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"Sister Di is truly fortunate to be ranked first," Liu Zizi said with visible envy.

Di Yanbo smiled faintly, her demeanor serene and exuding an otherworldly purity. She chuckled softly, "Sister Liu is the lucky one, since you just won first place."

Liu Zizi grinned cheerfully. "That's true. If it weren't for little sister Qiao, I wouldn't have achieved this rank either."

The two women—one radiating purity, the other brimming with charm—made small talk, calling each other "sister" affectionately, as if they were merely exchanging casual pleasantries. Yet those with sharp senses couldn’t fail to notice the undercurrents of tension between them.

The overseeing Immortal cast a calm glance at the two, her faint smile unwavering.

After the draw, the third round commenced.

First was the selection of sea beasts.

According to the rules, contestants were allowed into the water first, with one hour given to choose sea beasts to perform with.

The sea beasts were all beneath the waves, requiring the female cultivators to dive in and find them. A hundred female cultivators leaped into the sea, vanishing into the depths.

This time, there was no magical mirror to track them, leaving no one knowing how the female cultivators selected their sea beasts or communicated with them.

The cultivators in front of the water mirror strained to see, hoping to catch a glimpse of something, but the mirror no longer tracked the underwater scene, much to their disappointment.

Zong Zhao said worriedly, "Why did the Immortal replace the previous sea beast? That tyrant octopus was perfect."

Qin Hongdao and Min Jishu glanced at him. It was obvious to anyone—the tyrant octopus was simply too good at cooperating, so for fairness, the Immortal had made this decision.

Thus, no one could blame the Immortal for meddling.

Shi Wuming, Wen Tuti, and Wen Guangun sat there cracking melon seeds, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Ning Jichen couldn't help but glance at this trio of one human and two beasts, shaking his head inwardly. Though he was feeling tense, their relaxed demeanor inexplicably eased his nerves.

Noticing his gaze, Wen Tuti obediently opened her tiny hand. "Uncle Ning, want some spirit-nourishing seeds? They're very fragrant."

Ning Jichen, conscious of his seniority among the younger crowd, politely declined out of embarrassment.

Qin Hongdao and Zong Zhao, however, didn't hesitate and each grabbed a handful, snacking while watching.

Under Wen Qiao's guidance, Wen Tuti was a generous rabbit, sharing the spirit-nourishing seeds she had bought earlier with the surrounding support group, inviting everyone to snack together and cheer for her sister.

The others: "..."

"Brother Ning, have some seeds," Wen Tuti confidently offered Ning Yuzhou, holding up a handful. "Don't worry, Sister is so amazing, she'll definitely win."

Even without the tyrant octopus, she was sure no sea beast would turn her sister down.

And even if a sea beast did refuse her sister, it wouldn’t be foolish enough to reject a Spirit Restoring Pill.

An hour later, the female cultivators emerged from the sea, signaling their selection of sea beasts.

The saintess of White Phoenix Island was the first to perform. All the cultivators focused intently, eager not to miss any of the action.

Di Yanbo stood atop the lightly undulating waves, her toes lightly skimming the surface as she produced a white jade phoenix flute. A pure, lilting melody filled the air.

As the flute music played, dozens of sea beasts suddenly leaped from the water.

These sea beasts ranged from first to ninth rank, most of them scaled fish-creatures shimmering in rainbow hues. As they jumped in unison, their bodies arched into a beautiful curve under the sunlight, hovering above the spray for heartbeats before plunging back into the sea.

Accompanied by the flute's ever-changing melody—at times bright, then rousing, then gentle—the sea beasts performed joyfully, encircling the saintly female cultivator who tread upon the waves.

The cultivators before the water mirror were completely spellbound; the scene was so beautiful it took their breath away.

The cultivators on the high platform sat steadily, most of them being high-level cultivators at the Yuanhuang stage or above. Upon hearing the flute's melody, they immediately discerned its hidden depths.

"The Saintess of Bai Feng Island has also studied music, making these sea beasts obey her so completely," the Zhanhai Pavilion Master said sourly.

The Bai Feng Island Lord remained composed, "Music is just one of many skills the Saintess studies."

"You'd better not let those musical cultivators hear that, or they'll challenge you to a fight, old man."

The Bai Feng Island Lord sat calmly, "Let them come - we'll fight. What does Bai Feng Island fear?"

The Zhanhai Pavilion Master turned away, unwilling to continue the conversation.

Though the Saintess of Bai Feng Island was impressive, he believed his own Liu Zizi was just as capable.

After Di Yanbo's performance ended, the sea beasts reluctantly departed, and the crowd erupted in thunderous applause.

Di Yanbo remained serene, bowing gracefully with humility, instantly winning over the entire crowd.

The cheers from the audience before the water mirror echoed from afar, even reaching the female cultivators on the sea, whose expressions darkened. With Di Yanbo raising the bar, their performances would pale in comparison, especially without her ability to command sea beasts through music.

The second-ranked female cultivator soon stepped forward to perform.

As expected, compared to Di Yanbo's act, her performance was merely mediocre, managing to coordinate only three sea beasts. Though their synergy was flawless, it still felt lackluster.

The female cultivator retreated with a dejected expression.

Liu Zizi grimaced, "This is bad. Di Yanbo's performance was too brilliant; I'll surely be overshadowed."

Wen Qiao was about to console her when Liu Zizi grabbed her hands earnestly, saying, "So, little sister Qiao, you must go all out and help me defeat her!"

After a pause, Wen Qiao replied, "Wasn't I just accompanying you as a formality?"

"Ah, at this point, what formality? You must sweep the Sea Immortal title in one fell swoop!" Liu Zizi declared boldly, then hesitated before adding, "Little sister Qiao, you wouldn't go easy on Bai Feng Island just because its lord is your great-grandfather, would you?"