[The Dark Ecstasy Chronicles] [Chapter 1]

Chapter 1: Tianyuan Town
The cycle of heaven and earth, the constant alternation of yin and yang and the four seasons, are the laws established by the Creator. All things have their own roles and places, and the Heavenly Dao endows them with special abilities to survive and go further.
The Divine Wind Continent is a fantastical continent inhabited by various races: humans, elves, beastmen… and all sorts of mysterious animals and plants.
This is a legendary place, where many heroes have risen and countless heroes have fallen. War and intrigue permeate this world, faith and conflict clash, and everyone strives to reach greater heights.
Tianyuan Town appears extremely peaceful under the setting sun. A hazy mist swirls in the distance, and continuous mountain ranges intertwine around the town. The dense forests make the town resemble a picturesque fairyland, evoking the imagery of the setting sun piercing the mountains and evening smoke lingering around the trees.
Inside a dilapidated temple in Tianyuan Town, a group of teenagers wait in line, some excited, some fearful. Every year at this time, all the newly adult men and women in the town come to the temple to take a magic test.
"Hmm, not bad, intermediate mage."
A few words appeared on a crystal ball in the temple, and the old man beside it commented with slight approval.
"Next."
The young man happily stepped down, and the old man called out
again. A beautiful sight appeared in everyone's view, and everyone's eyes lit up. Tight-fitting clothes perfectly outlined her beautiful figure; her face was fair, she was 1.67 meters tall, her skin was delicate, and she exuded youthful vigor. Lian Yue was undeniably a delicate flower in the town, the dream girl of every young man.
Lian Yue slowly walked to the crystal ball. The round crystal ball magically reflected brilliant colors. Lian Yue stretched out her delicate white hand and placed it on the crystal ball, her face showing excitement and a hint of unease. Under her smooth hand, the crystal ball flashed with a warm light.
"Wow, I didn't expect Lian Yue to have reached the intermediate mage level."
A young man exclaimed in surprise.
"Her father is a high-level mage. With his guidance, of course, it's no problem."
Another young man echoed.
"Lian Yue, intermediate-level mage,"
the old man said slowly, clearly pleased. Someone beside him was diligently taking notes at a table.
Lian Yue was obviously excited, but her expression remained unchanged. She calmly walked off the stage, leaving behind a unique, virginal fragrance.
"Next,"
the old man said unhurriedly, his eyes fixed on the next young man. The young man had just come of age, his eyes clear and bright, and his simple clothes suggested his family's modest means.
Ling Xiao appeared calm, showing little excitement or words. He slowly walked to the crystal ball and placed his hand on it. A flash of light appeared instantly, and the result appeared on the crystal ball.
"Tch, with such low cultivation, he dares to come and take the test,"
the young men and women below murmured.
"Beginner mage, failed,"
the old man said helplessly, shaking his head. "Next."
Ling Xiao had clearly expected the result, his expression unchanged, and he calmly walked off the stage. Sigh, he hadn't expected to be a beginner mage again; this was still a slight disappointment for him.
The Divine Wind Continent is a world where strength reigns supreme. People revere magic and battle aura, which form the core of the continent.
This mysterious land is a paradise of opportunity, giving rise to countless professions through continuous development and evolution, but the most mainstream are magicians and warriors.
Magicians cultivate their battle aura by meditating and sensing the elements of heaven and earth, achieving resonance. Warriors cultivate their battle aura through mental techniques and techniques.
Magicians are the most sought-after profession on the Divine Wind Continent, but also the most difficult to master, resulting in generally low skill levels among human magicians. Magicians are ranked as follows: Apprentice Magician, Junior Magician, Intermediate Magician, Senior Magician, Grand Magician, Archmage, Grand Archmage, Saint Magician, and God Magician.
Warriors are ranked as follows: Apprentice Fighter, Junior Fighter, Intermediate Fighter, Senior Fighter, Fighter Master, Grand Fighter Master, Fighter Venerable, Fighter Saint, and Fighter God.
Besides unwavering perseverance, cultivation requires personal comprehension, opportunity, and a good teacher; otherwise, advancement is as difficult as ascending to heaven.
Ling Xiao grinned indifferently. His level as a novice mage was already within his expectations. Magic was a difficult path to master. Ling Xiao's comprehension was decent, but cultivating magic required a good teacher and unwavering perseverance.
Tianyuan Town was remote, nestled in a maze of mountains. Transportation was inconvenient, communication was poor, and there wasn't even a school. It was truly a desolate place, or perhaps the Nalant Empire, where Tianyuan Town was located, had forgotten about it. Even tax collection went unnoticed, illustrating its remoteness. The townspeople were barely self-sufficient. There were no teachers to instruct in magic; instruction was mostly passed down from previous generations, or students relied on introductory magic books and self-study. Those with good comprehension and aptitude could certainly achieve something as a mage. Ling Xiao's magic was only rudimentary. He spent his free time reading introductory magic books, but his practice hadn't progressed much over the years. He had only just crossed the threshold of the novice level, possessing a small amount of magical element within him, just enough to unleash basic spells.
It's not entirely his fault; living in such a hopeless town, Ling Xiao was somewhat lazy when it came to magic. In the Divine Wind Continent, people reach adulthood at sixteen. Newly adult men and women who want to learn magic can take a magic test at the town's temple. Those with good results receive a nice gift. Ling Xiao came to the temple today purely to try his luck; it would be foolish for him to refuse a gift.
The setting sun cast a hazy red glow, the evening clouds lingered in the sky, and Tianyuan Town was embraced by the boundless beauty of nature. The test at the temple was over, and the results were in. Most of the adults were beginner magicians, with only three reaching intermediate level. They were the town's best: Lian Yue, Locke, and Dahl—after all, their fathers were advanced magicians.
The temple distributed the prizes to the three intermediate magicians after the test—magical items. Ling Xiao looked at the tempting magical items with envy, sighing and wishing he could snatch them.
"Yueyue, wait for me! Why are you walking so fast?"
Ling Xiao hurriedly jogged to catch up with Lian Yue, who was standing gracefully ahead.
"Ling Xiao, don't bother me if you don't have anything to say,"
Lian Yue said with a distant and impatient expression. Ling Xiao wasn't handsome, but he wasn't ugly either; he would probably be easily lost in a crowd. Although Ling Xiao looked harmless, his character was extremely despicable, and Lian Yue looked down on him.
"Don't be like that, my dear Yueyue. We've been childhood sweethearts for a while,"
Ling Xiao said, ignoring Lian Yue's expression and speaking as if he hadn't seen her, with an ambiguous expression. Lian Yue and Ling Xiao had grown up together since childhood, and their relationship was very good when they were young. However, as they grew older, their feelings for each other grew further and further apart, and Lian Yue looked down on Ling Xiao. In her eyes, Ling Xiao was unambitious, and many of his behaviors were shameless. Most importantly, Lian Yue's own standards had also risen.
"Don't call me that so intimately. We're not related. We were just kids when we were little."
Lian Yue said with disgust, quickly walking away, trying to shake off Ling Xiao. Over the years, Lian Yue had witnessed Ling Xiao's shamelessness and was used to it.
"What you're saying isn't right. We've at least..."
Chen Feng paused, then said with a lewd grin, his eyes filled with a lewd light, like a hungry wolf, staring at Lian Yue's face with a meaningful smile.
"You...you're shameless."
Lian Yue looked at Ling Xiao's lewd appearance, as if she had thought of something, and trembled with anger as she cursed, "Ling Xiao, don't push your luck! If you say that again, don't blame me for being impolite."
"Hehe, I didn't say anything. It's you who's thinking the wrong thing."
Ling Xiao said mockingly, "It seems like you're the shameless one."
He wanted to embarrass Lian Yue.
Hmph, you slut, I treated you well when you were little, but you turned your back on me after growing up, becoming arrogant and looking down on me, gradually distancing yourself from me, and basically avoiding me. How can he be at peace with that? "Little girl, just you wait. Later, your brother will definitely teach you a lesson and show you what I'm capable of.
" "You...you..."
Lian Yue pointed her jade-like finger at Chen Feng's face, her expression full of anger, but she didn't say anything. After all, Ling Xiao hadn't said anything, and if she admitted it, it would be tantamount to acknowledging what she was thinking.
"So fragrant."
The jade-like finger so close to her was as translucent as mutton-fat jade, radiating a lustrous sheen. Ling Xiao chuckled and quickly stuck out his tongue to lick the slender, jade-like finger, then swiftly moved away from Lian Yue, making a look of utter ecstasy. Ling Xiao was inwardly laughing his head off. He thought, "If I don't embarrass you, you'll really think I don't exist." He remembered once accidentally barging into Lian Yue's bedroom and witnessing a beautiful woman changing clothes. Just thinking about it made his mouth water, and from then on, he bore the title of a lecherous wolf.
"Ling Xiao, you've gone too far!"
Lian Yue's face hardened with frost as she gritted her teeth and roared. She raised a hand slightly, her eyes filled with murderous intent, and softly chanted, "Water elements filling the heavens and earth, heed my call... wash away the filth of this world..."
As Lian Yue's small mouth chanted rapidly, Ling Xiao could feel the water elements in the air rushing into her body.
"Water Wave Slash!"
With the gathering of magical elements, Lian Yue's chanting ended, and she quickly unleashed the most powerful intermediate-level magic she had learned so far: Water Wave Slash.
A beam of azure light, radiating a dangerous aura, slashed towards Ling Xiao like a flowing river, its unparalleled power sending chills down one's spine. Seeing the danger, Ling Xiao swiftly stretched out his hands, drawing a graceful circular arc in front of him. His movements were fluid and swift, demonstrating his familiarity with the art. He chanted urgently, "Merciful God of Earth, grant me supreme earth element, so that your mercy may protect your people..."
The terrifying water wave slash brought a chilling aura, making Ling Xiao's heart tremble. At this moment, his earth magic was complete: "Earth Shield." Earth Shield
is a defensive spell within earth magic, a must-learn for every earth mage. As a mage's level increases, the Earth Shield becomes increasingly powerful. Legend has it that an Earth Shield cast by an earth mage god can withstand a volcanic eruption.
A thick wall of earth instantly appeared before Ling Xiao. The water wave slash collided with the Earth Shield, producing a powerful impact. The Earth Shield was easily crushed into dust, scattering chaotic dust everywhere, creating a smoky, foul atmosphere.
The Earth Shield did reduce the power of the Water Wave Slash.
Ling Xiao dared not be careless in the slightest. The magic cast by an intermediate mage was not something his rudimentary earth magic could easily withstand. A difference of one level was like heaven and earth; the same rudimentary magic, when cast by an intermediate mage, was many times more powerful. Ling Xiao diligently absorbed the earth elements in the world, his face calm and composed. His playful demeanor was gone, replaced by a resolute expression and a cold glint in his eyes. He quickly and continuously formed several lines of Earth Shields in front of him. He was not naive enough to believe that a single rudimentary Earth Shield could block Lian Yue's Water Wave Slash.
"Bang...bang..."
Several Earth Shields turned to dust in succession, the chaotic scene was horrific, and finally, the Water Wave Slash disappeared under Ling Xiao's last line of defense.
As the dust settled slightly, Ling Xiao had already vanished. Lian Yue gritted her teeth in anger, her face contorted with rage as she glared at Ling Xiao's retreating figure, leaving only a lone silhouette. "If I ever see you again, I'll kill you!" she cried.
"You little brat, how dare you murder your husband! Next time I see you, I'll teach you a lesson!"
Ling Xiao roared furiously. He couldn't beat her, but he could at least argue with her. To be ridden by a little girl like her was truly unlucky. One day, he'd make her submit to him.
Lian Yue stamped her foot lightly, her eyebrows furrowing, and was about to give chase. Unfortunately, her magical elements were nearly depleted; a single water wave slash had almost drained all of them. The reason Ling Xiao was able to easily block Lian Yue's intermediate-level magic attack was because she had only recently advanced to intermediate-level mage; her level was still unstable, and she wasn't very familiar with the mechanics. Her magical elements weren't fully replenished, and the water wave slash she unleashed in haste was significantly weakened, allowing him to escape unscathed. Actually, it can't be said that Ling Xiao was lucky. His use of Earth Shield showed his movements were elegant, fast, and flawless, and he executed several consecutively, demonstrating his mastery and considerable practice.
Chapter 2: Spying
Ling Xiao fled in a disheveled state. Seeing that Lian Yue hadn't chased after him, he felt relieved. He had been afraid that the girl might become desperate and bite him, a mere kitten. Heh heh.
Damn it, this little girl actually dared to ride on my head! Humph, one day I'll make you understand the power of family discipline—dripping candles, whips… I'll have it all, and see if you dare to be arrogant with me again!
His mind was filled with daydreams. Night had fallen, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and stars dotted the mountain peaks, presenting Tianyuan Town with a peaceful and tranquil scene.
Ling Xiao arrived near the foot of a lush, green mountain. As far as the eye could see, there was a bamboo forest, the tall, verdant bamboo resembling a vast ocean. A gentle breeze rustled through the bamboo leaves, creating a melodious whisper.
Two small bamboo houses stood nestled in the bamboo forest. The houses, constructed primarily of bamboo, were supported by dozens of pillars, maintaining a comfortable distance from the ground. Several windows opened, adding a unique touch.
Not far away was a simple bamboo pavilion, devoid of artistic design, containing a table and four bamboo chairs. A river flowed nearby, its crystal-clear waters cascading down the mountainside, their babbling tinkling softly.
Ling Xiao lived here, on the edge of town, in a remote and rugged location, requiring crossing several ravines to reach this bamboo forest. It wasn't the beauty of the place that drew him here, but rather his poverty; he had nowhere to live in town, hence his choice of this secluded spot.
In the hazy night, a single light shone from a bamboo house. Ling Xiao looked at the lit house and wondered, "I wonder what Aunt Niya is doing."
He slowed his pace, trying to conceal his presence, and pressed himself against the window, peering through the crack. The light inside was soft, and he could see clearly from all sides. But
when his gaze fell on a particular spot, his heart pounded, and he stared intently at it. His mouth gaped open in astonishment—it was so beautiful.
A woman in her thirties was undressing. Her face was aloof, her stunning beauty radiating an air of nobility. Long, flowing hair cascaded down her back, a few strands brushing against her face, adding a touch of allure. Her languid expression only enhanced her captivating charm.
Her outer garment was gone, leaving only shorts and black knee-high boots on her shapely legs. A pink undergarment barely covered her large, sexy navel, which resembled a jewel embedded in her stomach.
Ling Xiao's mouth went dry, a certain part of his body stirring with desire. He involuntarily licked his parched tongue. Aunt Niya's figure was indeed amazing, curvaceous and alluring, especially her voluptuous figure, which was maddening. Her round, pert buttocks were outlined in stunning curves by the small shorts.
Niya casually removed her black leather boots, revealing delicate, exquisite toes under the light. She then slowly removed her shorts, revealing a small piece of cloth covering Niya's mysterious valley, with a few black pubic hairs peeking out from the alluring crotch.
Seeing this, Ling Xiao felt a strange, surging emotion welling up inside him, his eyes filled with boundless lust, as if he wanted to devour Niya whole, his gaze fixed intently on that mysterious place. He hadn't expected Aunt Niya to be so flawless; his usual respect for her had vanished, replaced by an endless longing for her.
A strange energy flowed through Ling Xiao's meridians. This faint energy, when it filled his eyes, was activated, traveling along a specific path, flowing through all the meridians of his body, nourishing him. Ling Xiao had no idea what his body was currently experiencing.
At this moment, he was already captivated by Nia's body as she changed clothes inside. Seeing Nia about to remove the last layer of her defenses, Ling Xiao involuntarily swallowed, letting out a barely audible gurgling sound. He immediately knew he was in trouble.
"Who is it?" Nia's clear voice, tinged with panic and slight anger, rang out from inside the house. She hurriedly grabbed her clothes and covered herself.
Feeling guilty, Ling Xiao darted into the nearby bamboo hut with the speed of a rabbit, a speed that left everyone else far behind. He dared not be reckless; if Nia discovered him, it would be a huge loss.
A wave of disappointment washed over him; he had almost caught a glimpse of the beauty's graceful figure, but he had failed at the crucial moment. Aunt Nia was a high-level mage; how could such a sound escape her ears?
Niya quickly regained her composure after her initial panic. A blush rose on her elegant, lotus-like face. This bamboo grove was practically deserted, quite remote from the town, and the roads were difficult to navigate. She already guessed who it was, and her heart was filled with anger. Such a young boy, already so disrespectful, actually peeping at women changing clothes! Unbelievable! It seemed she had to teach this brat a lesson.
His house was very simple, all the furniture inside was made of bamboo: a small bed, a desk, and a wardrobe. When he had nothing to do, Ling Xiao would pass the time reading. He personally enjoyed reading and had bought many miscellaneous books. To the townspeople, Ling Xiao was a good-for-nothing, a good-for-nothing scoundrel, utterly unreliable, often getting into fights with local thugs and causing trouble.
He didn't have much affection for the people in town, and they, in turn, deeply resented him. They generally gave him the cold shoulder, some even displaying blatant disdain, which Ling Xiao ignored. Fortunately, Ling Xiao wasn't an irredeemable villain, otherwise he would have been paraded through the streets and executed by slow slicing long ago.
Living in such a place, with its beautiful mountains and clear waters, far from the town, he was free and at ease, free from the company of those boring people. He could do whatever he wanted, carefree and without worries—a truly leisurely life. When he had free time, he could hunt some game in the nearby mountains or fish in the river. After a good meal, he could lie down and read a book comfortably. When he was in a bad mood, he could go to town and find some thugs to practice his skills with.
From childhood to adulthood, Ling Xiao had never been constrained by anything. His heart was like a wild horse, galloping across the grasslands, freeing himself, and living his life without restraint. He often thought that life was only a few decades of hardship, fleeting in the blink of an eye, so why not live freely and happily? He should cherish what he could, and do what he could with a clear conscience. When he looked back on his life in his twilight years, Ling Xiao would proudly roar, "I lived a worthwhile life!" That was what he wanted.
