Zanxing (Retranslated)

Chapter 182 - Shura Field (2)

Upon hearing her beloved disciple’s name, Yue Qin’s eyebrows shot up. “What did you say about Meng Ying?”

“Hmph,” Xuan Lingzi snorted. “You always wear that stern face, so I guess your disciples don’t dare to talk in front of you. But there’s a rumor going around in our hall that there’s definitely something between Meng Ying and Cengxiao.”

*

After a trip to the Country of Li’er, the rumors became increasingly outrageous.

However, none of these absurd rumors reached Zanxing’s ears. Probably because she was out early and back late every day, either looking for Mu Cengxiao or on her way to find him. Even when she returned to Miaokong Hall at night, after washing up and getting on the bed, she hid under the covers and secretly read those idle books from the Demon Realm. Naturally, she had no time to pay attention to the rumors around her.

Old Niu said from the side, “Young Mistress, everything is packed.”

After staying at the Taiyan Sect for a few days, Old Niu had to go back. He was old and not used to living on Gufeng Mountain; he felt more comfortable back in Yuecheng. Before he left, Zanxing had Hongsu prepare some local specialties for him to take back, so he could show off a bit when he got home.

A mule beside them brayed twice, and Old Niu tied the packed luggage onto its back.

This mule was a gift from Xuan Lingzi to Old Niu. The mules on Gufeng Mountain were fed with grains and water imbued with spiritual energy, making them quite different from ordinary mules. At the very least, they were much faster. It was said that a journey that took other mules three days would take this one only a day.

Old Niu asked Zanxing, “Young Mistress, before I leave, could you give this mule a name? It would be good to tell the master when he asks.”

Zanxing: “…”

She said, “Let’s call it Shunfeng.”

“Shunfeng? Smooth sailing, that’s a lucky name.” Old Niu happily took the reins and bid farewell to Zanxing, “Young Mistress, you can focus on your cultivation on the mountain. I will take good care of Shunfeng and Master.”

After sending off Old Niu, Zanxing returned to Miaokong Hall. Hongsu was coming out, holding Mimi. Seeing Zanxing, she said, “Young Mistress, Fairy Ziluo just came by looking for you. She said there will be a lotus viewing event tonight and was worried you’d forget, so she came to remind you.”

Zanxing nodded, “I know.”

On the mountain of the Taiyan Sect, there was a pond of red lotuses. When Sage Yushan was young, he passed by an immortal realm and saw these lotuses blooming like brilliant red jade. He brought back the lotus seeds and planted them in the sect. Although it was not yet summer, the flowers on Gufeng Mountain bloomed earlier than those at the foot of the mountain. Every year at this time, when the red lotuses were in full bloom, the uncles would set up a banquet to admire the lotuses.

Cultivation could be dull, so taking a break to look at the lotuses, feel the evening breeze, drink some wine, and eat some snacks was not only good for bonding among the disciples and relaxing but also helped those with unspoken feelings find the courage to express themselves.

When Zanxing first heard Fairy Ziluo mention this, she found it strange. Wasn’t this like a company-organized team-building event? But Gu Baiying had once said that disciples of the Taiyan Sect were not allowed to engage in romantic relationships. Had the rules changed?

But regardless of whether the rules had changed or not, it didn’t concern her much. After all, she was now a half-demon with a demonic artifact inside her, always at risk of being executed by the righteous path.

It was best to keep a low profile.

Hongsu opened the box Old Niu had brought and picked out the most sparkling dresses, laying them on the bed. “Young Mistress, choose one.”

“You want me to wear this?” Zanxing looked at the black gauze dress adorned with crystals in Hongsu’s hand. “Isn’t it too flashy?” It looked like something one would wear to a nightclub.

“Of course, the flashier the better!” Hong Su nodded earnestly. “At night, when it’s dark and the lights are dim, the crystals on your dress will sparkle. Their sect’s clothes are all dull and gray. We shouldn’t stand out too much with something overly bright, so the black color is just right. With these crystals as decoration, it won’t be boring. Apply your lipstick a bit more boldly, and don’t bother with a too-neat hairstyle. For one night, those disciples will be looking at no one but you.”

Hongsu truly understood the essence of standing out in a nightlife setting, even knowing how to create the right atmosphere. Zanxing said, “Why would I want so many people looking at me?” She casually picked up the usual gray gauze dress of the sect. “I’ll just wear this.”

“That’s out of the question!” Hongsu was anxious. “Tonight, Miss Liu, Fairy Meng, and that girl from the Xiang Ling Sect, Putao, will all be there. Miss Liu is delicate and gentle, Fairy Meng is stunningly beautiful, and Pu Tao is as lovely as a flower. We can’t lose!”

Zanxing sighed deeply. “Hong Su, I didn’t realize you had such a competitive spirit.”

“When we were in Yuecheng, you never lost in terms of beauty, Young Mistress. Now, even though you have a scar on your face, you can’t just give up. If one becomes lazy, it only gets worse. You weren’t like this before, Young Mistress!”

Zanxing was struck by a realization.

That’s right, the original “Miss Yang” wasn’t like this. Being so unkempt was far from the original “Miss Yang.” Could this be hastening her doom under the heavenly laws?

Moreover, she didn’t want to disappoint Hongsu’s good intentions, so she said, “Alright, but let’s choose another color…”

*

At night, Gufeng Mountain was rarely as lively as it was now.

