Protect Our Patriarch
Book 5: Chapter 153: Unresponsive! Not worthy of reaching out

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"Hey, ladies, all the bachelors from the Hundred Refinements Hall are here," Princess Huari said, hands behind her back, encouraging them like a little adult. "In the future, trial equipment makers will be in high demand. These bachelors are all potential catches, so if you want to solve your single status, get your spirits up."

As soon as she said this, the spiritual plant cultivator girls from the Hundred Herb Garden perked up, their eyes filled with determination.

Seeing this, Princess Suiyun was secretly pleased. Although Huari was mischievous, she was quite clever, especially in the art of persuasion—she was simply gifted.

"They're here, they're here," Manager Wang rushed in from outside to inform everyone, "The Hundred Refinements True Monarch and his group have arrived."

The girls immediately turned their attention to the entrance, all looking radiant and full of energy.

"Tch!"

Only the 'sponsor' Yao Chengchao scoffed. He had dealt with the trial equipment makers from the Hundred Refinements Hall before; they were a bunch of sloppy tech nerds, boring beyond belief.

Yao Chengchao couldn't believe that those reclusive guys from the Hundred Refinements Hall could win over these fresh and lovely spiritual plant cultivator girls. Daydreaming, maybe~

Forget it~ This young master will just drink some wine to drown his sorrows and wait to watch the show.

"Wow!"

A gentle breeze blew through, carrying a melodious tune that came from afar. The lively rhythm was incredibly catchy, leaving a deep impression almost instantly.

This was music Wang Ningxi had recorded using the Heavenly Recording Disk, amplifying the volume with a few public broadcasting techniques, making the sound resonate in people's hearts.

Creating these things wasn't particularly difficult for Wang Ningxi, given his skills in trial equipment making and creativity.

To the beat of the music, the boy band entered the venue one by one, following the sequence they had practiced countless times.

Leading the way was Ninth Brother [Luo Yongtian]. He wore a white robe and carried a sword on his back. The loose clothing design concealed his physical flaws, highlighting his elegance. His specially styled hair accentuated his already striking features, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, exuding an extraordinary aura.

Even the hint of arrogance between his brows became a plus.

Through repeated training, Brother Luo had shed his former lack of confidence, now walking with grace and ease, exuding an indescribable charm and composure that was captivating.

"The White-Clad Sword Saint Luo Yongtian, beneath his aloof and cold exterior, lies a heart that burns with an unquenchable fire..." The background music even included a narrated introduction.

"Poof!"

Yao Chengchao spat out his old wine, utterly dumbfounded.

This, this was Luo Yongtian?

In his impression, Luo Yongtian was a skilled trial equipment maker but as thin as a stick. How did he suddenly become a male god?

"This outfit?!" Princess Huari stomped her foot in anger, gritting her teeth. "Isn't this copying my grandfather's style? It's too much! This is like Dong Shi imitating Xi Shi, a total knockoff!"

Princess Suiyun was also slightly taken aback. Indeed... it was a bit much!

Young Master An Ye's gentle and warm demeanor, like an immortal descending to the mortal world, couldn't be easily imitated by others. Especially that touch of arrogance, it seemed a bit forced, as if deliberately trying to highlight how unique he was.

Yet, even as a knockoff, Luo Yongtian still caught the attention of many spiritual plant cultivator girls.

Clearly, quite a few girls were into this.

Their eyes lit up, gazing at Luo Yongtian with a bit of a daze, their cheeks slightly flushed, clearly moved.

After all, they weren't Princess Suiyun, not that picky.

"Next, please watch a personal introduction of the White-Clad Sword Saint."

As the narration resumed, Wang Ningxi and a group of staff brought in a crystal screen, connected it to a new Heavenly Recording Disk, and played the carefully edited footage on the screen.

These crystal screens were excavated from the ruins of the Shenwu Royal Dynasty.

As one of the few grandmasters of trial equipment making in the Immortal Dynasty, the Hundred Refinements True Monarch was naturally a key figure in the archaeology and restoration of Shenwu Royal Dynasty's trial equipment technology. Even his disciples were core members, and they had quite a few of these archaeological treasures.

The Wang Clan had been researching the Heavenly Recording Disk and crystal screens for many years, always at the forefront of deciphering their core principles. In fact, the Wang Clan's mission hall had long been using related technology. It might not be long before crystal screens could be replicated.

Wang Ningxi had also participated in related research, so he was quite familiar with the functions and structure of the Heavenly Recording Disk and crystal screens. Optimizing the editing and playback technology was not difficult for him.

But enough of that.

With the staff's operation, the crystal screen displayed scenes of the White-Clad Sword Saint Luo Yongtian practicing swordsmanship. His white robe fluttered as he moved, each swing of his sword filled with the beauty and ritual of swordsmanship.

