Section 68: Hongshang Fairy’s Secret, the Archery Ceremony Begins
By Gu Zhenren
February 9, 2013
Since Jin Bihan wanted to rest, Chu Yun went to the archery range alone after dinner.
“I’ve mastered all other archery techniques to the point of perfection. However, defeating Hua Ying will still be very difficult. If only I could comprehend the profound meaning of Meteor Archery and unleash the Meteor Shot…”
Chu Yun spent the entire afternoon practicing Meteor Archery. He hoped that last-minute effort might yield results, or perhaps he’d get lucky and stumble upon the true secret of Meteor Archery.
Unfortunately, by the time the archery range closed, he had made no progress.
Using the true Meteor Archery was indeed extremely difficult. The defects of the Star-Fixing Bow left Chu Yun’s arms frozen and almost numb.
However, Chu Yun wasn’t pushing himself beyond his limits. This level of exertion was just enough to reach his body’s maximum capacity. After applying medicinal ointment, he would recover overnight and be full of vigor the next day.
“You won’t stop until you’ve tortured yourself like this every day, will you?” Jin Bihan greeted him with a slightly chiding tone as he returned to his chambers.
“Sit down, and I’ll apply the medicine for you.” The Dunhuang Princess skillfully took out a bottle of ointment, sat in front of Chu Yun, and evenly spread it on his arms.
Furthermore, streams of warm currents permeated his skin. Moments later, Chu Yun’s hands could move again. However, the sensation was unpleasant, like countless ants crawling and disturbing his arms and heart, causing unbearable itchiness.
“The Star-Fixing Bow is more accurate than ordinary spirit bows. Unfortunately, it cannot be used too frequently. But every gain comes with a loss. Although I’ve suffered a bit during this period, my arms have been alternately stimulated by cold and heat, and my strength has increased significantly,” Chu Yun said with a grin, baring his teeth.
His amusing expression couldn’t help but bring a smile to Jin Bihan’s lips.
From the bottom of her heart, the Dunhuang Princess admired Chu Yun’s perseverance, diligence, and fortitude.
“During the day, you looked so melancholic when you mentioned Hongshang Fairy. Was there some story behind it?” Jin Bihan suddenly asked.
“No, I have no connection with her whatsoever,” Chu Yun replied truthfully. He had never met this Hongshang Fairy, neither in his past life nor in this one.
“Is that so?” Jin Bihan looked deeply at Chu Yun, finding only sincerity in his eyes. She said with a hint of reluctance, “It’s not entirely accurate to say you have no connection. At least Ning Yiyi once studied under Hongshang Fairy, learning skills such as dancing, makeup, and music theory. It’s said that Hongshang Fairy has come to participate in the Grand Archery Ceremony this time to witness the performance of her disciple, Ning Yiyi. Offending Ning Yiyi is equivalent to offending Hongshang Fairy.”
“Oh? There’s such a connection?” Chu Yun asked in surprise.
“Do you really not know?” Jin Bihan widened her eyes slightly, trying to find any flaw in Chu Yun’s expression.
Chu Yun shrugged and said casually, “Don’t worry, this kind of connection is not enough to make her my enemy.”
“You’re quite confident, as if you know Hongshang Fairy very well.” Jin Bihan smiled, a mixture of disappointment and secret delight. Chu Yun’s expression didn’t seem fake, and he had no reason to deceive her.
“However, I do know her better than most people,” Chu Yun said with a smile, his expression profound.
“Really? Tell me about it.” Jin Bihan raised an eyebrow, her heart tightening, though her tone was casual.
“I cannot say, I cannot say,” Chu Yun shook his head.
“Will you tell me or not?” Jin Bihan glared at him.
“I can’t tell you, I can’t tell you. Even if I did, you wouldn’t believe me,” Chu Yun insisted.
“Fine, I’m going to sleep then.” Jin Bihan pouted and thought with a cold snort. She lay down on her own bed, turning her back to Chu Yun.
Chu Yun didn’t suspect anything and simply smiled. He sat by the window, his eyes shining, reminiscing about his past life memories.
Hongshang Fairy was outwardly a renowned dancer in the Archipelago, her fame spreading far and wide, even reaching other island countries.
Her dance moves were exquisitely graceful, imbued with a seductive charm that captivated the soul. She moved like a radiant crimson cloud, her sleeves fluttering like butterfly wings, like a phoenix dancing.
However, her status as a master dancer was merely a disguise. Her true identity was something no one could have possibly imagined.
Scarlet Tiger!
Mad Lion, Scarlet Tiger, and Crippled Wolf were the three largest pirate groups in the Archipelago. Crippled Wolf had died ingloriously, slain by Chu Yun in a burst of power. In reality, Crippled Wolf was formidable, and Scarlet Tiger’s strength even surpassed his.
The Scarlet Tiger pirate group was a notorious all-female pirate crew. Not a single man among its members; all were women.
Their plunder primarily consisted of treasures, luxury goods, artifacts, and artworks. Ordinary goods and commodities were not within their scope of prey.
Their methods were even more ruthless than men’s, and their raiding territory covered almost the entire Archipelago, extending vast distances. Their pirate ships were rumored to be of the Spirit Monster class. Among all pirate groups, their whereabouts were the most mysterious and unpredictable, making them impossible to track.
If one were to combine these two identities, it would all make sense. But how could the world ever imagine connecting the beautiful and ethereal master dancer with the bloodthirsty and ruthless Scarlet Tiger pirates?
Hongshang Fairy’s disguise was too perfect, fooling everyone. Even in Chu Yun’s past life, their identities were not exposed by others but revealed by Hongshang Fairy herself.
He remembered well how the entire Archipelago was in an uproar at that time. Many wealthy merchants gnashed their teeth upon hearing the news. The true culprits behind their significant losses were none other than the dancer they had tried so hard to please!
