Femme Fatale

Femme Fatale...

Mo Qingcheng sat gracefully next to Qin Wentian, her eyes catching the flickering emotions within his gaze. A hint of playful irritation crept onto her face as she gently rested her hand on his shoulder. When Qin Wentian turned to meet her gaze, Mo Qingcheng pouted and asked, "Are you also eager to meet the Royal Sacred Region's renowned 'number one beauty'?"

Qin Wentian blinked rapidly, his curiosity piqued by the mention of this mysterious 'number one beauty.' He hadn't given it much thought before, but now he found himself genuinely intrigued.

Noticing Qin Wentian's initial hesitation, Mo Qingcheng couldn't resist teasing him. She playfully pinched his thigh, and a faint smile tinged with jealousy adorned his face. It was a reminder that even someone as enchanting as Mo Qingcheng could be susceptible to jealousy. Ye Lingshuang, who was observing this exchange from the sidelines, couldn't help but be captivated by Mo Qingcheng's beauty and charm. She, too, wore a sly smile as she turned her attention to Qin Wentian.

"Wentian, if you wish to go, you can accompany Liu Yun. I'll stay here with Qingcheng and await your return," Ye Lingshuang suggested, her lips twitching slightly. Qin Wentian couldn't help but chuckle at her remark. "Sister Lingshuang, please don't kick a man when he's down."

The surrounding maidens erupted in laughter, enjoying the playful banter between the group. Liu Yun, who had been watching the interaction, couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy towards Qin Wentian.

Over time, the maidens of the Medicine Sovereign Valley had developed a more favorable opinion of Qin Wentian. In the Kingdom of Ye, his reputation had soared due to his explosive rage on Ye Kongfan's behalf, his audacious entry into the Qi King Manor, and his subsequent elimination of Ye Kongfan to avenge the harm caused by his hurtful rumors. The story of Qin Wentian's heroic actions had spread throughout Ye, endearing him to its citizens.

Moreover, the unforgettable battle in the Ye Royal Palace had cemented Qin Wentian's status as the foster son of the revered Human Emperor. His prestige had reached unprecedented heights, making him highly regarded in Ye.

The maidens of the Medicine Sovereign Valley gradually shed their initial reservations and disdain for Qin Wentian. Their close bond with him remained unbreakable, and the possibility of a romantic relationship between them was becoming increasingly undeniable.

"Sister Lingshuang, you underestimate him," Mo Qingcheng remarked with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "He's a rather fickle-minded gentleman who has never lacked the company of beautiful women. Let's not forget about Qing'er, whose beauty rivals even yours."

Ye Lingshuang's beautiful eyes sparkled with curiosity as she inquired, "You know about Qing'er?" She had met Qing'er once before and was struck by her breathtaking beauty, which was akin to a snow lotus gracing the peak of an icy mountain, leaving one breathless in admiration.

Qin Wentian couldn't help but let out a cough, attempting to alleviate the awkwardness that had settled over the group. He found Ye Lingshuang's innocence almost endearing, but it had inadvertently sparked a humorous situation. As he glanced at Mo Qingcheng, her enigmatic smile only deepened, making him shake his head in amusement.

"Qingcheng, I've always been honest with you. I mentioned Qing'er before," Qin Wentian replied, trying to clarify the situation. However, the atmosphere seemed to thicken as unfriendly gazes bore down on him from all directions. The maidens of the Medicine Sovereign Valley were not pleased with the revelation that Qin Wentian had a connection with another woman despite being married to their Holy Maiden.

Mo Qingcheng huffed in response to Qin Wentian's explanation, and he felt the weight of their judgmental stares pressing down on him. It was becoming increasingly clear that these formidable women were not to be trifled with, even though he knew that his relationship with Qing'er was entirely innocent.

"Sister Lingshuang, let's return to our rooms. We won't disturb them if they want to see the Royal Sacred Region's 'number one beauty,'" Mo Qingcheng suggested to Ye Lingshuang, and their entire group of women stood up to leave. However, just before they departed, Mo Qingcheng turned back, her smile now incredibly alluring.

