My System, My Wife Feng Aotian [Transmigration] - Chapter 41.1

When 03 opened its eyes, it found itself surrounded by falling snowflakes. The snowballs it had packed before returning to the System Realm now formed a circle around it. After exchanging greetings with everyone, 03 floated upward and discovered it was enclosed within a decorative courtyard. At its center stood the small house Feng Jue had purchased in the city before entering seclusion. Through the intricately carved window, 03 could see the smiling porcelain doll Lingling inside.

The courtyard was filled with flowers and trees, but these were no ordinary plants—the flowers were gemstones, the trees were emeralds. The fish in the pond glimmered golden, each with a snowflake perched atop their heads.

“Pretty?” A lazy voice drifted from the inner chamber. A snow-white hand lifted the gauzy curtain, and the woman 03 hadn’t seen in ages stepped out. She smiled at 03’s unblinking gaze, her beauty as radiant as ever.

“Feng Jue, you’ve emerged from seclusion,” 03 said, pulling up her character panel to compare with Feng Jue. Aside from the different clothing and jewelry, Feng Jue looked exactly the same as before her seclusion—no change whatsoever.

A thought bubble appeared above 03’s head. The System opened its rainbow-puff handbook and began to shower Feng Jue with praise. “Humans say that a day apart feels like three autumns. After five hundred and forty-nine years, you remain as beautiful as a flower, as precious as jade, a peerless beauty who could topple kingdoms and conquer the world…”

Having captained a ship at Chongshan Immortal Palace before, 03 Ball’s flattery this time was even more elaborate, effortlessly spouting verses and prose.

Feng Jue crossed her arms, watching the Silver Ball in the snow, its two “firestick” legs dangling below. Its voice, cold as shattered ice in a frozen pond, calmly recited: “Bright as the sun rising through dawn’s glow, radiant as a lotus emerging from green waves.”

03 Ball, erudite and eloquent, even managed to pause mid-sentence to raise a small cup—apparently acquired from somewhere—and take a sip.

Feng Jue pressed her lips together repeatedly, but ultimately couldn’t resist. With a wave of her hand, she dissipated the barrier enveloping the miniature courtyard, and the last snowflake drifted down.

“Very well. A reward.” Feng Jue placed two jade pieces into 03’s Storage Ring.

03 Ball sighed in relief.

Thanks to its efforts, its bond with Feng Jue hadn’t weakened despite the reduced time spent together. That’s wonderful!

A little flower sprouted atop the System’s head.

Now it could continue its mission.

03 Ball opened the mission panel, just as Feng Jue suddenly gestured for her to wait.

She walked out.

03 Ball hastily flew up and, with a whoosh, slipped beneath Feng Jue’s collar. Feng Jue froze mid-step, silently repeating to herself: It’s just a ball, just a ball!

With a dark expression, she strode out of the bedroom.

A palace attendant stood outside the door and bowed to Feng Jue. “Palace Master,” they announced, “Elder Siyi has sent a message to Qihuang Hall requesting your presence in the Main Hall regarding the Five Continents Grand Competition.”

“Understood,” Feng Jue replied.

The attendant withdrew, leaving Qihuang Palace empty of other attendants. Feng Jue had just pulled 03 out from her collar. The two locked eyes, and 03 emitted a question mark.

What’s wrong?

“You…” Feng Jue suppressed the urge to punch the ball, frowned, and addressed 03 seriously. “The Five Continents Grand Competition is of critical importance. Peak Masters and Elders from all peaks will be attending. Apart from Siyi, these individuals’ cultivation levels surpass mine, and they’re all highly astute. You must not reveal yourself under any circumstances. Just behave like a perfectly ordinary bead, understood?”

One advantage of 03’s corporeal form was that its spiritual power operated differently in this world. As long as it didn’t actively reveal itself, no matter how high someone’s cultivation level, they would be unable to detect its spiritual power.

Understood.

03 retracted its matchstick limbs and eye patches, transforming into a beautiful, silver-shimmering bead. Feng Jue produced a substitute 03 and compared it to the original. She concluded that the original 03 was still more aesthetically pleasing.

“Remember, absolutely no slip-ups,” Feng Jue reiterated, clutching both beads as she flew toward the Main Hall of Qihuang Peak.

The spacious, opulent hall stood with its doors and windows wide open, offering panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.

During Feng Jue’s seclusion, the world outside Qihuang Peak had transformed into a vibrant tapestry of lush greenery and vibrant blossoms. The resplendent pavilions nestled amidst the verdant mountains and flowing waters, a celestial vision beyond mortal reach. Yet within these ethereal structures, cultivators gazed upward, measuring the distance between the dream of ascending to immortality and the reality of their aspirations.

