Chuyun, the ascension isn't important to me, but if you want elucidation from the process, I can take you there and grab a piece for you." 1
Ye Chuyun quietly replied: "I don't dare to ask for the elucidation, just let it be up to fate."
Li Qiye gently nodded as well. If ascension was going to happen again at the plateau, then it would definitely cause a great storm this time as well.
After Mei Suyao left, the two continued forward on their boat. They met many people in the last two days; most were young prodigies of the cultivation world.
They came very quickly with different styles and uniforms. Some of them wore crowns while riding their chariots in the sky while others stood on their flying swords to cross the horizon. A few of them even came with great fanfare from their entourage…
"I heard Goddess Mei appeared at the Holy City, we have to go take a look!" These people were in a rush because of Mei Suyao. All were her admirers.
Mei Suyao's southward trip was very low-key this time, but she was simply too famous and was regarded as the number one beauty. Even if she tried to keep a low profile, others would notice her.
Thus, these young prodigies all scrambled in her direction just to catch a glimpse of her face. In the Mortal Emperor World, many youths that were enchanted by her would risk it all just to do so.
"Goddess Mei's charm is boundless." Ye Chuyun commented with feelings after seeing these prodigies give chase.
Li Qiye chuckled in response: "The Eternal River School has always produced charming beauties. Their Matriarch, Immortal Emperor Xiu Shui, was a supreme woman. This is part of the school's strength."
Ye Chuyun agreed. She had heard legends about the emperor who swayed all existences in the nine worlds.
The two of them traveled in their usual manner on their boat and finally reached the Holy City. They reached the shore and walked the rest of the distance.
I don't remember what this elucidation is yet so it can be awkward in the sentence. Not sure if it is a mental enlightenment or an item. ↩Chapter 945: Holy City
The first thing people saw while looking towards the direction of the Holy City was not the establishments themselves, but a huge mountain range. The city was erected right next to this mountain range.
The city was quite large, but it was like a small boulder compared to this mountain range, like a little boat in the middle of a vast ocean.
People called this place the Hidden-dragon Mountains. It spanned for millions of miles like a dragon lying on top of the endless Barren Earth.
The Holy City was tastefully simple and architecturally unadorned. It seemed to have experienced the weathering of countless years but still stood strong.
There was a saying in the Mortal Emperor World — Descent in the East, Holy in the South. This was referring to Descent City in the Eastern Hundred Cities and Holy City in the Barren Earth.
Rumor has it that the Holy City used to be called Heavenwatch City, but later on, cultivators never dared to act wildly in this city, so it became a land of peace. Eventually, people came to call it the Holy City instead. 1
On top of its simplistic style, an endless auspicious air permeated the space above the city all the way into the firmament. A violet aura sometimes condensed in the sky. Needless to say, there were gigantic trees in the area, painting a verdant picture. Waterfalls fell from the sky alongside the palaces and floating peaks above…
Outsiders had never heard of any unbeatable sect or imperial lineage in the Holy City. Only some clans were mentioned at best. However, they would be sorely mistaken if they looked down on the Holy City for this reason! The Holy City was the gathering spot of the human race and was considered to be on the same level as the Eastern Descent City; these were the two biggest enclaves of the human race in the Mortal Emperor World.
Here existed the bases of the most ancient clans while sects and lineages were not as imminent. For example, one could only hear about a few clans such as the Cao Clan. However, those who understood the city knew that these quiet clans had existed for countless years. They were even older than some imperial lineages.
According to the tales, for many generations now, quite a few Immortal Emperors had visited the Holy City. Moreover, they never showed off their auras here and only came like ordinary people.
Even Immortal Emperors didn't want to disturb the peace of this place. After arriving, they would come to look at the old remnants of the wise sages.
Because of this legend, the Holy City had always been tranquil. Even those who had feuds would not fight inside the city. They would go outside to settle the score instead.
While standing before the gates of the Holy City, one would see another rolling mountain range in front of them. It was extremely majestic and magnificent, rendering the spectators breathless by weighing down on their hearts. This spectacular mountain range was a beloved topic of the inhabitants of this world — the Godwar Mountains; it is said that a battle between deities had taken place here!
Li Qiye softly sighed while looking at the distant Holy City. He turned around and saw the Godwar Mountains behind him and his mind became even heavier.
After the final battle that year, rivers of blood ran rampant and mountains made of corpses occupied this land. Eventually, a new dawn was ushered into the nine worlds, signaling the end of the Ancient Ming Era.
Back then, after looking at the generals and wise sages who survived to walk out from the ruins, he asked with a heavy heart: "Where shall you all go from here?"
After a long silence, some generals wanted to continue following him while others wanted to return home at last. A portion of the army said: "We are willing to guard this land to protect the last light of dawn for the Mortal Emperor World!"
