Chapter 183

Chapter 183: The Qing Yu Sect Grand Ceremony

Qing Yu Sect was far from Zhen Yan Sect, so You You and her group left a day early, arriving just in time for the ceremony. Though not late, Qing Yu Sect already buzzed with activity. Disciples from various sects crowded the mountain gate, surpassing the liveliness of the last Immortal Sect Competition.

Unlike their previous low-profile reception, Qing Yu Sect welcomed them warmly. The Qing Yu Celestial Maiden herself greeted them.

Her beauty wasn’t peerless but pleasant, appearing youthful like a twenty-year-old. Yet her spiritual energy felt faint, almost dispersing. Though she smiled brightly, her eyes lacked vigor—confirming Ling Qi’s report that her lifespan neared its end.

Beside her stood a man in red ceremonial robes, radiating more joy than the celestial maiden. While politely welcoming guests, his gaze never strayed from her, brimming with devotion as though he’d gained life’s greatest treasure. This was surely her chosen partner.

Their shared warmth created an invisible bubble around them. Each exchanged glance spread gentle affection.

You You’s gift was a bottle of top-grade longevity pills crafted by Yuan Papa and Kui Bi. Each pill extended life by two years; ten pills granted twenty. Though trivial for cultivators, it was precisely what Qing Yu Celestial Maiden needed.

The celestial maiden brightened with gratitude. Her partner bowed deeply, escorting them personally to their guest quarters.

With time before the ceremony, You You intended to observe other sects. But Zhen Yan Sect’s status as a first-rate immortal sect drew constant attention. Celestial maidens—acquaintances and strangers alike—flocked to her within minutes.

Polite exchanges soon exhausted her. Socializing was Ling Qi’s forte, not hers. She finally claimed meditation to halt the endless visits.

Yet this excuse failed against a certain admirer.

“You You! I’ve missed you soooo much!” Wu Yue barged in, tackling her in a face-rubbing embrace. “I wanted to visit sooner, but Long Xi made me handle sect tasks. Without seeing you, I’ve been lonely and cold—even meals lost flavor!”

“Wu Yue…” You You squirmed futilely. “Let go!”

Feng Rong finally intervened, yanking Wu Yue off and shoving her toward Long Xi. “Use words,” he growled, glaring.

“Sect Master You, Master Feng.” Long Xi caught his celestial maiden, nodding politely.

“Sister You…” Wu Yue pouted, eyeing Feng Rong’s scowl before reluctantly sitting. “I arrived earlier. Had I known you’d come, I’d have met you at Zhen Yan Sect!”

“…” Zhen Yan and Xuan Guang Sects lay in opposite directions—no “meeting on the way” existed.

“Did you meet Qing Yu Celestial Maiden?” You You offered tea, changing subjects.

“Yes!” Wu Yue sipped, calming. “I gifted ‘Qing Shuang Lingzhi’ to aid her health. What did you give?”

You You hesitated, feeling like friends comparing gifts. “Longevity pills.”

“Perfect!” Wu Yue nodded. “Rumor says she’s wanted a partner for ages. Finally succeeding now… bittersweet.”

“Ages?”

Leaning closer, Wu Yue whispered, “She’s from the Mortal Realm. Discovered her powers at fifteen after betrothal. Her first Follower was that fiancé—now her partner.”

“They’ve endured much,” You You remarked.

“Five Followers total, yet she circled back to the first.” Wu Yue shrugged. “With her lifespan, their time together’s brief.”

You You sighed. “How sad.”

“Sad? Not them!” Wu Yue countered. “The other four Followers suffer!”

“Why?”

“A partner shares life and death. Choosing one makes the others’ status awkward!”

“Awkward?” You You frowned. Followers were allies—why fret over a wedding?

Before she could ask, a Qing Yu disciple summoned them to the ceremony.

“Let’s go!” Wu Yue clung to You You’s arm. “After this, let’s share a Spirit Ship home!”

“No!” Feng Rong and Long Xi snapped simultaneously, pulling them apart.

Long Xi stiffened. “Sect Master, urgent matters await at Xuan Guang Sect.”

Feng Rong crossed his arms. “Our Spirit Ship’s full.”

You You: “…”