Chapter 1034: It’s Actually Her
Ye Mo had heard of Wen Caiyi, renowned as one of South Peace State's two top beauties, alongside Susu. You Shanping explained, “I hear Dong Wuya fancies Wen Caiyi, but she's entirely uninterested. She only cares for her martial brother, Yuan Guannan, the Infinity Sect's foremost genius.”
Ye Mo, though unacquainted with Wen Caiyi, understood she must be exceptionally beautiful to share Susu's ranking. Such beauty certainly befitted the Infinity Sect's top genius.
You Shanping added quietly, “However, while Yuan Guannan likes Wen Caiyi, he favors Luo Susu even more. Because of this, Wen Caiyi intends to challenge Luo Susu…”
Ye Mo’s eyes grew cold. What audacity did Yuan Guannan possess to pursue Susu? And Wen Caiyi? Would Susu even deign to speak with such a man? What right did she have to challenge Susu?
You Shanping continued, oblivious to Ye Mo’s reaction. “Luo Susu is no ordinary woman. When Wen Caiyi declared there could be only one top beauty, Susu dismissively stated she disregarded the South Peace State's ten beauties, conceding first place. Wen Caiyi then told her to stay away from Yuan Guannan. Susu replied contemptuously that she had a husband and, beyond him, wouldn't care if Wen Caiyi claimed every man in the world. It seems Wen Caiyi lost that first battle decisively.”
Ye Mo knew You Shanping spoke the truth. Susu's nature was indeed as described. Knowing Susu still held him in her thoughts, Ye Mo yearned to rush to the Black Ice Sect, but realized the impossibility. He hoped Susu would journey to the Truth Fall Palace.
“Heaven Star Sect's Yi Shuanghu has ascended. He's sixteenth on the Golden Core state trial tablet, only one rank below Dong Wuya. Interesting.”
“Interesting…”
A nascent soul state level one cultivator took to the stage. Clearly, his ascension was recent. The two geniuses, Dong Wuya and Yi Shuanghu, clearly acquainted, exchanged greetings before unleashing their magic artifacts. Ye Mo recognized Dong Wuya's artifact, a stamp; he was surprised to see Yi Shuanghu wielded a similar weapon. The two stamps collided with immense force, shaking the stage despite the powerful restriction in place. Their match was remarkably even.
The body condensation state judge nodded approvingly. Ye Mo perceived the contest would be protracted. He reflected on Dong Wuya's progress: when Dong Wuya was at the peak of the Golden Core state, Ye Mo was only at level one. Now, they stood together at nascent soul state level one. The trajectory of life was truly remarkable.
Though he acknowledged his own rapid advancement thanks to the Heaven Glory Pill, spirit range, and countless pills, Ye Mo still felt a sense of satisfaction. Surpassing such a genius disciple in so short a time was gratifying, even considering Dong Wuya's considerable resources as a nine-star sect's core disciple.
Ye Mo's attention drifted from the duel as he noted You Shanping and Ge Lian's engrossed interest. He spied a familiar figure entering a spirit rest tower with a nascent soul state cultivator. These towers, like Earthly bars, provided respite and various spirit wines and teas.
He recognized the figure instantly, unable to inform You Shanping and Ge Lian, and hurried into the tower. Ling Xiaoshuang and her martial sister, having spent the morning in the market, had just entered. Her eyes flashed with disgust upon seeing Ye Mo. "Ning Xiaoma is truly shameless…" she hissed.
Before Ling Xiaoshuang could elaborate, her companion also saw Ye Mo and scoffed, "That guy's shameless, indeed. He followed us here."
Ye Mo hadn't initially noticed Ling Xiaoshuang. Even if he had, he would have needed confirmation. The pretty figure turned, catching sight of Ye Mo, but showed no apparent concern.
Is it really her? Ye Mo's mind reeled. He hadn't anticipated encountering Dongfang Nana here. Years ago, he'd crippled her dantian and nearly killed her, only sparing her due to Ye Zifeng's fervent devotion. They'd subsequently vanished from Luo Ying, leaving Ye Mo unaware of their whereabouts. Now, years later, he saw her in South Peace State, independent of Ye Zifeng. She was a Golden Core state level one cultivator, her dantian miraculously restored, her cultivation talent evident.
Overwhelmed, Ye Mo rushed to her, seizing her shoulder. “I have business with you. Come with me.”
Ling Xiaoshuang, witnessing this, flew into a rage. Drawing her flying sword, she prepared to kill Ye Mo, realizing he hadn't targeted her, but likely deemed her too formidable a foe and harassed this other woman instead. She resolved to kill him, despite the difficulty of doing so in the city. No one would challenge her sect for an inconsequential cultivator.
Before Ling Xiaoshuang could strike, the nascent soul state cultivator beside Dongfang Nana attacked Ye Mo, unleashing a fan imbued with lethal intent. Ye Mo countered with his cultivation essence.
Dongfang Nana, recovering her senses, scurried behind the cultivator, staring at Ye Mo with terror, unaware of his sudden aggression.
"How dare you act before me, Wu Yu? Seeing as you deflected my casual attack, break the arm you used to grab her and be gone!" the nascent soul state cultivator roared.
"Eternity Sea's genius, Wu Yu," someone whispered, "the one who reached nascent soul state level seven before the age of one hundred, ranked 267 on the nascent soul state trial tablet."
Ye Mo glared coldly at Wu Yu. He had to take Dongfang Nana away and discover Ye Zifeng's location. Sensing a sudden surge in Ye Mo's power, Wu Yu was taken aback. A mere nascent soul state level three cultivator daring to defy him? He considered Ye Mo foolish.
Before Wu Yu could retort, Dongfang Nana pulled him back. "Big Brother Wu, forget it. Let's go…"
She saw the familiar anger in Ye Mo’s eyes and grew apprehensive.
“Why go? I must break his arm! This trash should be grateful I’m not killing him,” Wu Yu insisted.
Ye Mo composed himself. He knew he could overpower Wu Yu, but not without attracting unwanted attention in Truth Fall City. His impulsive actions had been a mistake.