Chapter 144

Chapter 144: The Legendary Celestial Maiden

In the end, Wu Yue and Long Xi followed You You back to their room, resolving the dispute. The Ming Xin Sect truly lived up to its reputation as a top immortal sect. Their arranged rooms looked small from outside but contained vast spaces inside—a spacious courtyard and multi-level building that could house not just You You and Feng Rong, but all participating disciples.

“Since we parted at Yuyu Island, I’ve been counting days for this Immortal Sect Competition. We thought it might get canceled,” Wu Yue said excitedly, sitting beside You You.

“Canceled?” You You blinked. “Why?”

“Huh? Don’t you know?” Wu Yue frowned. “They say Qin Yan Celestial Maiden’s lifespan is ending. She recently failed advancing to late-stage God Transformation. Since Ming Xin Sect’s hosting this year’s event, we assumed they’d cancel or hand it to another sect!”

The Immortal Sect Competition happened every Hundred Years, hosted in turn by the Three Sects and Six Schools. This year fell to Ming Xin Sect.

“Qin Yan Celestial Maiden?” You You knew little about major sects, having focused on building her own.

“Yes!” Wu Yue’s eyes sparkled. “She founded Ming Xin Sect millennia ago! Her Cultivation surpasses other celestial maidens, and she’s a Tenth-Level alchemist! She brokered the Pact between humans and demons! I grew up hearing her legends—wanted to be just like her!”

“Human-demon Pact?” You You recalled, “Demons retreated north per the alliance, rarely entering Immortal Realm. But how was it formed?”

“All Qin Yan’s doing!” Wu Yue leaned forward. “Long ago, demons terrorized Mortal Realm, even attacking sect disciples! When Ming Xin Sect was still mid-tier, demons kidnapped their disciple. Qin Yan stormed Monster Realm with Followers, captured Demon King, rescued disciple, and forced him to sign non-agreement Pact!”

“Impressive,” You You nodded, curious.

“Ming Xin Sect became top-tier because of her! I hope we see her this time.”

“She’ll show up,” You You assumed. But when competition began, Qin Yan remained absent. The host was Qiu Yao—Ming Xin Sect’s elder they’d met at Moon Sea Secret Realm.

You You suddenly remembered frail woman surrounded by crowd at Moon Sea—was that Qin Yan?

No time to ponder. For preliminaries, dozens of arenas split below. Sect leaders watched from floating peak above.

Qiu Yao stepped onto central platform, smiling politely at celestial maidens. Unlike Yuan Qi’s genuine warmth, his smile felt practiced. After brief greetings, he activated formations. Transparent barriers enveloped arenas, shielding spectators.

“Immortal Sect Competition begins now!” he declared.

“Wait!” A furious voice cut through.

Dozens landed on stage—led by enraged woman glaring at Qiu Yao.

Qiu Yao stiffened, then bowed. “Noble Lady Qin.”

“Wu Yue, who’s that?” You You whispered.

“Probably Wuyun Sect’s master, Qin Hong!” Wu Yue guessed. “She’s Qin Yan’s childhood friend. Their sects stayed close for centuries—like us with you!”

You You: “……” No thanks to fan comparisons.

“Why’s she angry?” Wu Yue wondered as crowd murmured.

They’d soon find out.