C81 Ancient Talisman Paper
He had the audacity to refer to himself as an Inner Sect disciple of the First Devil Sect, which irked Yang Tian. Had he not just received a compliment from Yang Tian, he wouldn't have given him the time of day.
Bai Yih had informed Yang Tian earlier that morning that a young master from the Devil Domain had arrived, though his identity remained a mystery. Observing the young master's proper attire, Yang Tian opted to hold off on any troublemaking for now.
With just a glance, Jiang Su could decipher Yang Tian's intentions.
It appeared that Elder Bai Yih's associates were not the sharpest tools in the shed. Jiang Su could effortlessly read Yang Tian's thoughts. It was clear that subtlety was not one of Yang Tian's strengths.
He scrutinized the affluent young master for a mere second, quickly discerning his Fire Spiritual Root, cultivation at the ninth rank of the Qi Sensing Stage, and the presence of thirty spirit veins. Given his tender age of fourteen, the young master's potential was truly remarkable.
At that moment, Lee Shiyan's gaze landed on Jiang Su, and he found himself unable to look away.
He marveled, "Could there actually be someone more attractive than me? How is it possible for someone to be this flawless?"
The striking Jiang Su cast a casual glance his way, prompting Lee Shiyan to immediately avert his eyes, too intimidated to meet Jiang Su's gaze. Yet, he couldn't resist sneaking another peek, admiring Jiang Su's impeccable jawline.
Despite this, Lee Shiyan was convinced that Jiang Su's looks were not matched by his strength.
They were cut from different cloths.
If Jiang Su were privy to Lee Shiyan's thoughts, he would be itching to teach him a harsh lesson.
Yang Tian addressed them, "You two have excelled in the first trial. I will personally escort you to the second."
With those words, he drew his black sword, murmuring the incantation. The sword performed a loop in the air before settling obediently at Yang Tian's feet. He gestured to them to step onto the sword.
Oddly enough, Jiang Su sensed that Yang Tian's true focus was on him.
Yang Tian was simply eager to flaunt his mastery of Sword-riding Flight, convinced that the black-robed youth lacked the skill.
Throughout the exchange, the black-robed youth hadn't spared Yang Tian a single glance.
And upon hearing Yang Tian's offer, he remained utterly unfazed.
Lee Shiyan's curiosity about the enigmatic figure had nearly hit its peak. How could someone be as still and silent as a statue, devoid of movement, speech, or laughter?
Throughout the climb, he remained mute, and after ascending the thousand steps, he didn't utter a single complaint. Who was this person, really?
If the black-robed youth didn't move, neither would he.
As a result, no one managed to claim a spot on Yang Tian's sword.
Bored, Yang Tian refrained from approaching Shen Yunqing, having already fulfilled Elder Bai Yih's assignment for the day.
He was eager to discover the nature of Jiang Su's spiritual root.
With a flourish, he performed Sword-riding Flight, circling the area as if to flaunt his skills.
Observing his antics, Jiang Su silently shaped the words with his lips: "Idiot."
After Yang Tian departed with his Sword-riding Flight, Jiang Su paid him no mind.
"System, lead me to the Inner Sect's round platform."
A map materialized in Jiang Su's thoughts instantly, the path ahead crystal clear.
He set out, following the indicated route.
Shen Yunqing, clutching her stool, trailed behind him. Spotting the black-robed youth shadowing Jiang Su, Lee Shiyan joined the procession.
"Senior brother, slow down a bit."
Jiang Su didn't bother to correct Lee Shiyan's address. If the day's mission was accomplished without a hitch, that was all that mattered.
Yet, Shen Yunqing proved to be a challenge.
He was merely her senior brother, not well-acquainted with her. His only interactions with her had been to enlist her help as a guide and to offer a single piece of cultivation advice.
Jiang Su hadn't anticipated such behavior from the Devil Sect's Holy Maiden.
With limited experience in romance, his current strategy was simple: ignore her.
He hoped she would take the hint and back off.
En route to the second trial, Lee Shiyan chattered incessantly. His fascination with the black-robed youth surpassed even Jiang Su's, though the youth had consistently ignored him from the start.
He could outtalk even Wang Tian.
The success of Wang Tian's journey to the Shadowless Sect remained unknown.
Jiang Su believed that, given Wang Tian's current prowess and potential, securing a place under Shadowless Sect's Yang Shuang should pose no issue.
He chuckled, hoping that by the time he next saw Wang Tian, he would have grown stronger. Then, they could enjoy a friendly spar.
Shangguan Yue had been covertly observing the youth in the black robe for quite some time before he caught Jiang Su's smile. Seizing the moment, he said, "My dear disciple, please forgive me. To make amends, I'll present you with a gift!"
"What kind of gift?"
Jiang Su wasn't truly seeking an apology. His words were merely to spare Shangguan Yue any embarrassment.
Men often become irrational when it comes to their wives.
With his rationality restored, Jiang Su reflected on Shangguan Yue's history. Shangguan Yue had been single for millennia, with only Chen Pingsheng as his friend. It led Jiang Su to suspect that Shangguan Yue might be gay.
As a modern young man, Jiang Su had been aware of homosexuality since his university days.
If Shangguan Yue were indeed gay, Jiang Su wouldn't see him as a romantic threat.
He had enough rivals for affection in the Cultivation World as it was, and with Shangguan Yue's formidable power, the last thing Jiang Su wanted was to count him among those rivals.
"This is an ancient talisman I've treasured for ages! It's incredibly rare. Had I not stumbled upon a stroke of luck a millennium ago, I would never have acquired it. With this talisman, you could even vanquish a Tribulation Crossing Stage Expert!"
Shangguan Yue's voice trembled with excitement, his eyes brimming with pride. He was convinced no one in the current Cultivation World possessed such a talisman and that Jiang Su would be overwhelmed with gratitude.
Yet, Jiang Su's face remained impassive, unresponsive.
He was at a loss for words.
His wife had once given him three ancient talisman papers all at once.
He was aware of their value, but he hadn't realized they were this esteemed.
After a moment of contemplation, Shangguan Yue had an epiphany. "Your wife gave you ancient talisman papers? You're incredibly fortunate to have married her."
Indeed, these ancient talisman papers were exceedingly scarce, scattered across the perilous Secret Realms of the Cultivation World.
The quest to find and acquire them was fraught with immense challenges.
The Empress of the Devil Sect truly lived up to her reputation for strength!
The party had made their way to the round platform within the Inner Sect.
Surrounding the platform were rows of Outer Sect disciples, all clad in purple, standing as straight as bamboo poles.
Yang Tian had already taken to the skies, arriving at the platform via sword-riding flight.
Upon noticing Jiang Su, the Outer Sect disciples promptly greeted him with deep bows, saying, "Greetings, Eldest Senior Brother."
Lee Shiyan's eyes sparkled with interest. He had been muttering to himself throughout the journey, as Jiang Su and the black-robed youth had ignored him, leaving him quite bored. Now, at last, he saw an opportunity for conversation.
"Hello there," Lee Shiyan remarked. "I see you're the head of the Outer Sect disciples."
Jiang Su, dressed in pristine white, had been mistaken by Lee Shiyan for someone else. The distinction in rank among Inner Sect disciples was indicated by the color of their garments.
Acknowledging the mistake with a faint nod, Jiang Su replied, "Let's head inside. You two are the first to arrive."