Soul Mates

Soul Mates

The moment Lin Xian'er's voice faded, countless sharp gazes instantly focused on Qin Wentian, and a tremendous pressure bore down on him.

On the rooftops of the ancient buildings surrounding the Immortal Ripple Pavilion, over ten Heaven Chosen had gathered. They were born extraordinary, their hearts soaring as high as the heavens. Their only reason for being here was the presence of the legendary beauty, Lin Xian'er, who was rumored to have the power to sow discord among Heaven Chosen.

Indeed, their encounter with Lin Xian'er had left a deep impression. After the battle in the illusion-scape, several geniuses with similar cultivation bases had been defeated by her. This was a shocking revelation. They had initially assumed that a woman who relied on charm to captivate men would be weak. Yet, Lin Xian'er had displayed remarkable strength, etching an indelible mark in their hearts.

However, with just one sentence, Lin Xian'er had humiliated them all. She declared Qin Wentian as the top-ranked genius among them. Who was this Qin Wentian, and did he dare to claim such a title?

"I've never heard of a Heaven Chosen with the surname Qin in the Royal Sacred Region. Who is this Sir Qin that Fairy Lin speaks of?" The Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect cast a skeptical glance at Qin Wentian, exuding a cold, battle-ready demonic aura. Despite not winning in their previous battle within the illusion-scape, he had held his ground against Lin Xian'er. Her mastery of illusion-type techniques, her ability to split into many, and her mysterious appearances and disappearances had made it an evenly-matched contest.

"Battle Sword Sect, mastery of fourteen sword strikes, defeating Ye Kongfan by leaping realms. Apart from Sir Qin, who else could it be?" Lin Xian'er maintained her smile, her gaze fixed on Qin Wentian.

Qin Wentian felt a tinge of discomfort. Lin Xian'er's single statement had pushed him to the brink, yet he sensed genuine sincerity in her eyes, devoid of any pretense or feigned affection. Her words seemed to emanate from the depths of her heart. Coupled with her breathtaking beauty, there was no trace of animosity in his heart towards her.

"Ye Kongfan from the Ye Clan can hardly be considered a genius. Killing him isn't much of an achievement," remarked the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect with a hint of arrogance. He no longer paid any attention to Qin Wentian, continuing, "If Fairy Lin considers this person number one, I could defeat him effortlessly."

Lin Xian'er sighed and showed a flicker of disappointment in her eyes upon hearing the Saint Child's arrogant words. She then softly responded, "Saint Child, your cultivation base is on par with Ye Kongfan's, both at the seventh level of Heavenly Dipper. But, would you dare to be so bold if your cultivation was lowered by two levels? The number one I speak of isn't about current combat prowess but one's innate talent."

"Isn't Fairy Lin's statement a bit preposterous? If we exclude combat prowess, what's left for martial cultivators to discuss? Are we supposed to believe that our opponents will deliberately handicap themselves in battle just to be fair?" The Saint Child showed no restraint in his response to Lin Xian'er. His voice grew louder, carrying a mix of pride and anger.

"Since the Saint Child wishes to twist words and argue, I have no further comments. But mark my words, in the Immortal Martial Realm, I'm afraid the Saint Child's talent won't even earn a spot on the ranking monument." Lin Xian'er didn't mince her words, engaging in a direct confrontation with the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect.

The Saint Child's countenance turned cold as he retorted, "Fairy Lin seems to underestimate me greatly. Meeting someone in person can dispel many illusions."

"As the saying goes, people on different paths cannot make plans together. The individuals I choose as friends are those who resonate with my soul." Lin Xian'er's response was emotionless, silently conveying that despite being the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect, he wasn't someone she wished to associate with.

"HAHAHAHAHA!" The Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect burst into maniacal laughter, the thunderous sound echoing like a tempest through the heavens and earth. His gaze shifted towards Qin Wentian, anger distorting his eyes. He roared with fury, opening a bloody maw in the air that descended upon Qin Wentian, as if intending to swallow him whole.

"What a formidable beast-howl technique," the spectators shivered as they felt the overwhelming demonic qi. Duan Han, positioned in front of Qin Wentian, swiftly slashed with his black sword, cleaving the space above them and cutting the bloody maw in two. The residual energy cascaded down, rending the clothes of the Battle Sword Sect members into tatters.