"Be careful out there, Qin Wentian. Don't let that beauty steal your heart away," she teased, her voice dripping with mischief. With that parting shot, she turned and left with Ye Lingshuang and the others. Watching them go, Qin Wentian couldn't help but feel a warmth in his heart. He knew that Mo Qingcheng was merely playfully teasing him.

He couldn't suppress a smile as he thought, "I'll have my revenge on you for this."

A self-satisfied grin appeared on Qin Wentian's face as he contemplated future payback.

"Junior brother Qin, why are you grinning like a fox? What's going on in that head of yours?" Liu Yun's voice broke through his thoughts, and Qin Wentian shot him a bemused glance.

"Oh, you know, the Holy Maiden is quite understanding. She's letting me go with you to see the world's 'number one beauty.' When will I ever find a girl like that falling in love with me?" Liu Yun sighed dramatically.

Qin Wentian chuckled at Liu Yun's antics but quickly regained his composure. Duan Han interjected, putting an end to their banter. "Enough with the jokes. Let's get going."

Qin Wentian and Liu Yun exchanged puzzled looks. "Go where?" they asked in unison.

Duan Han's demeanor shifted as he explained, "We're going to see the world's 'number one beauty.' Consider it a form of training."

The two juniors stared at Duan Han, bewildered by his sudden decision. Duan Han's expression then shifted, and a sly smile crept onto his face as he disappeared from the inn.

"Training, huh? This is training," the various seniors and juniors laughed, realizing that Duan Han had concealed his true intentions quite skillfully. They shared a camaraderie that only grew stronger in moments like these.

...

In the Immortal Ripple Pavilion, a group of handsome cultivators gathered around the elegant and captivating buildings. The atmosphere was filled with the melodious sounds of a zither, its soulful notes echoing through the air. The music seemed to touch the depths of their hearts, leaving a profound impression on the moment.

At the entrance of the Immortal Ripple Pavilion, a protective ring of masked maidens stood vigilantly, determined to prevent anyone from venturing too close to their sacred domain.

In the distance, a group of silhouettes strolled leisurely towards the pavilion. Leading the way was none other than Qin Wentian, accompanied by the other male members of the Battle Sword Sect. Their steps were unhurried, matching the cadence of the enchanting music that wafted through the air.

"Lin Xian'er is renowned for her musical prowess, her zither melodies are said to be capable of ensnaring souls, captivating hearts, and charming all who listen. But who could have imagined that this melody would be anything but decadent? It's genuinely soulful and beautiful," Qin Wentian reflected silently as he thought of the tales shared by his fellow sect members during their journey to the Immortal Ripple Pavilion.

The Celestial Maiden Sect, located in the Eastern Domain, exclusively recruited female disciples, with their primary criterion being beauty before talent. Consequently, the disciples of the Celestial Maiden Sect were exceptionally beautiful women. The current sect leader, a figure who had caused an upheaval a century ago in her youth, was rumored to have had interactions with nearly every genius in the Royal Sacred Region during her time.

For example, Nangong Zhu of the Nangong Aristocrat Clan in the Eastern Domain was a brilliant talent destined to become the clan's future leader. He had the admiration of countless beautiful women eager to marry him. However, he shocked everyone by abandoning his inheritance and family for the sake of the Celestial Maiden Sect's current sect leader. This decision ignited a fierce conflict between the Nangong Aristocrat Clan and the Celestial Maiden Sect, with the clan demanding Nangong Zhu's return. Yet Nangong Zhu chose to stand by the Celestial Maiden Sect, even going to war against his own family. Ultimately, both sides called a truce, and Nangong Zhu was disowned by his clan. He vanished from the public eye, and according to rumors, he became the protector of the Celestial Maiden Sect's sect leader.

To this day, no one had concrete knowledge of the sect leader's marital status. Some believed that the immortal women of the Celestial Maiden Sect were enchantresses who used their beauty to ensnare men's souls, while others claimed that, despite their tarnished reputation, the sect's women guarded their purity like precious jewels. Despite the numerous rumors about their interactions with talented individuals, no man had ever truly possessed them in any way.

