I Pick up a Lost Godhood

Chapter 294 - 283: The Beauties’ Banquet

"Oh? Let’s hear it," Ge Mang said excitedly. "My rank is way too high. I can’t challenge him."

"You’re an idiot. Just get him to challenge you, and you’re set," Moo WuZheng said, rolling his eyes.

"Fuck you! If he was going to challenge me, would I need you to come up with a plan, you little bastard?!" Ge Mang roared.

"Oh, so you’re resorting to curses? A meal at the Drunken Immortal Tower isn’t going to cut it anymore. I want another one on top of that. Plus, you have to cover my patrol duty for a week!"

"Moo WuZheng, you’re just kicking a man while he’s down," Ge Mang glared.

Moo WuZheng waved his hands with a pitiful look. "How could I do that? I’m the poor kid who’s being coerced here. I’ll give you three seconds to consider."

"Fine, spit it out. You’re ruthless!" Ge Mang grumbled, releasing his grip.

"It’s simple. Use your famous name, Ge Mang, and post an announcement throughout the entire Cultivation Academy. Say you’re willing to fight him one-on-one using only Twenty Layers of your Elemental Power. Set a time and let him challenge you. Problem solved."

"...Will that work?"

"Of course... not! Do you think he’s an idiot? For someone to challenge you normally, you have to offer some kind of reward. Win or lose, as long as your opponent agrees to fight, you’ve got to cough up something valuable!"

"Ah, you’re a clever one, kid. No wonder the boss values you so much!"

"Get lost. This isn’t just cleverness, it’s great wisdom. As for what to give him, figure it out yourself."

Moo WuZheng left the Battle Space with a smile.

’His mind was still replaying that cold sword strike. It was so chilling. When facing the Wanglu’s fatal blow, how could he have been so certain that the Spirit Curse Killing Array’s weakness was the Ghost Snake?’

’Even he, as a spectator, could sense it, but he wouldn’t have dared to be completely sure.’

’So ruthless. Like a master gambler who would wager his life at any moment.’

’Wager his life?’

Not at all. Lying on his bed, Wang Meng was busy critiquing himself. ’I spotted the flaw in the Four-direction Spirit Curse Kill too late. I hesitated. In truth, I was suspicious the moment the Ghost Snake moved, but I didn’t dare act on it, worried it was a trap. I waited until my opponent had finished his move.’

’If it had been a slightly stronger opponent, I might not have gotten a second chance.’

Wang Meng licked his lips. ’Thank goodness Moo Shan can’t critique my battles out here. Otherwise, he would have chewed me out until I couldn’t see straight.’

As Wang Meng mulled it over, he drifted off to sleep. In his dream, he saw Mengg Fu. Mengg Fu unleashed the Four-direction Spirit Curse Kill, then his face suddenly blurred and transformed into Moo Shan. And then, Wang Meng was insta-killed...

When he woke up, Wang Meng felt completely stress-free. It was just a small nightmare, but by now, that kind of thing had become just another form of training.

He ate a simple meal, then opened his Star Ring. To his surprise, there was a message from Yanm Yuyue.

’Whether it was because of Old Moo’s influence or not, Wang Meng always had a soft spot for beautiful women. It wouldn’t be right to ignore her if she needed something. Besides, he had a good impression of Yanm Yuyue.’

He channeled his Elemental Power into the Star Ring, and the message activated. Yanm Yuyue’s figure materialized. Staring at her shapely, curvaceous figure, Wang Meng couldn’t stop his mind from wandering. ’Zhang Xiaopang would probably die for this feature. I wonder if you can send messages while you’re in the shower...’

’Damn, where is my mind going?’

"Wang Meng, we have something we’d like to ask for your help with. It won’t take too much of your time, and you will be compensated accordingly. If you’re willing, please contact me."

After she finished speaking, Yanm Yuyue’s image dissipated.

Meanwhile, Jiangg Qingqing was with Yanm Yuyue. "Sister Yue, will that really work? It’s a beautiful woman asking him out. Would he actually refuse?"

"It’s the most viable approach I could think of," Yanm Yuyue said. "Don’t be overconfident. Wang Meng has a Dual Cultivation partner in the Holy Hall—the Holy Hall’s number one beauty."