The crimson-eyed demonic wolf of the Supreme Demon Sect glared coldly, its eyes radiating a sinister bloody light.

"He's supposed to be number one among the geniuses here?!" The Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect gritted his teeth, his eyes demonic as he glared at Qin Wentian and Lin Xian'er. "Lin Xian'er, once you enter the Immortal Martial Realm, I'll make the so-called 'number one beauty under the heavens' my personal plaything, a mere tool for my amusement. And as for your 'number one genius,' I'll reduce him to crawling at my feet."

With these venomous words, he mounted the crimson-eyed demonic wolf and vanished instantly, leaving behind only the residue of his arrogance.

"Boasting shamelessly," Lin Xian'er's clear eyes blazed with a cold light as her fingers plucked the zither strings, infusing the melody with killing intent.

"I've witnessed Fairy Lin's strength today and shall seek your guidance another time. Farewell, we shall meet again in the Immortal Martial Realm." A voice rang out as a young man soared away. The Heaven Chosen on the nearby ancient rooftops also departed one by one. Lin Xian'er's proclamation that Qin Wentian was the number one genius present left no reason for them to linger. They were fiercely competitive, but striking at Qin Wentian directly would reveal their fragility. Lin Xian'er's words would serve as a lasting reminder. The truth would be revealed when the names appeared on the ranking monument in the Immortal Martial Realm.

Shang Tong, who was standing some distance away, turned his gaze coldly toward Qin Wentian. A fleeting flash of killing intent passed through his eyes before he swiftly made the decision to leave the area.

Qin Wentian had also been prepared to depart, but he hesitated when he saw Lin Xian'er turning her gaze toward him, accompanied by a warm smile. "Sir Qin, would you mind joining me at the Immortal Ripple Pavilion?" she asked.

Qin Wentian's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed the smile on Lin Xian'er's face. Eventually, he nodded and made his way toward the Immortal Ripple Pavilion.

Liu Yun sighed with a hint of dejection. "Why is it that all the good things in the world seem to gravitate toward him?"

Duan Han's eyes gleamed with a sharpness as he murmured, "This woman is undoubtedly a fairy from the Celestial Maiden Sect. If the battle in the illusion-scape had continued, not even I would have been her match. Such a woman can't be easily tamed by ordinary men."

With that, Duan Han departed as well. Lin Xian'er had displayed politeness and a smile from the beginning, but her exchange with the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect revealed a steely resolve beneath her gentleness. Even the Saint Child's status didn't earn him her favor. Lin Xian'er only considered those who could defeat her in her illusion-scape as worthy acquaintances.

Liu Yun and the others couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment. They had all been defeated by Lin Xian'er in her illusion-scape, so they also chose to leave without complaints. Only a shadow, Mu Feng, remained, but none of the Battle Sword Sect members paid him much attention. They understood that Mu Feng existed as nothing more than a shadow to Qin Wentian, almost as if he wasn't a real person.

Inside the Immortal Ripple Pavilion, the curtains closed once again after Qin Wentian entered. Those who remained outside felt a sense of loss. Lin Xian'er, known as the number one beauty under the heavens, was truly a sight to behold. A single glance at her was enough to leave an unforgettable impression. Her delicate appearance and soul-stirring eyes stirred a desire to protect her in the hearts of many strong geniuses. Her beauty had the power to sway even the strongest wills, let alone those of ordinary men. Many onlookers stood there, silently watching the figures behind the curtains, wishing they were the ones inside with her.

Lin Xian'er shifted her posture, her back now facing the curtains. In front of her was a lake with several ancient boats floating on its surface. These boats were manned by maidens from the Celestial Maiden Sect, assigned to protect her.

"Fairy Lin, is there something you wanted to discuss with me?" Qin Wentian stood beside Lin Xian'er. Being so close to her, he couldn't help but sense her captivating charm. Her gentle and fragile appearance, combined with her soulful eyes, made others want to rush forward and embrace her. The alluring fragrance she emitted filled the air, simple yet elegant and noble.