Lin Xian'er's beauty now rivaled that of the Celestial Maiden Sect's sect leader in her prime, if not surpassed it. She held the title of the world's number one beauty, and as she traveled the Royal Sacred Region, she stirred up countless storms.

Qin Wentian and his companions continued their slow, deliberate approach, their hearts resonating with the haunting zither melody. The music seemed to penetrate their very souls, evoking feelings of melancholy that crept over them almost imperceptibly.

"Just by hearing her melody without seeing her, it feels as if the distance between us is narrowing, as though destiny is pulling us together," Qin Wentian mused, vocalizing the thoughts that had emerged in his heart.

"The air is filled with a fragrance, subtle and unobtrusive, yet it feels so natural, touching the hearts of all who encounter it, making them yearn to meet her," Duan Han added, his voice carrying the weight of his changing emotions.

"The fragrance is intoxicating," Liu Yun remarked, inhaling deeply as a look of sheer fascination crossed his face. Qin Wentian, too, found himself drawn into the aromatic embrace of the scent, feeling as though he were floating amidst the clouds. The sensation was so natural that he didn't mind succumbing to its allure.

"What kind of flower emits this fragrance?" Qin Wentian couldn't help but ask, curiosity piqued.

"The fragrance of women," Liu Yun responded with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Lin Xian'er's astral soul is quite unusual; it's a plant-type astral soul. Its fragrance can mesmerize or bewilder others. Junior Brother Qin, you better tread carefully."

With their words exchanged, the three friends flickered through the air, landing gracefully on the rooftop of an ancient building. From this vantage point, they had a clear view of the Immortal Ripple Pavilion.

All around the pavilion, the rooftops of nearby buildings were already occupied by numerous young men, each exuding an aura of extraordinary presence. They stood in perfect silence, their unwavering gazes fixed upon the ancient structure before them.

Within the pavilion, a delicate curtain shielded the view from the outside world. The bewitching zither melody emanated from behind that thin, translucent barrier. Through it, one could catch a glimpse of the silhouette of an exquisite woman seated gracefully, her fingers dancing skillfully along the strings of an ancient zither. Every gesture she made seemed to possess an enchanting magnetism capable of stirring the hearts of all who watched.

Even through the semi-opaque curtain, it was abundantly clear that the maiden within was the epitome of allure.

In the tranquil atmosphere, the only sounds were those produced by her zither. The hearts of the onlookers swelled with admiration, but a sense of frustration and longing pervaded the air when she suddenly altered the melody.

"Ah..." A sigh escaped from someone's lips. "Fairy Xian'er's zither skills have reached such a sublime level; they leave us in awe."

"The Eye King is not exaggerating," a voice as soft as cotton chimed in, its mellifluous tones matching the zither's harmony. It was as if the very voice of this maiden was as flawless as her appearance, exuding an unending charm and temptation.

"Now that we've all gathered, I wonder if the fairy will grace us with her presence, or if we will leave truly disappointed," Shang Tong commented with a genial tone. It became evident that this man was one of the kings of Grand Shang, the same person Qin Wentian had encountered in Xuan King City. However, his previous arrogance had been replaced by an affable demeanor. This transformation was attributed to the fact that he was addressing an extraordinary maiden. Lin Xian'er commanded a different level of respect.

"As it should be," the melodious voice replied, and the curtains parted to reveal a mesmerizing silhouette. A single glance at her was enough to stir the souls of all who beheld her.

Qin Wentian was no exception. His soul quivered, and a cold sweat broke out on his back. He bit his lip to remain clear-headed. He realized that Lin Xian'er's enchanting beauty was unparalleled, and it had the power to captivate not just one's eyes but one's very soul.

Yet, he couldn't forget that Lin Xian'er was a potential future leader of the Celestial Maiden Sect. She possessed strength and determination that belied her fragile appearance. Her irresistible allure was a silent, omnipresent force that infiltrated the hearts of all who gazed upon her. It was both enchanting and terrifying—truly a femme fatale, a beauty capable of captivating a nation and ensnaring the hearts of its people. Such descriptions seemed almost tailor-made for women like her.