Though this level of swordsmanship was full of flaws in Princess Suiyun's eyes, purely for show, and would get him beaten beyond recognition on the outer region battlefield by outer region demons.

But it was cool~

The spiritual plant cultivator girls present weren't top experts; their vision and insight were worlds apart from Princess Suiyun's. Watching swordplay was just for fun, for the spectacle, so they weren't that picky.

Moreover, Luo Yongtian's sword dance moves were specially designed, not to kill but to look cool. Even the filming angles were carefully adjusted, turning three points of swordsmanship into ten.

Luo Yongtian's swordsmanship foundation was decent, and with such packaging, it naturally became more appealing.

Many girls' eyes began to sparkle.

Then came scenes of the White-Clad Sword Saint Luo Yongtian at work. He was still in that elegant attire, using his powerful mental strength to control the furnace flames, melting and refining materials, extracting essences, and then fusing them in specific proportions to create more characteristic alloy materials.

In the girls' eyes, trial equipment making was originally dull and tedious.

But the content shown in the footage was carefully edited, omitting the tedious processes and highlighting the key points, complemented by background music and narrative, and Brother Luo's sharp Sword Saint style, making it all very engaging for the girls.

Then came a segment of friend reviews.

A series of playful or teasing comments from his brothers immediately made the girls burst into laughter. These mischievous friends were too bad, completely exposing Brother Luo's love for showing off.

In this way, Brother Luo, whose image was shattered, suddenly became "approachable."

While everyone's attention was on the crystal screen, Wang Ningxi was observing the girls' reactions, taking out a small notebook to quickly jot down notes.

Girl number one, four, seven, thirteen, and fifteen seemed to be into this style. Later, Brother Luo could have targeted interactions in the second round.

"Next up is 'Flower Prince' Hua Manlou, with the aura of 'Born when the flowers bloom, heart dies when the flowers wither.' He loves flowers, painting, and beauties, a naturally charming and unrestrained wanderer. His motto is 'Passing through a sea of flowers without a leaf sticking,' a typical playboy. Good girls, don't get involved with him, or you'll fall in love and can't extricate yourself."

With a change in background music, "Hua Manlou" made a dashing entrance.

His long hair flowed, his clothes fluttered, and even his brows and eyes were filled with a spring-like smile.

He held a brush, casually painting, and in the blink of an eye, he had created a lifelike portrait of a beauty, gifting it to a girl who was staring at him intently.

"It's so lifelike!" The spiritual plant cultivator girl immediately held her cheeks, entranced. This was the perfect romantic male god. The other girls around her were filled with envy and jealousy.

"Everyone, note that [Hua Manlou] is Seventh Brother's stage name. You can try to figure out his real name yourselves," Wang Ningxi quickly added.

In fact, Seventh Brother's real name was [Hua Dazhuang], but he was indeed talented in painting, responsible for many trial equipment blueprints and the final touches and embellishments on trial equipment products.

In the world of Jianghu, it's normal to use a stage name to boost one's image.

Then, naturally, came a series of personal video introductions, presenting Brother Hua's image and personality more vividly to the girls. Finally, there was the inevitable segment of brothers revealing secrets, exposing Seventh Brother's real name [Hua Dazhuang], causing the girls to burst into laughter.

Clearly, Brother Hua also garnered a lot of attention.

Next came the third, fourth... Each person had a different image and persona, each with their unique memory points, offering a refreshing and distinctive experience.

"Hmph! The gimmicks are well-played, but ultimately, the foundation is still lacking," Princess Suiyun felt a sense of crisis.

The spiritual plant cultivator girls were too enthusiastic, with more and more private discussions, growing increasingly excited.

She couldn't help but glance at King Lanxin.

King Lanxin remained calm and composed, unfazed, clearly unaffected by these tricks.

Princess Suiyun finally breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as Ancestor Lanxin could win over the Hundred Refinements True Monarch, all of Wang Ningxi's antics would be nothing more than a wedding dress for the Hundred Herb Garden.

With this thought, Princess Suiyun cast a cold glance at Wang Ningxi.

She increasingly disliked this brat, always playing games and not focusing on the right things.

Yes, she had learned quite a few new words from Princess Huari and understood that Wang Ningxi was using a high-level green tea tactic.

Facing Princess Suiyun's gaze, Wang Ningxi politely nodded in acknowledgment.

In the clash of gazes, sparks flew.

As each brother took the stage, each attracting a group of admirers, the atmosphere reached its peak.

At this moment, the Hundred Refinements True Monarch, as the grand finale, made his entrance to majestic background music.

After a significant makeover and image transformation, the Hundred Refinements True Monarch could be described as completely reborn.

