During this time, being constantly entangled by that devil star, Song Qingshu, Daiqisi had long since reached her limit. However, what she found even more unbearable was the contempt in Pucha Qiucaoâs eyes along the way.
As a woman herself, how could she not see the meaning contained in the otherâs gaze?
âHmph, who told you, little girl, be so proud. When you become my maid, I will have plenty of opportunities to subdue you. At that time, Iâll disguise you and let you experience the power of that devil starâŠâ
Daiqisi thought maliciously. She was inherently a character of both righteousness and wickedness; whether it was the Purple-robed Dragon King or Granny, they were both extreme figures who killed without hesitation. She felt no remorse in seeking revenge on a little girl.
Pucha Qiucao, unaware that she had already fallen into someone elseâs scheme, was excitedly preparing for the upcoming competition.
Song Qingshu smiled slightly, thinking it was just a little joke between two women. The journey up the mountain was somewhat dull, so having such little episodes was welcome.
âLetâs make the main hall of Chongyang Palace the finish line. Whoever arrives first wins. You have no objections, right?â Seeing that the two women showed no dissent, Song Qingshu waved his hand. âStart.â
As soon as the words fell, the two women simultaneously sprang into action. Pucha Qiucao came from a family of martial artists, with a deep family background, and had an older brother known as the number one young expert of the Jin Dynasty who could guide her at any time. Her martial arts skills were quite impressive. Among the younger generation of female experts in the Jin Dynasty, aside from Wanyan Chongjie, she was probably the strongest, with Wanyan Ping being only slightly behind.
Unfortunately, her opponent this time was the renowned Purple-robed Dragon King of the martial world.
Daiqisi glided forward like a gust of wind, and with a few leaps, she had already reached the mountainside, leaving Pucha Qiucao far behind.
Pucha Qiucaoâs expression immediately darkened. She realized she had fallen into a trap, but her stubborn nature made her unwilling to concede defeat. Gritting her teeth, she desperately chased after Daiqisi.
Song Qingshu, accompanied by Ouyang Feng and Qiu Qianren, leisurely followed behind, admiring the graceful figures of the two beautiful women competing. However, what occupied Song Qingshuâs mind more was another matter. He had forgotten to ask who Wanyan Chongjieâs master was back in Daxing Prefecture. He was curious which expert had taught her such remarkable martial arts, allowing her to rise to the ranks of martial experts at such a young age. It seemed he needed to inquire thoroughly next time he returned to Daxing Prefecture.
âWeâve reached Sun and Moon Cliff,â Ouyang Fengâs voice reached the ears of the two women, reminding them of their current location.
Daiqisi arrived first, not pausing at all as she continued to speed ahead. Not long after, Pucha Qiucao arrived, following closely behind with a sullen expression.
After passing Sun and Moon Cliff, the two women leaped through the mountains and fields, quickly arriving at the Child-holding Rock that Ouyang Feng had mentioned earlier. This time, they recognized it without needing Ouyang Fengâs explanation, as the rock looked peculiar, resembling a woman holding a child.
After a while, they encountered a large rock blocking their path, its shape eerie and terrifying, as if an old woman was bending over to look down.
Daiqisi frowned slightly and suddenly stopped.
Just as Pucha Qiucao was puzzled, she suddenly heard several whistles from behind the rock.
Four Taoists jumped out, each holding a long sword, blocking the way. From their attire, they appeared to be guards stationed by Chongyang Palace at various critical points.
âGet out of the way!â With just four Taoists, Daiqisi naturally didnât take them seriously. What worried her was the time wasted that would allow Pucha Qiucao to seize the opportunity, which would ruin her entire plan.
âGet lost!â Daiqisi said coldly.
The four Taoists were momentarily stunned. They were initially intimidated into silence by the stunning beauty before them. The youngest among them was particularly affected by her charming glance, his heart racing and face turning red.
As they were about to inquire about her intentions, they were caught off guard by her impolite words. The eldest Taoist was furious: âYou dare to flaunt your strength upon arriving at Zhongnan Mountain? You truly are tired of living!â
Although Daiqisi was already over thirty, her beauty was so striking that the years seemed to have left no trace. Moreover, after being nurtured by Song Qingshu these past few days, she appeared even more radiant, exuding an astonishing charm. The Taoist, unaware of her background, mistakenly thought she was a young maiden.
Daiqisi snorted coldly, and before the Taoist could comprehend what was happening, she delivered a resounding slap to his face.
The other Taoists were instantly enraged, brandishing their long swords, stepping into a peculiar formation, and executing a move called âDividing Flowers and Brushing Willowsâ aimed at her waist. The young Taoist, unable to bear it, deliberately diverted the swordâs edge by three inches.
Seeing Daiqisi entangled with the Taoists, Pucha Qiucao was overjoyed. Without hesitation, she sprinted up the mountain, while the Taoists, occupied with Daiqisi, could only watch helplessly as she passed.
At this moment, the elder Taoist reacted and raised his sword to stab directly at Daiqisiâs chest. Typically, swords are meant to be light and agile, emphasizing angles and side attacks, rather than hacking like a saber. However, this sword was thrust out of resentment from earlier humiliation, lacking much caution.
As the sword tip approached, Daiqisi remained calm, her delicate fingers flicking towards the sword tip. With a buzzing sound, the Taoist lost control, and the long sword flew high into the air. Before the sword could fall, she flicked it three times in quick succession, producing a series of resonant sounds, and the other three long swords followed suit, glinting in the sunlight.
âWhat a Purple-robed Dragon King! Her every gesture carries a hint of Huang Yaoshiâs charm,â Ouyang Feng observed clearly from behind. As a figure renowned alongside the Eastern Evil and West Poison, he was well aware of Huang Yaoshiâs finger-flicking skill. Although Daiqisiâs flicks were not as exquisite as that skill, they were already impressive enough to deal with these mediocre opponents.
The four Taoists, having lost their swords, were still unclear about the means she had employed. The elder Taoist shouted, âEveryone be careful! This demoness uses sorcery; we should retreat first!â
Daiqisi was entirely focused on the competition with Pucha Qiucao. Seeing the four fleeing, she paid them no mind and directly chased after Pucha Qiucaoâs departing figure.
The four Taoists leaped behind the Old Woman Rock, rushing through the rubble, while the other three followed closely behind. Just as they were about to disappear into the darkness, Song Qingshu casually kicked a piece of rubble by the roadside. The stones shot out, and the four Taoists simultaneously cried out, tumbling to the ground.
Qiu Qianren maintained a calm expression, but he was extremely shocked inside:
âHitting four Taoists was not difficult, but to do it with such ease and grace was something I could never achieve. Sigh, I had previously fought him several times; fortunately, he showed mercy, or else my life would truly be in jeopardy.â