Since then, a battalion of this army stayed behind in this land and started their own families. They built a gigantic citadel and gave it the name, Heavenwatch! It wasn’t until much later that it became known as the Holy City.
This was not a pleasant feeling for Li Qiye as he stared at the Godwar Mountains. The most gifted and brilliant geniuses along with many invincible wise sages followed him to battle back in that era.
However, a countless number of them died here. It didn't matter if one was a blessed son or daughter of the heavens or a wise sage, if one fell in battle, another would take their place. Because of them opening the path with their blood and lives, the army was able to stop one wave of attack after another from the Ancient Ming's forces!
That war was too tragic. Their enemies were not only Godkings but even Immortal Emperors! In the end, they were victorious and even Immortal Emperors were defeated. The new golden era began for the nine worlds! 2
"Brother Li, are we entering the city?" Ye Chuyun gently asked after seeing Li Qiye's dazed state.
Li Qiye's mind eventually returned. He looked at Ye Chuyun before shaking his head: "You go in first, I want to go to someplace for a bit. I'll meet up with you later."
"Okay, I have to meet a senior anyway." Ye Chuyun was very sensible with her answer: "Just let me know when you are free."
Li Qiye slightly nodded. Ye Chuyun didn't say anything else and bade farewell before entering the city with haste.
Li Qiye sighed and determined his next destination, then he headed towards a certain peak.
There were many hills between the Holy City and the Godwar Mountains. In fact, the path to enter the city required crossing these hills.
Many people lived on these numerous and spiritual hills. They built their own little towns. Both cultivators and mortals entering or leaving the Holy City could rest at these places.
Apricot Peak was among these hills. This pretty peak was of average size and already had a master. There was an old expansive courtyard. The word "Xu" was inscribed on a tablet by the entrance.
Meanwhile, at the bottom of the peak was another old building. It was a winehouse that also had a plaque with the word "Xu" in front of the door, swaying with the breeze.
Apricot Peak's Xu was a small clan. However, this winehouse that was so humble in size seemed to be timeless.
Both mortals and cultivators coming by this place would stop for a drink at the winehouse for a bit. Every once in awhile, someone would ask the old shopkeeper: "Were any of your ancestors cultivators?"
It was not strange to ask this question because at the Holy City and even the thousands of miles surrounding it, many mortals' ancestors used to be cultivators.
The old shopkeeper only smiled and never answered this type of question.
One could smell the strong fragrance of liquor the moment they entered Apricot Peak. This was the same for Li Qiye. Smelling this familiar fragrance made many emotions emerge in his mind. He didn't know what to say at this moment.
"Xu Clan's aged wine, such a memorable and nostalgic smell." Li Qiye murmured.
The Xu's winehouse had been here for a long time. By the time the youths nearby began to be aware of their surroundings, the winehouse had already been around. After so many years, it continued to prosper for generation after generation.
There weren't that many customers when Li Qiye stepped inside. Outside of several mortals drinking away, there were only one or two cultivators resting.
The shopkeeper immediately greeted him. Li Qiye went to the second floor and sat down by a window.
Li Qiye was somewhat absent-minded while looking at Apricot Peak outside. The shopkeeper asked him: "Sir, what would you like?"
Li Qiye calmed down and looked at the old shopkeeper and his familiar face before sighing. A descendant of the Xu Clan… He ordered: "Get me a bottle of wine and some snacks."
The shopkeeper confirmed what Li Qiye wanted and was about to leave, but Li Qiye called him back and spoke with a soft voice: "Is your Xu Clan still doing well? How are the children?"
The old shopkeeper turned around and didn't find this question strange. He said with a smile: "Sir, thanks to everyone's blessings, my Xu Clan has been running this restaurant for a very long time now. Although we don't have that many children, they are full of filial piety."
"That's good, that's good." Li Qiye nodded gently.
Li Qiye sighed once more while watching the old shopkeeper leave. Xu Clan… In that distant era, it was such a powerful and prosperous clan.
It was mighty to a fearful level. Even Godkings from the Ancient Ming Clan wouldn't dare to provoke it.
When he decided to attack the Ancient Ming, he had tried to lobby many people. The Xu Clan's ancestor was the first to answer his call. Moreover, the whole clan and its disciples joined in this drawn-out war!
At the moment of final victory, the Xu Clan only had the ancestor and their youngest daughter left. Li Qiye always became dejected when he recalled the little girl.
She was a very lively girl with exceedingly high talents. After the war, she became withdrawn and quiet, like a completely different person! She had lost too much during that cold war and couldn't bear the shock.
Later on, he came to see the girl several times and saw how a lively girl became a silent shadow. The wounds of war wouldn't heal, causing his heart to feel uncomfortable every time they met!
Similar motif to Heavenguard, but a different word. ↩ Plurality is not explicitly stated here, but it can be plural. Assuming both singular and plural can be problematic in this translation, but I believe plural is the right choice here. ↩