Chapter Thirty-Five: Wang Shangshang

Two strikingly conspicuous figures, both clad in white, walked side by side along the road, exchanging smiles and laughter. Their presence drew countless curious or envious gazes, yet neither seemed to pay the slightest attention, continuing forward without pause.

Sweet fragrances wafted through the air, and Tianming, glancing at the maiden beside him—her grace rivaling that of beauties who could sink fish and outshine birds, her serenity like a delicate blossom reflected in water—nearly lost himself in admiration. But when he recalled his own cultivation level, he could not help but lower his head in silent embarrassment.

It was only after their brief introductions that Tianming learned the girl's name was Wang Shangshang, granddaughter of Wang Fan, the Third Elder of the Celestial Derivation Sect—the same elder who had just sent him a voice transmission.

The pool Tianming had been in earlier was no ordinary one; it was the Sacred Yuan Pool.

The Sacred Yuan Pool was a holy place reserved for those who contributed greatly to the sect or ranked highly on the Human or Heavenly Lists. Entry was limited and meticulously regulated by stringent tiers, ranging from level one to ten. The spiritual energy in each area varied, growing denser and richer with each ascending number. It was said that in the highest layer, one might even have the chance to comprehend the laws of heaven and earth.

Yet such opportunities were not for the common disciple. Even to enter, one’s cultivation needed to reach at least the Void Realm to withstand the pressure within, and those who could truly grasp the heavenly laws were exceedingly rare.

According to Wang Shangshang, the pool Tianming had just occupied was a superior sixth-level Yuan Pool.

Hearing this, Tianming was astonished. No wonder his cultivation had advanced so swiftly to the third rank; the pool itself was indeed responsible.

When he first met Wang Shangshang, she had appraised him with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, making Tianming rather uneasy. But now, he understood: for someone at the third tier of Foundation Establishment to enter a level-six cultivation zone, it was natural to arouse interest—especially since he was an unfamiliar face in the attire of an inner sect disciple.

What Tianming perceived in her, however, was genuine innocence. Her gaze held only amazement and curiosity, never disdain or contempt. This made Tianming all the more protective of her, for in a world where strength was paramount, such purity was rare—especially in one raised amidst wealth and privilege. He found himself increasingly admiring Elder Wang.

“Shangshang, do you know why Elder Wang summoned me to the Elder’s Pavilion?” Tianming asked with a gentle smile, curiosity in his voice.

“I don’t know the specifics; Elder Wang didn’t say. But you should be prepared.” Wang Shangshang smiled and shook her head.

“Oh?” Tianming’s curiosity was piqued.

“Though you managed to delay the Dark Demon cultivator, no one really knows what happened inside. Some elders still have their doubts about you, and my grandfather says that Sect Master Xiao seemed quite angry upon his return—he kept muttering about wanting to see you.” Wang Shangshang explained with a smile, seeing Tianming’s confusion.

She herself had been curious about the mysterious youth so often spoken of by the elders, but upon meeting him, she nearly doubted her own judgment. Yet after a brief encounter, she discovered a peculiar attraction in him, one that captivated her.

Many questions she had prepared vanished when Tianming looked directly at her. Her mind went blank, her breath seemed to cease, and a strange fondness quietly blossomed within her heart.

Tianming understood well. If the elders didn’t suspect him, that would be abnormal.

“Yes, it’s only natural. Those elders have weathered countless storms and know the consequences of every action. Caution serves them well. But I wonder why Sect Master Xiao is so eager to see me? I’ve never met him, have I?” Tianming nodded.

Although Xiao Tianji had intervened on his behalf, the master had never truly revealed his face, and Tianming believed they shared no real connection. So why the urgency?

“Brother Tianming, actually, Sect Master Xiao is kind to everyone. You should feel honored to be so highly regarded; many would give anything for a single audience.” Wang Shangshang explained, seeing Tianming’s puzzled look.

“I suppose I was overthinking it,” Tianming said with a wry smile, shaking his head.

He suspected the cause—he had used Sect Master Xiao as a shield in that mysterious space, possibly angering the elder. If so, he could only hope there would be no retaliation.

“Shangshang?” Tianming halted, his gaze settling on the tall, snow-white figure ahead.

“Huh?” Wang Shangshang, startled by his call, turned around, her body trembling slightly.

Her deep eyes made Wang Shangshang shyly lower her head, as if an electric current paralyzed her.

“Um… Are we friends now?” Tianming hesitated, feeling awkward.

Friends?

Wang Shangshang froze, as if struck by lightning.

“Why would you ask that, Brother Tianming?” Her rosy cheeks lifted as she looked at him, confusion in her eyes.

Her heart raced, though she maintained a calm facade. Should she agree to his request? Her heart thudded violently, her face growing ever more flushed.

“More friends, more paths… Well, forget I said anything. We’ve only just met; it’s presumptuous. Sorry!” Tianming laughed sheepishly, lowering his head.

He’d hoped to befriend the Third Elder’s granddaughter, making his meeting with the elder less daunting. But the reality seemed harsh—he couldn’t even be a normal friend. Was he truly so lacking?

“Oh… Is that so?” Wang Shangshang’s brows knitted in confusion, her words tinged with disappointment.

“What’s wrong? Did I say something amiss?” Tianming, sensing her disappointment, smiled.

He had expected rejection, but now sensed a change.

“It’s nothing. I’m happy to be your friend, Brother Tianming, only…” Wang Shangshang shook her head, hesitant.

“Don’t overthink it. Has no one ever told you that your smile is beautiful? As a friend, I suggest you smile more. And please, don’t call me ‘Brother Tianming’—just ‘Little Tian’ will do; I’m not much older than you,” Tianming said earnestly.

He didn’t know what secret weighed on Wang Shangshang, but he knew that as friends, he’d have support when facing the Third Elder.

“Little Tian, thank you…” Wang Shangshang smiled like a spring breeze, her lips gently parted.

After speaking, she turned away shyly, her voice barely audible.

“Thank me? I should thank you for sparing me the embarrassment of rejection!” Tianming was momentarily stunned, then burst out laughing.

Wang Shangshang laughed as well, embarrassed, and nodded softly.

“Alright, enough laughing—you look like a silly deer. Later, you must speak well of me before Elder Wang, alright?” Tianming’s playful tone turned serious as he stared at Wang Shangshang, admonishing her.

Her smile reminded Tianming of a certain expression from a meme, making it hard to keep a straight face, but fortunately, he was well-trained.

“Hmph, don’t even think about it!” Wang Shangshang’s expression hardened, her lips pouting as she snorted coldly.

With a fierce glare, she left Tianming behind, walking off on her own.

“Did I say something wrong?” Tianming sighed, spreading his hands helplessly.

Left behind, he wondered if his intentions had been discovered. But that couldn’t be—his words were innocent. As friends, shouldn’t they help each other? Yet he was perplexed; he rarely conversed with girls and was always diligently working, never knowing what they thought—especially those from a different world.