The inner disciples, usually busy with cultivation and assessments, seldom had such a relaxing time. Everyone dressed elegantly and gathered in small groups.

On the Doluo Platform, long tables were set up, covered with banana leaves woven into floral patterns. The table settings were arranged by Xuan Lingzi himself—no one in the Taiyan Sect understood food, drink, and entertainment better than he did.

In a nearby pavilion, firefly lamps were hung, using spiritual power to create illusions of fireflies trapped inside the glass lamps. At night, there was no need for additional lighting; the gentle glow of the fireflies provided enough illumination.

Below, there was the Changchun Pool. The water in the Changchun Pool remained spring-like throughout the seasons, with lotus leaves covering the entire clear pond. In early summer, the scene was a sea of green, dotted with light red flowers. The red lotus petals were long and graceful, opening and closing with a delicate fragrance.

On such a night, even without wine, the scene was enchanting. Familiar disciples naturally gathered together. Tian Fangfang was comparing the sizes of pastries on two different tables with Men Dong, unable to decide between them, when someone came over, sat down without a glance, and took a seat.

“Martial Uncle, what are you doing here?” Tian Fangfang was taken aback.

Gu Baiying responded tersely, “What, am I not allowed to come?”

“No, it’s just that Junior Brother said you weren’t coming, so I was a bit disappointed. Well then, let’s sit at this table.” He pulled Men Dong to sit at Gu Baiying’s table.

Men Dong glanced at Gu Baiying and leaned closer to ask in a low voice, “Martial Uncle, don’t you usually skip the lotus viewing? What made you change your mind today?”

“What’s it to you?” Gu Baiying, in a sour mood, paused before muttering in annoyance, “If it weren’t for the Sect Master asking me to come, I’d have stayed away.”

It turned out that it was Shaoyang Zhenren who had requested his presence.

Men Dong understood and cleared his throat, “Is the Sect Master trying to matchmake you with Xiang Ling Sect’s Putao? There’s been a lot of gossip in the sect lately, saying that the Sect Master broke off his engagement with Lady Rongshuang and now intends to make it up by giving you as compensation.”

Gu Baiying swore, “Who have you been listening to spouting nonsense?”

“Ah, don’t blame Junior Brother. The gossip is circulating in our sect too,” Tian Fangfang said, nibbling on her apricot flower pastry. “Have you noticed that recently there’s been a lot of rumors in our sect? For example…”

Gu Baiying paused and leaned in to listen closely, but just then, Tian Fangfang waved behind him. “Junior Brother Mu, Miss Liu, over here!”

It was Mu Cengxiao who had arrived. He was accompanied by Liu Yunxin, who wore a gown of pale yellow silk, with gentle and refined features that made her look exceptionally elegant and graceful.

Mu Cengxiao had recently gained some fame in the Taiyan Sect. His old, rusty God-Slayer Sword had transformed into a top-grade spiritual weapon capable of slaying great demons. Furthermore, his complicated romantic entanglements—with Liu Yunxin, Meng Ying, and now Zanxing—had turned him into something of a legend.

As soon as Mu Cengxiao arrived, the surrounding disciples began to whisper among themselves.

“… I really can’t understand it. He’s just slightly good-looking. How is it that even Sister Meng has taken an interest in him?”

“Exactly. If we’re talking about looks, doesn’t Seventh Martial Uncle surpass him? Yet Seventh Martial Uncle is still single.”

“Don’t spread rumors. Seventh Martial Uncle is about to be sent to Xiang Ling Sect as a compensation gift. At least he’ll have a partner in the future.”

“Ah, the Sect Master is really ruthless. How could he let disciples pay for his own debts of gratitude?”

Cultivators have keen hearing, so these whispers quickly reached the ears of those at the table. Gu Baiying’s expression darkened immediately, and Mu Cengxiao appeared somewhat awkward. However, Liu Yunxin remained calm and composed.

The two of them sat down.

Soon enough, someone called out, “Sister Meng!”

Meng Ying had also arrived.

Meng Ying hadn’t made any special effort to dress up, still wearing a simple white robe and a black longsword at her waist. Her natural beauty was such that adding any more makeup would only detract from her original appearance. Men Dong waved to her and said, “Sister, sit here!”

Meng Ying paused when she saw them among the crowd and then walked over.

Once she was close, Men Dong smiled and pointed to the empty seat next to Mu Cengxiao, saying, “Sister, have a seat!”

The table was round, with Liu Yunxin sitting beside Mu Cengxiao. If Meng Ying sat on the other side…

Tian Fangfang couldn’t help but cover his face.

Mu Cengxiao looked somewhat uneasy.

Meng Ying glanced around the table but didn’t say anything. She took a seat next to Tian Fangfang.

Tian Fangfang sighed in relief.

However, before he could fully relax, Zanxing’s voice came from behind everyone. “I’ve been looking for you all over. So you’re here.”

Everyone turned around to see Zanxing wearing a jade-green silk dress adorned with silver stars. In the dim light, the dress shimmered with a wave-like glow as she walked.

The fireflies dimmed the scar on her face, making her look surprisingly enchanting.

Tian Fangfang greeted, “Junior Sister…”

In the next moment, Zanxing naturally took a seat next to Mu Cengxiao.

“Sorry I’m late,” she said with a smile.

—

T/N: The title Shura Field is an internet slang referring to a scene of intense conflict, emotional turmoil, or a battleground.