However, the world was still unaware of this major secret.
Except for Chu Yun.
“This secret holds immense value. How can I utilize it to generate the greatest benefit for myself?” he pondered.
Four days later, the Star Saint Grand Archery Ceremony officially commenced.
The archery range was filled with almost all the teachers and students of Tiange Academy. On a platform several feet high, a magnificent canopy was erected, laden with wine, fruits, and food. Seated at the center were the three Country Lords and Feng Bole, the head of Tiange Academy.
On either side, wine tables were set up, hosting over fifty envoys from various major powers. They were either chatting animatedly or poring over attendee lists.
The Star Saint Grand Archery Ceremony served as a gathering. Various powers attended for mutual exchange, probing cooperation, and other purposes. Secondly, it was an opportunity to identify outstanding talents and inject fresh blood into their respective factions.
The attendee lists in their hands were specially prepared by the Academy, containing detailed information about each student for their reference.
The Star Saint Grand Archery Ceremony provided a platform for these students to showcase their abilities, allowing the attending powers to gain a more direct impression of the students listed.
After the Star Saint Grand Archery Ceremony, the true focus would begin. Various powers would invite students for private interviews. If the conversations were satisfactory, they would be invited to join their factions. This was a life-changing opportunity for students from common backgrounds or those from less prominent branches of noble families to rise to prominence.
Yan Que, in Chu Yun’s previous life, had achieved great success through this very opportunity, which became a celebrated tale.
“So many important figures, I’m so nervous my fingers are trembling.”
“Damn it, I need to go to the restroom again.”
“Lord Star Saint, I beg you, in your heavenly spirit, protect me!”
Many students appeared nervous, some swallowing hard, others whispering prayers.
“Look over there on the left, isn’t that Hongshang Fairy?” Many eyes were fixed in one direction, shining brightly.
“It is indeed the Fairy. It’s a pity her face is veiled, truly regrettable,” someone sighed with regret.
Seated on the left side of the elevated platform, a woman dressed in red attracted particular attention. Her wavy, dark hair was elegantly styled. Her fair, flawless face was lightly veiled, her features subtly obscured, making her even more alluring and intensifying the desire to see her clearly.
Even kneeling on the mat behind the wine table, her figure was breathtakingly beautiful. Her fair neck, delicate collarbone, ample bosom, slender waist that seemed too fine to encircle, and the alluring curves of her taut legs… all these details drew the eyes of onlookers, making it hard to look away.
“As expected of Scarlet Tiger.” Chu Yun glanced at her deeply before turning his head away, not wanting to attract her attention. She was the infamous pirate captain, listed on the Talented Person Ranking, and far more formidable than Crippled Wolf.
A pair of eyes, hotter than others, stared intently at Hongshang Fairy from above. It was the Lord of the Mongol Yuan Nation.
The Lord of the Mongol Yuan Nation was burly, with muscular build and the characteristic full beard of his people. He looked at Hongshang Fairy, patted the seat beside him, and said, “I’ve long heard of Hongshang Fairy’s renowned beauty, hahahaha. Come sit here, the view is excellent!”
“No, thank you. I can see from anywhere. I thank you for your kind offer, Lord, but this spot is more peaceful.” Hongshang Fairy smiled gently, politely declining.
The Lord of the Mongol Yuan Nation’s expression faltered.
The Lord of the Anding Kingdom beside him joked, “Does the Lord of the Mongol Yuan Nation not know? Hongshang Fairy is not easily persuaded. I’ll give you a piece of advice: the Fairy is very interested in antique imperial artifacts from the former Tang Jin Kingdom. To win her favor, you must cater to her tastes.”
The Lord of the Mongol Yuan Nation laughed heartily and stroked his beard. “I have no interest in those so-called artifacts, nor do I pretend to be refined. It seems I have no fate with the Fairy. Oh well, I shall see if there are any young warriors. I prefer warriors!”
Many people breathed a sigh of relief.
The Mongol Yuan Nation was a major military power, and the Lord of the Mongol Yuan Nation’s aura was quite imposing. His laughter displayed a magnanimous spirit and eased the atmosphere in the entire venue.
“Hongshang Fairy directly rejected the invitation of the Lord of the Mongol Yuan Nation!”
“As expected of a master…”
“The Fairy’s fondness for imperial artifacts from the Tang Jin Kingdom is well-known. If only I had one to present to her, how wonderful that would be.”
The scholars stirred, murmuring amongst themselves.
The Lord of Jianghan Kingdom was a middle-aged man with a fair, beardless face and a slight paunch. While others conversed or browsed the attendee lists, he sat calmly behind his wine table, observing the behavior of the scholars below with astute eyes.
This was his little trick for finding talent.
He sought to uncover the deeper qualities hidden beneath the surface through the scholars’ every move.
Students who appeared nervous or stared at Hongshang Fairy with greedy eyes were immediately disqualified. His gaze first fell upon Hua Ying.
“Young and dashing, with unique talent,” he praised inwardly.
“Beautiful as a flower, with a clever and agile mind.” He then noticed Ning Yiyi.
His gaze paused on Ma Youcai before shifting to Yan Que: “Simple and natural, with divine light in his eyes.”
He nodded with satisfaction and then noticed Jin Bihan: “Hmm? Youthful beauty, noble demeanor, and profound cultivation. What is the background of this student?”
He noticed Jin Bihan, feeling a sense of curiosity.
“You’re here, everyone’s been waiting for you,” Jin Bihan said, turning to greet Chu Yun. Chu Yun had been lurking in a corner, subtly observing Hongshang Fairy. Now, he formally stepped out.
The Lord of Jianghan Kingdom’s eyes widened in surprise, and he also saw Chu Yun: “Hmm? This young man!”
