Chapter 084
Chapter 84: Holy Maiden
After several breaths, all the wooden boats drifted gently into the Dark River at the bottom of the cliff.
The sound of flowing water whispered in their ears. Suddenly, the iron chains binding the boats were struck by fierce gusts of wind, slipping loose one after another and swiftly coiling upward, vanishing into the darkness above.
Shortly after, the air whistled once more. Jade tokens soared from the darkness, gracefully descending toward the drifting wooden boats.
Li Yuan Ling reached out swiftly, snatching a jade token that was about to land on their boat. Glancing down, she saw clearly the number “Twenty-One” engraved upon it, alongside many tiny, intricate boat patterns. Among these patterns, forty were marked with faint, glowing lights.
This meant their boat was numbered twenty-one, and by passing the first stage perfectly, they had gained forty patterns.
Just then, Li Mu Sheng glanced upward and remarked, “There are words on the back. They must be the rules for the second trial.”
Hearing him, Li Yuan Ling promptly flipped the token over and quickly scanned the text, softly reading aloud:
“Upon entering the Dark Current Lake, you must keep your candle flame burning at all times. You may seize jade tokens from other boats, and each token you take adds another pattern.”
“This trial lasts half an hour. If the candle flame is extinguished, you have three breaths to relight it, but you will lose ten patterns each time. Only the ten boats with the most patterns at the end will proceed to the final stage.”
Meanwhile, thirty wooden boats drifted deeper into the Dark River and soon entered a vast, shadowy Underground Lake.
This expansive lake connected with seven different Dark Rivers in all directions. And from each river, another thirty wooden boats arrived, their candles glowing gently, merging slowly into the lake.
In mere moments, two hundred and ten boats floated serenely, their faintly glowing candles like countless wishing lanterns drifting in prayer along the water.
“Two hundred and ten wooden boats—this scene is truly breathtaking.”
Li Yuan Ling gripped the jade token, gazing around the vast Underground Lake. The flickering candles around her seemed like stars scattered across a midnight sky.
Truthfully, she had heard from various young masters and misses in the Imperial Capital that this place held Shang Yang City’s largest Dark River. Yet witnessing this sight herself for the first time still deeply astonished her.
Li Mu Sheng also looked around, finally revealing a faintly satisfied expression as he nodded gently.
“My sworn younger sister didn’t trick us this time. Seeing such a view alone makes the journey worthwhile.”
Li Yuan Ling pouted slightly at his words. But remembering that she still needed Li Mu Sheng to maintain the candle flame, she restrained herself from retorting and instead said seriously:
“According to the rules on this token, a fierce battle will soon begin. Just keep our candle flame burning steadily—I’ll handle snatching the jade tokens.”
Li Mu Sheng said nothing at first, only stroking his chin thoughtfully. Then, slowly nodding, he remarked, “Sworn younger sister, it seems you’re eager for a little game experience.”
At this, Li Yuan Ling furrowed her delicate brows, looking suspiciously at Li Mu Sheng.
“What game experience? I don’t understand what you mean.”
Li Mu Sheng waved his hand dismissively, laughing gently, “Game experience is simply the thrill of participating yourself. Of course, you don’t really need to understand it. When you’re done with your game experience, I’ll notice immediately.”
Li Yuan Ling felt she partly understood what he meant, but not entirely. Right now, she was fully charged with enthusiasm, eager to snatch as many tokens as possible. She tightened her grip on their jade token, cautiously watching the boats nearby.
She was alert to attacks from others while quietly choosing easier targets to tackle first.
Meanwhile, in another corner of the Underground Lake, another boat floated quietly, also lit by a candle. Sitting across from each other were a man and a woman.
The woman wore luxurious palace robes, seated elegantly upon the boat’s cushioned bench. Her delicate face was veiled beneath a thin layer of silk, revealing only glimpses of exquisitely beautiful eyes. Her gaze shifted softly, hinting both enchantment and delicate vulnerability.
Opposite her was a lavishly dressed young master, leisurely waving a folding fan painted with the images of lovely maidens. He asked casually, “Holy Maiden, the moment you returned to Shang Yang City, you pulled me here. I’ve already helped you pass the first trial flawlessly, so isn’t it about time you told me your true intentions?”
The woman gazed at him tenderly, yet her voice turned cold as ice.
“You call this helping me? If you couldn’t even handle such a trivial matter, perhaps there’s no need to continue considering you as the Holy Son.”
Hearing this, Zhang He quickly put on a flattering smile, hurriedly shaking his hands.
“Holy Maiden, don’t be angry! I was just teasing. If you deny me the Holy Son position, how could I be honest with you and practice the Six Desires Sacred Scripture together?”
Han Mei Yan shot him a glance, her tone instantly softening from harsh coldness to charming allure.
“Then you’d better be obedient. You must know there are many within the Sacred Sect who covet the position of Holy Son. You could be replaced at any moment.”
Instantly, Zhang He wore a mesmerized expression, nodding vigorously.
“I will follow only the Holy Maiden’s words—I’ll be your most obedient loyal dog.”
But immediately after, he shook his head violently, realizing his slip-up.
“No, wait—that wasn’t me talking just now. It doesn’t count!”
Han Mei Yan looked at him coolly, nodding slowly.
“Your Undying Blood Saint Art is impressive indeed. You recovered swiftly even after being influenced by my Bewitching Smoke Gaze. Your special constitution was not mistakenly chosen by me.”
Zhang He’s expression shifted briefly. Then, adopting an earnest look, he cupped his hands respectfully.
“It’s all thanks to the Holy Maiden’s keen insight that you discovered me amidst the vast crowd. If not, I would still be nothing more than a frivolous playboy, buried long ago.”
Han Mei Yan nodded gently. However, a moment later, she asked suddenly:
“I heard from Song Shan Yue that you sent him to assassinate the lost prince of Great Li?”
Zhang He’s eyes flickered slightly, and he nodded in response.
“That’s true. But Song Shan Yue arrived too late. Seeing five Great Martial Grandmasters already slain, he lost his nerve and withdrew without acting.”
At this, Han Mei Yan’s gaze darkened sharply.
“I went to great trouble to control a high-ranking Heavenly Brocade Guard. Yet you dared to interfere with my person. Shouldn’t you be punished?”
Zhang He’s expression turned uncertain. Han Mei Yan gazed toward the Underground Lake ahead.
“I’ve come to this Floating Boat City specifically for something important. If you can help me retrieve it, I’ll spare you your punishment.”