Now, he had the image of a steady and handsome middle-aged man, where age was not a drawback but added a sense of experience, insight, and a carefree demeanor. Coupled with his steady steps and deep, determined gaze, he resembled a big shot in control of everything, like a domineering CEO.

King Lanxin was taken aback.

This, this was the Hundred Refinements True Monarch?

How could it be? He was never like this before, especially not with the inner aura he now exuded, completely unlike the Hundred Refinements True Monarch she knew.

King Lanxin was puzzled.

But as the subsequent video clips revealed more, she gradually "understood."

The current Hundred Refinements True Monarch was no longer the simple young man who used to revolve around her, struggling to say a word.

He had experienced so much, gained much, and lost more, leaving only an unwavering heart striving for the rise of humanity.

He was like a fine wine, becoming more profound and deep with time, hinting at endless secrets and charm waiting to be discovered.

"No matter how strong the wine, it can't extinguish my endless longing for her."

With this line of narration, King Lanxin's dormant heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Is he talking about me?

She couldn't help but feel flustered. If the Hundred Refinements True Monarch pursued her passionately, what should she do? Should she give it a try? No, that would be too embarrassing.

Or should she decisively reject him? No, that would be too heartless.

Or perhaps, as Huari suggested, use the "hot and cold" high-level green tea strategy? That seemed too shameless.

For a moment, King Lanxin's thoughts were in disarray.

"Every lady present will receive three spiritual flowers," Wang Ningxi's voice suddenly rang out. "You can give the flowers to the man who moves your heart. Remember, you can only choose three, no more. And in the upcoming interaction session, only those who have given flowers can interact with the recipients; no one else is allowed to make contact."

As he spoke, staff members distributed the spiritual flowers, each person receiving exactly three.

However, as the flower-giving session began, the atmosphere fell silent.

These spiritual plant cultivator girls, having worked and grown in the Hundred Herb Garden for a long time, were relatively simple and had limited contact with the outside world. Despite having their heartthrobs, none wanted to be the first to step forward, hesitating and reluctant to move.

Wang Ningxi had anticipated this, smiling as he fanned the flames: "It seems our brothers from the Hundred Refinements Hall have no personal charm, as no one is moved by them. Let's start with the White-Clad Sword Saint Luo Yongtian. I'll count to ten, and if no one gives him a flower, we'll eliminate him and send him to the Eastern Qian Kingdom, never to appear before you again."

"Ten, nine..."

Before Wang Ningxi reached eight, a spiritual plant cultivator girl couldn't resist, hesitantly stepping forward to give a flower, followed by a second and a third!

The White-Clad Sword Saint Luo Yongtian received a total of five flowers.

With someone leading the way, the atmosphere gradually heated up, and the other brothers also received flowers one after another.

After all, everyone has their preferences; some like "male gods," others prefer the "free-spirited wanderer," some admire the talented scholar, while others are drawn to the humorous and reliable big brother.

"Too few! I like many types; I need more flowers."

"I also want more flowers~ Just one more will do."

"What if the three people I give flowers to don't choose me?"

Soon, the spiritual plant cultivator girls had given away all their flowers, yet still felt it wasn't enough, protesting vigorously.

Each flower allowed interaction with only one heartthrob.

With too many heartthrobs but only three flowers, how could they divide them?

People are greedy; they want to taste the fish and also eat the bear's paw.

"Protests are invalid," Wang Ningxi said sternly, refusing to give in. "In the future, the person who can accompany you for a lifetime can only be one. You now have three flowers, three chances to choose, which is enough. When giving flowers, think carefully, weigh your options, and then give. Anyone who dares to mess around will be expelled from the event."

Such strict rules made the girls instinctively more serious and cautious.

Some even shamelessly took back the flowers they had given away and carefully reconsidered before giving them to their target.

Moreover, some spiritual plant cultivator girls began calculating their chances of success. For example, if a brother was too popular and received six or seven flowers, the probability of "lovers becoming a couple" was low.

The more astute ones began to "settle for less," targeting relatively less popular brothers from the Hundred Refinements Hall.

Even the older man, the Hundred Refinements True Monarch, received seven flowers. No, to be precise, he received the most flowers.

"?"

King Lanxin's brows gradually furrowed.

As the Hundred Refinements True Monarch received more and more flowers, her brows furrowed tighter.

She never expected that the Hundred Refinements True Monarch, whom she had almost forgotten, would now be so popular.

She also didn't anticipate that her usually quiet spiritual plant cultivator girls would be so bold, even giving flowers to the Hundred Refinements True Monarch.

Hmph!

Don't they know that in terms of cultivation, status, position, or age, there's a huge gap between them and the Hundred Refinements True Monarch?

