As soon as the words were out, Qie Xing nodded towards Geng Guoye in a thankful manner, while the latter quickly responded with a nod of his own. It was clear that there was a tacit understanding between the two.


    Unlike many of the others present, Geng Guoye had never actually considered pursuing Chen Pingxi. Even as an inner disciple, he was very aware that with this many competitors, it would never be his turn.


    The two of them had a good relationship that went way back, though it was mostly because Geng Guoye secretly wanted to use Qie Xing as a way to get closer to the rising star Xiong Yekong.


    And the way he did it was exactly to Qie Xing’s liking as well.


    Qie Xing did not know why Chen Pingxi was so fascinated with Zhao Yunxiao, but he would not allow anyone to stand in the way of him matchmaking Chen Pingxi with Xiong Yekong, not even if it was someone as unlikely to succeed as an outer disciple.


    In his eyes, both Geng Guoye’s choice of words and tone served to put down Zhao Yunxiao’s importance in the sect, which would only diminish Chen Pingxi’s impression of him. Even if Chen Pingxi got offended by that, the rage would not be directed towards his Senior Martial Brother Xiong Yekong, so that was perfectly fine with him.


    There was actually nothing wrong with an inner disciple like Geng Guoye asking an outer disciple like Zhao Yunxiao to perform.


    But for Geng Guoye to do so right after Chen Pingxi explicitly mentioned that she wanted Zhao Yunxiao’s company made the context rather different, not to mention the additional remark of telling Zhao Yunxiao to stick to his role.


    “


    Are you trying to say that you can’t d-”


    But if you don’t mind, we can go with just the melody!”


    “Hmm? S-Sure, please do,” Geng Guoye stuttered a little when replying.


    He had expected a bit of resentment from Zhao Yunxiao, and had even prepared a few words to shoot down any potential objections from the latter. However, none of that came to be.


    Instead, he could not help but feel taken aback by Zhao Yunxiao’s unexpected level of enthusiasm, which even caused him to lose his confrontational stance for a moment.


    What he did not know was that from Zhao Yunxiao’s perspective, his suggestion was a godsend!


    Not only did it allow Zhao Yunxiao to avoid having to pull Chen Pingxi away from all the inner disciples and draw unlimited aggro upon himself, but it also gave the Flying Shell Performance Group a chance to gain some free publicity in front of these excellent inner disciples.


    In terms of going against Chen Pingxi’s intentions, that was not his problem. It was not like he could decline an inner disciple’s orders, so Geng Guoye could deal with the consequences himself.


    “Junior Martial Sister Huang, let’s do this!” Zhao Yunxiao said while heading to the front of the pavilion – an area that had been cleared out to create a makeshift stage.


    “O-Okay...” Huang An fumbled a little before quickly following along.


    On the other hand, Bo Fei and Lu Zhiying remained where they were.


    While they were also part of the Flying Shell Performance Group, it would be awkward for them to join in without Gu Qiansi.


    Having just one set of vocals would only make their songs sound awkward. At the same time, the dance had been designed with the vocal accompaniment in mind, so dancing without any vocals would end up diminishing the strong impact of the performance as well. Zhao Yunxiao knew that Lu Zhiying had left a deep impression on everyone with her dance during the New Year celebration, so he wanted to keep it that way.


    Although Huang An did not bring her zither along, the group that was performing before had been using one, so she simply borrowed it from them.


    Before long, the duo was stationed in front of the Clear Thoughts Pavilion, instruments at the ready as they faced everyone present.


    Everything happened so fast that Chen Pingxi was at a loss for words. But at the same time, she could not help but find it amusing.


    She definitely understood Geng Guoye’s intentions, and she did not believe that Zhao Yunxiao was oblivious to it either. Nevertheless, Zhao Yunxiao seemed to be taking it well in his stride.


    As one’s confidence in their own value grew, others’ opinions of them would naturally cease to matter as much. Instead, they could even use this to their advantage at times, manipulating others’ aggressive suggestions to help further their own goals.


    If one could be easily triggered by mere words, then there was only so much that they could amount to.


    Chen Pingxi naturally did not believe that Zhao Yunxiao was eager to perform in front of everyone. However, she did catch on to the fact that he did not want to draw attention to himself, which would have inevitably happened if she had succeeded in getting him to accompany her.


    What a pity.