Feng Jue settled onto the high seat in the grand hall, her gaze sweeping over the assembled crowd.

Lanyang Palace comprised six peaks: Virtue, Righteousness, Ritual, Benevolence, Trust, and Qihuang, each led by a Peak Master. Together with the fifteen Elders, they formed the leadership of the palace. All nineteen members, excluding the most senior Elder who remained perpetually in seclusion, were present in the hall to pay their respects to Feng Jue.

“There’s no need for formalities,” Feng Jue said, casually raising her hand and settling back into her seat. “I’ve been in seclusion since returning from Chongshan Immortal Palace, having yet to meet with all of you. I thank you for managing palace affairs these past twelve months.”

“Palace Master, you honor us with your words,” replied a kindly-looking woman in blue robes. “Managing palace affairs is our duty. It was your deeds in the Chongshan Secret Realm that truly astounded us—slaying a Late Golden Core Stage Thunder Bird single-handedly and repelling the Fire Rock Jiao Dragon! You truly broadened our horizons!”

This woman was the Peak Master of Liyang Peak. Beside her, the Peak Master of Yiyang Peak chuckled. “Indeed. It’s a pity that despite your valor and wisdom, you weren’t chosen by Chongshan Immortal Palace’s opportunity. Such opportunities are indeed shortsighted. But the world is vast, teeming with countless opportunities yet to be seized by you.”

Feng Jue smiled at the comforting words of the Peak Master of Yiyang Peak. “It doesn’t matter,” she said. “I haven’t taken this matter to heart. This journey has been fruitful for me. I will keep the Thunder Bird Spiritual Elixir, and the remaining flesh, bones, and any spirit herbs or materials I don’t need will be placed in Mingshi Hall. Disciples from all peaks can claim them as needed, based on their merit.”

“Besides these items, I also obtained a Spiritual Heart at Chongshan Immortal Palace.”

Feng Jue’s casual remark sent shockwaves through the ears of the Peak Masters and Elders. A mix of surprise and delight filled the room. “Spiritual Hearts are treasures of heaven, rarely encountered,” someone exclaimed. “Palace Master, you’ve secured another Spiritual Vein for Lanyang Palace!”

“With such blessed fortune, Lanyang Palace will surely prosper for millennia!”

As the praise flowed like a song, Feng Jue’s lips curved into a faint smile, and her foot beneath her skirt gently swayed.

At that moment, the Peak Master of Liyang Peak spoke again. “Palace Master, the Five Continents Grand Competition is approaching. While you were in seclusion, Lanyang Palace received a message from Wendao Academy. For this competition, Foundation Establishment Stage disciples must be under fifty years old, Golden Core Stage disciples under a hundred, and Nascent Soul Stage disciples under three hundred. No restrictions apply to Deity Transformation Stage or higher cultivators.”

“Across the Divine Continent, Deity Transformation Stage cultivators are already great powers and sect leaders, so few are likely to participate. However, there are many Golden Core and Nascent Soul Stage cultivators. Though the Five Continents Grand Competition prohibits cross-tier combat, the competition has always been fierce. Perhaps Palace Master should bring the Spiritual Heart as a precaution.”

“Indeed, Palace Master,” another Elder said. “The Five Continents Grand Competition is rigorous, selecting only the finest. If anyone from Lanyang Palace were to qualify, it would undoubtedly be you. Please take care of yourself.”

Siyi nodded in agreement. “Palace Master, you needn’t worry about the first round. If you can’t pass, no one from the Eastern Continent could. But we can’t forget how, after leaving the Chongshan Secret Realm, we were threatened by Nie Xiu of the Yuding Sect. He’s only three hundred years old, yet he’s already at the Nascent Soul Stage. He harbors deep resentment toward you and Lanyang Palace, and he’ll surely scheme against you.”

“The Yuding Sect…” The Peak Master of Xinyang Peak sighed. “Among the Five Continents, the Central Continent is the most prosperous, teeming with talent and spiritual treasures. While the other continents each select only five hundred participants for the first round, the Central Continent alone selects a thousand! The Yuding Sect’s reputation in such a flourishing place speaks to its formidable strength. Yet, during my travels and those of my disciples, our interactions with Yuding Sect disciples have left us with a deeply unfavorable impression. The sect leader’s vengeful nature, quick to hold grudges, is as infamous as the sect itself.”

At the mention of Nie Xiu and the Yuding Sect, Feng Jue’s expression turned cold, her fingers unconsciously caressing the beads in her hand. 03 stole a discreet glance at her.

