Chapter 25: An Unwanted Interruption

While Zhou Lingling fretted like an ant on a hot pan, Ye Cha arrived near the competition arena with an unhurried grace. After selecting a prime spot closer to the front, he stood there, an embodiment of serene beauty, as if he were a finely crafted sculpture.

Merely his presence created a captivating scene that no one could tear their eyes from.

Not only was Zhou Lingling’s gaze fixed intently upon him, but the surrounding female cultivators were equally enthralled.

Despite knowing he was the rumored paramour of their Sect Master, they found themselves utterly unable to resist their appreciative gazes.

It was merely a look, after all.

Even if Ye Cha truly became involved with the Sect Master, it wasn’t as if they were forbidden from looking.

Such a handsome man—if they didn’t steal a few more glances now, they might not be able to openly admire him in the future.

As this thought resonated among the crowd, Zhou Lingling lifted her foot, intending to approach Ye Cha. Her movement was immediately met with fierce glares from the other female cultivators, who warned her with their eyes not to act rashly.

Such an exceptional man as Ye Cha was not for female cultivators from other sects to covet.

Finding herself unable to squeeze closer to Ye Cha, Zhou Lingling grew increasingly frustrated. However, given that Feiyun Sect’s cultivation techniques weren’t particularly powerful, and her own cultivation was only at the Foundation Establishment stage, she dared not clash with the cultivators of Lingtian Sect at this moment.

It would be disastrous if, amidst the chaos of so many people, someone were to launch a sneak attack on her.

Furthermore, her purpose in coming to Lingtian Sect this time was to deliver something to Sect Master Shen Ruotong.

She could not afford any unexpected complications or unnecessary risks.

With this in mind, Zhou Lingling looked at Ye Cha, who was not far away, with a hint of regret. She resolved to quickly deliver the item to Shen Ruotong, after which she would be able to approach Ye Cha without any reservations.

Perhaps, she could even win Ye Cha’s favor, and then he would…

Hehehe.

The thought of living with Ye Cha in the future, cultivating together and pursuing the Grand Dao, filled Zhou Lingling with profound comfort. She yearned to fast-forward directly to that beautiful, blissful day.

“Senior Sister Zhou Lingling, why are you ignoring me?”

Just as Zhou Lingling was lost in fantasies of her happy future with Ye Cha, Wang Li’s voice buzzed in her ear like an annoying fly, abruptly shattering her beautiful illusion and pulling her back to reality.

Zhou Lingling then looked at Wang Li, who wore a wronged expression. The male cultivator, whom she had previously found agreeable, now seemed utterly vexing.

Nevertheless, Zhou Lingling typically avoided harsh words with male cultivators who weren’t unattractive.

“Junior Brother Wang Li, I was simply deep in thought just now and didn’t notice you. My apologies.”

Upon hearing Zhou Lingling’s polite words, Wang Li secretly rejoiced.

Perhaps he had overthought things; Zhou Lingling clearly didn’t favor pretty boys like Ye Cha, but rather a man of his own robust, masculine charm.

Hmph, no matter how popular Ye Cha might be, those who chased him were merely impoverished female cultivators with nothing to their names. A female cultivator of Zhou Lingling’s background would never even spare him a glance.

As for the Sect Master…

She was simply momentarily infatuated. Once she came to her senses, she would undoubtedly kick Ye Cha to the curb!

What did Ye Cha have to be so smug about?

In the path of cultivation, strength was paramount.

Though Ye Cha was currently popular, with his trash-tier five-spirit-root aptitude, he would gradually age without cultivation resources, and the female cultivators would eventually abandon him.

He, Wang Li, on the other hand, would successfully break through the Foundation Establishment stage with Zhou Lingling’s financial support, advancing towards higher realms!

A wave of profound satisfaction washed over Wang Li as he pictured Ye Cha in his old age, with hair as white as snow.

“I heard that Senior Sister will be staying in Lingtian Sect for a few days. Why don’t I introduce you to the sect?”

Seeing that Zhou Lingling was once again paying attention to him, Wang Li quickly seized the opportunity, intending to use the excuse of guiding her to interact more and foster their relationship.

With effort, his future would be bright.

“Thank you, but there’s no need. I prefer to explore alone.”

Just as Wang Li was building his美好的future in his mind, Zhou Lingling flatly refused him without a moment’s hesitation.

This left Wang Li with a look of bewildered shock and incomprehension. He couldn’t understand why, after their pleasant conversation just moments ago, she had so mercilessly rejected him.

Could Zhou Lingling be a master at toying with men’s hearts, employing a tactic of feigned disinterest to reel him in?

“The Sect Master is here!”

As Wang Li, undeterred, prepared to continue his pursuit of Zhou Lingling, someone suddenly shouted, causing everyone present to immediately tense, hold their breath, and respectfully await the arrival of the Lingtian Sect Master!