"Xiao'er, dinner's ready."
A clear voice rang out, startling Ling Xiao from his magic book. Ling Xiao glanced outside somewhat nervously, wondering if Aunt Niya had noticed.
Chapter 3: A Touch of Spring Light
Dinner was simple. On the table were rice porridge, sesame cakes, several unique side dishes, and the leftover Lada meat from lunch. Looking at the delicious food before him, Ling Xiao's mouth watered.
Niya exuded charm like a lotus emerging from water. She had changed her clothes, wearing a lily-patterned dress and a loose-fitting robe draped over her upper body, looking very casual. Her fair, smooth neck was as proud and beautiful as a swan's.
Ling Xiao couldn't help but glance at her a few more times, exclaiming, "What a beauty! Truly stunning!" A surge of excitement rose within him, and his manhood began to stir slightly.
The two sat down, Niya's inexplicable gaze frequently fixed on Ling Xiao, making him uneasy. Feeling guilty, he avoided her gaze. If there was anyone he still had reservations about, it was undoubtedly Aunt Niya before him.
"Xiao'er, eat more Lada meat. You're growing too,"
Niya said gently, placing a piece of meat in Ling Xiao's bowl with her chopsticks.
"Thank you, Aunt Niya,"
Ling Xiao replied, a feeling of happiness welling up inside him. "Aunt Niya, you eat too,"
Ling Xiao added, placing a piece of meat in Niya's bowl as well.
"Xiao'er, what are you doing this afternoon?"
Niya asked casually, eating her rice.
"Hmm... just strolling around town, nothing much,"
Ling Xiao replied nonchalantly.
"Is Auntie's cooking good?"
Niya asked with a seductive smile.
"Delicious." "
Does it smell good?"
"Yes." "
Is Auntie Niya beautiful?" "
Beautiful, "
Ling Xiao nodded. "
Does she look good? "
Niya asked a series of irrelevant questions. "
Yes, yes, "
Ling Xiao answered habitually, not paying much attention.
"Want to see more?" "Yes
..."
Ling Xiao hesitated, realizing something was wrong, and quickly said, "No...no ."
"Hmph."
Niya's expression changed, and she scolded, "You, Ling Xiao, you've started to get naughty! You dared to peek at me changing clothes!"
As she finished speaking, a blush rose on Niya's face.
Only then did Ling Xiao realize he had been tricked, fallen into Niya's trap. Extremely embarrassed, he lowered his head and frantically ate the rice in his bowl, not daring to look up at Niya.
"Look at you, so pathetic."
Niya smiled sweetly, watching Ling Xiao's embarrassed expression, and let out a clear laugh. She had always treated Ling Xiao like her own child, so she wasn't angry at all; she just wanted to give him a little nudge, to show him that what he was doing was wrong.
"I'm sorry, Aunt Niya, I didn't mean to,"
Ling Xiao said sheepishly, looking up.
"Hehe," Niya put down her chopsticks, stood up, and bent over, extending her delicate hand to gently stroke Ling Xiao's lips, a few grains of rice falling into her slender hand.
A strange current ran through Ling Xiao's body, the memory of Niya's jade-like softness clearly lingering near his lips. What made Ling Xiao's blood boil even more was that he discovered Niya wasn't wearing an undergarment under her clothes; her breasts were openly displayed before his eyes without any hesitation. So beautiful, so... Since Niya was at home, she was wearing a casual, loose robe, making it easy for him to admire her pure and innocent beauty.
Seeing Ling Xiao's blank, bloodshot eyes and his heavy breathing, Niya thought he was ill. However, following his gaze, she looked down and scolded him angrily, "Little brat, keep your eyes still!" She
quickly got up and returned to her seat.
Ling Xiao felt a pang of disappointment, completely disregarding Aunt Niya's reprimand. He was very fond of her, liking her nobility, her aloofness, and her touch of self-admiration. He also loved her care and concern; being with her brought him peace and tranquility.
"Aunt Niya, you're so beautiful,"
Ling Xiao sincerely praised. Her figure was curvaceous, with devilish curves, exuding charm, possessing both girlish allure and mature elegance; her entire body was like a ripe peach.
"Pah, what does a child know?"
Niya retorted with a forced laugh, secretly pleased by Ling Xiao's praise. What woman doesn't like a man complimenting her beauty?
"Looks like my Xiao'er's grown up and it's time to find a woman,"
Niya teased with a smile.
"I don't want to,"
Ling Xiao said earnestly, looking at Niya with unwavering determination. "I only want to be with you."
Ling Xiao's resolute gaze stirred Niya's heart, and she said affectionately, "Oh dear, you've even learned to speak sweet words! Are you asking for a beating?"
Looking at Niya's unique and alluring charm, Ling Xiao really wanted to ravage her, to possess her, and hold her dear in his heart.
Ling Xiao was an orphan; his parents died when he was very young, and he struggled to survive alone in the town, often going hungry and suffering the scorn and bullying of others.
When Ling Xiao was nine years old, he got into a fight with a group of thugs. More than a dozen of them ganged up on him. Faced with so many people, Ling Xiao was terrified, but he didn't back down. Without hesitation, he fought back against them. Merciless fists and kicks rained down on his frail body, and he was almost beaten to death. Luckily, Niya, who happened to be passing by, saved him.
Niya was just passing through the area and couldn't stand by and watch, so she intervened. Finding the environment quite pleasant, she decided to settle down there. Perhaps it was a woman's unique compassion, but Niya took Ling Xiao with her. As they spent more time together, their feelings for each other deepened.
After Niya arrived in Tianyuan Town, she attracted many suitors. Many coveted her beauty and wanted to sleep with her, harboring wicked intentions. Fortunately, Niya was a high-level magician, and after using some techniques, she managed to dissuade many. Even so, some people couldn't forget her. There was no way to resist Aunt Niya's charm; in the end, they moved to this bamboo forest.
He didn't know when it started, but Ling Xiao's gaze towards Aunt Niya had become strange. A strange restlessness stirred within him, his manhood frequently hardening, a pent-up anxiety yearning for release.
Sometimes, he couldn't sleep at night, his mind filled with Niya's image, occasionally fantasizing about making love with her. He knew deep down that a relationship with Aunt Niya was impossible. Despite her kindness, it was merely affection and care for him. He sensed a ruthlessness beneath Niya's gentleness, a hardened heart, and a desire for a secluded life, far removed from crowds, especially in romantic relationships. "
Damn it, I wonder what kind of man can get that," Ling Xiao thought disdainfully, a surge of jealousy rising within him. He wondered if he even had a chance.
"Goodnight, Aunt Niya,"
Ling Xiao said, quickly kissing her cheek before disappearing without a trace.
Niya's body stiffened involuntarily, and she said with slight anger, "You even dare to be so disrespectful to me. It seems you're getting bolder and bolder."
Chapter 4: Alchemy
It was already late, and the light in Niya's room had been turned off. Ling Xiao carefully closed the door to his room. The dark bamboo forest rustled with the sound of bamboo leaves, and the crisscrossing shadows of the trees were like ghosts.
Ling Xiao's figure moved quickly through the bamboo forest, leaving blurry black shadows in his wake. If an outsider had seen this, they would have been astonished. His movements were as light as a swallow, lightly touching the ground, silent and without a trace, like the wind leaving no trace, without stirring up a single leaf or dirt.
Leaping over the bamboo forest, the rugged mountain path became even darker, with no light in sight, and dense weeds covering the mountainside. Ling Xiao easily traversed the steep and rugged mountainside.
The mountain path was steep and extremely difficult to traverse, impossible for ordinary people to climb. Ling Xiao, however, swiftly sped through the steep mountains, a path he knew intimately, traversing almost every night for many years. His
internal fighting spirit continuously surged, a warm and soothing energy flowing rapidly through his body, circulating along his meridians, enhancing his agility and speed.
The fighting spirit circulated throughout his body, eventually returning to his dantian. Each time Ling Xiao traversed this rugged mountain path, he would circulate his fighting spirit several times, making it thicker and stronger, while simultaneously cultivating his agility. Although the effects weren't immediately noticeable, over the years he had made some progress, significantly improving his speed and agility. However, after many
years, his fighting spirit showed no signs of growth, no breakthrough whatsoever, leaving him secretly frustrated.
After crossing several ravines, Ling Xiao passed through a hidden passage. This passage was actually a narrow, difficult path, requiring one to stoop to enter; those unfamiliar with it would never find it.
Ling Xiao stood inside the cave. The cave wasn't large, supported by several simple, weathered, massive pillars, exuding an aura of decay and desolation.
The cave was clean and tidy, its interior clearly not naturally formed. The walls were constructed of thick, piled-up rocks, and the floor was paved with scarred, weathered stones, still hinting at its former grandeur and magnificence.
Scattered throughout were various stone statues, though incomplete, they still possessed an eerie and peculiar aura. In the center of the cave was an altar, empty except for a peculiar magic circle.
Based on the information gathered, this was a temple, weathered by time, so ancient that even the landscape had changed. Rising mountains had buried the temple within their depths; perhaps it was the temple's magic circle that had allowed this area to survive.
Ling Xiao had discovered this place by chance while hunting in the mountains; only he knew of this strange cave. When he had nothing to do, he would come to this cave to cultivate every night.
It wasn't just a pointless, self-torture trip; rather, this cave was quite peculiar, allowing him to better concentrate his mind and gather his energy, resulting in faster progress in his cultivation compared to outside.
He had his own purpose in coming here; everyone has their secrets, and he was no exception.
He arrived at a stone platform, upon which were displayed various strange bottles and jars, along with a jumble of herbs, stones, and bones.
All these things on the platform were what Ling Xiao needed. Ling Xiao muttered to himself, "Not bad, I've refined so many pills, and the success rate is quite high. It seems my skill has improved again."
His eyes swept over the plants on the platform, and he picked up a piece of dragon bone grass, a silver flower, a white and blue bean… These plants were all painstakingly searched for on the mountain. Fortunately, there were many mountains here, and the plants were lush; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to gather the formulas for many pills.
Setting the chosen plants aside, Ling Xiao opened the nearby cauldron. The cauldron was of very poor quality, clearly a cheap, low-quality item. There was no other way; in such a remote place, it was impossible to buy a proper cauldron for refining medicine. He had gone through great lengths to find this cauldron, so he would make do.
After placing the herbs in and completing the process, Ling Xiao stood solemnly, his eyes fixed on the alchemy furnace, his expression serious. The slightest mistake in refining the pills would render all previous efforts futile, so he needed to concentrate and give it his all.
His left hand lightly touched the air, and Ling Xiao, as if in deep meditation, murmured, "O fire element that burns everything, heed my call..."
A series of magical fire element incantations flowed from his lips. The
fire element in the air rapidly accumulated within his body in response to Ling Xiao's call. The fire element within him flowed continuously, circulating rapidly like water. He could feel the expansion and power within his body. His left hand swayed gently in the air, then suddenly both hands pressed against the edge of the alchemy furnace.
Boom! A burst of intense flames instantly enveloped the furnace, the flickering flames glowing red, like a crimson flag shifting in the air. The temperature in the air suddenly rose.
Fire element continuously flowed from Ling Xiao's hands. Judging from the fire magic he cast, he controlled it with ease, showing no signs of exhaustion. Any mage who knew Ling Xiao would be astonished by the sight of him casting spells.
Ling Xiao wasn't as weak as he appeared; he studied fire magic. To become a mage, one must understand their own magical attribute.
Magical elements on the Divine Wind Continent are divided into seven types: light, dark, wind, earth, water, fire, and wood, which in turn lead to seven major schools of mage.
The people living on the Divine Wind Continent have different constitutions. One's innate constitution determines their strengths and weaknesses. Among the masses, a very small percentage possess magical attributes, such as light or dark constitutions… These people are rare, and they have an innate advantage in learning magic, achieving high levels of proficiency. From the very beginning of their magical training, their own constitution determines which school of magic they will study.
Most people who pursue a career as a mage don't possess a magical physique. They can only sense magical elements; the element they sense first indicates their affinity for that element, which they then choose to cultivate. Some even choose a particular magical element to cultivate on their own initiative.
Ling Xiao wasn't blessed by fate; he was born with a magical physique. To understand why he cultivates the fire element, one must recall his childhood.
It was a snowy winter day, with snow falling heavily and piling up in a thick layer. The north wind howled, its force sharp as knives, making it exceptionally cold. Tianyuan Town was eerily silent; not a soul could be seen. Everyone in the town stayed indoors for warmth. Ling Xiao was starving and freezing
, with nothing to eat. Desperate, he went door-to-door begging for food, enduring countless scornful looks before finally managing to get a little something.
It's easy to imagine the hardships Ling Xiao endured as a child. From that moment on, he vowed to become strong, unwilling to starve or be bullied. On the way back, he stepped on something and, sensing something was wrong, he dug away a layer of snow.
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Chapter 5: Pill Formation
He found a disheveled old man buried in the snow, unconscious. Ling Xiao initially intended to ignore him and walk away; he couldn't even take care of himself, let alone others—he wasn't exactly a saint.
However, just as Ling Xiao was about to leave, the old man groggily woke up, grabbing Ling Xiao's leg and refusing to let go. Left with no choice, Ling Xiao reluctantly took the old man to his dwelling. It wasn't that Ling Xiao was heartless; he was simply powerless to help.
For a while afterward, the old man lived in his doghouse, and the two developed a bond over time. The old man was no ordinary person; he was an alchemist. At Ling Xiao's request, he began to learn magic and alchemy from the old man.
Alchemist is a profession within the magician class; only magicians can become alchemists. It's a prestigious profession, and even a novice alchemist is highly respected and has a promising future.
Alchemy is divided into many schools, some creating magical instruments, others crafting magical scrolls, and so on. The old man was a pill alchemist. The most crucial element in pill refining is fire, which is why Ling Xiao chose fire magic.
Fire elements surged continuously from his body to his hands, and waves of heat emanated from the furnace. After a long time, Ling Xiao began to feel the strain, and beads of sweat began to stream down his forehead.
Becoming an alchemist requires countless trials and tribulations; the effort involved is unimaginable to others. Ling Xiao had refined various pills no less than ten thousand times, but succeeded less than a hundred times, demonstrating the immense difficulty of alchemy.
He dared not even breathe too loudly, for the slightest mistake would ruin everything, destroying the medicine within the furnace. Choosing this cave was also for better alchemy, free from any external disturbances.
The pills inside the furnace had already dissolved and mixed together. Now, Ling Xiao only needed to control the heat, which depended on his mastery of fire elements.
Ling Xiao had been a high-level fire mage for over a year, and his control over fire magic was excellent. However, to refine good pills, the fire element of high-level magic was still too weak to effectively remove impurities.
Ling Xiao was currently refining a second-grade pill to heal his injuries. He carefully controlled the magical elements, sometimes increasing the output of fire element, sometimes decreasing it.
Refining a second-grade pill was not as easy as it seemed; every step had to be carefully managed. According to Ling Xiao's understanding, most pills sold on the market were inferior pills, the worst of all pills, with very little alchemical content. Even novice alchemists could refine many of them, and despite their poor quality, ordinary people still flocked to buy them.
Second-grade pills are quite expensive on the market, often in short supply. Their quality and efficacy are excellent, making them very popular with mages and warriors; basically, all pills of this grade are supplied to them. If he could refine the second-grade pills in his furnace and sell them, he would be financially secure for at least a year, living a carefree life. This is why alchemists are so highly valued.
Suddenly, the flames surged. The crucial moment had arrived. Ling Xiao dared not be careless, slowly withdrawing the fire around the furnace. The flickering flames lingered like a light veil around the edge of the furnace.
"Hoo."
Several pale black pills had formed from the herbs inside the furnace; the pills were complete. Ling Xiao felt slightly relieved. His left hand, like a dragon, reached into the furnace; the intense heat did not affect him.
After reaching into the furnace, he swiftly withdrew his left hand, leaving five pale black pills in his palm, emitting a faint medicinal fragrance.
"Heh."
With a soft murmur, a flame suddenly rose in the palm of his hand holding the pills, instantly enveloping all five pills in its intense heat.
Only this final step—tempering—was needed to complete the process. The flame now differed from the one Ling Xiao had used initially; it was a blazing inferno, thick and dense, yet not intensely hot.
Wisps of mist rose from the flame and then disappeared; this mist represented the impurities in the pills. Removing these impurities was crucial to the quality and grade of the pills.
Time flew by; this was a lengthy process. Ling Xiao had been struggling to circulate his fire element within his body for over an hour, his magical elements nearly depleted. Refining second-grade pills was still extremely difficult for him at his current level.
"Whoosh."
The flame in his hand vanished instantly. Five lustrous pills were complete, one of them gleaming with a metallic sheen and emanating a faint, misty aura. The rich medicinal fragrance made Ling Xiao smack his lips.
"Sigh, only one of the five pills reached the second rank; the other four are only first rank."
He sighed with regret, though a hint of accomplishment lingered on his face. That second-rank pill was far superior to any he had refined before. Its texture, color, aroma, and intensity were exemplary among second-rank pills; anyone with a discerning eye could tell it was a high-quality product.
After storing the pill in a bottle, Ling Xiao, exhausted as a dead dog, sat cross-legged on the altar in the cave. His magical elements were completely depleted. He closed his eyes and entered a state of profound tranquility.
Mages perceive magical elements through meditation, guiding them through communication with the elements of heaven and earth. A warm aura flowed into his body. At this moment, Ling Xiao could clearly feel the various magical elements in the outside world, filling the air. In his meditation, fire elemental magic resonated with him first, flowing slowly through his body like a magnet, the gentle fire element warming him.
Following a specific path, circulating for several cycles, Ling Xiao's magical elements became abundant, sweeping away his previous exhaustion.
He exhaled a breath of stale air, feeling refreshed and inexplicably comfortable. The magic circle on the stone platform was truly extraordinary; he could clearly feel the magic rapidly accumulating, and entering a meditative state much faster than usual. Perhaps his rapid attainment of advanced fire magic was due to this.
