Chapter 65: ...Last Impression
"Watch this," Long Bai said as he channeled his Spiritual Energy into the locket, activating it. A projection of the recorded fight between Xu Mo and Jiang Ren appeared in the air above his palm.
Jin Meiyu, Lan Yuehai—hidden in the shadows—and Wei Han watched intently. Such tools were common in the cultivation world, as they allowed cultivators to communicate, record, and send messages to one another. However, they had a limitation: the distance could not be too great, or only high-level cultivators would be able to perform long-distance communication. Even then, this method was not foolproof compared to high-level cultivators using their divine sense to communicate. Using such tools also made it easier for a third party to eavesdrop on conversations without the users even realizing it.
["YOU?! I WILL K*LL YOU!" Jiang Ren's voice roared from the video.] Though it wasn't visible who he was shouting at, everyone in the room was smart enough to connect the dots.
["Run, everybody! The elder of the Technique Hall has been consumed by heart demons!"]
[...]
Wei Han turned his neck to glance at Xu Mo, who sat quietly with his head lowered. He hadn't expected this guy to be so cunning. Even in such a dangerous situation, he had remained clear-headed and made a rational decision. This level of composure was only achievable when one had absolute confidence in their strength.
["Ughh—!"
Vomit—
Jiang Ren's body bent into an arc as his stomach caved in. His stomach fluids surged out of his mouth. Though no blood was visible, he felt as if his intestines were twisting inside him.
"Ugh… Y-You… I-I…" Jiang Ren stammered before losing consciousness and collapsing onto the ground.]
Wei Han's attention snapped back to the ongoing video, where he saw Xu Mo lightly punch Jiang Ren in the gut. Only Jiang Ren knew the true power of that punch—he had been forced to his knees, vomiting from a single strike. And Xu Mo hadn't even taken a fighting stance.
"You've improved, but there are still areas where you wasted energy. If you had controlled it more precisely, that punch could have blasted a hole through that cocky elder's stomach. How dare he attack you?" Long Bai commented on Xu Mo's technique, making no attempt to hide the fact that he was Xu Mo's teacher. Both Jin Meiyu and Lan Yuehai were surprised to hear the head elder use such foul language for an outer sect disciple.
"Like Master, like Disciple," Wei Han muttered through gritted teeth.
"Wei Han!" Long Bai clenched his fist, closing the video projection. "If you have a problem with me, next time, don't disturb Xu Mo. Otherwise, you'll have to come to the inner sect." His tone left no room for argument. Then he turned to Xu Mo. "Get up. Someone is here to meet you."
Xu Mo shook his head internally and rose from his seat. Long Bai gestured for Jin Meiyu to step forward. "Xu Mo, this is the Saintess—Jin Meiyu. Saintess, my disciple Xu Mo."
""Hmm."" They both nodded at each other.
"Saintess?!" Wei Han's gaze snapped toward the young female disciple standing behind the Head Elder.
"Why are you so surprised?" Long Bai huffed, irritated by the awe in Wei Han's eyes. "I've never seen you show such respect to me."
"Hmph—" Wei Han ignored Long Bai and turned to Xu Mo. "I don't know what your real identity is… but… I apologize." His face turned red with embarrassment.
Click—
Wei Han's flustered expression froze as he saw Long Bai casually record the moment.
"Got it." Long Bai grinned like a mischievous child.
Xu Mo and Jin Meiyu looked on as Wei Han and Long Bai bickered like children.
[Daughter of Destiny Detected - Jin Meiyu]
Huh?!
The system, which had been silent, suddenly rang like a bell from a temple. A yellowish-colored screen materialized in thin air. Xu Mo expected Jin Meiyu, Long Bai, and Wei Han to react, but they were still caught up in their banter—except Jin Meiyu, who was… looking at him.
Oh no. Please look away. Why do you have that look in your eye?
It was the same look that the Xu Mo from the trial had pursued until his last breath.
Shit. Xu Mo realized his mistake. He had ignored her.
She was a kingdom-toppling beauty, and he—a mere "Outer Disciple"—had shifted his gaze from her after only two seconds. That must have piqued her curiosity about him.
What should I do? Should I act like Wei Rong? Yeah, I could do that for now since Long Chen wasn't in the sect. Besides, this was how most people would react in such a situation. But I really don't want to fawn over her.
Xu Mo carefully turned his gaze to meet Jin Meiyu's.
Our eyes met. This time, I didn't look away.
I recalled how Wei Rong and other disciples stared at Mei Xueyin and tried to replicate it. Slowly, I moved my gaze from her eyes to the bridge of her nose, which was hidden behind a translucent veil. Then, I let my eyes roam over her body, deliberately drawing out the movement.
Finally, Jin Meiyu seemed unable to stand it any longer.
"How long are you going to look?!" she shouted.
Her outburst snapped Long Bai and Wei Han back to reality. They turned toward her, then followed her gaze—only to find Xu Mo at the receiving end of her glare.
Did I overdo it? Xu Mo wondered inwardly.
He had tried to replicate the way Mei Xueyin was admired by the male disciples, but as a son and brother, he couldn't generate that kind of lecherous gaze. He had never liked anyone looking at his sister in a way that made her uncomfortable, so how could he, as a brother, lower himself to do the same? She wasn't here to witness his actions, but if they ever met again, his conscience would prick at him.
"Sorry, Saintess. I apologize if Xu Mo made you uncomfortable," Long Bai said, bowing to Jin Meiyu. "It must be his first time seeing someone as beautiful as you, which left him dazed. But believe me, it won't happen again."
He didn't forget to grab Xu Mo's arm. Xu Mo, not resisting, also bowed in apology.
But inside, he was celebrating.
He had succeeded in making Jin Meiyu feel disgusted with him.
And as they say, first impressions are lasting impressions.