Daoist Competition
Chapter 76 - 2 Fairy’s Ingenuity: Spirit Cave Mansion

Chapter 76: Chapter 2 Fairy’s Ingenuity: Spirit Cave Mansion

On the opposite shore, the melodies of zithers and lutes intertwined, their resonant strings growing louder as the fish boat gradually drew closer.

Amidst the gathering on the shore, over a hundred female attendants and powerful warriors stood together, surrounding a white-clad woman like stars cloistered around the moon.

The woman wore a straw hat draped with gauze, obscuring her face. Yet, her graceful silhouette stirred boundless reveries. With a delicate hand, she lifted the edge of her hat’s brim, slightly raising the veil to glance out over the lake. Then, stepping forth from the crowd, she approached the stone jetty where the boat was about to dock.

At first, those aboard the boat looked on with the detached curiosity of mere spectators. Gradually, however, an unnatural sense crept over them. Out here, in the expansive waters, theirs was the only solitary vessel adrift. And yet, all eyes on the distant shore now seemed focused their way. Exchanging bewildered glances, the passengers began to wonder—was this welcoming party here for someone among them?

Who could it be? They scrutinized one another in turn.

At last, all gazes converged on Qin Gui, a young man of striking appearance, whose features were impossibly handsome, lips scarlet and teeth white.

One person stepped forward, clasping his hands in congratulations. "Brother Qin, allow me to congratulate you."

Qin Gui suppressed the surge of exhilaration in his chest, pretending astonishment as he replied, "What do you mean, Brother Chen?"

"Among everyone aboard this fish boat, only you, Brother Qin, possess such refined grace and unparalleled looks—moreover, you hail from the illustrious Yongxi Qin Family. Surely this fairy has set her sights on you."

Brother Chen glanced around, then stepped back, chuckling loudly as he added, "Should you one day ascend to the Dragon Gate, Brother Qin, don’t forget your humble friends!"

"Indeed, indeed," others chimed in playfully, teasing Qin Gui. "If not you, Brother Qin, then who else? If you gain entry to the Immortal Gate, remember us all."

All attention remained focused on Qin Gui. As for Zhang Yan, he was treated like a mere passerby—hardly anyone spared him even a glance.

"Why mock me, my friends? I know my own worth—how could I ever have such fortune? Please, mind your words, lest they offend the fairy." Despite his words of denial, Qin Gui’s eyes were fixed unblinkingly on the distant shore. Deep down, an unbidden anticipation arose within him. One hand gripped the ship’s railing tightly as he feigned an air of serene composure.

The fish boat soon reached the pier. Manager Qian, despite making his living overseeing the comings and goings at this port, was but an ordinary mortal. Faced with such an extraordinary spectacle, his hands and feet couldn’t help but tremble, his entire demeanor one of jittery trepidation.

As the white-clad woman approached with measured grace, everyone instinctively held their breath, hearts pounding wildly. Her gaze swept across them through the thin veil, pausing momentarily on Qin Gui.

"Could it really be me?"

Qin Gui’s mouth went dry, his legs nearly buckling as the thought struck him. His mind screamed it was impossible, yet seeing the woman seemingly walk his way filled him with boundless joy. He couldn’t stop himself from stepping forward. After only a few strides, however, someone tugged at his sleeve. Infuriated, he turned, only to find it was a companion signaling at him with a cautionary glance.

It was then Qin Gui realized the fairy hadn’t spared him a single glance. She had walked past him entirely, heading instead toward Zhang Yan. Qin Gui froze, his face flushing a vivid crimson. Consumed by shame and anger, he could no longer bear to remain. Covering his face with his sleeve, he hurried away.

"Who is this man, to have earned the favor of the fairy?"

Watching Qin Gui leave in disgrace, his companions cast envious and resentful looks at Zhang Yan before finally dispersing, sighing and lamenting among themselves.

The white-clad woman, with a posture as graceful as flowing mist, slowly approached Zhang Yan. She gave a delicate bow of greeting and, from beneath her hat, her voice rang like pearls cascading onto jade plates. "This humble one is Tang Yan. I greet Master Zhang."

Zhang Yan frowned at this so-called fairy who had appeared out of nowhere. The unusualness of the situation set off alarms in his mind—where there’s abnormality, there’s bound to be something amiss. His wariness deepened, and he asked in a low voice, "Who are you?"

"I am but a female attendant of Long View Cave Heaven," the woman took another step forward, inclining her head demurely. "Under Brother Ning’s command, I have come especially to greet you, young master." She hesitated, then added softly, "It is Brother Ning’s wish... that I accompany you in dual cultivation..." Her voice trailed into near inaudibility, tinged with an almost imperceptible shyness.

Zhang Yan narrowed his eyes. This sudden offer of great fortune didn’t elate him—instead, it brought a sense of unease.

A display this grand, seemingly to honor him, was more trouble than it was worth. A newcomer to the Upper Court, how could he afford to be so conspicuous?

Without betraying his thoughts, Zhang Yan surveyed his surroundings. Sure enough, a crowd of onlookers had begun to gather. This place, already bustling with people passing through, had become even more crowded due to the commotion.

He had exchanged only a few words with Ning Chongxuan before and could hardly believe the man capable of orchestrating such theatrics. If this woman’s actions were of her own volition, her motives warranted careful consideration.