Having remained at this level for over a year without any breakthrough, Ling Xiao was quite frustrated. However, he was a carefree person; with his current abilities, he would no longer have to suffer hunger and bullying, and all his years of effort had not been in vain.
This temple was quite peculiar. Ling Xiao couldn't discern which god's temple it belonged to, as different places worship different gods, but the seven main gods were those who controlled the seven elements.
The temple was dilapidated, yet it contained many stone statues, each with a unique design. Most notably, their genitals were prominently and realistically depicted, with large male organs vividly displayed without any attempt at concealment. This was unheard of in any other temple; if others knew, they would surely consider it a cult and be eradicated as quickly as possible.
Chapter 6: Porcupine
Life went on leisurely, like a carefree hermit. Tianyuan Town was remote, lacking any exciting entertainment. Most people were busy with daily life. Ling Xiao, carefree and not concerned about making a living, had no demands for food, as long as he was full. This
was unbearable for people his age, especially those from well-off families who didn't worry about survival; their concern was the lack of entertainment.
One day, Dahl, Locke, Lian Yue, and another young man arranged to go deep into the Tianyuan Mountains to hunt magical beasts. As the leader of the town's thugs, Ling Xiao knew about this. Having nothing better to do, he decided to go along.
"Ling Xiao, with your meager strength, I wonder if you'd even be enough to fill a magical beast's teeth,"
Locke said disdainfully, not even glancing at him. "Hmph, overestimating yourself."
"So you mean you're just a mouthful of monster food?"
Ling Xiao retorted sarcastically, staring maliciously at the somewhat obese Locke. He utterly disdained such a person, who relied on his father being the town mayor to act arrogantly and domineeringly.
"You..."
Locke roared in fury, his aura surging, "Kid, you're asking for death!"
"Ling Xiao, we've been quite lenient by letting you follow us, don't be ungrateful."
Another young man scolded Ling Xiao, seemingly trying to curry favor with Locke. Whenever Locke spoke, he would immediately go and teach Ling Xiao a lesson.
Ling Xiao recognized this young man; he was a mid-level fighter, a few years older than them. Rat was a despicable man, Locke's lackey, fawning over Locke and his son. Looking at his obsequious smile, Ling Xiao felt an urge to slap him.
Ling Xiao didn't back down either; he didn't take the two men seriously, but he was too lazy to fight them unless they truly crossed his line.
Seeing the tense atmosphere between the two sides, threatening to erupt into a fight at the slightest provocation, Lian Yue said angrily, "Everyone, stop fooling around and hurry on your way. Ling Xiao
, you'd better behave yourself." With that, Lian Yue led the way, ignoring the others. Locke, his eyes gleaming with lust, quickly caught up with Lian Yue, saying, "Kid, don't mess with me again, or you'll regret it."
The group continued on their way, Locke chattering incessantly beside Lian Yue, hoping to win her favor. Ling Xiao, behind them, leered at Lian Yue's figure.
The Tianyuan Mountain Range stretched endlessly, mostly untouched by humans. It was said to contain 100,000 mountains, giving an idea of its immense size. No one had ever ventured deep into the Tianyuan Mountain Range; the high mountains were treacherous, the roads rugged, and miasma rife with dangers. Even Grand Magisters had never returned from there, but no one dared to explore it, as there was no profit to be gained.
The mountain range was home to many magical beasts, but they had never heard of any high-level ones; they mostly encountered low-level ones. Level four magical beasts are rare; perhaps there are higher-level magical beasts deep within the Tianyuan Mountains.
The group walked through a thorny forest, hacking their way through the undergrowth and encountering all sorts of small animals along the way. The mountain range they were in had virtually no powerful magical beasts; the highest level was only level four, and even that was uncertain.
They continued searching for magical beasts. Level one magical beasts posed no challenge; they would generally flee in terror at the sight of them. Some foolish beasts dared to provoke them, displaying ferocious expressions, but a single basic spell was enough to take them down.
Level two magical beasts were not so easy to deal with, but a mid-level mage could handle them, though it would take some time to resolve the battle.
"Wow, everyone, come quick!"
Dahl excitedly called out to the others. Hearing Dahl's excited voice, everyone immediately rushed over.
"It's a porcupine!" Rat exclaimed in surprise, his face beaming with excitement, a sword held horizontally in front of him.
"I didn't expect to encounter a magical beast so quickly..."
Lian Yue couldn't hide her excitement either, looking at the porcupine eating the animal carcass ahead.
"We're so lucky! Everyone, let's get started!"
Dahl said, and began chanting a magic spell. The others also took their positions; after all, one porcupine wasn't something they could handle alone.
"Ling Xiao, be careful. We don't have time to look after you,"
Lian Yue said, turning back to give him a gentle reminder. Although she disliked him intensely, it was a matter of life and death, so she felt it necessary to warn him.
"Hehe, little girl, are you worried about your brother?"

"Go to hell!" 　　Ling Xiao said, his wicked intentions unchanged. "Go to hell!"
Lian Yue said coldly and angrily, her face ashen with rage. She had no time to argue with Ling Xiao now.
Ling Xiao watched the group from a distance. Locke was a light mage, Dahl a fire mage, Lian Yue a water mage, and Rat a warrior. This combination had a high chance of defeating the porcupine, but it would still keep them busy, and they weren't even sure they could catch it.
The porcupine was fat, ferocious, and somewhat clever. Its hide was exceptionally rough, difficult to cut with ordinary swords, and its body was covered in long, sharp thorns.
Despite its seemingly slow movements due to its fat size, it was incredibly fast when it started running. A pair of long, massive thorns protruded from its snout, fierce and terrifying, gleaming with a dangerous aura.
The porcupine seemed to sense something, raising its head and glaring fiercely at the group. Its long tusks rubbed together in dissatisfaction, producing a piercing metallic sound. Its four hooves dug deep furrows into the ground.
"Water Wave Ball."
Lian Yue's magic was ready. A blue crystal ball flew rapidly towards the porcupine, its dense water elemental aura trembling slightly in the air. *Thud!*
The Water Wave Ball struck the porcupine, causing it to howl in pain. With a kick of its front hooves, it charged towards the group, kicking up a cloud of dust.
Seeing the charging porcupine, Locke hurriedly cast a light magic, "Blade of Light."
The holy light element emitted a gentle aura, and the Blade of Light mercilessly pierced the porcupine's body, drawing a deep wound from which blood flowed freely.
"Ouch!"
The porcupine howled in pain, enraged, and charged towards the group even faster. Its eyes glowed crimson, like a mad dog.
Ling Xiao lay on a tree, leisurely watching the battle between the group and the porcupine below. He wasn't worried at all; while killing the porcupine would be difficult, self-preservation was no problem.
Lian Yue's intermediate water magic was still immature, and his practical experience was too limited. Locke was also just a half-baked practitioner, indulging in wine and women, only successful because of his good father. Only Dahl was truly capable, with relatively rich experience.
Dahl slowly gathered fire elements, and the fluctuations of fire magic could be clearly felt in the air. "You beast, don't be so insolent! Take this fireball!"
The intense heat made the air suffocate as a powerful fireball, radiating danger, descended from the sky, instantly engulfing the porcupine. The porcupine slowed its pace in pain, letting out a pitiful roar.
A strange, burnt smell wafted from the porcupine, which was now trembling in a sorry state, especially its spikes, which were twitching strangely.
"Oh no, the porcupine is going to unleash its spikes!"
Dahl cried out in alarm, quickly shouting a warning to everyone.
Swish, swish, swish—countless spikes flew from the porcupine's body like arrows, swarming in like a storm, a truly terrifying sight.
Chapter 7: Overpowered
Everyone clearly sensed the danger. The porcupine's quills would shoot out when threatened; these quills were incredibly hard and powerful, capable of penetrating attacks from mid-level magic.
"Water Curtain!"
Seeing the situation was dire, Lian Yue immediately cast a water curtain in front of everyone to block the spikes.
"Fire Wall!"
"Light Shield!"
Everyone cast blocking spells in front of them. Rat, a swordsman skilled in close combat, stood in front of the three. The mages, on the other hand, excelled in ranged combat.
The powerful spikes relentlessly ravaged everyone's magic shields, instantly shattering several magical barriers.
Then, all the magical barriers they had cast crumbled with overwhelming force, and everyone's expressions changed in shock.
Rat held his sword horizontally in front of him, weaving a net of swords that swirled up countless spikes, barely managing to hold back the oncoming barrage.
However, some spikes inevitably escaped. Lian Yue and the others clearly lacked experience in dealing with magical beasts, appearing flustered and helpless. If it were an experienced intermediate-level mage, two people working together could kill a porcupine. Clearly, these people were even dumber than the porcupine.
Actually, while they weren't exactly masters of dealing with this magical beast, they weren't completely helpless either. It just showed their lack of experience; they immediately unleashed their strongest spells, and their teamwork and tactics were terrible and disorganized, leading to their current defeat.
Adding to this, they underestimated their opponent. Ling Xiao was speechless; they were a bunch of incompetent fools. What should have been an easy battle had been turned into a disastrous mess. These idiots dared to hunt magical beasts; instead, the beasts were hunting them.
Lian Yuehua paled, her magical power waning, and just as she was about to be struck by the spikes, a wall of earth instantly appeared in front of the four of them.
With a series of rapid thuds, several earthen walls rose from the ground. Ling Xiao leaped down from the tree and commanded without hesitation, "Locke, use your Light Spell to blind the porcupine. Dar, attack the porcupine's vulnerable spots with fire magic. Lian Yue, seal the porcupine with water magic."
Ling Xiao issued several orders in a single, serious breath, causing everyone to be stunned. They thought disdainfully, "Who do you think you are, why should we listen to you?
" "If you don't want to become the porcupine's meal, then hurry up,"
Ling Xiao said dismissively. He didn't care about their lives; he only cared about Lian Yue. He hadn't even used any discipline on him yet—whips, candle wax, binding, etc.
The group hesitated for a moment, but in this critical situation, they couldn't worry about anything else. They had no choice but to blindly follow Ling Xiao's instructions. As Ling Xiao instructed, Locke cast the Light Spell, temporarily blinding the porcupine. Lian Yue used water magic to block the porcupine's path, and Dar's fire magic attacked the porcupine's most vulnerable spots.
"Rat, melee, one hit to kill."
Seeing the opportunity, Ling Xiao quickly ordered Rat, the warrior, to engage the wild boar in close combat.
The battle went smoothly, but was also bloody. The four men lay on the ground, panting heavily, their faces pale. Hunting magical beasts was clearly not as easy as they had imagined.
Ling Xiao lay comfortably on a tree, watching their disheveled appearance with amusement, and somewhat admiring how quickly Lian Yue could recover her gloomy expression.
The porcupine had been horribly mangled by Rat and Dar. The smell of charred flesh mixed with a thick stench of blood was nauseating. Its body was a bloody mess, not a single piece intact; they had really gone all out.
Ling Xiao shook his head, secretly lamenting the waste. Such a fat porcupine would be delicious for barbecue. He drew a knife from his waist and plunged it into the porcupine's skull, blood gushing out.
The group watched Ling Xiao's actions with great curiosity, keeping their distance from the porcupine. However, their gazes towards Ling Xiao were clearly odd. Lian Yue stared thoughtfully at Ling Xiao as he severed the porcupine's head, lost in thought.
"Hmph, we could have killed the porcupine without him. I didn't expect Ling Xiao to interfere at such a crucial moment; otherwise, we would have finished it off long ago,"
Locke said dismissively, belittling Ling Xiao.
"Yes, Young Master Locke is right. That kid Ling Xiao is just causing trouble, making our situation so messy,"
Rat chimed in.
Lian Yue and Dahl remained silent.
With swift, swift movements of his knife, Ling Xiao severed the porcupine's head. It took considerable effort; porcupines were valuable, fetching a hefty price in the market—enough to cover an average family's living expenses for half a year. What he coveted were the porcupine's tusks, incredibly hard and stronger than ordinary swords, and also used in medicine—one of the ingredients for a certain second-grade elixir.
His hands were stained with blood, and holding a pair of tusks over twenty centimeters long, he felt a good income. They didn't care about such things; they were disgusted.
"Yue'er, bring me some water to wash my hands,"
Ling Xiao said to himself, treating Lian Yue like a maid.
Lian Yue was initially grateful to Ling Xiao, but his smug expression annoyed her. Her eyebrows furrowed, then she smiled mischievously, her mind racing, and said crisply, "Coming!"
She held out her hands expectantly, the sticky blood on them making them uncomfortable. With a splash, a wave of water descended from the sky, drenching Ling Xiao completely, making him look like a drowned rat. He was furious, his teeth clenched in anger.
"Hehehe."
Lian Yue covered her mouth and chuckled, her voice as light and melodious as a wind chime.
"Hahaha!" The other three also laughed gleefully.
"You little brat, how dare you play tricks on me! I'll teach you a lesson!"
Ling Xiao angrily scolded Lian Yue, who had dared to embarrass him in front of outsiders; it was necessary to use some methods.
"You shameless brat, don't push your luck!"
Lian Yue's face flushed crimson, as if it were about to bleed.
"Ling Xiao, you have the nerve to bully Lian Yue! You're asking for it! She's the woman I've reserved!"
Locke arrogantly stepped forward and said haughtily.
"That's right, she's Young Master Locke's woman. How dare someone like you flirt with her? You'd better open your eyes wide!"
The lackey, true to his word, always sided with Locke.
"Locke, you'd better watch your mouth. Who's your woman? Otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite."
Lian Yue's delicate face was icy, her beautiful eyes glaring angrily.
Dahl, being uninvolved, didn't help anyone to avoid getting into trouble.
Ling Xiao frowned, very displeased with Locke and Dahl, and said with a gloomy face, "Are you two talking to me?"
He continued to wash his hands with the water dripping from his body.
When did this kid become so arrogant? The group was stunned, unable to believe it. Locke roared, "Damn it, are you tired of living?"
"Are you talking to me?"
Ling Xiao lunged forward, grabbing Locke's neck with lightning speed.
The speed was so fast that Locke hadn't even reacted before Ling Xiao's hand gripped his neck, making it instantly difficult to breathe. The strong force emanating from his vise-like hand was overwhelming.
The group was also stunned, never expecting Ling Xiao to be so fast, and to have Locke in his grasp. They thought Ling Xiao had caught them off guard.
"Ling Xiao, you'd better put Locke down right now, or you'll die a horrible death,"
Rat threatened.
"Do you know what you're doing, Ling Xiao?"
Lian Yue asked with concern, not for Ling Xiao's sake, but for fear of making things worse.
Chapter 8: Taking Advantage
"Shut your mouth. Men do things, women stay out of the way."
Ling Xiao was very displeased, glaring at Lian Yue with sharp eyes. Lian Yue's heart skipped a beat when she met his gaze, and for some reason, she felt a sense of fear.
"We're all on the same side, don't ruin the harmony."
Dahl said, seeing the need to intervene. He couldn't understand when Ling Xiao had become so bold after not having any contact for several years. When he was young, he had been bullied by many people, except for Lian Yue. As he grew up, everyone disdained to associate with Ling Xiao; it was considered beneath them.
"You bastard, I think you're tired of living. You'd better put me down, or I'll make you suffer a terrible death."
Locke's face was pale as he threatened with difficulty, his eyes fixed on Ling Xiao like a bloodthirsty wolf.
"Hmph, are you threatening me?"
Ling Xiao exerted force with her large hand, and Locke gasped, his face contorted in pain.
Looking at the grimacing Locke, Ling Xiao said disdainfully, "Now that you're in my hands, do you think I'm afraid of you?"
"Hmm."
Ling Xiao's eyes widened, his gaze relentlessly pressing on Locke, who panicked.
"Ling Xiao, you're something else, you've
got guts. You'd better not fall into my hands." Locke was having difficulty breathing, his face turning ashen.
"Ling Xiao, prepare to die!"
Rat raised his sword to strike Ling Xiao.
"Don't come any closer, or I might accidentally slip up and Locke will... hehe."
He shamelessly flicked his wrist.
"Ah!"
Locke screamed as Ling Xiao squeezed his neck hard again, almost crushing his throat.
"My life is worthless. If Locke dies, I wonder who will blame."
Ling Xiao continued, his words carrying a hidden meaning.
"You, so despicable..."
Rat retreated dejectedly, his sword hanging limply.
"That's more like it,"
Ling Xiao praised with a forced smile, then asked Locke, "Don't you think so?"
"Ouch, you actually dare to glare at me!"
*Slap!* A slap landed hard on Locke's face, leaving five finger marks on his delicate skin.
"Ling Xiao, you..."
Lian Yue stared in disbelief, as if looking at a monster. Did Ling Xiao think he'd lived too long? Darlat was also shocked. My God, was this Ling Xiao? Was this the Ling Xiao they used to bully? Did he think he was invincible just because Nia was protecting him?
"Still glaring? I'll show you!"
*Slap! Slap! Slap!* Dozens of heavy slaps followed.
Locke screamed in agony; his once handsome face now resembled a pig's head—perhaps even a pig's head was more imposing than him.
"Heh, if you have the guts, kill me."
Locke seemed somewhat defiant now.
Ling Xiao frowned, his expression changing slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and said coldly, "You think I wouldn't dare?"
His chilling voice seemed to come from hell.
Seeing Ling Xiao's serious expression and the cold aura emanating from him, everyone felt a chill run down their spines and cried out in alarm. Had Ling Xiao lost his mind? They hoped he wouldn't implicate them.
"Stop, Ling Xiao!"
they shouted in unison, genuinely fearing that Ling Xiao might kill Locke in a fit of rage.
Locke felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing Ling Xiao's cold words. Despite being a mid-level mage, he couldn't chant spells and was being attacked at close range by Ling Xiao; all his efforts were wasted.
"Killing you is like dirtying my hands."
Before anyone could react, Ling Xiao grabbed Locke and delivered a side kick to his stomach.
"Thump!"
Locke crashed to the ground, roaring in pain, like a dog eating shit.
