Chapter 996: Encounter

Almost everyone's attention was captivated by the blue-robed figure. Even from a distance, the intense pressure emanating from the trial tablet was palpable. He ascended: three meters, six meters… eighteen meters. Finally, the blue figure, seemingly bound by the force, slowed. At nearly twenty-one meters, the youth stopped, apparently reaching his limit. He swiftly inscribed the name "Fang Zhongshi" on the tablet.

Instantly, the words transformed into a blue ray of light, absorbed by the tablet. Upon landing, his name appeared on the ranking. He checked his position: eleventh place in the Golden Core state. A look of disappointment clouded his features.

"Fang Zhongshi is eleventh! Still number one among South Peace State's Golden Core cultivators," someone commented.

"Yes, his lightning element cultivation method is incredibly powerful. Besides the vanished Qian Beis, he's truly the best," another added.

"He doesn't seem satisfied, though," a third observed.

A murmur of conversation rippled through the crowd. Fang Zhongshi, however, remained outwardly calm. Then, his eyes lit up as he spotted a white-clothed woman approaching a group of girls in the square. He immediately followed.

Fang Zhongshi's easy eleventh-place finish dissuaded many from attempting the trial. Some resolved to reach the top ten next time, deeming a lower ranking too embarrassing.

Approaching the women, Fang Zhongshi bowed politely. "Lightning Cloud Sect's Fang Zhongshi greets the martial sisters of the Black Ice Sect."

Sister Rong smiled. "Martial Brother Fang, your achievement is extraordinary! Eleventh place on your first attempt is practically first. Congratulations."

A round-faced girl gazed at Fang Zhongshi with admiration.

Fang Zhongshi, however, remained unconvinced. "My modest accomplishment is hardly praiseworthy, Martial Sister Rong. Even you would likely surpass me, let alone the top ten Qian Beis."

The round-faced girl inquired, "Martial Brother Fang, is your goal to reach the top ten on the Golden Core trial tablet?"

Fang Zhongshi nodded seriously. "Yes. While I don't aim for the very top, I must attain a top-ten ranking before reaching the Nascent Soul state."

His gaze drifted to the white-clothed woman, but she was engaged in lively conversation with two companions, oblivious to his presence.

Meanwhile, Tang Beiwei rushed to embrace the white-clothed woman, Ning Qingxue. Luo Ying joined them, their reunion palpable in their excited chatter. This was their first meeting since their separation.

"Susu, Beiwei, I've longed to visit you both, but…" Ning Qingxue's eyes welled.

Luo Ying, unlike her more openly emotional companions, usually masked her feelings, except when Ye Mo was involved. Tang Beiwei and Ye Ling, however, wore their emotions openly.

Ning Qingxue confessed a preference for the company of Luo Ying and Tang Beiwei over her solitary time at Ethereal Immortal Pond. Their conversation subtly hinted at their shared disappointment at Ye Mo’s absence. Given their renown, he surely would have sought them out if he were in South Peace State. His lack of contact implied he wasn't.

Fang Zhongshi and Zhao Rong watched the trio in surprise. Luo Susu's beauty was renowned throughout South Peace State, yet her reticence was equally well-known, reserving her conversation mainly for Tang Beiwei.

Zhao Rong recognized Ning Qingxue, one of South Peace State's ten renowned beauties, from Ethereal Immortal Pond. The unusual closeness of these three beauties drew considerable attention. Their contrasting white, green, and pale yellow robes stood out, captivating the square.

Fang Zhongshi approached again, addressing Ning Qingxue. "Martial Sister Qingxue, your cultivation progress is remarkable; you've already reached Golden Core level three."

Luo Ying responded coldly. "Who are you? Qingxue is not someone you can address so casually."

Fang Zhongshi felt a pang of awkwardness, assuming Luo Ying was intentionally rebuking him; his identity was hardly unknown. He was unaware that Luo Ying genuinely did not recognize him, her coldness stemming solely from his perceived attempt to flirt with Ning Qingxue.

He offered a genuine, non-flirtatious greeting. "Lightning Cloud Sect's Fang Zhongshi, greetings to Martial Sister Luo Susu of the Black Ice Sect."

Luo Ying, intent on leaving with Tang Beiwei and Ning Qingxue, was interrupted. "Martial Sister Susu, I didn't expect to see you here," a voice called out.

A group approached, led by a man in pale purple cultivator robes. His appearance and bearing surpassed even Fang Zhongshi's.

Before Luo Ying could react, Zhao Rong intervened. "Martial Sister Susu, this is Yuan Guannan, Infinity Sect's top disciple. At only thirty-six, he's already a Nascent Soul level two cultivator."

Infinity Sect was the preeminent sect of the Luo Yue continent, far surpassing the Black Ice Sect, despite its status as a nine-star sect.

Luo Susu, despite her reluctance to engage with strangers, couldn't ignore Zhao Rong.

Another girl from Ethereal Immortal Pond, noticing Ning Qingxue's uncharacteristic sociability, asked, "Martial Sister Qingxue, who are they?"

Yuan Guannan smoothly interjected, "Everyone here represents the South Peace State elite, the future powerhouses. Allow me to introduce them: Black Ice Sect's Luo Susu and Tang Beiwei, and Ethereal Immortal Pond's Ning Qingxue, among the ten most beautiful women in South Peace State. Behind them are the Black Ice Sect's core disciples, Zhao Rong and Wang Waner. Martial Sister Zhao Rong is third on the Golden Core Hall of Fame, and this handsome blue-shirted brother…"

The blue-shirted youth announced, "Lightning Cloud Sect's Fang Zhongshi. Greetings, friends."

The introductions continued, drawing in more cultivators. A handsome cultivator in grey robes bowed. "Golden Sword Sect's Xiao Fei, and this is my sister, Xiao Shiyin…"

Whispers circulated: "Golden Sword Sect's Xiao Fei, number two on the Golden Core Hall of Fame! He didn't participate in the trial, but he'd likely rank in the top twenty…"

"His sister, Xiao Shiyin, is the fifth-ranked beauty of South Peace State."

More names were called: Infinity Sect's Dong Tianya, God Wind Valley's Mo Feng – each an elite from their respective sects.

Finally, a voice rang out, "Luo Susu, you haven't disappointed me. You've reached Golden Core level four. I'll wait a year. When you reach peak Golden Core, I, Wen Caiyi, will challenge you again."