"King Lanxin Auntie," Princess Huari blinked her big, watery eyes, looking at King Lanxin, then at the Hundred Refinements True Monarch, and asked, "Aren't you going to give a flower?"

According to the rules, King Lanxin naturally received three flowers, and even Princess Suiyun had three.

The only girl without flowers was Princess Huari, as she was only eight years old, and Wang Ningxi strictly forbade her from causing trouble.

King Lanxin pinched the flowers in her hand, hesitating slightly.

But when she saw the Hundred Refinements True Monarch receive another flower, bringing his total to eight, she smiled and said, "I'm too old to compete with young girls for a man. I'll let them have the chance."

With that, she used a bit of profound energy, turning the three flowers into dust, which scattered in the wind and disappeared.

"This, this isn't good," Princess Huari felt a bad premonition. "According to my forty-seventh uncle's rules, without flowers, you can't interact. Aren't you giving up?"

"I think Ancestor Lanxin is right," Princess Suiyun praised. "Our Ancestor Lanxin has such a status; how can she lower herself like those young girls? Besides, the Hundred Refinements True Monarch has long been infatuated with our ancestor. Don't worry, Huari, the Hundred Refinements True Monarch won't get away. He'll definitely throw away those flowers and eagerly seek out Ancestor Lanxin to please her."

King Lanxin gracefully sipped the spiritual tea brought by Manager Wang, a small, proud smile on her face. "Suiyun, don't talk nonsense. The Hundred Refinements and I are old friends. As friends, it's normal to have tea and catch up."

Clearly, she agreed with Princess Suiyun's words.

With her status, how could she actively pursue the Hundred Refinements True Monarch?

"Uh..."

Princess Huari looked at King Lanxin, then at the distant Hundred Refinements True Monarch and Wang Ningxi, feeling increasingly uneasy.

Wang Ningxi seemed to sense Wang Jidie's gaze, turning to wink at her with a warm and gentle smile.

Wang Jidie's little face fell.

It's over, it's over~ This is trouble, clearly calculated by that pesky forty-seventh uncle.

Thinking back, since the forty-seventh uncle brought in the Hundred Refinements Hall boy band, everything had been under his control. The props were prepared by him, the game rules set by him; it was all his trap from the start.

On the other hand, despite having the advantage of choosing the venue, they failed to utilize it properly, a huge miscalculation!

Aunt Lanxin, Sister Suiyun, you're too naive.

My forty-seventh uncle, he's daring enough to break off an engagement! And after all the ups and downs, the forty-seventh aunt is still devoted to him, their relationship unaffected, showing how high his level is.

In a family full of eccentrics, her forty-seventh uncle is definitely one of the top.

Indeed, Wang Jidie, as a descendant of the Wang Clan, had a clear understanding of the dangers of confronting Wang family members. Despite her young age, she was the most accurate in her predictions.

Sure enough.

At this moment, Wang Ningxi was secretly communicating with the Hundred Refinements True Monarch: "Master, did you see that?"

"Ningxi..." The Hundred Refinements True Monarch's voice was bitter, trembling slightly as he communicated, "I didn't expect her to be so indifferent. I lost!"

"This is the expected outcome. Master, you used to lower yourself too much. In her eyes, you're just an insignificant, long-forgotten simp. She assumes that with just a glance, you'll eagerly please her, so she doesn't value you," Wang Ningxi fanned the flames again, then shifted his tone, "Since you lost our bet, you must follow my plan completely. Hold on, don't mess up, or you'll never win over King Lanxin."

"I understand!" The Hundred Refinements True Monarch nodded, his gaze gradually firming, "I'll do as you say."

With that, the Hundred Refinements True Monarch stepped off the stage, heading firmly towards King Lanxin.

King Lanxin smiled, continuing to sip her spiritual tea.

The Hundred Refinements True Monarch had left a good impression this time, piquing her interest. When he came over, she would reluctantly have a good chat with him before deciding the next step.

Unexpectedly.

The Hundred Refinements True Monarch stopped halfway, his gaze deep, speaking softly to a nearby spiritual plant cultivator girl: "Thank you for the flower. I have a good impression of you too, and I hope we can have a deep conversation to understand each other better."

The spiritual plant cultivator girl was both shy and delighted, nodding repeatedly.

Though the Hundred Refinements True Monarch was a bit older, he was elegant and charming, reliable, and a renowned trial equipment grandmaster, far better than those impulsive young men!

As for age, he was a Lingxu Realm expert; even if older, he could live long, perhaps longer than her, so what was there to fear?

"Crack!!"

The spiritual tea cup in King Lanxin's hand shattered, pieces falling to the ground.

She was frozen in place, her face alternating between red and green, extremely unnatural.

How could this be?

How could this be?!

That old fellow, how could he flirt with that young girl? Could it be that he wasn't as devoted as he seemed?

……