Lin Xian'er couldn't help but break into a smile, akin to the blossoming of a hundred flowers. "Why is Sir Qin being so reserved? I consider you my soulmate, but your restraint is making me feel awkward."

Qin Wentian's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed Lin Xian'er's smile. He eventually smiled in return. "Fairy Lin, your charm is undeniable. I think it would be quite challenging for me not to restrain myself."

"Is that so?" Lin Xian'er revealed a shy expression before smiling coyly. "Sir Qin can simply call me by my name, Xian'er. As for charm, who would win in a comparison between me and the Holy Maiden?"

"In my heart, Qingcheng is undoubtedly the most beautiful. But when it comes to charm, I'm afraid Fairy Lin surpasses even her, effortlessly ensnaring the hearts of those who encounter you." Qin Wentian responded candidly. Mo Qingcheng's beauty could conquer empires; it was pure and holy. In the presence of others, she always projected a cold demeanor that deterred any attempts at familiarity. Lin Xian'er, on the other hand, possessed a different allure. Her beauty inspired a strong desire to protect her, a yearning to draw closer to her.

"Sir Qin is a passionate man, but if the Holy Maiden were to learn that you're here with me, she would undoubtedly call me a temptress." Lin Xian'er chuckled softly as her fingers plucked the zither strings, filling the air with a melodious sound. This lively and enchanting tune captivated Qin Wentian's senses, leaving him mesmerized by the music.

As the enchanting music flowed, it seemed as if time itself had forgotten to move forward. In the blink of an eye, night had descended upon the world, and a full moon graced the heavens. Its radiant light cascaded down upon the tranquil lake's surface, blending harmoniously with the sweet melodies that hung in the air, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

Qin Wentian sat there, his ears attuned to the music that played, each note a reminder of the journey he had shared with Mo Qingcheng. Occasionally, his thoughts wandered to Qing'er, that endearing and somewhat naive young woman. A tender smile played on his lips as he recalled their interactions. This melody, he thought, was like a gift from the heavens to lovers in the mortal realm.

Turning his head slightly, Qin Wentian's gaze fell upon Lin Xian'er, who sat beside him. In the moonlight, her beauty was nothing short of mesmerizing, causing even his breath to catch.

Lin Xian'er sensed his gaze and turned her eyes toward him. She chuckled softly before speaking, "Seeing that sweet smile on Sir Qin's face, I can't help but think that this music reminds you of your moments with the Holy Maiden. If she misunderstands why you've stayed out so late, please convey this message for me. Despite the rumors about the Celestial Maiden Sect, I, Lin Xian'er, am not a promiscuous woman. If, in the future, I can't find a man who meets my criteria, I'll follow in my master's footsteps and remain unmarried for life."

Qin Wentian's heart trembled at her words. Could it be that the sect leader of the Celestial Maiden Sect was still unmarried because she hadn't found her ideal partner? It appeared that someone like Nangong Zhu couldn't capture her heart, indicating just how high her standards were.

"May I ask, what kind of man would be your ideal companion?" Qin Wentian inquired, genuinely curious.

Lin Xian'er smiled as she responded, "In the Royal Sacred Region, there are eight young men at the Heavenly Dipper Realm who possess the potential to reshape this era. They are even more formidable than Sir Qin, and I don't mean any disrespect by saying this. These eight individuals are absolute geniuses with unparalleled talents, far surpassing what the Saint Child of the Supreme Demon Sect can offer. Their prestige is beyond imagination."

Qin Wentian chuckled and replied, "Xian'er, don't underestimate yourself. I'm certain you'll find someone you truly love."

"The night is growing late. I shall take my leave, Xian'er," Qin Wentian said as he stood up.

Lin Xian'er nodded with a smile. "Take care, and please convey my warm regards to the Holy Maiden."

She then winked mischievously at Qin Wentian, causing him to break out into a cold sweat. Would Mo Qingcheng be jealous?

"I'm sure we'll meet again someday," Qin Wentian declared as his figure flickered, and he soared into the night sky.

Lin Xian'er watched his departure with a gentle smile on her face. Retrieving an ancient scroll with several names already listed on it, she added three characters underneath:

Qin Wentian.