While everyone was still stunned, Ling Xiao quickly grabbed Lian Yue and fled. Lian Yue, still in shock, let Ling Xiao pull her along, instinctively running after him.
"Rat, catch that dog! I'll make him wish he were dead!"
the miserable Locke commanded, clutching his stomach in agony.
Only then did Rat react. Ling Xiao had already dashed a considerable distance. Dahl, regaining his senses, frowned. Then his expression changed drastically.
Heavy footsteps echoed from the distance of the forest, accompanied by angry roars. Rat heard it too, but didn't know what had happened. Then, terrified, he fled in panic.
Dozens of porcupines charged towards him from afar, their ferocious aura terrifying, their destructive power chilling. Anyone who saw them would only run, except for high-level mages.
"Rat, wait for me!" Locke
finally reacted, terrified out of his wits. Ignoring Ling Xiao's humiliation, he turned and ran. Rat dared not wait for him; the slightest delay would make him porcupine dinner.
"Let me go, you thief!"
Lian Yue reacted, her soft, boneless hands struggling in Ling Xiao's grasp.
"Don't move, or don't blame me for being impolite."
Ling Xiao glared fiercely at Lian Yue, the ungrateful girl. "Look back."
He then pulled Lian Yue into his arms and ran, carrying her. Lian Yue was too slow, hindering his escape; she was slender and not too heavy.
Lian Yue turned around and was startled, realizing she had misunderstood Ling Xiao. However, she was still somewhat unwilling to be held by him, her delicate body squirming restlessly. She had never been held by a boy before, and her heart was filled with unease. The sight
of a soft body writhing against him made his blood rush, a wave of allure washing over him. He paused slightly, thinking, "Damn, this ungrateful, stupid woman really deserves it." He
instantly quickened his pace, retaliating by grabbing Lian Yue's breast with one hand. It was incredibly soft and elastic, like a dove's, making Ling Xiao's heart flutter. It was indescribably tender and smooth, like silk.
Lian Yue's body stiffened abruptly, her expression blank, staring at Ling Xiao incredulously. Then, a sharp scream rang out.
"You damned thief, you filthy rogue, I'm going to kill you..."
Lian Yue's small hands frantically pounded on Ling Xiao's breasts.
It actually hurt a little, but Ling Xiao could bear it, his grip on her breasts only lessening the pain as he continued to squeeze them through her clothes. The warmth and soft elasticity from his hands overwhelmed him. He freely changed the shape of his hands, touching, kneading, pinching, and grabbing, using every method imaginable. Then he pinched a protrusion on her full breasts, wantonly twisting it between his fingers.
"Ugh." Lian Yue let out a sound that seemed both painful and involuntary, her face flushed red, her hands pushing away Ling Xiao's An Lushan-like claws.
"Ling Xiao, you will die a horrible death, you despicable and vile person."
Tears welled up in Lian Yue's eyes, her body suddenly felt weak, her hands growing increasingly powerless, a strange tingling sensation spreading through her, making her feel bewildered, as if a thousand ants were crawling on her body.
A flame gradually rose in Ling Xiao's heart, his eyes vaguely filled with savagery. He looked at Lian Yue's beautiful face, which seemed to drip with water, carrying an indescribable youthful charm, especially Lian Yue's cherry-like lips, whose breath was as fragrant as orchids, radiating a vibrant color.
Driven by lust, Ling Xiao lowered his head without hesitation and kissed her fiercely. So smooth, sweet, and sticky, so incredibly pleasurable. Ling Xiao's mouth continued to suck and lick her lips.
Lian Yue's mind went blank. Her first kiss was gone just like that. That despicable man! She never imagined she would be so defiled by such a man under these circumstances.
Then she felt something enter her mouth, trying to suck on her tongue. In a panic, she quickly bit down.
Just as she was about to engage in a brief struggle, Ling Xiao cried out in pain, gasping for breath. His running speed slowed, and he pulled away from Lian Yue's lips, blood trickling from his mouth. He grimaced, trying to ease the pain.
Ling Xiao glared angrily at Lian Yue in his arms. Lian Yue glared back defiantly, a faint tear streaming down her cheek, as if to recount his crime.
Staring at Lian Yue's beautiful face, Ling Xiao felt a surge of anger. He knew she must be secretly pleased, and his anger flared, especially the disgust and disdain in her eyes, which fueled his rage and made it difficult for him to calm down.
Chapter 9: Conspiracy
"Put me down! I'd rather be eaten by a porcupine than have you carrying me!"
Lian Yue said resolutely, her eyes filled with unwavering determination. At this moment, she truly loathed Ling Xiao.
"I won't let you go."
Lian Yue's words ignited Ling Xiao's anger, his heart churning. *You hate me? I'll make you hate me even more! You like being hated, don't you?* He then tightened his grip on Lian Yue's body.
Lian Yue let out a soft cry, pushing against Ling Xiao's chest. Her intermediate-level magic was useless, and she could hardly concentrate on casting spells.
Then, Lian Yue felt a jolt of electricity run through her body as a restless hand took hold of her pert buttocks.
Ling Xiao looked at Lian Yue provocatively, and the hand that had been on her buttocks became even more ruthless. He felt his body surging stronger, and his manhood began to erect. The virile Ling Xiao found it unbearable.
Lian Yue endured the strange sensations, her body constantly being violated by Ling Xiao's hands. She couldn't show weakness in front of him; she treated it like being scratched by a dog.
Ling Xiao continued running, leaving the porcupines far behind, but he couldn't be careless. These porcupines were reckless; being caught and surrounded would be a huge loss. There were fewer porcupines left, so he planned to split them into several groups to chase the others.
He switched Lian Yue's position, pressing her erect breasts tightly against Ling Xiao's chest, an indescribable sensation. They moved up and down, rubbing against his chest as they ran. The pleasure made Ling Xiao's blood boil.
Ling Xiao smiled mischievously, a wicked grin spreading across his lips. Lian Yue's defiant eyes sensed something was wrong. "Ah... um,"
she suddenly uttered, a cloying sound.
Ling Xiao's steel-like brother was already pressed against Lian Yue's. Even through her clothes, Ling Xiao felt an indescribable pleasure, and his body trembled involuntarily.
"Yes, I'll kill you, you thief! I'll tear you to pieces!"
Lian Yue was ashamed and furious, her body weak, collapsing into Ling Xiao's arms. A strange feeling spread through her body, and even her words were weak and feeble. How could this be? Was she a shameless woman?
As Ling Xiao ran, he repeatedly thrust his lower body against Lian Yue's secret place. Even through her clothes, he could clearly feel the warmth emanating from her. Ling Xiao was overwhelmed with desire; this was something he had never experienced before.
Lian Yue's body began to react. Her lower body, which had initially resisted, now cooperated fully with Ling Xiao's thrusts, her arms weakly wrapped around his waist, her face buried deep in his chest, biting his flesh hard, though she had already released her mouth.
Finally, Lian Yue experienced her first time in Ling Xiao's arms. Overwhelmed with shame and anger, she even contemplated suicide, but only if she didn't let Ling Xiao live a life of pleasure.
Ling Xiao felt inexplicably refreshed. Although he hadn't ejaculated, he was already very satisfied, especially with Lian Yue's occasional soft moans in his arms. He had originally wanted to find a good place to discuss life with Lian Yue, but unexpectedly, the others found him. Too lazy to deal with Locke, he made a quick getaway.
Heh heh, finally vented his anger on Lian Yue, but her cold gaze was unbearable. "Damn it, I don't even need you, it doesn't have to be like this."
Since that passionate incident, Ling Xiao hadn't seen Lian Yue for a long time. He truly missed her soft, delicate body and the thrill it brought him; he really wanted to have a good time with her. Her
sweet little mouth, her firm, upturned lips, were still vivid in his mind, as if the traces of them still lingered on his fingertips.
In his prime, Ling Xiao's desire was like fuel on a fire, rising rapidly. But thankfully, he wasn't someone who would act indiscriminately out of desperation. He never considered himself a good person, nor did he want to be one.
He acted impulsively, following his own nature without going against it. During this time, Locke and Rat tried every means to punish him, but Ling Xiao thwarted them all. He toyed with them like a cat playing with mice, treating them as mere fodder for his attacks. Besides, in terms of strength, the two were no match for him; in his eyes, they were nothing more than clowns.
He was too lazy to reveal his true strength, keeping a low profile in his words and deeds, while harboring many shameless thoughts: concealing his strength to lull others into a false sense of security, and then striking unexpectedly when they were off guard. Playing dumb to fool others can yield unexpected rewards. Heh heh, when it's time to be the bad guy, he'll never be the good one. He's been a complete scoundrel since childhood; these are the tricks of a scoundrel, honed through countless trials of blood and tears.
"Hey, Er Gou, what do you think the outside world is like?"
Ling Xiao asked casually, legs crossed, a cup of tea in his hand.
Er Gou, loud and with a roguish look, chuckled, "Brother, if you don't know, how would I know?"
Their town was remote, separated by several mountain roads, the roads rugged. Most people had never seen the world, were farmers, self-sufficient, and had no time to go out, let alone them.
"But I know there must be a lot of beautiful girls outside, like Lian Yue, you can find them everywhere."
Er Gou's eyes gleamed with a sly chuckle.
"A leopard can't change its spots. Have you no backbone? Look at your pathetic state, still hanging around with me."
Ling Xiao was furious. Mud is mud, it can't be plastered on a wall. He swayed, too lazy to bother with them; they weren't even as good as thugs.
"Has Locke made any moves lately?"
"Heh, no. I don't know why Locke's suddenly become so docile, it's really strange."
With a fawning smile, Er Gou quickly poured tea for Ling Xiao. This gang of thugs relied entirely on Ling Xiao's protection; he was their leader.
Could Locke have reformed? He'd been silent for so long; something must be amiss. He wondered what kind of evil scheme Locke was plotting this time. He didn't believe Locke would forgive him; he'd be more inclined to believe pigs could fly.
He remembered the last time Locke sought revenge, Ling Xiao had painstakingly designed magical traps and mechanical snares. For someone without brains, a little wisdom was all it took to easily subdue the enemy; why waste energy?
Locke had suffered greatly in the organization, and the hatred that ran deep in his bones couldn't be easily erased.
Sitting in the restaurant, absent-minded and lost in thought, Ling Xiao looked out the window at the bustling traffic and the constant hawking of vendors. His eyes gleamed with a wicked light as he watched the attractive women passing by, a smile playing on his lips. He especially favored the women's breasts and buttocks, which was why he preferred window seats in restaurants.
"Big brother, something terrible has happened! According to intelligence, Niya has been taken to the city lord's mansion!"
Suddenly, a boy about Ling Xiao's age rushed in, shouting.
Ling Xiao was startled, a look of confusion flashing in his eyes. He sat up straight and asked, "Dead Cat, don't panic, tell me slowly, what exactly happened?"
"Not long ago, I was playing on the west side of town when I heard someone say that a group of soldiers went to your place. I inquired and found out they took Niya to the city lord's mansion,"
Dead Cat said urgently, panting heavily.
Ling Xiao's expression shifted between anger and uncertainty. Damn Locke, how dare he lay a hand on Nia! He clenched his fist, several thoughts flashing through his mind.
What was their purpose? Was it him, or...? Nia was a high-level mage; there were only three in the entire town. In a direct confrontation, no one in the town could defeat her. Locke and his son were birds of a feather, especially Locke's father, who had always coveted Nia's beauty but hadn't had the chance to act. He was a very cunning man.
Ling Xiao worried that Nia would be tricked and fall into the enemy's trap. A sense of unease crept into his heart. This world fears not the righteous, but the treacherous and vicious.
"You all stay here,"
Ling Xiao said, quickly leaving the restaurant, his anxiety palpable.
The city lord's mansion was luxuriously built, occupying a vast area, in the best location in town. Locke's father had amassed a fortune through plunder and extortion.
"Sir, Nia has been summoned,"
a guard reported respectfully, bowing low.
"Go down, tell her to wait a moment, I'll be right there."
The man, short and with a face full of fat, had a lewd glint in his eyes, clearly plotting something.
"Locke, once I've dealt with Niya, Ling Xiao will be at your mercy,"
Locke's father said excitedly to Locke.
When Niya arrived in town, he was stunned by her stunning beauty. He had never seen such a mature and noble woman, alluring and beautiful, yet exuding a coldness that kept everyone at arm's length. Her appearance was enough to drive any man mad.
He had tried to flirt with her, wanting to possess her, but each time he returned empty-handed. Niya was a high-level mage, on par with him; they were evenly matched, and he couldn't do anything to her. For years, he had dreamt of giving Niya a good beating, but the opportunity had never come.
Chapter 10: Niya Falls into the Trap
"Hehe, Father, today you can have your wish fulfilled. Don't forget the benefits you promised me."
Locke reminded him with a sly smile. Without his advice, getting Niya would have been a pipe dream. For so many years, Ling Xiao hadn't been bullied because he was lucky enough to be taken in by Niya.
"This brat has actually learned to bargain with his old man."
Locke's father said with displeasure, "After this is done, I'll help you propose to the Lian Yue family."
"Proceed according to plan."
He gave a few more instructions before leaving.
"Hmph, Ling Xiao, I will repay your insults tenfold, including your family. This is the price you pay for angering me."
Locke gritted his teeth, a venomous glint in his eyes. The thought of soon getting revenge on Ling Xiao 　　filled him with a surge of exhilaration.
"Ah, the great beauty Niya has come in person! I haven't had a chance to greet you properly, my apologies!" Locke's father, captivated by Niya's beauty, greeted her with a forced smile. 　　"Not at all, how could I, a mere woman, dare to trouble the City Lord?" 　　Niya replied indifferently, her brows furrowing slightly. 　　"You're too kind," Locke's father said, his lustful gaze sweeping over Niya. Her elegant white dress accentuated her graceful figure, her curves radiating allure. Her face was unadorned, like a black lotus blooming in the wind, seemingly bursting forth from her clothes, making them bulge. 　　"It's an honor to have such a beauty as you visit me; it makes my humble abode shine with glory," he said, 　　swallowing hard and flatteringly praising her. 　　"Enough with the small talk, where's Ling Xiao?" 　　Niya was filled with disgust. She rarely went out, and she was especially cold to the town's lord, who had repeatedly harassed her, driving her to distraction. She had been enjoying the scenery when a friendly peasant woman came to tell her that Ling Xiao had been arrested and taken to the lord's mansion. Immediately afterward, soldiers came to summon her, saying that Ling Xiao had assaulted Locke and was imprisoned awaiting punishment. 　　"Him..." 　　Right now she was all serious, like a fierce woman, but wait until she begged him for mercy. Thinking of Niya's impending outburst, Locke's father trembled involuntarily. He said sternly, "I'm sorry, Niya, Ling Xiao is lawless and injures people arbitrarily, seriously injuring my son. I have imprisoned him." Niya frowned slightly 　　, her anger barely concealed. "Ling Xiao would never injure people arbitrarily. The cause and course of events haven't been investigated properly; how can you arrest someone so easily?" 　　Locke was no good to begin with, let alone a mid-level mage; how could he possibly be beaten by Ling Xiao? 　　"How could it be false that my son was seriously injured? Or have I wronged that brat?" 　　Locke's father said sternly, adopting an official tone. "I want to see Locke's injuries." 　　After a moment's hesitation, Niya said calmly. *That brat, always causing me trouble. He'll be sorry when we get back.* She was furious, but her worry grew stronger. The other party's story sounded plausible, and she felt it was unlikely. 　　"Someone, bring the young master out." 　　Having anticipated Niya's question, a smile flickered across her lips as she ordered the servants. 　　"Father, you must avenge me! I was beaten so badly by Ling Xiao… You must avenge me!" 　　A mournful cry came from outside the door. 　　Locke was carried in, sitting in a chair. His once handsome face was now a gruesome sight; his cheeks were swollen, bluish-purple, clearly the result of a brutal beating. His mouth was slightly crooked, one arm was bandaged and wrapped with ribbons, presumably broken, and his legs dangled. 　　Seeing Locke carried in, Niya found it both amusing and shocking. Had Ling Xiao really beaten him? Ling Xiao was only a novice mage, but the scene before her made it impossible for her to believe. 　　"See? My son's been beaten like this, it can't be fake," 　　Locke's father said, feigning anger. 　　"Aunt Niya, you must do me justice!" 　　Locke interjected, his eyes fixed on Niya's face, marveling at her beauty—a stunning woman. 　　Niya ignored them, saying to herself, "I want to see Ling Xiao." 　　She felt a surge of disgust at the father and son's lecherous gazes. 　　“Since Miss Niya wishes to see Ling Xiao…” 　　Locke’s father paused, observing Niya’s expression, and said, “Someone, go to the prison and bring Ling Xiao here.” 　　“Also, take the young master inside to rest. 　　” “Yes, sir,” a guard replied. 　　“Miss Niya, please wait a moment. Someone bring tea.” 　　The two sat down, and Locke’s father gave the order. 　　Fragrant tea steamed, its aroma refreshing and invigorating, with leaves floating like drifting clouds. 　　Niya held the teacup but didn’t drink, frowning slightly before placing it on the tea table. 　　Locke’s father smiled at Niya’s behavior, took a sip, and said, “Why aren’t you drinking tea? This is top-grade tea that I bought at great expense; it wasn’t easy to obtain. Are you afraid I’ll poison the tea, Miss Niya?” 　　“I’m not thirsty, and I don’t have a habit of drinking tea,” 　　Niya said softly, her expression clearly indicating that this was indeed the case. She was genuinely afraid Locke’s father might poison the tea, hence her precautions. 　　The misty steam still emitted an intoxicating fragrance, indicating the water temperature was quite high. Neither of them spoke, but Locke's father frequently glanced at Niya with a lewd expression. 　　"Tsk tsk, Miss Niya, your figure is truly exquisite," 　　Locke's father said after a moment of silence, his lewdness swelling. 　　"Lord City Lord, please show some respect," 　　Niya said coldly, her pretty face turning cold. 　　"Hehe, little beauty, don't pretend with me. You're all alone, very well. Let your brother help you," 　　Locke's father laughed lewdly, rising to pounce on Niya like a hungry tiger. 　　Niya's face frosted over, her pretty face filled with anger. She quickly retreated, dodging Locke's father, and said menacingly, "Insolence! Do you really think you can beat me?" 　　Unexpectedly, this happened. A sense of unease crept into Niya's heart. What did he rely on? Did he really think he was her match? 　　"Hehe, little girl, don't be nervous. You'll be begging your brother in a minute, and then he'll make you feel like you're in heaven, hahaha." 　　Locke's father laughed without restraint. "You'll see if I can beat you." 　　Locke's father's vulgar words made Nia feel ashamed and indignant. She dared to come alone because she wasn't worried about her safety at all, because she had someone to rely on. No one in the small Tianyuan Town could do anything to her. 　　"What did you do?" 　　Nia was shocked. She was circulating magical elements in her body, but she didn't expect that the magical power in her body was flowing out, and she couldn't help but panic. Moreover, she felt restless in her body and her whole body was hot. 　　"Haha, it's best not to circulate your energy, otherwise the magical elements in your body will flow out even faster." 　　Locke's father scrutinized Nia like he was looking at prey, as if everything was under his control. "Is your body feeling more and more uncomfortable?" 　　He liked the feeling of being in control. No matter how strong a mouse is, it is still no match for a cat. "Despicable, I must kill you." 　　Nia felt a heat in her body, as if countless ants were biting her all over. She had been very cautious, but she still fell for the Locke father and son's scheme. It seemed this was a setup against her, and she was filled with panic. Her greatest support was about to be lost; who could she rely on now? 　　"Haha, I'm going to take you down right now."

