The moment the words left his lips, the scene fell silent.
The Xiaozhu Peak disciples watched Ji Changfeng and Lu Xueqi's charged exchange with amused smiles.
They knew about the wager between the two.
And so, they were curious—how would this play out?
Would Ji Changfeng end up calling her Senior Sister~
Or would Lu Xueqi have to call him Senior Brother~
Oh, how intriguing!
While Xiaozhu Peak's disciples were enjoying the spectacle, those from Dazhu Peak were utterly baffled.
Unaware of the wager, they assumed Ji Changfeng must have offended Lu Xueqi, the Xiaozhu Peak disciple, at some point…
Tian Linger puffed out her cheeks, glaring at the two locked in their intense stare-off.
She did know about the wager.
But seeing them gaze at each other so intently in front of everyone—those who didn't know better might think there was something between them…
Lu Xueqi paid no heed to the onlookers.
In that moment, her eyes held only Ji Changfeng.
Four years of grueling cultivation, all for today!
Hearing him call her Junior Sister, a flicker of emotion passed through her eyes. Her tone was earnest. "Our wager remains unresolved. You shouldn't call me Junior Sister!"
Ji Changfeng smiled faintly.
He looked at the aloof maiden with an appreciative gaze. "Not Junior Sister? Then what should I call you?"
Four years had passed.
Lu Xueqi had grown even more striking. Clad in a flowing white dress, her skirt danced in the breeze, her raven-black hair cascading freely, exuding a subtle fragrance.
Her skin was as fair and smooth as snow, her eyes clear as water, sparkling like stars. Her refined, ethereal face carried an air of cold detachment that kept others at a distance.
Of course, that was merely how others saw her.
To Ji Changfeng?
Xueqi's endlessly fascinating!
Sure enough, hearing his question, Xueqi actually paused to consider it seriously.
Not Junior Sister? Then what?
Hmm…
Her master and senior sisters called her Qi'er or Xueqi.
Should she let Ji Changfeng call her that?
No, no!
Only those close to her could use such names.
Lu Xueqi's mind spiraled into indecision.
Just her name, then?
But wouldn't that be too formal?
After all…
Ji Changfeng had once guided her in the ways of the Dao.
As Lu Xueqi wrestled with her thoughts, Wen Min stepped forward with a smile, coming to her rescue.
"Junior Brother Ji, do you only have eyes for Junior Sister Xueqi?" Wen Min teased lightly.
Her words sparked a wave of playful jabs from the Xiaozhu Peak disciples. "Oh my~ When Junior Brother Ji visited Xiaozhu Peak four years ago, he made that wager with Junior Sister Lu. And now, it seems she's the only one in his eyes…"
"Exactly, exactly…"
Faced with their teasing, Ji Changfeng shook his head with a chuckle. He glanced behind him and called out, "Senior Brother, aren't you going to greet Senior Sister Wen Min?"
"Huh?!" Song Daren froze.
He stepped forward sheepishly.
In an instant, the Xiaozhu Peak disciples turned their attention to him… and then to their senior sister, Wen Min.
"W-Wen Min, Junior Sister, it's been a while," Song Daren stammered nervously.
Wen Min smiled softly. "Senior Brother Song, sixty years apart—how have you been?"
Song Daren was struck dumb.
He stared, entranced, at Wen Min's smile, murmuring, "Good, very good, extremely good…"
Ji Changfeng gave him a subtle nudge, exasperated.
Lost your soul? Reciting slogans now?
"Ahem…" Song Daren snapped out of it, coughing awkwardly. Just as he opened his mouth to say more—
Whoosh—
A flash of swordlight cut through the air.
A Tongtian Peak disciple appeared, standing above the sea of clouds. His voice rang out. "Fellow disciples, the Sect Leader and the peak masters have been waiting in the Jade Purity Hall. Please proceed there in an orderly manner…"
The chatter among the Qingyun disciples ceased instantly.
The disciples of Dazhu Peak and Xiaozhu Peak also set aside their conversations…
The group crossed the sea of clouds and the Rainbow Bridge in an orderly fashion, heading toward the Jade Purity Hall.
Before leaving, Ji Changfeng glanced into the distance. He spotted Qi Hao and the Longshou Peak disciples, already present but mingling with another peak's group.
They seemed keen to avoid Dazhu Peak.
Zhang Xiaofan, with his Fire-Stoking Stick tucked at his waist, had the three-eyed spirit monkey Xiao Hui perched on his shoulder, curiously scanning the surroundings.
Though Ji Changfeng had rescued Xiao Hui, his frequent seclusions meant the monkey had bonded closely with Dazhu Peak's cook, Zhang Xiaofan, often trailing him for play.
Ji Changfeng glanced at Zhang Xiaofan.
The Fire-Stoking Stick at his waist showed no signs of activity, appearing as an ordinary stick. Thus…
As the group crossed the Rainbow Bridge, they passed unmolested by the Water Qilin Spirit Sovereign lurking below, arriving smoothly at the Jade Purity Hall.
Inside the Jade Purity Hall
The peak masters were already seated in their places.
Master Shuiyue beckoned lightly, and Lu Xueqi, carrying the divine sword Tianya on her back, approached her master with a cool expression.
But before she moved, she cast a lingering glance at Ji Changfeng.
Ji Changfeng noticed her gaze. He offered a gentle smile, then lowered his eyes.
Before the Seven Peaks Tournament officially began, Cang Song stepped forward, delivering a lengthy speech on tradition, as was customary. Only then did he announce the start of the tournament…
And called the disciples forward to draw lots.
When it was Ji Changfeng and Lu Xueqi's turn, Cang Song subtly manipulated the process, ensuring their numbers aligned as opponents.
If Ji Changfeng and Lu Xueqi advanced through the early rounds, they would face each other in the final four.
"Seventh Senior Brother, I got number one!" Zhang Xiaofan waved his wax pellet.
Ji Changfeng opened his own.
Number three.
Per the rules, he would face number sixty-two in the first round.
Without hesitation, Ji Changfeng looked toward Longshou Peak.
As expected, Lin Jingyu held number sixty-two.
"Little Senior Sister, you lose!" Ji Changfeng said with a faint smile.
Tian Linger's jaw dropped.
She stared at Ji Changfeng in disbelief. "H-How did you know?"
"Secret!" Ji Changfeng chuckled.
How could he have guessed?
Unless…
He had someone pulling strings.
Tian Linger pouted, reluctantly untying the Amber Silk Sash from her waist and handing it to Ji Changfeng.
"Here~ You'd better return it tomorrow~"
"Don't worry, Little Senior Sister." Ji Changfeng grinned, taking the sash.
Whoosh—
But in that moment, he sensed a gaze fixed on him.
Turning slightly, he saw a cool, aloof maiden beside Master Shuiyue, staring directly at him.
Who else could it be but Lu Xueqi?
____
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