Chapter 387 - 194: Chu Xuan’s Great Crisis
Under the guidance of two disciples, Chu Xuan arrived deep within a cluster of rear halls, at an elegant and tranquil temple.
However, it was empty inside, and the promised "elder" was not there.
Zhang Ping’er hesitated for a moment, but her junior sister nodded and said, "The two of us will leave you here, please wait a while, Fellow Daoist Chu."
Chu Xuan nodded, watching the two retreat first.
He glanced around; the decor of this hall leaned towards an elegant and feminine style, suggesting a female master.
At the front stood a jade screen painted with misty waves, landscapes, and clouds. A cyan-robed woman holding a sword with her left hand stood upon a reef, and though only her silhouette could be seen, she still gave off a celestial aura.
Admiring this antique screen, Chu Xuan pondered in his heart, when suddenly, the large doors behind him silently closed.
His expression changed, and before he could react, the woman on the screen turned around, meeting his gaze, as if the moment were eternal.
The woman was graceful, her hair like clouds, eyebrows as ink, with cheeks as snow, an exceptionally beautiful figure.
She wore simple cyan robes, her figure slender and elegant, holding a long sword stepping out from the "painting," seemingly like a lotus flower, pure and noble, dignified yet untouchable.
Upon seeing her, the phrase "graceful in tranquility, yet swaying in the mortal world" immediately came to Chu Xuan’s mind.
At that moment, the woman calmly stepped out from the screen, her eyes clear and bright, softly saying, "You must be Chu Xuan?"
Her voice was as enchanting as herself, like a tinkling stream, very pleasant to the ear.
Upon coming back to his senses, Chu Xuan promptly bowed in salute, "I am indeed; greetings to this elder."
At the same time, he guessed her identity to be the Spotless Fairy, one of the Supreme Elders of the Celestial Abyss, fond of wearing cyan robes, hence known by all as the "Cyan Robe Spotless Fairy."
During the Hundred Flowers Banquet, some were eagerly expecting her. Legend has it she was from the same era as the Primordial Monarch Taixu, of unparalleled beauty and noble character, having participated many times in the righteous battles, even severely injuring the Celestial Evil Demon Venerable, establishing great merit.
Wait a minute, Cyan Robe? Could she possibly be the "Qing’er"?
Chu Xuan was shocked but felt it somewhat unlikely.
In the mouths of the people, this Fairy cared for all beings, inherently kind-hearted, disliking conflict, yet bravely stood against demonic forces for the peace and stability of the cultivation world.
A person like this seems incompatible with terms such as "villain", "madwoman", or "schemer".
The Spotless Fairy sheathed her sword, yet after she emerged, the figure of the cyan-robed woman on the screen was still present.
"No need for much courtesy, Nephew Chu has gained quite a reputation these years, I have long heard of you."
Chu Xuan felt a bit embarrassed, knowing full well that his muddled entanglements with Qingqing and Gu Haitang were becoming widely known, let alone the stories spread by Bai Xiaosheng, surely leaving his reputation not quite flattering.
Despite completing the ceremonial gestures, Chu Xuan dared not meet her gaze directly; this was a supposed eighth realm existence, with prestige and cultivation unfathomable; showing any disrespect would likely lead to an unclear end.
He merely bowed slightly and said, "I dare not claim, junior has come for the matter of the Abyss, not sure if elder has heard?"
The Spotless Fairy nodded, "Indeed I suggested to the Dao Palace for collaboration, and the elder sent to negotiate is of my choosing, it was my idea to have you come visit the Celestial Abyss."
Chu Xuan paused in mild surprise; why does this feel eerily peculiar?
Of course, he didn’t boldly question, simply continued saying, "Never did expect you’d receive me personally, junior is deeply fearful, hoping elder could advise regarding the Abyss matter."
"No hurry," the Spotless Fairy waved her hand, "I mentioned earlier borrowing an ancient treasure for your protection, come with me to choose first."
Chu Xuan naturally agreed.
"Are you very afraid of me? Lift your head."
Though unable to see her face directly, her tone carried a hint of gentle humor.
So, Chu Xuan complied, holding his breath slightly.
Don’t panic, don’t panic, he told himself internally: even if she truly were Qing’er, she couldn’t possibly recognize me.
That’s already been tested, recognizing Chu Xuan by appearance requires certain conditions, for instance, Pei Shurou initially couldn’t recognize Chu Xuan.
As for what those specific conditions are, there are too few examples for analysis.
Chu Xuan looked up, no matter how many times, this Fairy always conveyed a serene and pleasant impression.
Her blue hair cascaded like a waterfall, simply bound by white silk, holding a long sword she bore a touch of the cold, female Sword Immortal silhouette.
The Spotless Fairy first observed his composed, cautious demeanor, then turned to reveal the screen, extending her hand.
"Were you startled before? This screen was given to me by an old friend; the scenery painted by his own hand, I like it, often lingering within, as if he were still beside me."
For some reason, hearing this made Chu Xuan break into a sweat; why does this seem more and more reminiscent, and what does she mean by suddenly telling me this??
Not daring to respond foolishly, he merely nodded slightly.
The Spotless Fairy didn’t mind, descending from the front and heading along the corridor towards the rear halls, saying, "Follow me."
Chu Xuan immediately complied, maintaining exactly three steps distance, lest appearing disrespectful.