……Chapter Five Hundred Fifty-Seven: Li Chuchu's Thoughts

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But the previous spiritual consciousness seemed reluctant, radiating a furious aura as it ferociously surged forward. A sharp crack echoed through the air, sending the jade slip soaring into the sky. The two opposing spiritual forces began clashing like blades, leaving Lightning Dumbfounded with no choice but to watch in exasperation.

The first to seize the jade slip was clearly Zhao Wu from the third-ranked Zhao family in this puppetry contest. A prodigy by any standard, he had already reached the middle stage of Foundation Building at such a young age. Like Li Chuchu of House Li, he was one of the top contenders for champion in this competition.

Yet fate seemed cruel to him today. First encountering Lightning Dumbfounded, what should have been an easy victory turned into a grueling battle lasting over two hours. When his spiritual energy waned, Lightning launched a desperate counterattack that left Zhao prostrate on the ground - unknowingly facing off against a Hidden Dragon of the Nascent Soul realm in disguise.

Though Lightning only demonstrated Foundation Building beginner-level strength and his spiritual consciousness didn't exceed this threshold, its resilience was terrifying. Even with such resource consumption, it could sustain for months without exhaustion. Observers were astounded when he still had enough energy to command puppets after over two hours of battle - a testament not just to physical endurance but extraordinary mental fortitude.

This display caught the attention of several Nascent Soul-level elders who began seriously considering taking Lightning as their disciple. While Zhao Wu might surpass him in talent and family background, veteran cultivators knew that willpower was equally crucial. A weak-willed practitioner could easily be thrown into emotional turmoil by minor setbacks, leading to stagnant cultivation progress. But those with strong mental resilience could steadily advance, with this advantage becoming more pronounced as one's cultivation deepened.

Lightning's performance proved disastrous for Zhao Wu. Originally standing on equal footing with Li Chuchu, they were practically neck-and-neck without a decisive battle outcome. If not for Lightning draining his sharpness and leaving him mentally exhausted, he might have had a 60% chance against Li in their final match. Instead, Lightning's interference inadvertently helped Li Chuchu.

If that were all, it would be one thing. With such tenacity, Lightning could easily have worn down Li Chuchu too - making her and Zhao Wu tied for second place. Though Zhao might feel bitter about being used as a stepping stone by this Gong Sun fellow, he'd still accept the result given this outsider's formidable abilities.

But what Zhao never expected was that this Gong Sun would deliberately hold back in their final match. Not only did he do it, but he made his concessions glaringly obvious - so transparent even fools could see through them. This ignited Zhao's fury as memories surfaced of his past attempts to befriend the man through repeated gestures of goodwill.

You want to chase women? Go ahead! Want to climb higher social ladders? That's your choice! But why use me as a stepping stone to elevate Li Chuchu to champion status? Doesn't this clearly say I Zhao Wu am inferior to her?

This seething resentment led Zhao to focus on Lightning and Li, spotting the subtle lip movements of secret communication. Now he was determined - even if it meant forgoing his own glory, he'd ruin their scheme.

Zhao's actions naturally provoked Li Chuchu's fury. That jade slip was a precious item specifically assigned by her sect's elders at Wan Kui Gate. She had prepared to give it to Lightning as both gratitude and implied distance from any romantic entanglement - despite the personal sacrifice required.

But Zhao's interference shattered this delicate balance. How could Li Chuchu remain calm while watching someone so brazenly snatch what was clearly marked for Lightning? With a surge of righteous anger, she immediately used her spiritual consciousness to assist Lightning in reclaiming it. What she didn't realize was that Zhao's entire scheme stemmed from her own actions.

Both were products of wealthy lineages accustomed to privilege and refinement. Normally they could maintain their composed, courteous exteriors. But now tempers flared as the initial restrained struggle escalated into open confrontation.

Onlookers - even the Core Formation-level official present - gaped in stunned silence at this scene unfolding on the second floor of Scripture Pavilion.

"Li Chuchu," Zhao spat bitterly, "you truly live up to your family's name. For a common man, you abandon all principles! You two sharing secret glances... he forsook victory while you shamelessly seized it. I'm sure your clan must be profoundly disappointed."

"You dare spread such lies, Zhao?" Li Chuchu's initial indignation turned into blazing fury at this accusation. "My relationship with Gong Sun is purely platonic! Is this how the Zhao family teaches its juniors to behave?!" Though she didn't summon puppets in response, her spiritual consciousness sharpened into a deadly arrow aimed directly at Zhao.

Zhao quickly countered while sneering, "Ah yes, the heartless Li Chuchu. You wanted that jade slip for your lover? Fine! But I'll make sure the whole world sees through this charade!"

Li Chuchu nearly vomited blood as anger surged through her veins. There was no denying Gong Sun's extraordinary qualities - a poor-born prodigy who'd mastered both cultivation and puppetry to such heights. With proper resources, his potential was limitless. And that enigmatic charisma... the mature depth in his eyes despite his few words spoke volumes about hidden life experiences.

She had believed herself superior in every way after years of elite education as heir apparent. Yet this Gong Sun made her feel like a child. Learning about his bastard heritage and tragic childhood only intensified these mixed emotions - sympathy laced with reluctant admiration. Unlike others who seemed immature or weak, he exuded genuine restraint beneath formidable power.

That final moment at the contest's climax was unforgettable though. When clear victory was within reach, he let her take the title instead. In that instant, something clicked between them... making her heart race and eyes dart away whenever she encountered him since.

Unbeknownst to Li Chuchu, Gong Sun couldn't possibly understand these complicated emotions of hers. To him, it was merely admiration for a promising junior disciple - with absolutely no romantic implications.

Right now, his mind was occupied by far more pressing matters: retrieving the Nascent Soul-level puppetry techniques needed to repair his damaged artifact. Only with this power could he penetrate the Radiant Realm and retrieve Life Spirit Water for Tianmo's awakening. Romance? That was an impossibility when every day without success meant growing guilt over failing his beloved.

The sorrowful eyes were another matter entirely - belonging to a Nascent Soul mid-stage cultivator who'd already slain several Nascent-level experts. If someone could see through this layered depth with just one glance, he might as well commit suicide and reincarnate elsewhere immediately!

Seeing the escalating conflict, Lightning frowned in concern. He had no fear of anything except potential disruptions to his plans. With a stern rebuke, he finally intervened: "Enough. Stop at once..."