A face full of fat, radiating a grotesque ugliness: "Guards, seize her!"
A squad of soldiers rushed into the house and surrounded Niya, about a dozen of them. Niya calmed down; the magical elements within her body were disappearing faster and faster. It seemed she had to end the battle quickly, or the situation would become even more unfavorable.
"Azure Sea Annihilation!"
Niya drew upon the magical power within her body and unleashed her most powerful water spell. The dense water element was incredibly potent, and Niya exuded a dangerous aura. A wave of water elemental energy surged outwards, and one could clearly feel Niya's aura instantly become incredibly powerful.
The guards, swords in hand, rushed forward. Just then, a turquoise wave appeared in the air, like a ribbon, encircling everyone. The wave radiated powerful magical energy, inspiring fear. Swish! The water magic that appeared quickly enveloped everyone. Before the guards could react, they were swept into the wave, torn apart by the water, utterly powerless to resist.
Locke's father was shocked. He hadn't expected Nia to be so powerful even after taking the drug he'd given her, even stronger than before. He sensed something was wrong when Nia unleashed the Azure Sea Strike and quickly retreated, activating "Guardian of Light" as a precaution.
Azure Sea Strike lived up to its reputation as Nia's strongest attack. Even with her rapidly depleting magical power, she could still barely use it. All the guards who entered were instantly engulfed by the waves and killed. The ground was littered with their corpses, resembling a slaughterhouse.
"You're not a high-level mage?"
Locke's father's face darkened. His Guardian of Light had shattered under the power of Azure Sea Strike. A spell cast by someone of the same level couldn't possibly break his Guardian of Light unless the caster was higher level. Given Nia's strength even after being drugged, Locke's father was certain she was not a high-level mage. His heart pounded, and his palms sweated.
Chapter 11: Saving Niya
"Hmph."
Niya's body heaved, her face pale, clearly from overusing her magic. She was indeed more than just a high-level mage; she had intended to use the Azure Sea Annihilation Technique to kill everyone, but her magic power was insufficient, preventing her from performing at her usual level, which allowed Locke's father to escape.
"You bitch, I almost got myself killed by you! You
won't listen to reason, so here comes the punishment!" Locke's father revealed a sinister expression, baring his teeth as he looked at Niya. He felt a wave of fear; he absolutely couldn't let her leave, otherwise…
"Let's see what you can use to fight me now. Are you feeling increasingly unwell?"
Locke's father grumbled, seeing Niya's flushed face and trembling legs, he knew the aphrodisiac was taking effect. This was an aphrodisiac he had bought at great expense; even the most virtuous woman would become wanton. He had gone to great lengths to get Niya.
Nia felt a burning heat throughout her body, her face flushed, and she felt incredibly uncomfortable. Even her breathing became labored and labored. The unconscious rubbing between her legs intensified her shame and rage. She gritted her teeth, trying to regain her senses. The thought of falling into the hands of this scum filled her with terror. Her limp body trembled uncontrollably. Her magical power was scarce, leaving her utterly defenseless. The terrifying sensation kept assaulting her body, a mixture of discomfort and desire.
"Heh heh."
Locke's father watched with satisfaction as Nia's lustful expression, slowly walking towards her. His long-held dream was about to come true. This exquisite woman, Nia, would finally fall at his feet and be conquered. With an evil and sinister smile, he made a crude gesture towards Nia.
The Locke father and son were undeniably cunning. Having prior knowledge of Ling Xiao's movements, they tricked him into bringing Niya to the Locke residence while he was away, exploiting Niya's feelings for him. To further convince Niya, they bribed a middle-aged woman who was on good terms with her. Once Niya believed them and arrived at the Locke residence, the father and son, anticipating her suspicion, had secretly added a volatile pill to her tea, which dissipated through the fragrant steam. Through this elaborate scheme, Niya was drawn into this wicked trap.
"Halt! The City Lord's mansion is not a place for you to trespass!"
Several guards blocked Ling Xiao's path, ordered by the Locke father and son not to allow anyone in.
"Get out of my way!"
Ling Xiao roared, his face dark, shaking off the soldiers blocking his path. He was frantic; the Locke father and son couldn't simply invite Niya; they must have a conspiracy. If it was as he suspected, Niya's situation was extremely precarious. He was burning with anxiety and wouldn't waste time talking to them; every second wasted increased Niya's danger.
"How dare you! Arrest him!"
a leading soldier roared. "You lowly commoner, don't you know where you are?"
He couldn't believe a mere civilian dared to challenge them; they were courting death.
A group of soldiers charged towards Ling Xiao, weapons in hand. Ling Xiao looked at the approaching soldiers with disdain; they were all useless, rarely trained
, utterly ineffective. A smile played on his lips as he swiftly sped away. Ling Xiao unleashed a powerful palm strike and a flying side kick, his immense strength erupting from his body. He swept through the soldiers like autumn leaves, as if they were nothing. Screams of agony rose and fell. His movements were simple and effortless, seemingly casual, yet imbued with a subtle fighting spirit, something they couldn't withstand.
Along the way, wherever he went, lay people groaning in pain. Without pausing, after interrogating a servant, Ling Xiao quickly ran towards where Locke and his son were.
"Boom!"
The closed door was mercilessly blasted open by Ling Xiao's fist. Ling Xiao glared at Locke's father, his heart filled with extreme rage.
Locke's father was startled, but upon turning around and seeing it was Ling Xiao, he felt relieved and said disdainfully, "Damn it. You dare to trespass on my property? It seems you don't know the meaning of death. Well, that's fine, I'll kill you today, saving me the trouble of making a trip."
Inside the room, a pale blue light enveloped Niya, emanating from the necklace she wore. The flowing water curtain dimmed considerably, on the verge of shattering. Niya struggled to maintain it, relying entirely on the Water God's Protection emanating from the necklace for protection. This was a defensive magic necklace; as long as she channeled magic power into it, she could be protected.
Seeing the Water God's Protection about to crumble, Niya was disheartened. Thinking of the thief, she resolutely decided to end her life. Unexpectedly, Ling Xiao entered at that moment, and her taut nerves snapped instantly. The water curtain shattered, and Niya's body swayed precariously.
Ling Xiao darted forward, creating a gust of wind, and pulled Niya's delicate body into his arms, his eyes filled with concern. Niya relaxed, her body suddenly writhing, her eyes gleaming with a captivating allure. She greedily inhaled Ling Xiao's masculine scent, her face flushed. She instinctively rubbed her body against his.
"It's alright, I'm here,"
Ling Xiao said, gently stroking Niya's soft back. He was relieved to have arrived in time; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable. The thought of Locke and his son fueled his anger. He was a man of principle; once angered, he would erupt like a flood, uncontrollable. Niya was his Achilles' heel.
"I will make you regret ever being born."
Raising his head, Ling Xiao coldly stared at Locke's father, exuding an aura of dominance, looking down at him with disdain.
"Hahaha, you lowly commoner, what arrogance! Today I'll send you to your death."
Locke's father was furious. His eagle-like eyes suddenly flashed with cruelty. He didn't take Ling Xiao seriously at all. With his rank as a high-level mage, killing Ling Xiao was as easy as killing a chicken. He had thought that Niya would be a piece of cake, but so many unexpected events had occurred. Just when he was about to break through the Water God's protection, another obstacle appeared. He was furious and knew he had to finish the battle quickly to avoid any further complications.
"Explode the Glass."
Locke's father waved his hand lightly, and the light element quickly condensed, forming a sphere of holy light. The dazzling light exuded a dangerous aura, and from the air, one could see the light inside the house constantly gathering. Daytime was the peak and most active period for the light element, which was a great advantage for those who cultivated light magic.
"Be careful."
Niya cried out in fear. With Ling Xiao's cultivation level, it was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. She couldn't help but turn pale. How could a mere novice mage fight against a mage two levels higher than her?
"Don't worry, your man can handle this."
Looking at Nia's helpless and weak state, Ling Xiao felt a surge of tenderness and instinctively saw her as a vulnerable woman in need of protection.
"Blazing Strike!"
A blazing flame rapidly formed in the air, powerful fire elements shimmering with crimson light. Ling Xiao unleashed a fire spell; judging from the fireball's aura, it was clearly less powerful than Explosive Glass, but it subtly suppressed Locke's father's magic.
The two powerful spells exuded a terrifying aura. The blazing flames and dazzling light intertwined, then collided, unleashing a destructive shockwave. The incomparably powerful magical elements raged, churning the surrounding space like demons.
"Boom!" Furniture and chairs were instantly crushed to dust by the immense magical power. Locke's father was terrified, but Ling Xiao, prepared, cast a protective spell on himself.
"Yes, Xiao'er, take me away from here."
Just as Ling Xiao was about to continue his attack, Niya said, slightly regaining her senses. She was now burning hot, and the unbearable restlessness was becoming increasingly difficult to endure. Her eyes were glazed over; she couldn't control herself. Although she was surprised by Ling Xiao's strength, her mind was currently filled with thoughts that left her no time to think about anything else.
"I didn't expect to miscalculate. Damn it, when did he become so powerful?"
Locke's father got up in a sorry state. He never expected that Ling Xiao was so unassuming and so powerful, actually on par with him. His expression changed constantly, shock, worry, and cruelty flashing across his face. The two of them absolutely could not be allowed to live.
The small town of Tianyuan was about to be thrown into turmoil, with the imminent threat of a storm brewing.
Chapter 12: Infinite Spring Light
Ling Xiao felt burning hot all over. Niya's watery body clung tightly to him, her nimble little hands unconsciously caressing his body.
"Phew."
Reaching his lodgings, Ling Xiao could finally catch his breath. Locke's father was a mage of equal rank, and had been immersed in light magic for many years; he couldn't kill him with a single blow. Niya was also suffering from some kind of pain, and he feared she might be poisoned, so he dared not delay, lest he waste time.
During the battle with Locke's father, Ling Xiao had caught him off guard, inflicting a hidden loss. However, even in his moment of carelessness, his years of experience allowed him to quickly recover. Back at his lodgings, given the nature of Locke and his son, they would certainly not easily return. Even if they did, Ling Xiao had ways to deal with them, which was why he dared to return without any worries. Moreover, the terrain here was rugged and the road treacherous; reaching this place easily would take them quite some time.
Looking into Niya's beautiful, watery eyes, he couldn't help but feel a surge of desire. His lower body quickly hardened, his throat tightened, and a sudden lust rose within him, almost causing him to lose control.
Knowing it wasn't the right time, Niya's expression of both pain and pleasure calmed him. He sat by the bed, tightly embracing Niya's delicate body, holding her soft hand, and slowly channeling a magical element into her body to probe for any problems.
The magical element circulated within Niya's body, roughly assessing her current condition. Ling Xiao breathed a sigh of relief. Aside from depleted magical power, she was otherwise fine. However, he couldn't explain why Niya was in a state of extreme arousal.
As an alchemist himself, he was familiar with the uses of various medicines, but his worry had clouded his judgment, preventing him from carefully observing Niya's condition and determining what kind of poison had caused her current state.
"Aunt Niya, let me get you some water."
Ling Xiao was helpless regarding Niya's delirium; he had never seen such symptoms before, but he enjoyed Niya's current passionate and gentle state. Reassured that Niya was not in danger, he too breathed a sigh of relief.
"Mmm."
Niya let out a soft moan, her senses returning slightly at Ling Xiao's call. Finding herself tightly entwined with him, she was overcome with shame. With a strong will, she hastily pulled away from Ling Xiao's embrace, feeling a profound emptiness and a deep longing within her. Her body throbbed with desire, her consciousness growing increasingly blurred.
"Xiao'er, I've been drugged... with an aphrodisiac. You must leave immediately,"
Niya said with difficulty, her face ashen, her eyes filled with fear, as if worried about something. But under the influence of the aphrodisiac, her body involuntarily writhed, filling her with unbearable shame and rage.
"Ah!"
Ling Xiao was shocked, staring blankly at Niya, his heart churning. He never imagined Niya would be drugged. He had only occasionally heard of such a drug; it was extremely difficult to concoct, requiring a unique formula, and even alchemists disdained to refine it. Therefore, Ling Xiao knew very little about it and hadn't noticed it until now.
Secretly delighted yet somewhat bewildered, he observed Niya's expression. The aphrodisiac seemed potent; otherwise, someone of her high-level magician level wouldn't be in such a state. Upon learning that Ling Xiao had been drugged, he felt a mixture of excitement and inexplicable fear, as if anticipating something.
Amused, Ling Xiao poured Niya a glass of water and handed it to her. Niya reacted like a frightened rabbit, desperately suppressing her inner turmoil. But the more she suppressed it, the stronger it surged, clouding her senses.
"No...no..."
Niya uttered seductive cries, resisting Ling Xiao's approach. Each rejection carried a magical power; the man's closeness further blurred her mind, and the restlessness within her surged like waves.
Ling Xiao handed the water glass to Niya, who clung to him like a vine. Inhaling his distinctive scent, Niya became uncontrollably aroused, her small mouth licking him haphazardly, her hands instinctively gripping Ling Xiao's body, her alluring lips emitting seductive moans. She yearned; the wildfire within her made her lose her senses.
Ling Xiao had never seen the noble and dignified Niya so bold, excited, her mouth dry, her eyes instantly ignited with desire. Suddenly, he tightly embraced Niya's delicate body, lying down on the bed. Her captivating allure and bold provocation undoubtedly touched the deepest desires within Ling Xiao. Even a fool would know what to do; he was a normal man, with a beauty in his arms, he couldn't control himself, nor did he need to.
Niya, clearly inexperienced, acted only on her body's instincts, utterly clueless about matters between men and women. Her soft, slender hands tugged at Ling Xiao's clothes, licking him haphazardly. Her soft, delicate body, like a water snake, rubbed and twisted against Ling Xiao's body.
Ling Xiao was aroused by Niya's lustful appearance, her lower body rubbing against his manhood. Even through her clothes, he could feel the wetness. Although he hadn't actually penetrated her, it almost made him ejaculate.
He kissed her glistening flesh fiercely, savoring her beauty. His tongue explored Niya's untouched virginity, searching for her smooth tongue.
So slippery, so soft, so incredibly tender, it instantly entwined with Niya's tongue. Niya, spurred by the aphrodisiac, responded awkwardly, their tongues swirling together, exploring with fascination.
Not content with this, Ling Xiao tore at Niya's clothes, revealing large expanses of her voluptuous white flesh, radiating a captivating glow.
His clothes were completely removed, his manhood erect, he breathed heavily, his eyes fixed on Niya's beautiful body with adoration.
Niya, now only wearing a blouse, was practically exposed to Ling Xiao's eyes. Her skin gleamed like jade, and to the touch felt like silk, exuding an astonishing elasticity. Her waist was like a willow branch, her exquisite figure curvaceous and alluring. Her devilish figure, combined with Niya's noble and dignified demeanor, possessed a captivating charm that was utterly irresistible.
Ling Xiao caressed every inch of Niya's body, and Niya was already caught in a frenzied desire. Under the torment of the aphrodisiac, she had lost all sense of self; her usual reserve and nobility had transformed into a seductive allure. His hands moved down her lower abdomen, until a protruding area appeared beside Ling Xiao's hands. He rubbed Niya's smooth, tender root, feeling the warmth on his hands. Not satisfied with this, his hands trembled as he moved towards that mysterious place.
With the last barrier removed, Ling Xiao easily touched the sacred place he had longed for. The warm breath filled him, and the exhilarated Ling Xiao could hardly resist, his emotions surging.
"Tear."
The last restraints were ripped away by Ling Xiao without mercy. Infinite allure was displayed before his eyes without any concealment. Pure white as jade, shimmering with a hazy halo like ivory.
A flawless white body was presented before him, its exquisite curves miraculously outlining Niya's unique beauty—tranquil, alluring, and dignified, all displayed on her.
Thirteenth Breakthrough. "Ugh."
Niya sensed danger, her mind instantly regaining clarity. Her star-like eyes met Ling Xiao's, and fear gripped her heart.
"Ah, get out!"
Niya's face, though outwardly fierce, turned frosty, her eyes hiding fear and worry. She reprimanded Ling Xiao mercilessly, desperately trying to stay awake, as if she could foresee the terrible consequences.
Ling Xiao, at a crucial moment, was caught off guard by Niya's sudden reprimand. A bucket of cold water was poured over his head, and meeting Niya's icy, reproachful gaze, he felt terrified.