Mission: Prevent Nie Xiu of the Yuding Sect and protect Feng Jue.

Accept?

Accept.

“Whether it’s Nie Xiu or the Yuding Sect, let them come. What does this Palace Master have to fear?” Feng Jue said coldly. “I’m more afraid they won’t dare show up!”

Faced with such a formidable Palace Master, the group felt both concern and relief, and could only urge her to protect herself.

After their pleas, Feng Jue put away the Spiritual Heart. Her beautiful eyes swept across the room as she asked Siyi, “Has the schedule for the Grand Competition been announced?”

Siyi replied, “Reporting to the Palace Master, the first round of the Five Continents Grand Competition will begin in ten days. The Eastern Continent’s competition will be hosted by Lanyang Palace, with oversight from Wendao Academy. Five hundred participants from the Eastern Continent will advance to the second round in the Central Continent.”

Across the Eastern Continent, only Lanyang Palace could handle such a grand event.

As they discussed the first round, the atmosphere in the Main Hall suddenly shifted.

The Peak Master of Xinyang Peak smiled. “We won’t encounter the Yuding Sect’s riffraff until the second round, but as for the first…” Her smile remained benevolent. “Since the Old Palace Master’s passing, there have been some irritating obstacles disrupting our peace. This is the perfect opportunity…”

Debts must be settled to be forgotten.

She glanced around the room, and the faces of the other Peak Masters and Elders mirrored her smile. 03, secretly watching, thought: So many Siyi!

The real Siyi spoke softly, “Rest assured, everyone. I remember everything.”

The crowd erupted in laughter.

Feng Jue also smiled, a proud glint in her eyes.

She rose and declared, “Since the Five Continents Grand Competition is being held at Lanyang Palace, our disciples must not lose to outsiders. Do not hesitate to provide your favored disciples with the resources they need to compete fearlessly and showcase the might of Lanyang Palace!”

The crowd nodded in agreement. “Yes.”

After discussing matters related to the Grand Competition and attending to palace affairs, Feng Jue departed.

Once she was gone, the Peak Master of Liyang Peak chuckled and turned to Siyi. “I’m long past the age limit for the Grand Competition, so I can’t attend the Academy. But you, Siyi, and your talented disciple are young and accomplished. Go pursue enlightenment at the Academy alongside the Palace Master!”

Siyi replied warmly, “May your auspicious words come true, Peak Master.”

The Peak Master of Liyang Peak smiled kindly, then glanced at Yan Qingluan, the Peak Master of Renyang Peak, who was unusually quiet. Normally, Yan Qingluan would stand at the forefront during important palace matters, her word unchallenged. Today, however, she remained silent, as if struck dumb. The Peak Master of Liyang Peak’s eyes twinkled mischievously. Among our own, we call it not settling scores, but exchanging insights, she thought. She turned to Yan Qingluan with a beaming smile. “Peak Master Yan, your subordinates are as numerous as hairs on an ox. This time, they’ll surely have a chance to show their mettle in the Grand Competition!”

Yan Qingluan’s lips curled into a cold smile of acknowledgment.

The other Peak Masters, having suffered numerous defeats at her hands, couldn’t let this opportunity pass. They eagerly asked, “Peak Master Yan, which disciples will you be sending to the Grand Competition this time?”

“I recall you have a disciple, Peak Master Yan—a young prodigy you dote on. She’s sure to shine brilliantly in the Grand Competition!”

The crowd erupted in laughter.

Siyi’s lips twitched upward.

Yan Qingluan gritted her teeth, shooting a venomous glare at the assembled group.

Within the Inner Sect of Lanyang Palace, everyone knew that Gu Yuqing had been punished by Siyi to clean the cattle sheds. After just half a day, Gu Yuqing had come to Renyang Peak to beg for mercy. Just as Yan Qingluan was about to soften her heart, the manager of the Spiritual Beast Hall arrived, clutching Siyi’s jade token as if he had anticipated this very scenario. With no choice, Yan Qingluan hardened her resolve and allowed the manager to take Gu Yuqing away, hoping she would learn her lesson and return to cultivation after serving her three-year punishment.

After all, Gu Yuqing was a child she had raised from infancy. Even after her anger subsided, Yan Qingluan’s heart still ached for her.

Now, being mocked by the other Peak Masters she usually dominated, Yan Qingluan’s resolve evaporated like mist. Their words cut her like soft knives, slicing across her face. At least no one had caught wind of the rumors and questioned her about her visit to the Old Palace Master in the underworld.

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