**Chapter 19: Foolish Girl, Why Go This Far?**

When Lin Fengmian arrived at the square, it was already filled with over a hundred "chives" from Qingjiu Peak. Today, however, Lin Fengmian, the seasoned "chive," stood out strikingly. Dressed in a flowing white robe with a sword at his waist, he looked remarkably elegant. 

If not for the somewhat ridiculous wooden sword at his side, his appearance alone would have put him miles ahead of the others.

Guan Chengtian, upon seeing him, couldn't help but sneer, "Lin Fengmian, what's the point of dressing so flamboyantly? Do you think this is some pretty boy competition?"

Lin Fengmian glanced at him and calmly replied, "What do you think? Surely, it's not a pig-slaying contest."

"You!" Guan Chengtian was so infuriated that he wanted to smash Lin Fengmian's face in.

"What 'you'!? If you've got guts, hit me right here!" Lin Fengmian continued with an indifferent expression, further enraging Guan Chengtian, who was itching to teach him a lesson.

Around them, many other savvy "chives" were also dressed to impress, evidently aware of the special nature of this occasion through various channels.

Soon after, five streaks of light appeared in the sky and gracefully landed on the stone platform. It was five senior sisters, among them Liu Mei, Chen Qingyan, and Wang Yanran. But one familiar figure left Lin Fengmian doubting his own eyes.

As the light faded, Lin Fengmian found himself staring at a very familiar woman. He was frozen in place, staring at her without blinking, even forgetting to bow. Fortunately, there were many people around, so he wasn't too conspicuous.

"Greetings, senior sisters!" everyone said in unison.

"Rise," Liu Mei's soft, gentle voice called out.

On the stage, Xia Yunxi noticed Lin Fengmian's stunned expression and playfully winked at him with a charming smile. 

Lin Fengmian suddenly realized what was going on. No wonder she was so confident he could leave; she was part of the group overseeing the event.

Reflecting on how he couldn't sense her cultivation level the previous night, it all made sense now—Xia Yunxi had already broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage!

She didn't stop him last night because she was no longer a disciple of Qingluan Peak, having now advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage. She had intended to offer herself to him.

**Foolish girl, why go this far?**

Lin Fengmian suddenly found Xia Yunxi dazzlingly radiant, her brilliance illuminating his own dark thoughts, leaving him feeling unworthy even to look at her.

Down below, many of the "chives" raised their heads to gaze at the five senior sisters on the platform. Each of the five women was stunning, with distinctive temperaments. Their beauty captivated all the men below, though their gazes were primarily focused on the women's alluring figures.

Among the five were Liu Mei, Chen Qingyan, Xia Yunxi, Wang Yanran, and a petite senior sister named Mo Ruyu. Despite her small stature and sweet, girl-next-door appearance, Mo Ruyu's impressive figure rivaled even that of Liu Mei. Dressed boldly, she revealed deep cleavage and a short skirt that barely covered her hips, teasingly exposing just enough to make hearts race.

Among them, the most attention-grabbing were Liu Mei and Chen Qingyan, followed closely by Xia Yunxi. After all, Wang Yanran and Mo Ruyu had some "history" with the disciples, having shared intimate experiences with a few of them.

But desire always stirs for what one cannot have, and this truth held strong here. Those who had undergone dual cultivation with Liu Mei had all entered the "inner sect," while Xia Yunxi had just reached the Foundation Establishment stage. Qingluan Peak's disciples were known to retain their purity until they ascended to the Foundation Establishment stage, a fact widely recognized. Hence, Xia Yunxi's recent breakthrough had many speculating that she was still a virgin, which only fueled their desire.

Moreover, Xia Yunxi's beauty was truly outstanding. Though she still retained some youthful innocence, that only made her more unique, drawing the fervent gazes of many, leaving her feeling slightly uncomfortable.

Liu Mei, noticing the eager stares, smiled seductively and said, "All of you are here for the chance to go down the mountain, I assume."

"This trip isn't just rewarding; you'll also get plenty of time to spend with us senior sisters. So, be sure to participate eagerly," she said, her tone laced with innuendo. The crowd burst into knowing laughter.

Compared to Liu Mei's flirtatiousness, Chen Qingyan remained quiet and detached, standing silently on the side.

With a sly smile, Liu Mei continued, "Alright, no more idle chatter. Those who are between the fifth and eighth stages of the Qi Refining realm may now step forward and sign up."

This immediately eliminated most of the participants. Out of over a hundred "chives," only about thirty qualified, including Lin Fengmian.

The five senior sisters scanned the group, exchanging whispers and giggling softly, causing the weaker-willed "chives" to become increasingly flustered.

Finally, Liu Mei stepped forward and began pointing out individuals. "You, you, and you…"

She picked out nearly ten people in total, each of whom wore a pleased expression. Guan Chengtian was among them, his face lighting up with excitement, clearly overjoyed at being chosen.

But his elation was short-lived, as Liu Mei's next words sent him plummeting into despair.

"Those of you I just pointed out, you're disqualified. Step back," she said sweetly.

Guan Chengtian, shocked and indignant, asked, "Senior sister, why?"

Though Liu Mei smiled, a hint of coldness crept into her eyes. "Why, you ask?"

Realizing his tone had been disrespectful, Guan Chengtian quickly bowed, "Please, senior sister, grant me an explanation."

Lin Fengmian, noticing Liu Mei's reluctance to speak, stepped forward and boldly took on the role of the villain.

He sneered, "An explanation? Senior sister already gave you a way out, but you had to keep pushing!"

"What do you mean by that?" Guan Chengtian fumed.

"Are you really that clueless? Don't you have a mirror to see what you look like?" Lin Fengmian scoffed. "The senior sisters didn't want to take you because you're ugly and would only embarrass them. Now, back off!"

Guan Chengtian's face twisted with rage, as though he were ready to devour Lin Fengmian on the spot.

But Lin Fengmian remained unbothered, flicking his sleeve dismissively. "What are you staring at? Can't understand human speech? Or do you need Senior Sister Liu to spell it out?"

Guan Chengtian's pride wouldn't let him give up. "This is a sect! Strength is all that matters! This trip is to recruit disciples; things shouldn't be like this!" 

Lin Fengmian began pacing around him, laughing coldly. "Look at you, all brawn and no brains, like some bumbling bear. If you follow the senior sisters down the mountain, people might mistake you for a guard dog!"

The crowd burst into laughter, even Liu Mei couldn't help but giggle at his comment.

Xia Yunxi, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh, thought, *Senior Brother Lin is too cruel, but oddly accurate.*

She didn't like Guan Chengtian, especially the way his eyes always seemed to want to devour her whole.

Infuriated and embarrassed, Guan Chengtian roared and swung a fist at Lin Fengmian.

"Shut your mouth, you bastard!"