He was still terrified of Niya's imposing presence, filled with anxiety and helplessness. One hand lingered on Niya's private area, a place that made Ling Xiao completely lose control, instinctively caressing it. He felt like a ravenous ghost who hadn't eaten for days, suddenly presented with a roasted pig and told not to eat it—the frustration and anger he felt was unimaginable.
"Mmm, um,"
Niya uttered instinctively, a blush rising on her jade-like cheeks, her sensitive body instinctively shifting.
Hearing this captivating allure and seeing her fiery body shift restlessly, Ling Xiao, not wanting to add fuel to the fire, became even more determined to possess Niya. His usual respect was genuine, but his desire to have Niya was even stronger. He knew Niya was indifferent to matters of the heart, treating him like her own child, and he had no opportunity to take advantage of her, after all, Niya was a dignified and virtuous woman. But given the chance, he would never give up, as if this thought had long been buried deep in his heart.
Now was the perfect opportunity. If he missed it, he would never have her again. He wasn't about to give up so easily. He didn't want to leave Niya; he wanted her by his side forever, to feel her care, the peace she gave him, to eat her cooking, and to admire her beauty and charm.
"No, Ling Xiao."
"You absolutely can't do this."
"Otherwise, I'll hate you for the rest of my life."
Niya said resolutely, her eyes filled with determination. She sensed Ling Xiao's intense possessiveness. She was afraid; her beautiful eyes were filled with cold frost, but behind that frost lay boundless passion.
Ling Xiao could feel Niya's resolve, but he wouldn't regret it. He'd take the plunge first and pay later, confident he could make Niya accept him. Actually, he had a way to neutralize the aphrodisiac's effects on Niya, but he wouldn't do it. Opportunities were something he had to seize and create himself.
"Ah."
Niya was lost in a state of bliss again. Ling Xiao continued to explore the mysteries of her body, developing a delicate form never before touched by any man.
He ripped open Niya's undergarment, revealing a pair of trembling breasts standing erect in the air, radiating a breathtaking visual impact.
What made Ling Xiao unbearable, and what truly stirred his heart, was a mysterious pattern on Niya's chest. The pattern resembled the moon in the sky, but with strands of black entwined around it, giving it an indescribably eerie feel. A strange tattoo paired with her body instantly ignited the ambiguous atmosphere between them. ...
"Ah..."
A cry of pain mixed with pleasure escaped Niya's lips as she tightly embraced Ling Xiao. The pain of losing her virginity made her brow furrow, and her pearly teeth bit down hard on Ling Xiao's shoulder. As the pain slightly restored her senses, tears welled in Niya's eyes.
Then, a series of high-pitched moans filled the room as their bodies intertwined. Ling Xiao, experiencing the pleasures of love for the first time, was filled with unbridled joy, his vigor growing with each thrust. Petals bloomed on the clean white sheets.
Under the influence of the aphrodisiac, Niya was unrestrained, releasing her fiery passion. Her slender waist coiled around Ling Xiao's body like an octopus, and bold moans escaped her lips as her beautiful body actively responded to Ling Xiao's advances.
After Ling Xiao entered Niya's body, a faint black aura flowed within her. This dark aura slowly moved along the point where the two met, and upon entering Ling Xiao's body, the dark power instantly surged towards his heart, settling there. The black power occupying his heart slowly converged from Niya's body, the faint energy containing a vast aura, repelling all other magical elements.
The moon pattern on Niya's chest appeared even more eerie; the originally dark blue moon now contained a strange, faint light, flowing with a glassy luster, as if liquid was flowing within it.
Just then, a blue moon, identical to Niya's, formed on Ling Xiao's chest. The blue moon flickered, reflecting an eerie light. However, the moon on Ling Xiao's chest differed from Niya's; faint, mysterious black totems flowed around his heart.
In the vast sky, eagles soared, white clouds drifted, and a gentle breeze stirred.
A dark cloud began to rise in the bright sky, obscuring the sun, and a strange aura enveloped the earth, creating an indescribable desolation.
"My lord, the magic circle has activated; it senses that aura."
"Investigate! Bring her back to me immediately, or you won't be coming back."
The chilling voice sent shivers down one's spine.
Beneath the quiet starry sky, the stars shone brightly, a gentle breeze rustled through the bamboo forest, and a stream gurgled softly.
The night was deep, and Ling Xiao remained quietly in Niya's room, the flickering candlelight casting an unsteady glow. He sat blankly in his chair, his eyes vacant as he stared at a letter in his hand.
"Why, why did you leave me? What did I do wrong?"
Ling Xiao roared suddenly, a beast-like howl erupting from his lips, his face a mask of conflicting emotions.
Niya had left Tianyuan Town, her whereabouts unknown, leaving behind a letter. The letter stated that she would never return, that she was far away from this place, and that Ling Xiao should never look for her again.
"Huff."
Ling Xiao exhaled a sigh, inhaling the lingering scent of Niya's unique femininity in the room. He didn't regret his actions; his only regret was that he hadn't expected Niya to leave. In this vast sea of people, if Niya truly wanted to escape him, they might be separated forever.
"No matter where you go, I will find you. Once my woman, always my woman,"
Ling Xiao declared resolutely, his expression cold and stern. He probably didn't even realize how strong his possessiveness was. Sitting cross-legged, Ling Xiao embraced Yuan Yi, entering a meditative state. His breathing was steady, his energy channels were smooth, and he felt the power within his body. After enjoying intimate moments with Niya, Ling Xiao felt something different in his body. The magical elements within him were more active, and even his usual walking routes had slightly changed. Just in case, Ling Xiao had to investigate.
The magical elements within his body were incredibly dense, especially the fire element, which was abundant to a level Ling Xiao had never dared to imagine. The powerful magical energy circulated endlessly within his body at an exceptionally fast speed, and external elements rapidly entered through his body. Under Ling Xiao's meditation, a vast amount of powerful fire element energy accumulated within his body. He
had actually broken through without even realizing it! Ling Xiao was extremely excited. He had been stuck at the advanced mage stage, but he had actually broken through. It was like a dream come true, something he simply couldn't believe.
Chapter 14: Riot
Suppressing his excitement, Ling Xiao entered a deeper state of meditation. Only through continuous meditation, altering his consciousness, and resonating with the elements of the outside world could he break through the shackles of his original magical power.
The magical elements within his seven meridians and eight channels flowed like surging waves. Ling Xiao guarded his mind, not daring to be careless. Having just broken through to the advanced mage realm, his state was still unstable. The magical elements flowing through his body were restless and agitated. To calm these little creatures, he guided the elements within his body, directing the little sprites home.
Under Ling Xiao's constant guidance, the transformed magical elements gradually calmed down, flowing along specific routes. At this moment, the elements in space resonated with the call of the elements within Ling Xiao's body, like a magnet, continuously being drawn into his body and combining with the ever-flowing elements.
Because he had just broken through and advanced to the ranks of Grand Mages, the magical elements within his body had undergone a qualitative change. It's like a cup with the same volume that used to hold one pound of sand, but now it can hold two pounds. This is because the size of the sand hasn't changed, but its density has. Similarly, Ling Xiao's magical elements, now transformed, are insufficient. External elements are summoned and naturally flock to replenish his magical elements. Thus, his magical power is naturally more abundant and powerful than before. "
What is this?" Ling Xiao wondered, discovering a ball of pale black energy in his chest. Although small, the energy contained an unusually powerful force. "What a strange power!" Ling Xiao tried to use the pale blue energy, but his bare hands failed to elicit any response. The pale blue energy remained lifelessly entrenched in his chest, repelling even other energies.
This strange energy had never existed within him before; it seemed to have appeared only after his intimate encounter with Niya, Ling Xiao recalled, a chill creeping down his spine. Could something be wrong? He stared at it with the curiosity of a curious child. Could it be a power unknown to the world, or perhaps… dark elemental energy… Ah… no way… Ling Xiao's eyes widened at his own guess, his heart churning with turmoil. Dark magic… dark magic? He couldn't have somehow mastered dark magic without a teacher! That would make him an enemy of the continent, considered a heretic, a foe the Church of Light would want to eliminate at all costs.
Ling Xiao felt a chill, but it was only a startled reaction. After all, dark magic was considered an evil force, the embodiment of the devil, unacceptable to the world. He wouldn't believe such nonsense; he genuinely hoped that the black energy was dark magic.
However, that was impossible. Although the power was pale black, it lacked the fluctuations of dark elements and wasn't one of the seven elements permeating the space. It remained deathly still in the heart area, a strange black power swirling there as if taking root.
Unable to figure out what it was, he dared not rashly attack the black energy. Seeing that it seemed harmless, he figured there shouldn't be any problem. Perhaps it was some unknown, powerful force—wouldn't that be incredible? So Ling Xiao decided to ignore it. His
magical power flowed slowly along the cultivation path, nourishing his meridians, bringing indescribable comfort. He was immersed in a special state, feeling a sense of invincibility, a feeling of "the world is in my hands, who dares to stand in my way?"
Although not a genius, advancing to the ranks of Grand Magus at the age of sixteen was unprecedented. This pride and ability were enough to make him proud in Tianyuan Town. He knew nothing about the powerful figures in the outside world.
Just as Ling Xiao was methodically circulating his magical power, suddenly the magical power within his body began to surge uncontrollably, like a wild horse broken free. Unrestrained magical power surged through his body, causing Ling Xiao to feel his flesh creak and crack. The magical energy grew increasingly violent, relentlessly assaulting his vital organs. The pain was excruciating, like being slashed open with a knife, the blade sliding across the wound repeatedly.
Had he gone mad? Ling Xiao had never experienced anything like this before. Panic gripped his heart as he desperately tried to calm the restless energy within him.
Endless pain tormented Ling Xiao's meridians, as if his entire body were about to fall apart. His meridians swelled, revealing grotesque, terrifying lines. He was in grave danger; one wrong move and he could be doomed. Struggling to endure the pain, Ling Xiao tried his best to steady his mind.
His consciousness sank into a chaotic, blurred state. What should he do? His body had reached its breaking point, yet the raging magical power continued its rampage, sweeping across his entire body like a tornado.
He was at a loss, encountering such a situation for the first time. Could it be caused by that black energy? But the strange black energy remained motionless, obediently staying in place. What had gone wrong?
There are many reasons for elemental disturbances: impacts from external forces, elemental repulsion, attraction from external elements, etc., all of which can cause the body's magical power to surge. If this happens and isn't dealt with promptly, one will suffer a magical backlash, exploding and dying.
However, mages rarely encounter such situations. They are very cautious in their cultivation, never arbitrarily manipulating their magical power. They guide it daily through meditation, making it an integral part of their bodies.
Just as he felt his body about to explode, the raging power growing stronger, a peculiar energy suddenly entered various parts of his body along the violent airflow. This gentle energy seemed to possess a magical charm; the restless energy, upon encountering it, all became exceptionally docile. He was like someone who hadn't drunk water for over ten days in the desert, suddenly given a spring of clear water—undoubtedly a lifesaver, relieving his immediate crisis.
It felt so good, so incredibly good. The gentle energy, like Nia's delicate body, soothed the restlessness within him. It came suddenly, appearing out of nowhere, as if it had always been there.
As the strange energy increased, his strength subsided, continuing its course along his body's pathways, like a river flowing into the sea and converging into his dantian.
Ling Xiao was overjoyed, but secretly relieved. The strange, gentle energy hadn't entered his dantian; instead, it slowly rose and entered the Niwan Palace on his forehead. The Niwan Palace was the seat of the spirit, connected to the body's major parts. A slight mishap could lead to mental derangement and even death by explosion. However, strangely, the strange energy remained still after entering the Niwan Palace, as if it had sunk without a trace. He
breathed a sigh of relief; Ling Xiao was drenched in sweat. Opening his eyes, he saw that dawn was breaking. Thank goodness nothing bad had happened; otherwise, this newly advanced mage would have become the unluckiest person in history. Once bitten, twice shy, he still felt a chill. Since the old man left, he hadn't returned, and he couldn't find a single professional to consult on magical matters.
Sighing inwardly, the old man was gone, and Niya was gone too.
He wondered when they would meet again. He murmured to himself, "In this vast sea of people, fate is hard to find. Who knows, who cares when my heart is cold?" He stared blankly at his right hand, wondering where the bracelet had gone. He had always worn a peculiar, metallic bracelet on his right hand, which he had found in the ruined temple. Since wearing it, Ling Xiao had tried countless ways to remove it, but all to no avail. Now, the bracelet had suddenly disappeared, which he found strange.
Thinking back, the bracelet had mysteriously disappeared after his passionate encounter with Niya. Strange, how could it disappear so inexplicably? Could it have entered his arm? A sudden thought struck Ling Xiao as he felt his right arm.
Nothing unusual. He channeled his magic power into his arm, trying to find if the bracelet had merged into his arm. He had heard that some mysterious magical weapons on the Divine Wind Continent could recognize their masters, and these artifacts possessed mysterious... The power of the bracelet could merge with its owner's body. This idea sparked Ling Xiao's thought, especially since he had found it in a mysterious temple, further solidifying his belief.
After searching unsuccessfully, he sighed in disappointment. Had he misunderstood? But how could the bracelet be missing…?
Just as Ling Xiao was pondering this, a sudden tremor ran through his Niwan Palace, startling him.
The gentle energy hidden within his Niwan Palace flowed uncontrollably towards his right arm. This was happening again! Ling Xiao was truly terrified. Another surge of magical energy was something he couldn't withstand; the thought of it still filled him with dread. The docile, strange energy lingered on his wrist, vibrating slightly, as if about to break free. Suddenly, his right arm shone brightly, the soft golden light vanishing instantly. Ling Xiao stared at his arm, utterly bewildered, speechless with astonishment.
Chapter 15: Cultivation Technique
How could this be? A magical metal bracelet quietly appeared on Ling Xiao's arm. The bracelet gleamed with a metallic sheen, giving off a strangely gentle feeling. Most remarkably, the bracelet was shaped like an animal—a snake, a cute little golden snake. Its body was coiled in a circle, its small head tightly biting its tail, head to tail. The
exquisitely crafted, golden snake exuded an ancient and weathered feel, its lifelike form captivating the eye and inspiring awe.
It had actually appeared! Ling Xiao's heart surged with emotions beyond words. The magical bracelet could appear and disappear at will under Ling Xiao's consciousness, possessing a real, visceral connection. " A treasure!
I've struck gold! It truly is a legendary artifact!" Ling Xiao beamed, then quickly wondered if this magical bracelet was a storage bracelet, a magic bracelet, or something else entirely.
With a thought, to find out more, Ling Xiao's consciousness probed... Inside the bracelet, he tried to understand its function. Suddenly, a rebounding force sent Ling Xiao's consciousness flying. His head throbbed with a needle-like pain. He hadn't expected it to be sealed. His brows furrowed; how could he break it? A sealed storage bracelet was troublesome. Luckily, it wasn't a forbidden spell or anything like that, or he would be dead. Once triggered, he would be doomed.
A flash of inspiration struck him. The mysterious power within his Niwan Palace (a point on his head) must be related to the bracelet. The bracelet's appearance was due to the pull of this mysterious power. Could a strange energy break the seal?
Under his control, a subtle stream of energy flowed from his Niwan Palace, slowly impacting the seal within the metal bracelet. Upon encountering the strange energy, the seal instantly crumbled. Success! Ling Xiao was overjoyed. Things were easier than he had imagined, requiring no effort at all. It seemed the key to breaking the seal indeed lay in the mysterious power.
"Ha...ha...ha...I'm finally out!" A wild
, maniacal laugh erupted from within the shattered seal, echoing in all directions. The unrestrained laughter, like a tiger unleashed from its
cage, was deafening and filled with indescribable excitement. Ling Xiao was instantly thrown to the ground by the powerful laugh, his inner strength dissipated. Terrified, he spat out a mouthful of blood. What was that? He clearly felt an immense power, almost crushing him to pieces. Its mere aura was so strong; if it were to unleash its full power, it would overturn rivers and seas, dominating the heavens and earth.
Cold sweat poured down his back. What kind of monster was sealed within? He had been too reckless, opening the seal so casually. If it were a demon, a ferocious beast, or an evil monster, he would be dead for sure. He had been too excited, only wanting to investigate, without giving it much thought.
So powerful! This sudden turn of events caught him off guard. Suppressing his panic, he tried his best to remain calm and asked, "Who are you…?"
"Ah…haha, I'm finally free…free!"
As if ignoring Ling Xiao's question, the deep, resonant voice continued its unrestrained laughter, sweeping away the boundless frustration in its chest.
"Who are you? Show yourself!" Ling
Xiao felt a chill run down his spine, a fear of the unknown gripping him. He didn't know if the other party was a good person.
"Little friend, are you talking about me?"
A flash of white light emerged from the bracelet, the fleeting figure like a ghost.
Ling Xiao jumped back instinctively, trembling as he cried out, "Oh my god...a ghost!"
His heart pounded wildly; anyone who felt a ghost leap from their body would be terrified.
"Boy, I'm your grandfather! How dare you call me a ghost?" "
The other party roared angrily, clearly dissatisfied with Ling Xiao, and a powerful aura locked onto him.
Cold sweat dripped from his palms. Even as a Grand Mage, the pressure from the other party's aura was enough to make him breathless. How powerful was this person?
Ling Xiao pretended to be calm as he looked at the person standing in the air. The person's white hair shimmered with silver light, and his eyes flashed with sharp light, like two swords, making him intimidating. His thin face showed the ruthlessness of time, and his white clothes gave him an air of otherworldly elegance.
Although the locked aura was strong, the other party disappeared in an instant, standing calmly in the air, as if he were an ordinary old man.
A master, an absolute master, Ling Xiao concluded, and respectfully said, "Senior, this junior has no intention of offending you. May I ask your name?" He was
careful not to provoke him, and wondered if he would be easy to get along with.
"Well, just call me Foreigner." "
The foreigner said calmly, a glint of light flashing in his eyes as he stared at Ling Xiao's body.
"I wonder why you're inside the bracelet, foreigner?"
Ling Xiao felt uneasy under the foreigner's gaze, as if he were completely naked and had no secrets from him. He changed the subject and asked.
