A few short words, it's unclear whether they were acknowledging a fortunate encounter or merely a perfunctory response, yet the fervent, complicated gaze did not shift. Just as Jin Bao'er couldn't help but look up…
"I am late, esteemed sect leader and martial aunt! Congratulations on your greatly increased cultivation and your swift ascension!"
With a clear, melodious laugh, everyone present turned their heads, their gazes instantly fixed on the woman in flowing white robes, who was ethereal, beautiful, and radiant!
Perhaps aware of her lateness, the woman wore a hint of apology, her expression gentle and generous. Even if not the most beautiful, she exuded a comfort like a spring breeze, drawing admiring glances.
Su Xianzhi was satisfied. It was worth the time she spent dressing up! Even without her cultivation, she would be the most beautiful today!
With unwavering confidence, her gentle gaze swept over the crowd. The moment it landed on a certain figure in goose yellow, her expression stiffened for a fleeting instant… Her fist clenched in her sleeve.
Is this Jin Bao'er?
After only a year, the change is so profound!
The fresh, vibrant goose-yellow outfit did nothing to detract from her cold, mature aura, instead adding a touch of approachable contrast. Her dark, lustrous hair was neatly secured by a jade hairpin, simple yet exquisitely beautiful! Her skin was as fair as snow, her features small and delicate, possessing a translucent beauty even without makeup.
They were only three years apart!
Thinking of this, she shifted her gaze to Lou Yun, and instantly, jealousy flared! Her face turned extremely unpleasant!
Lou Yun Xianzun seemed not to have noticed her, his eyes fixed on Jin Bao'er, lost in thought! The two shared a similarly aloof demeanor, as if they were a divinely matched pair.
"Master!"
Fortunately, she managed to suppress her inner jealousy and called out in a feignedly spoiled tone, otherwise, she feared she might disrupt the birthday banquet.
This series of reactions occurred within a mere two to three seconds. With Jin Bao'er's familiarity with her, she saw it all clearly, the sarcasm in her eyes growing more pronounced. Especially since Su Xianzhi's current body was that of a mortal, completely devoid of the spiritual energy of a cultivator. All her spiritual energy came from magical artifacts and robes, and she didn't even have a mustard seed space…
But then again, a mustard seed space requires spiritual energy to open and close. It would be useless to a cripple like her now!
Thinking this, she suddenly felt like laughing…
Su Xianzhi, whom she had hated for so long, couldn't even bear this small pain? So… useless, incompetent, weak! Completely different from the Core Formation stage maiden in her memory!
Was it because she was now in the Soul Transformation stage? Had her mindset also changed somewhat? Comparing Su Xianzhi to cultivators of power and status…
No! She couldn't underestimate any enemy! Even if Su Xianzhi was incredibly weak now, her luck would not disappear…
While she was contemplating, Su Xianzhi walked directly to Lou Yun Xianzun's side and sat down, showing none of the respect expected of a disciple. After all, all disciples sat behind their masters. Exceptions like Jin Bao'er were rare. Su Xianzhi's behavior naturally drew surprised glances from everyone.
Xiao Baishan couldn't help but darken his expression, but seeing that Lou Yun, having regained his composure, said nothing, he also remained silent.
"Master, why didn't you call me to the birthday banquet? Are you looking down on your disciple as a cripple and afraid I'll embarrass you? I'm sorry, it's all my fault…"
As she spoke, the maiden's eyes quickly welled up, filled with self-reproach and sorrow, mingled with unspeakable grievances and helplessness, making one's heart ache!
Jin Bao'er, watching this, felt like laughing!
It was the same in her previous life. Whenever something bad happened to Su Xianzhi, Jin Bao'er would clean up the mess. Then Su Xianzhi would always speak up before Jin Bao'er, taking all the blame. Her attitude of admitting fault was sincere, but her face bore a look of being wronged and misunderstood…
This made others instinctively believe that Jin Bao'er was the one who had made a mistake, and Su Xianzhi was the one who had no choice but to bear the fault for her! As a result, everyone grew to despise Jin Bao'er even more.
"I thought you were unwell, which is why I didn't call you. Please don't misunderstand! Are you feeling better?"
Despite his evident weariness, Lou Yun Xianzun patiently explained his actions, if the impatience in his eyes could be overlooked.
However, Su Xianzhi subconsciously ignored that hint of annoyance, and her face instantly bloomed into a smile!
The conversation between the two quickly drew surprised glances from the crowd. They all said Lou Yun Xianzun doted on his beloved disciple, and it seemed to be true! But this conversation was too much like… lovers' playful banter, wasn't it?
Su Xianzhi seemed oblivious to the curious gazes of others, her attention turning back to Jin Bao'er, her eyes holding a hint of triumph and pride.
"Junior Sister Jin, you've become even more beautiful after a year! Have you found some fortuitous encounter? Or perhaps changed your cultivation technique? How has your appearance gotten better day by day! I've heard there's a dual cultivation method in the immortal cultivation world that can enhance beauty and simultaneously improve cultivation! Junior Sister Jin, could it be… Hmm! I didn't mean that, Junior Sister, please don't mind!"
As she spoke, Su Xianzhi covered her mouth with a look of feigned panic, as if she had accidentally revealed someone else's secret.
Her heart was filled with malice!
She wanted to see how everyone would gossip about Jin Bao'er after this introduction! What if she was in the middle stage of Core Formation? If it were rumored that her cultivation was achieved through dual cultivation, her reputation would be ruined for life!
After speaking, she casually shifted her gaze to the surroundings. All she saw were changing faces. Although it wasn't exactly as she had imagined, it was within her expectations! However, she failed to notice that the Xianzun beside her had also changed his expression, his gaze fixed on Su Xianzhi.
Jin Bao'er sat calmly in her seat, her expression composed, without a hint of panic. Instead, when she looked at Su Xianzhi, a hint of mocking amusement appeared in her eyes.
The old man was the first to react unfavorably! He stood up abruptly, his eyes blazing with anger!
"Can you speak properly? Is this how your master teaches you? Lou Yun Xianzun! You owe us an explanation today! To presume and speculate about others, to fabricate rumors and ruin someone's reputation, your intentions are truly vile! Utterly malicious!"
Seeing his anger, a flicker of triumph flashed in Su Xianzhi's eyes. See! The first one to seek death has appeared!
Immediately, her face turned fearful, and she hid behind Lou Yun Xianzun, her voice trembling as she tried to explain.
"Martial Uncle, I apologize. I didn't mean it that way. I meant that even if Junior Sister Jin truly cultivated with a partner, I wouldn't look down on her… Ah, no! Junior Sister Jin is not that kind of person. Even if her changes are significant, they definitely didn't come from dual cultivation! After all, Junior Sister Jin has formidable talent, and such a speed of advancement is normal. I really didn't mean it that way…"
As she spoke, she only dug herself deeper into trouble, becoming more animated with every word! It infuriated the old man, making him puff out his beard and glare, his hand trembling violently, wishing he could rush forward and beat Su Xianzhi to a pulp!