"Is that so? Well, that just makes it more of a challenge," Jiangg Qingqing said with a seductive smile. "As long as Sister Yue doesn’t try to compete with me, that is."

Yanm Yuyue gave Jiangg Qingqing a cool glance. "I’m not interested in men."

"Oh? So Sister is interested in girls, then? I wouldn’t mind making a little sacrifice, you know."

Jiangg Qingqing’s eyes instantly turned as soft as water as she gazed at Yanm Yuyue.

SHING... Sword Qi erupted. Jiangg Qingqing hastily dodged. "Hehe, I was just kidding, Sister! Just leave that Wang Meng fellow to me. I refuse to believe he can withstand the City-Overturning Array of our Red Face Small Thousand Realm."

"Be careful. Don’t play with fire!"

"Sister, are you worried about me, or about him?"

Jiangg Qingqing giggled and disappeared in a flash.

’Yanm Yuyue’s message was right up his alley. She needed something and was offering fair compensation. It was probably some kind of mission.’

Yanm Yuyue’s Star Ring flashed. It was Wang Meng. She hadn’t expected him to agree so quickly, and for some reason, she felt a strange sense of unease.

The Red Beauty Sect was the number one Major Sect in the Red Face Small Thousand Realm, a place where Demon Cultivators flourished. The Red Face Small Thousand Realm placed great importance on the art of Dual Cultivation, but they weren’t as licentious and Evil as some of the Demon Cultivators from the Four Directions Small Thousand World. On the contrary, they only took a single partner. However, it had to be said that when it came to the Charming Skill, they were indeed on a much higher level than those in the Four Directions Small Thousand World.

It wasn’t a temptation of licentious desire, but a seduction of the soul.

’Jiangg Qingqing was one of the most famous beauties of the Red Face Small Thousand Realm. Could Wang Meng resist her?’

Yanm Yuyue suddenly froze. ’What does this have to do with me? I’m only paying a little attention to him because of our parents’ connection.’

Wang Meng did indeed get a reply. It contained a time and a destination, all very mysterious. He had no idea what he was supposed to do. As Zhang Xiaopang would say, women were as unpredictable as cotton candy.

The moment Wang Meng stepped out the door, he ran into Fan Hong. Or rather, Fan Hong had been waiting for him.

"What’s up? Need something?"

"Nope. Looks like you’re heading out on a mission. Take me with you! I’m all alone in the world right now. If you ignore me, I’ll..."

"Damn it, cut the act," Wang Meng said. "It’s not my call. If you want to tag along, you can try your luck. Whether they’ll have you or not is another story."

"Haha! I am Fan Hong, beloved by all people and flowers alike! ...By the way, are you going to meet some girls?"

"What kind of nose do you have?!"

Wang Meng smiled wryly.

Wang Meng brought the third wheel, Fan Hong, to the meeting spot. But it wasn’t Yanm Yuyue waiting for him—it was Jiangg Qingqing.

"Huh? Where’s Yanm Yuyue?" Wang Meng asked, confused.

Jiangg Qingqing smiled, and Wang Meng noticed for the first time that she had sharp little Tiger Fangs. Amidst her bewitching allure was a hint of cuteness, which greatly enhanced her charm.

"What, is it that only Sister Yuyue is worthy of your grand presence?"

Fan Hong was already in a stupor, on the verge of drooling a waterfall. In the past, he only had eyes for Chan Jing; he probably did little else besides bury himself in his Cultivation. He believed Chan Jing’s "departure" was an act of repentance, so he had let it go. Now, he was suddenly discovering all the beautiful things around him, and that life could be quite happy.

Jiangg Qingqing glanced at Fan Hong. "And this is?"

"Fan Hong, from the Dharma Flower Sect. A good buddy of Wang Meng’s. What’s his is mine, and what’s mine is still mine."

Wang Meng was left speechless. Still, his friend had been through a rough time, and it wasn’t easy for him to get his spirit back. Wang Meng didn’t have the heart to crush his enthusiasm.