"Ahem."
The foreigner coughed awkwardly, then said calmly, "This old man was careless and accidentally triggered the temple's formation, and is now trapped inside. The one you're wearing is the Yin-Yang Ring."
The foreigner casually glossed over the matter, and Ling Xiao learned that the bracelet on his wrist was called the Yin-Yang Ring. Judging from the foreigner's expression, he could tell the other man was hiding something.
"Looks like I'm still your benefactor,"
Ling Xiao chuckled mischievously, a glint in his eye.
"Kid, don't get any funny ideas. With your meager strength, breaking the seal is a long shot,"
the foreigner said with a grin, seeing through Ling Xiao's intentions.
Caught off guard, Ling Xiao smiled awkwardly. True to his old fox nature, he asked without hesitation, "Foreigner, how long have you been inside the Yin-Yang Ring?"
The foreigner's body seemed to float lightly in the air, as if it had no physical form. Even ordinary mages and warriors couldn't remain suspended in the air for long, unless they were wind mages.
"A long time, I can't remember,"
the foreigner replied dismissively, breathing in the outside air deeply, as if it had been so long he had almost forgotten the taste of air.
"You're not planning to stay inside the bracelet any longer, are you?"
Seeing the foreigner's lack of intention to leave, Ling Xiao couldn't help but voice his doubts. He had to be constantly wary of someone he didn't know, especially a powerful old monster like him. If he accidentally angered him, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"Hmm..."
the foreigner said thoughtfully, resting his chin on his hand. "I need to stay a while longer. It's too comfortable; I'm reluctant to leave."
"What..."
Ling Xiao was shocked. The old monster wanted to stay inside the bracelet? A monster of unknown origin and identity, who could emerge at any moment—how could he trust him? He silently prayed that the foreigner wasn't a capricious person.
"No way," he said firmly. "
Kid, you think I want to live in the Yin-Yang Ring?"
The foreigner pouted and said disdainfully, "If it weren't for... um."
He almost let slip, then changed the subject: "I'm temporarily residing in the Yin-Yang Ring. Do you think you can beat me?" He
had a roguish look on his face, as if to say, "So many people fawn over me, wanting me to stay in their rooms, but I scoff at them all. I've even touched the emperor's dragon bed. Kid, you're really living a life of luxury you don't know."
Ling Xiao gritted his teeth in anger. He really dared to brag. He'd touched the dragon bed, but the dragon bed wasn't even as comfortable as his doghouse.
"Don't worry, this old man won't stay here for nothing. I can guarantee your safety."
The foreigner threw out a deal, not wanting to be biased. On someone else's turf, he had to at least offer some incentive. His cunning eyes flashed with a smile.
Ling Xiao had no choice but to accept reality. Judging by the old man's strength, he figured he'd just keep him as a bodyguard. The creed of a rogue was to accept fate if he couldn't resist; there was no loss anyway, so selling him off was fair. "You old bastard, you must have done a lot of bad things to be sealed away like this. Look at your shifty eyes, you're obviously not a good person," he thought resentfully.
"You're talking about me behind my back." A sharp gaze swept over Ling Xiao. The foreigner frowned, deep wrinkles appearing on his forehead, clearly about to explode.
"No...no...no,"
Ling Xiao hurriedly denied. How did the foreigner find out? He was a monster; he'd never admit it, even if you beat him to death. Actually, the foreigner had only slightly sensed Ling Xiao's thoughts, knowing he wasn't saying anything nice, but he didn't know the specifics.
"Tsk tsk... Good physique, decent talent... Already reached the level of a Grand Mage... and just broke through... Hehe."
The foreigner admired Ling Xiao, seeing through his abilities at a glance, his eyes filled with praise.
"Do you need to tell me..."
Hearing the foreigner's praising tone, Ling Xiao said smugly, "I'm the number one expert in Tianyuan Town."
This wasn't just boasting; Tianyuan Town truly didn't have any Grand Mages.
"Tch, back in my day, there were tons of people like you. You could kill thousands with a fart, and people would treat you like a treasure. You're just a few blades of grass."
Seeing Ling Xiao's smug words, the foreigner said with a hint of sarcasm.
"Who are you kidding?"
Ling Xiao retorted incredulously. There were very few people who practiced magic; their Tianyuan Town only had two high-level mages, which showed how difficult it was to cultivate magic and how rare mages were.
"Hmph."
The foreigner, too lazy to argue with Ling Xiao, suddenly stared at him and asked, "Do you want to become stronger?"
"Nonsense, everyone wants to become stronger."
Ling Xiao rolled his eyes at the foreigner, but his eyes held a glimmer of hope as he looked at him. Did the foreigner have a way?
"Do you know that the Supreme Dao of the World you cultivate seizes the creation of heaven and earth, possessing unpredictable abilities? Once you successfully cultivate it, you'll be comparable to a god."
The foreigner lavishly exaggerated the power of the Supreme Dao of the World. Seeing Ling Xiao's reaction, a smile appeared on his face.
"Is it really that powerful?"
Ling Xiao said, moved, clearly touched. He asked in confusion, "Wait, how come I don't know when I cultivated that... what you call the Supreme Dao of the World? What is it?"
He looked at the foreigner, completely bewildered. Didn't he know what kind of cultivation technique he had practiced?
Chapter 16: The Great Battle
"Very powerful. The incantation carved on the temple's stone wall, haven't you cultivated it?"
the foreigner reminded him.
"You mean the meridian diagrams on the stone walls of the temple?"
Ling Xiao suddenly realized. If the foreigner hadn't reminded him, he really wouldn't have remembered. That was many years ago. After discovering the ruins of the temple, there were several diagrams of human meridians and a few incantations on the stone walls. At the time, he thought they were some kind of earth-shattering martial arts cultivation techniques, and he excitedly practiced them day and night. Unexpectedly, it was all useless and ineffective. Frustrated, he forgot about them and never practiced again. As time passed, and in a fit of anger, he destroyed those diagrams. Now, there's practically no trace of them left.
"Why don't I see any results after practicing them..."
"Hmph, the 'Ultimate Dao Treatise' you're practicing isn't the complete version. It's no wonder it's ineffective. A part of it remained within the Yin-Yang Ring, but I've already destroyed it,"
the foreigner said apologetically.
"You..."
Wasn't this just making fun of him? Ling Xiao, who had originally wanted to see the whole thing, gritted his teeth in anger. Who wouldn't want a cultivation technique that could make them stronger?
The fish finally took the bait. A slight smile appeared on the foreigner's lips as he said, "Hmm... I've memorized a portion of it. If you want to learn, I can teach you."
Seeing the foreigner's smug expression, Ling Xiao gritted his teeth, wanting nothing more than to stomp on his feet. He said disdainfully, "Give it to me if you want, or don't. If you don't, forget it."
"Kid, don't blame me for not warning you. Because you've practiced the cultivation path of the Supreme Dao Talk, a wondrous energy has been generated within your body, hidden in your Niwan Palace. If you don't use it correctly, you might suffer a qi deviation if you're not careful."
The foreigner calmly dropped a bombshell, watching Ling Xiao's reaction with a slight smile.
"What..."
Ling Xiao was shocked. Having learned from his previous experience of nearly going berserk in his cultivation, he dared not be negligent.
"Please enlighten me, senior..."
He was forced to bow his head under someone else's roof; could there be some conspiracy?
"Haha, I have no use for it."
The foreigner's face was smug. He chuckled, wondering how this technique would turn out. Finally, he could find someone to try it out. The person who could create such an amazing technique was truly a prodigy. According to the records, no one had ever practiced it since its creation; Ling Xiao was undoubtedly the first. If Ling Xiao knew, he wouldn't know whether to laugh or cry.
The "Truth of the Supreme Dao" consisted of two main parts: the energy circulation route diagram and the mental cultivation theory. Ling Xiao had already practiced the energy circulation route part; the next step was the mental cultivation theory.
Under the foreigner's instruction, Ling Xiao secretly clicked his tongue in amazement. A prodigy! This technique was indeed prodigy. Was this even a technique? It felt purely like teaching others how to do things. But he liked it. No wonder the old foreigner didn't practice it. Look at his age; his manhood was probably declining. Otherwise, who wouldn't want to practice such a pleasurable technique?
"Kid, where are you looking?"
The foreigner's face was ashen. He knew exactly what Ling Xiao was thinking.
"Nothing...hehe. I'm in a really good mood today...haha...right, foreigner?"
Ling Xiao awkwardly replied.
The Daoist classics say that all things have two sides, positive and negative, yin and yang. Men and women are like yin and yang, attracting each other. The most wonderful thing in the world is the relationship between men and women. Through yin and yang, the purest and most powerful force in the world can be unleashed.
Yin and yang transform into each other, endlessly regenerating. Even the seven elements of magic, revered by people, are derived from the transformation of yin and yang, including battle qi. Humans are born from heaven and earth, receiving the essence of heaven and earth. If one can combine yin and yang within oneself, one will surpass the gods and dominate all things.
Ling Xiao was amazed by these seemingly plausible theories. What a talent! To have such ingenious ideas! He couldn't help but admire him.
From the book, Ling Xiao obtained some answers. The strange energy in his Niwan Palace on his forehead was the energy generated by the combination of yin and yang after his relationship with Niya. The stronger a woman is, the more beneficial it is for cultivating the Supreme Dao of the World, allowing her to rapidly increase her magical power. His rapid advancement to Grand Mage was largely thanks to it.
However, Ling Xiao was skeptical about whether this strange cultivation method could truly make one stronger. Where in the world could there be such a good thing as effortlessly achieving immense power? Wouldn't everyone be cultivating it?
"You lowly commoner, get out here! Today I'll skin you alive, you little beast! Niya, you stinking thing, after I'm done with you, I'll definitely sell you into a brothel!"
A shout suddenly rang out from outside. The Locke father and son roared, letting out wanton, lewd laughter.
Ling Xiao was furious. Perfect timing! They thought he was easy to bully. He slowly walked out of the bamboo house, his cold eyes scanning the Locke father and son. A group of guards quickly surrounded Ling Xiao. A middle-aged man stood beside the Locke father and son, his expression arrogant and disdainful.
Ling Xiao was taken aback. This was no ordinary person. He hadn't expected the Locke father and son to have invited a high-ranking mage. No wonder they were so confident; even so, he remained fearless. Ling Xiao could sense at a glance that the other's aura was at the same level as his own.
"Since you're here, no one will leave...alive...today."
Ling Xiao said, his face grim, each word dripping with chilling malice. The Locke father and son had crossed his line; anyone who dared to misbehave towards Niya would be met with murderous intent.
"Such arrogance! Today, let me see just how much you're worth."
The arrogant man standing beside the Locke father and son said angrily. Ling Xiao gave him the impression of a high-level mage, but his aura didn't quite match. He couldn't pinpoint what was wrong and didn't take him seriously. He didn't consider a mere high-level mage a threat.
"Boy, where's Niya?"
Locke's father, realizing he hadn't seen Niya, grew anxious and swore.
Ling Xiao's fierce light pierced Locke's father's heart.
"You little beast, what are you glaring at for? Even if you beg for mercy on your knees today, I'll tear you to pieces and feed you to the dogs!"
Locke laughed arrogantly.
"Wildfire!"
Ling Xiao was furious. He unleashed a level four fire spell towards the crowd. The powerful fire magic was terrifying; dangerous fireballs rained down on the earth, incinerating everything.
This was his true strength after becoming a Grand Mage. He didn't give his opponent a chance to react, catching them off guard and striking first with overwhelming force. The magic cast by a Grand Mage was no ordinary magic; its terrifying magical power and immense energy were enough to destroy everything. A vast and powerful fire elemental swept in.
Countless soldiers were devoured by the fire demon, not even having a chance to scream. The fire demon raged, mercilessly consuming every soldier.
"Sand Shield!"
The arrogant middle-aged man was clearly shocked that Ling Xiao would summon such a powerful spell. He hurriedly cast a similar level four spell to block the incoming fire. Locke and his son had clearly stated that their opponent only had one high-level mage, and Ling Xiao before them was indeed the high-level mage they had mentioned. Initially, they hadn't taken him seriously and were prepared to kill him, but who knew this seemingly young boy was actually a great mage?
Locke and his son were badly burned by Ling Xiao's level four magic, especially Locke, whose clothes were torn and blackened, a truly gruesome sight.
"How did you become so powerful?"
Locke's father asked with a hint of fear.
Just in case, Locke's father had hired a great mage at a high price, more than enough to deal with a high-level mage. Nia had been poisoned by him and wouldn't recover her strength for at least two days. He had initially been confident of victory, but the turn of events far exceeded his expectations. Impossible, absolutely impossible. The shock in his heart was indescribable.
Chapter 17: The Spatial Ring
"Enough nonsense, today I will surely kill you all here."
The lifeless tone seemed to come from hell.
"Mount Tai pressing down!"
The arrogant man glared angrily at the Locke father and son. He hadn't expected to face a mage of the same level. This boy absolutely couldn't be allowed to live; becoming a great mage at such a young age would be a recipe for disaster.
Ling Xiao also unleashed a fourth-level spell. The two powerful spells collided, their unparalleled aura instantly unleashing a destructive force. The Locke father and son were the first to be hit; with their strength, it was like throwing eggs against a rock, the overwhelming aura ravaging their bodies.
The two, focused on themselves, continuously cast dazzling spells. The fire magic was scorching, its powerful force repeatedly unleashed by Ling Xiao. The earth magic was heavy, its defense and attack both top-notch.
The surroundings were a mess, emitting a pungent, burnt smell, with countless craters appearing in the ground. Ling Xiao had only recently entered the ranks of great mages and was still unfamiliar with the use of fourth-level magic, giving his opponents a subtle advantage.
The powerful magical collision emitted a dazzling light, the sound of the explosion resounding throughout the heavens and earth.
"Kiss of the Earth."
The proud man diligently absorbed the earth element from heaven and earth, brewing a final, powerful earth magic attack. The two were evenly matched, neither able to gain the upper hand.
"Fire Slash."
Having reached the limit of his magical prowess, Ling Xiao prepared for his final strike. His magical elements rapidly accumulated, and fire magic from the heavens and earth surged into his body. A ruthless glint appeared on his lips.
"Fire Slash!"
"Kiss of the Earth!"
The two spells, combining their last magical power, seemed to tremble in space. Bang! A deafening explosion erupted, and Ling Xiao was mercilessly swept away by the magical wave.
Smoke billowed, dust rose, and chaotic magical elements filled the space. Both men lay on the ground, blood trickling from their mouths.
The Locke father and son, hiding in the distance, watched the two with trepidation. They didn't know who had won; it was the first time they had witnessed such a brutal battle. Their hearts were in their throats, even more shocked by Ling Xiao's dominance. "Die, kid! Die! You won't leave here alive!"
"Boy, you've been arrogant for too long. Too bad, today will be your death day."
The arrogant man struggled to his feet, looking disdainfully at Ling Xiao, who was in an even worse state than him.
"Good aptitude, good potential, but you still die by my hand. Blame it on being born too late." He turned to Locke and his son and ordered, "He's exhausted
. Go kill him." He too was now struggling, his magical elements scarce. Encountering a mage of the same level truly terrified him.
Locke and his son, hearing the man's words, were overjoyed, their previous fear of Ling Xiao gone. However, they still cautiously approached Ling Xiao, who lay on the ground, panting heavily, clearly at his last gasp. Feeling reassured, Locke arrogantly said, "You lowly commoner, aren't you so powerful? Get up and kill me! Kill me!"
"After my son kills you, I'll treat Niya like a bitch... and after I'm done with her, I'll reward all the guards in the manor... haha... this is the consequence of resisting me..."
Locke's father shamelessly revealed his true colors.
Ling Xiao's eyes flashed with murderous intent. "Hmph, these ignorant fools are just scum. If I don't kill them now, when will I?" Watching the approaching Locke father and son, Ling Xiao suddenly leaped up, unleashing a fire spell he had prepared beforehand.
"Not good! Run!"
The arrogant man clearly sensed something was wrong and roared. The sudden turn of events left everyone present helpless and panicked.
Unfortunately, it was too late. The powerful magic enveloped the Locke father and son, catching them completely off guard. Terror filled their eyes: "Ah...no..."
"No!"
In an instant, the two were killed by Ling Xiao's magic. Against someone of his Great Mage level, killing them was as easy as killing chickens. He wouldn't waste any words, displaying ruthless and decisive methods. A rogue's motto is: when it's time to strike, be ruthless, precise, and decisive.
"You...how could you..."
The arrogant man's lips trembled as he watched Ling Xiao approach step by step, his eyes filled with terror. He couldn't understand why Ling Xiao was still standing before him, full of energy, and it seemed his magical power had been fully restored...Could it be...?
"Why did my magical elements recover so quickly, is that it? Go ask Death in hell."
With a self-deprecating laugh, Ling Xiao's face turned icy. Without giving the man a chance to speak, he raised his hand and easily destroyed him with a level four spell.
"Hoo."
He exhaled a breath of stale air, his expression shifting uncertainly. The Locke father and son had brought this upon themselves; killing them would end it all. In this remote town, he wasn't afraid at all. He didn't plan to stay in Tianyuan Town any longer. After Niya left alone, he vowed to bring her back no matter where he went. Taking this opportunity, Ling Xiao would also travel across the continent and experience the bustling world firsthand.
He was able to stand here only thanks to a fifth-grade pill left to him by the old man, which could quickly restore his magical elements to a full state. After Ling Xiao unleashed his final powerful spell, he quickly swallowed the pill, lay on the ground, and took the opportunity to rapidly recover his magical power. Otherwise, killing the three would have been as impossible as ascending to heaven.
There was nothing to pack; he didn't have many valuables, and most of them were unnecessary. Ling Xiao packed a few changes of clothes and personal items for emergencies, storing everything in his Yin-Yang Ring. The Yin-Yang Ring was a spatial storage bracelet, extremely convenient to use, and it was also an expanding storage bracelet.