    This was her plan to gain Zhao Yunxiao’s trust, to gauge the other disciples’ responses, and to make a quick assessment of the disciples’ current understanding of the political situation.


    But it would appear that the latter might have seen through it.


    Then again, it was not like she had no gains at all. After all, she still managed to see the inner disciples’ attitude towards Zhao Yunxiao’s group.


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    This was not just about Geng Guoye’s aggressive attitude, but also the others’ indifference.


    On top of that, this incident also gave her a better understanding of Zhao Yunxiao, strengthening her belief that the latter was not ordinary.


    Although the Origin Lake Sect was subordinate to the Black Tortoise Sect, no ordinary outer disciple would give up an opportunity to network with her the way he did. Even if forced to do so, they would at least show some form of reluctance. As for Zhao Yunxiao, he actually looked happy to oblige.


    As Zhao Yunxiao and Huang An got ready to perform, Chen Pingxi naturally returned to her seat. This caused Qie Xing, Geng Guoye, and the other inner disciples to let out a sigh of relief.


    Even then, she could not help but let out a smile as she saw how hard Zhao Yunxiao was trying to divert attention to his performance instead of on him as an individual.


    Just what could he and Elder He Luoxuan possibly be planning for the Black Tortoise Sect? Just what could she do to jump on this bandwagon before it was too late?


    It was not even all that amazing, so why was Chen Pingxi clapping so happily?


    “


    Understood, Senior Martial Brother Geng,” Zhao Yunxiao nodded. Geng Guoye’s words made sense, so he and Huang An quickly put away their instruments and started making their way back into the crowd.


    “


    ...There might have been a misunderstanding there,” Zhao Yunxiao could feel trouble coming his way. “It was more like Senior Martial Brother Sun was feeling generous, so he decided to give us some very simple pointers while passing by. I was just lucky enough to be present at the right time, that’s all.”


    “


    Seeing this, the other outer disciples could not help but exchange nervous glances while Qie Xing subconsciously let out a faint smile, as did many of the other inner disciples. After all, Qie Xing was not the only one offended by Chen Pingxi’s inexplicable fascination with Zhao Yunxiao.


    It is regretful, but I would have to let down Senior Martial Brother Geng’s well wishes today. I am truly too useless. Despite being a mere helper during the opening of the Four Symbols Mystic Realm, I still ended up overexerting myself and have yet to fully recover,” Zhao Yunxiao explained.


    Don’t worry, I will be mindful of that during the spar,” Geng Guoye answered. “In fact, I will even suppress my cultivation level to match yours, just to make things easier for you.”


    Even then, there are many outstanding seniors and guests present today, so I’m afraid it might not be the best use of everyone’s time,” Zhao Yunxiao continued to decline. “I am lacking even at my best, so it would be far too boring for everyone when my current self can’t even exert ten percent of my abilities now.”


    “


    “


    “


    “


    Since Brother Zhao is feeling under the weather, perhaps this is truly not the right occasion for a spar,” Chen Pingxi spoke up at this point.


    I’m afraid that I would have to disagree, Fairy Chen,” Geng Guoye replied. “On the other hand, I would argue that this is a rare opportunity to exchange pointers. After all, one would not always be at their best condition when wandering the world. This would be a great way for Junior Martial Brother Zhao to learn how to approach a battle when not at his best.”


    “


    Senior Martial Brother Geng, since Senior Martial Brother Zhao is not feeling well, would it be possible for my humble self to receive your guidance instead?” Lu Zhiying suddenly stepped up. “I have long heard of your prowess and truly wish to learn more from you.”


    In any case, Lu Zhiying did not believe that Geng Guoye would go overboard in front of everyone. If it was just a bit of beating, then she could definitely endure it!


    Is that so? Since you wish to receive guidance on behalf of your Senior Martial Brother Zhao, it would be the least I could do to give you the guidance that I have intended for him,” Geng Guoye replied with a sneer.


    If Zhao Yunxiao chose to save her, then they would be back to square one, rendering Lu Zhiying’s intervention meaningless. But if hechose to simply stand by and let his junior martial sister get hurt in his stead, it would also serve the purpose of diminishing his standing in Chen Pingxi’s eyes.


    “


    I did say that,” Geng Guoye immediately understood what was happening, and answered with a wide smile.


    Well then, I shall thank Senior Martial Brother Geng in advance for your pointers,” Zhao Yunxiao clasped his fists towards Geng Guoye.