"Wang Meng," Jiangg Qingqing said, her eyes glinting with a challenge, "the sisters of my Red Beauty Sect have hit a bit of a bottleneck in our practice recently. We need someone with a strong will to act as our training partner. Can you help us out?"

"Me! I’m your man! My will is as firm as a rock! I’m a virgin, with one failed relationship under my belt. I’m a new man now, free and unattached. This kid won’t work," he said, pointing at Wang Meng. "He’s already taken. If his Heart Spirit wavers, he’ll be playing with fire."

Fan Hong sold out Wang Meng in an instant, leaving Wang Meng at a loss for words. ’Is he really this desperate?’

Jiangg Qingqing grinned at Wang Meng. "Is that so? Well, the sisters of our Red Beauty Sect don’t have much experience either. So it’s perfect that we find someone... experienced."

The double entendre, filled with infinite suggestion, nearly made Wang Meng choke and left Fan Hong completely stunned.

"No way! That’s an option too?" Fan Hong looked at him with sheer envy. "Buddy, you’ve hit the romance jackpot! The Red Beauty Sect is famous for its beauties!"

"Since you’re Wang Meng’s friend, you can come and try as well," Jiangg Qingqing said suddenly.

Wang Meng had been about to agree anyway, but since Fan Hong had already accepted with glee, he had no choice. ’This Jiangg Qingqing practices Heart Spirit Techniques, and she’s a Demon Cultivator to boot. She can’t be easy to deal with. I have a very bad feeling about this invitation.’

’Might as well see it through.’ The two followed Jiangg Qingqing through a series of twists and turns until they arrived in front of several rows of neat buildings.

Wang Meng and Fan Hong’s mouths fell open. "...Don’t tell me this is where you live?"

Jiangg Qingqing nodded. "Wang Meng, if you really wanted to, all you’d have to do is say the word."

Fan Hong secretly nudged Wang Meng in the ribs. "I think she’s trying to seduce you," he whispered.

"Hey, stop being so indecent."

"What are you talking about? It’s proper etiquette to be stupefied in the presence of a beautiful woman! It’s an attitude!" Fan Hong shot Wang Meng a look that screamed, ’You’re such an amateur.’

*&^%$#...* (Words could not express Wang Meng’s current exasperation.)

The more powerful Sects at the Cultivation Academy all provided their disciples with better accommodations, and the Red Beauty Sect was one of them.

"This whole area belongs to our Red Beauty Sect. The outer part is for new disciples, and the inner part is where the senior sisters live," Jiangg Qingqing explained.

"Isn’t this the Land of Fragrance?" Fan Hong’s mouth gaped open with envy.

Coming and going were all female disciples with beautiful appearances. This was a bit similar to the Holy Hall’s Flying Phoenix Hall, but encountering it in the Cultivation Academy was a different feeling altogether.

"Wang Meng, Fan Hong, this is the place."

A large hall stood within the courtyard, with three large words engraved above it—Form is Emptiness.

Wang Meng and Fan Hong exchanged a look. ’Well... that’s certainly profound.’

"Please, come inside, you two," Jiangg Qingqing said.

’Even if a mountain of knives and a Sea of Fire awaited them inside, the two of them had to charge in.’

The moment they entered the hall, they were plunged into darkness. ’A barrier!’

The surroundings were deathly still. Normally, no matter where you are, there are subtle sounds that can put a person at ease—the whisper of wind, the trickle of water, the sound of one’s own breathing. But true, absolute silence could instill panic. And Wang Meng now found himself in that very state of absolute silence.

Time seemed to slow to a crawl, as if about to stop. He could hear his own heart beating. THUMP, THUMP. ’What on earth is Jiangg Qingqing planning?’ Wang Meng wondered. ’Is this the prelude to a Heart Spirit Attack?’

Who knows how much time had passed. In a Heart Spirit Array like this, time itself was illusory.

Outside the array, two swords were pressed against Fan Hong’s neck. He held his hands up, an innocent look on his face. ’Poor Brother Wang Meng,’ he thought. ’You’ll have to handle this on your own. In this day and age, beauty is just another word for danger.’

From outside, a corner of the great hall was visible. In it, people could be seen holding Magical Artifacts, controlling the Enchanting Array. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)