System Alert: Please complete the task of taming the Descendant of the Ancient Phoenix as soon as possible.
System Task: Please enter the Wasteland to tame the Devouring Sky Beast.
He hadn’t even managed the Earth Chicken, and now a Devouring Sky Beast? What the heck? This is so exhausting!
"Can I use force?" Chen Pingping asked.
The system was silent.
When he first transmigrated, the system gave him an old ox as a starting gift. He was eager, knife in hand, but unexpectedly, the ox kicked him away with a single blow. Since then, he understood: protect small animals, care for the old ox, and avoid violence. Later, when the little black dog, Hei, appeared, he used love to sway it, and sure enough... he succeeded almost instantly. But this Earth Chicken is so damn annoying.
Chen Pingping said, "I want to give up on this task."
Dark clouds gathered densely in the sky, and thunder rolled.
Chen Pingping’s face darkened. "I guarantee I’ll complete the task."
Not far away, the Earth Chicken strutted with its head held high. Its soybean-sized eyes darted around, occasionally glancing at the old ox before turning towards the Spiritual Spring.
Though it was drooling with desire, it managed to restrain itself.
「Day by day, time passed. In the blink of an eye, more than half a month had gone by...」
Another young man hurried over. "Chen, Chen... the Sect Master wants to see you."
The atmosphere was very serious. Three Peak Masters and several Elders looked as if they were facing a formidable enemy, their gazes fixed on the Grand State Master and the Divine Body below.
"The Wuji Sect and the Yuan Martial Academy have an agreement. Once the candidates to enter the Wasteland are confirmed, they can engage in cultivation exchanges to foster mutual improvement, thereby ensuring their survival in the Wasteland," the Grand State Master said.
Chen Pingping, who had just stepped into the palace, instantly became agitated. "I object."
"Why?" the Grand State Master asked, lifting his head.
"Because my Wuji Sect hasn’t confirmed its candidates yet," Chen Pingping said seriously.
The Divine Body is too powerful. If she stays in the Wuji Sect to cultivate, she might affect Guang Xiaoyu’s cultivation progress. So, she can’t stay. Besides, who knows if she’s plotting something? Back in the Imperial City, the Divine Body wanted to kill him, and so did this Grand State Master! Hmph! She wants to stay in the Wuji Sect to cultivate? Dream on!
The Grand State Master looked surprised. "The Sect Master of your Wuji Sect just said the candidates have been confirmed."
Just then, Baili Jiansan spoke up, "That is correct."
"Who?" Chen Pingping frowned. How could he not know about such a major decision? He had a system task to consider! He absolutely needed one of those slots for the Wasteland!
Baili Jiansan said, "Xiaoyu, you, and the other slot is for Nangong Jue." He paused, then added, "Originally, we decided to send Zhuge Wushuang into the Wasteland, but Xiaoyu insisted on giving you a slot, Chen. You must cultivate diligently and make the most of this opportunity!"
Chen Pingping felt quite moved and said, "Thank you, Headmaster, and all the esteemed seniors, for this chance. I will definitely cultivate diligently."
"So, about this agreement..." Baili Jiansan hesitated. He couldn’t find a reason to refuse.
"I disagree," Chen Pingping said, glaring sideways.
Chen Shixian, sitting to the side, furrowed her brows tightly. Hearing him object twice stirred an inexplicable irritation within her.
I, a Divine Body of unparalleled talent and supreme beauty! Countless men wish for a chance to approach me, yet they never get it. And you... Hmph!
She was very displeased.
"Why?" Baili Jiansan looked at him. Cultivating and exchanging insights with the Divine Body is the dream of countless young people!
"She’s... too good-looking," Chen Pingping stammered after a moment, unable to find a real reason and just blurting out an excuse.
Unexpectedly, the Divine Body smiled.
The Grand State Master, however, grew worried and began to doubt his decision.
"Alright, Chen," Baili Jiansan said, "this matter is settled. Before entering the Wasteland, the Divine Body will remain in the Wuji Sect to cultivate."
He was the Sect Leader, after all. His intention in summoning Chen Pingping was merely to have Qingfeng represented; whether Chen Pingping agreed or not was unimportant.
Baili Jiansan then said to the Divine Body, "You will reside at Jiuli Peak from now on."
The Divine Body shook her head. "I want to go to Qingfeng."
Everyone was astonished.
The Grand State Master quickly explained, "Guang Xiaoyu was able to defeat her. There are many things the Divine Body can learn from her."
His explanation made it sound perfectly logical. After all, she was a Divine Body, and Guang Xiaoyu was the only one powerful enough to defeat another Divine Body. Cultivating and exchanging insights with her? Yes, that seemed very reasonable.
But Chen Pingping didn’t buy it. He had a nagging feeling this girl was targeting him.
Baili Jiansan smiled. "Very well. Since Miss Chen has decided, and... as Chen is also here, let him escort you to Qingfeng."
The two walked one after the other, neither speaking.
He wondered: Why exactly had this girl come? Had she discovered his secret? Or perhaps...?
She, meanwhile, was thinking: Before we enter the Wasteland, I *will* defeat you.
The Earth Chicken was still strutting about proudly, but upon seeing the Divine Body appear, it suddenly panicked, finding it hard to believe.
Just then, the Divine Body glanced its way, a smile playing on her lips.
The Earth Chicken: "..." It felt completely seen through. Why is this girl here? It’s over, completely over! My survival is in grave danger!
It really is a Spiritual Beast! Chen Shixian discerned. Ordinary poultry wouldn’t have such an expression, nor would it be worthy of Chen Pingping’s efforts to tame unless it *was* a Spiritual Beast.
There’s still a chance to obtain a Spiritual Beast before entering the Wasteland! When that time comes... my strength will increase dramatically!
"Chen? Where will I stay?" Chen Shixian asked, looking up.
"There’s another hut over there. Clean it up yourself," Chen Pingping replied, his tone excessively brusque. He all but told her, "I don’t like you."
Chen Shixian shrugged, unconcerned. She was here to cultivate, not to socialize. Did Chen Pingping’s opinion of her even matter? Achieving her objective was all that counted. Just wait until I, this Divine Body, personally defeat you and shatter your so-called pride and facade!
She glanced at the hut to the side, and her expression immediately stiffened.
This is what he calls a dwelling? It’s shabby and dilapidated, with collapsed beams, hardly any roof, and weeds choking everything! Isn’t there another small, bamboo-fenced courtyard over there?
Chen Shixian lowered her gaze, inwardly vexed. To think I didn’t bring any maids! Damn it! Am I, this Divine Body, actually expected to clean this myself? Fine!
She decided to endure it.
For two straight days, she toiled away at the dilapidated hut. Fortunately, some kind-hearted people in the Wuji Sect volunteered to help.
「Meanwhile, Guang Xiaoyu emerged from her seclusion.」
Learning that the Divine Body had moved into Qingfeng, she stared wide-eyed and questioned her senior brother, "Chen? You didn’t stop her?"
"I did try to stop her!" Chen Pingping replied helplessly. "But... the Headmaster agreed immediately. What could I do? I could only let her stay for now. My plan is to give her the cold shoulder until she leaves on her own."
Guang Xiaoyu keenly sensed that something was amiss. That detestable woman! This newcomer is clearly up to no good.