According to the records in the Supreme Dao Talk, as this technique was cultivated to a certain level, and strength increased accordingly, the usable space of the Yin-Yang Ring would also expand with each stage of advancement. With the Yin-Yang Ring, things were indeed convenient and easy; he didn't need to carry many items, and he didn't have to worry about losing anything. With just a thought, he could choose whatever was inside the Yin-Yang Ring.
On the Divine Wind Continent, all storage items are modeled after rings. Rings are small, convenient, aesthetically pleasing, and reflect the owner's status and value; therefore, they are collectively called space rings. Space magicians are extremely rare on the Divine Wind Continent, and space rings are the masterpiece of space magicians. A space magician might not be able to successfully create a storage item even after a year or more. The materials for storage items are scarce and precious, each costing an astronomical price. Storage items on the Divine Wind Continent are generally created by those who have mastered the laws of space to an extremely high degree.
From the continent's chronicles, Ling Xiao also learned that the storage rings currently on the market have very small interior spaces, generally only a few square meters. Even storage items that can hold something the size of a palm are sold at exorbitant prices, leaving wealthy and powerful families with no real power to only watch helplessly.
The Yin-Yang Ring currently has a space of over one hundred square meters. Just thinking about such a large space makes Ling Xiao grin from ear to ear. Hehe, I'm not bragging, but throughout the entire continent, how many people have been more powerful than my spatial ring? Anyone disagree, bring it on for a comparison. Running out of money? Auction off the Yin-Yang Ring! Hehe, just thinking about piles of glittering gold coins makes his mouth water.
Chapter 18:
Traveling with Beauty After traversing towering mountains and winding rivers, Ling Xiao finally arrived at a decent road. Tianyuan Town really was a backwater; there wasn't even a proper road. After
dozens of days of sightseeing, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way, Ling Xiao was full of praise. However, even the most beautiful scenery can become tiresome after a while. Ling Xiao grew bored, his initial enthusiasm turning into dejection. So boring
! He walked listlessly alone on the narrow road. It was his first time traveling so far, and he knew very little about the outside world, his only knowledge coming from books. He felt both excited and lost. Where should he go first?
Ling Xiao hesitated at a fork in the road, staring blankly at the crisscrossing paths like a wooden stake. He was hopelessly directionally challenged; the forks led to different cities, and without road signs or directions, he didn't know the way and truly struggled to decide which way to take. If he had a map, he wouldn't be so perplexed.
The clatter of galloping hooves approached from afar. Ling Xiao looked up and
saw dust billowing on one of the roads, the thunderous roar of galloping horses echoing in his ears. A carriage sped towards him, and Ling Xiao, his mind racing, waved vigorously at the approaching carriage.
A neigh rang out, and the carriage stopped instantly in front of him. The tall, imposing horse was over three meters tall, with a glossy coat, well-developed muscles, and a powerful, robust body. Its four hooves were steady, allowing it to run at great speed. Reins were harnessed to the horse, and a coachman sat driving. A cart was harnessed to the horse's rear.
"Do you need a ride?"
the coachman asked kindly.
"Yes, I don't know where this carriage is headed."
"What luck! There's actually a carriage available. No need to think, I'll just get in." Ling Xiao didn't bother to think further; it was all the same wherever he went.
"This carriage is headed to Fenglan City,"
the coachman replied amicably from his horse.
"Fenglan City,"
Ling Xiao murmured to himself. The name sounded familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. He frowned and walked towards the back of the carriage. In the Divine Wind Continent, the history of the carriage is essentially human history. Used for hauling goods or people, it was very popular. Whether noble or commoner, most people chose carriages for travel because they appreciated their elegance and poetic charm. They enjoyed leisurely traversing country lanes or old city streets to visit friends. Gradually, the profession of coachman began to flourish, with people making a living by transporting passengers.
The carriage was exquisitely crafted, adorned with ornaments, giving a pleasant feeling. There were four seats, separated by a partition, essentially two people sharing a private space. One half of the carriage was already occupied, so Ling Xiao entered the other half.
A woman sat in the carriage, and Ling Xiao's eyes widened in amazement. Could there really be such a petite and exquisite woman in the world? Her eyebrows were like painted willow leaves, and her clear eyes shimmered with an endearing light. Her waist was as slender as a water snake, and her figure was delicate and charming, like a porcelain doll. Ling Xiao felt an urge to hold her in his mouth. Her beautiful face concealed a faint tranquility and a hint of playfulness, and a fleeting smile occasionally brushed across her fragrant lips, carrying a seductive purity.
My God, it was simply a masterpiece of creation! Her petite body accentuated her ample bosom, a devilish curve that was dazzling.
Her beautiful face paired with her petite figure made the woman even more exquisite, like a beloved toy, one who wouldn't want to let her go. He was certain that there was no other woman in the world as delicate and charming as her. Even a casual glance from her could break any man's heart, making him want to melt her into his arms.
Her healthy complexion radiated a captivating glow, as beautiful and alluring as the smile of Cupid. Many women would pale in comparison, perhaps even envying and pitying her petite beauty. Her exquisite features were perfectly proportioned, and she radiated boundless youthful energy.
Any man would instinctively want to treasure her like a work of art, to admire and play with her. Ling Xiao felt a surge of desire. A devilish figure, an angelic face—she was simply the epitome of womanhood. Wow, so pleasing to the eye!
It was merely a fleeting impulse; his eyes were glued to the petite woman, a desire to take advantage.
"Phew."
He sat down next to the petite woman without hesitation, finally able to catch his breath. Days of travel had taken their toll on his body. Sitting in the soft, comfortable seat, Ling Xiao relaxed, his fatigue easing.
The petite woman remained composed, though a slight blush rose to her cheeks, clearly embarrassed by Ling Xiao's gaze. She glared at him disapprovingly, already categorizing him in her mind as a lecherous rogue.
The carriage continued its journey, and Ling Xiao, having nothing to do, found himself with a beautiful woman beside him. He could only look, not touch, a mere distraction, much to his dismay. It would be better to ignore her altogether. However, the faint fragrance emanating from her occasionally stirred his desire, making him restless.
The petite woman gazed serenely out the window, her eyes gleaming with excitement. Duanmu Qin, having finally escaped her family's constraints, had finally found a chance to leave home, free from the daily prison-like restrictions. From a young age, she had longed for the freedom of a bird, to roam the continent. Now, her dream was finally within reach, and her heart remained filled with joy.
"It stinks!"
Just as Duanmu Qin was completely absorbed in admiring the outside world, a strange smell filled the cramped carriage. Her brow furrowed, and she turned around, nearly bursting into anger, her beautiful face contorted with rage as she glared at Ling Xiao.
"Ah, that feels good!" Ling Xiao comfortably crossed his legs, quickly taking off his shoes and tossing them aside. His feet were aching from walking for days, and the wet shoes were making him uncomfortable. Although there was a beautiful woman with him, it didn't bother him much. Having been a rogue since childhood, he didn't care about such trivial matters. While the woman admired the scenery, Ling Xiao took off his shoes.
The smell of the shoes was indeed... strange. Ling Xiao frowned involuntarily. Duanmu Qin glared at him angrily, her eyes practically devouring him. Ling Xiao chuckled sheepishly, "Hehe, the smell is just a little strange..."
"You... shameless... put your shoes back on right now!"
Duanmu Qin said angrily. What a spoilsport! How could she be sitting in the same car with such a scoundrel? From childhood to adulthood, everyone had always been polite and respectful to her; no one dared to be disrespectful. Ling Xiao was the first person to take off his shoes so brazenly in front of her.
"Miss, it's just taking off your shoes, what's the big deal? Haven't you ever taken off your shoes before?"
Ling Xiao said, annoyed by the way the other man was ordering him around. How could a grown man be lectured by a little woman?
"No manners."
Duanmu Qin was no match for a rogue. After stammering for a while, she threw down a sentence, lightly covering her mouth and nose with her hand, and ignored him. She had heard that rogues were all unreasonable. Were all people from the lower classes so rude? Influenced by traditional values since childhood, born into a scholarly family, she was well-behaved and always the center of attention. At home, she was the apple of everyone's eye and was pampered. She had never been treated badly before. She wanted to grab Ling Xiao and ask, "Are you even a man? How can you be so indifferent to such a lovely and lovable woman like me?" But as angry as she was, she wasn't about to act irrationally and make a scene.
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Chapter 19: Fifty Dollars
The journey was long, and the scenery outside the window rushed past. He didn't have the refined tastes of a petite woman; drowsiness gradually crept in, and before he knew it, he leaned against the carriage wall and fell fast asleep.
This was the first time Duanmu Qing had sat so close to a strange man. She carefully observed him. His plain appearance lacked any distinctive features, but a hint of laziness and cynical stubbornness lingered at the corners of his mouth. His clothes were simple and plain, and he exuded a faint weariness. His sleeping expression was somewhat endearing. What a strange man! Duanmu Qing stared unblinkingly at Ling Xiao. In her family, the men she had met were all more handsome and dashing than Ling Xiao, and in terms of temperament, many were elegant and polite—any one of them was better than Ling Xiao. A beautiful woman sat next to him, yet he slept soundly without a care in the world. Duanmu Qing felt quite disheartened. She was curious about everything outside. Growing up under the strict control of her family, she had never left the house, diligently striving to be a well-bred and virtuous young lady. She seemed to have never experienced the outside world.
She approached everything with curiosity, staring at Ling Xiao like a curious child. Having hastily run away, afraid of being discovered, she hurriedly boarded the carriage. Duanmu Qing didn't care where the carriage was going; as long as she could leave her family, she was overjoyed.
"Ah, he's drooling! How disgusting!" Duanmu Qing opened her beautiful eyes wide, staring at Ling Xiao, who was drooling in his sleep. Her mouth gaped slightly in surprise as glistening saliva streamed down his lips. Unbelievable! He was drooling in his sleep! The journey to Fenglan City was long, and although the carriage sped along like lightning, it wouldn't be long before they arrived. Fatigue gradually crept in, and Duanmu Qing unknowingly leaned against the side of the carriage and fell into a deep sleep. The carriage traveled smoothly along the road, the carriage barely swaying, only the constant clatter of the horses' hooves echoing. Ling Xiao didn't know how long he slept when he slowly woke up, feeling a full, soft embrace, and the faint, unique fragrance of a woman surrounding his nose. Ling Xiao opened his eyes, looked down, and felt a surge of emotion. He held a woman in his arms; her petite body was curled up against his chest. It had to be said that her small, delicate frame seemed to merge with his own. Her arms clung tightly to his waist, her exquisite features clean and clear. She slept peacefully and serenely. A beauty is a beauty; even in her sleep, she was ladylike. Her scholarly air carried a gentle, innocent beauty that captivated his heart, making him want to protect her. Her refined, demure nature revealed her naiveté and lack of wariness. Ling Xiao already sensed that this petite woman didn't know any martial arts or magic. So beautiful, yet without any magic or martial arts, she dared to come out alone—truly courting death. Looking at the allure emanating from her sleeping form, Ling Xiao felt a surge of desire. She was truly a gem bestowed upon men by the Creator. His hands couldn't help but tighten around her slender waist again. Such a good opportunity couldn't be missed. Her supple waist was too delicate to grasp easily. The girl murmured softly in her sleep. Duanmu Qing felt as if she were lying on her beloved, soft and comfortable, feeling very secure. A strange scent lingered in her nostrils, so peculiar and pleasant. She couldn't help but greedily inhale a few more breaths. She had never felt this way before. The bed today seemed different from usual. What was different? Even in her dream, she couldn't quite explain it. Ling Xiao looked amusedly at the woman in his arms. She really was using him as a pillow, her head nestled against his chest, trying to find a comfortable position. This scene was a golden opportunity for any man, an opportunity every man dreamed of. Ling Xiao was no exception. He quietly admired the beauty of the woman in his arms, feeling her delicate body. Whether to continue or not, Ling Xiao only thought about it. "Ah!"
Duanmu Qing's beautiful eyes widened, and she cried out repeatedly. Awakening to find herself lying in a stranger's arms, intimately embracing him with a look of enjoyment on his face, she was startled and hurriedly pulled away from Ling Xiao's embrace. Her delicate face flushed crimson, as if it were about to bleed, and her heart pounded uncontrollably like a deer's. From childhood to adulthood, she had never had any intimate contact with any man, not even holding hands. A playful glint appeared on Ling Xiao's face. What an adorable girl, with a refined and gentle appearance, clearly well-educated. Her flustered expression was like that of a child who had done something wrong, her slender, delicate fingers nervously clutching at her clothes. "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to…"
Duanmu Qing didn't know what to do, clearly having willingly taken the initiative to lie in his arms, and apologized profusely. How adorable! She was taken advantage of by a man, yet she actually apologized. Her heart is truly pure. While Tian Zhe Xie is said to be gentle and charming, Ling Xiao thinks the woman before him is a bit foolish. He wonders if he could trick such a rare gem into returning home, then train her into an obedient maid, whipping her daily with wax dripping, and giving her blows—it must be incredibly satisfying, undoubtedly fulfilling the desires of countless men. Watching this exquisite woman being ravaged would certainly give him a sense of accomplishment. However, Ling Xiao only thinks about it. A rogue's creed is to never get involved in troublesome business. He's not a fool to believe she's a commoner. The woman before him, in terms of temperament, appearance, and clothing, is of the highest quality. She's probably a young lady from some powerful family or noble clan. Who knows if her backing has the power to shake the entire Divine Wind Continent? He might end up losing more than he gains. "Of course, of course. If you need me again next time, I'm always welcome."
Ling Xiao deliberately teased the petite woman, then added, "But remember to pay, this time it's free."
The journey was already frustrating, so he needed something to do to make it more interesting. Hearing Ling Xiao's teasing, Duanmu Qing moved her lips slightly. She had never heard such lewd words before, and her eyes darted around as she said, "You're bullying me."
"Alright, it was my fault. I shouldn't have bullied a beauty like you."
Seeing her aggrieved expression, Ling Xiao felt embarrassed. Even the thickest skin has its limits; he knew when to stop. He hadn't expected her to be so thin-skinned. "We're getting off. We've arrived at Fenglan City."
The galloping horse suddenly stopped, and a neighing sound rang out. The coachman called out, "Guests, we've reached our destination. My horse will stop here."
Ling Xiao and the woman had been silent the whole way. They had nothing to say to each other. Although the woman was like a masterpiece of God, it was only a fleeting encounter before she disappeared into the vast sea of people; there was no need to waste words. The woman stepped lightly off the carriage, her delicate face radiating a gentle smile. She looked around happily, ready to leave. "Hey, Miss, you haven't paid yet?"
the coachman suddenly called out. Duanmu Qing, startled by the coachman's call, stopped and turned back, looking at him with a bewildered expression. "Miss, we've arrived at Fenglan City. Fifty dollars,"
the coachman kindly reminded her, his small business barely enough to make ends meet; after taxes, little was left.
Chapter 20: Fenglan City
"Ah."
Hearing that she had to pay fifty dollars, Duanmu Qing suddenly realized, her brows furrowing. She suddenly remembered that the outside world required money. Back home, she had never needed any; she had everything she needed—food, clothing, everything—and had a vague concept of money. So, in her haste to escape, she hadn't prepared any. What to do? Duanmu Qing hesitated, stammering, looking aggrieved and unsure what to do. She was a kind and gentle woman, and too embarrassed to admit she had no money to give the coachman. "Driver, here's one hundred dollars. This is for our fare."
Anyone with a discerning eye could see that Duanmu Qing definitely didn't have any money on her. Seeing her pitiful appearance, Ling Xiao generously helped her out, after all, he had gotten a little benefit from enjoying her petite and delicate figure. Consider it payment. If it were a man or an ugly woman, he wouldn't care about their lives. Hehe, even a rogue is different for different people. "Hehe, thank you, young master."
The driver gladly accepted the one hundred dollars from Ling Xiao. Earning money wasn't easy, and he couldn't do a losing business. He had also noticed that Duanmu Qing didn't have any money. Since Ling Xiao wanted to pay, hehe, he'd take it. After paying, Ling Xiao didn't linger and strode towards Fenglan City. The currency in the Divine Wind Continent was universal, and its unit was also uniformly set: dollars. The issued currency had denominations of one dollar, ten dollars, fifty dollars, and one hundred dollars. Duanmu Qing was in a dilemma when the strange man sitting in the same carriage as her unexpectedly came to her rescue. Grateful, she looked at Ling Xiao with a completely different expression, her face filled with hesitation. "Don't follow me,"
Ling Xiao said, glaring at the ever-present Duanmu Qing. He was already too busy taking care of himself to have a burden like this, especially in Fenglan City, a place he didn't know well. He was already struggling to move around; bringing this delicate woman along would only cause more trouble. Any normal man would cherish a beautiful woman and keep her by his side, secretly delighted. Only an idiot would dare to kick her away. Ling Xiao was neither idiotic nor had his head caught in a door. Seeing the burning gazes of the men along the way, as if they wanted to devour Duanmu Qing, her delicate and fragile appearance could make any passing man stop in his tracks, and her petite figure attracted many men's attention. Envious and jealous glances filled the air, as if they wanted to devour Ling Xiao alive. A beautiful woman is always a striking sight; she can't help but attract attention. Wouldn't having such a beauty by his side just be asking for trouble? Ling Xiao couldn't help but marvel at the power of beauty. Besides, he had his own things to do; he couldn't possibly take her with him all the time. Duanmu Qing followed Ling Xiao resolutely, a stubborn look on her face. She was a stranger in this unfamiliar place, without relatives or friends, and penniless. Her plight was easily imaginable. Easily trusting, she assumed Ling Xiao was a good person because he had paid her fare. The helpless Duanmu Qing desperately needed someone to rely on, which was why Ling Xiao had been chosen. "This young master isn't a good person, you know, a hooligan? What a hooligan might do…"
Ling Xiao turned around and made a fierce face, threateningly saying, "Thugs eat people and kidnap girls."
"Ah, no!"
Duanmu Qing trembled with fear, her pitiful expression heartbreaking. A layer of mist covered her clean, clear eyes, making her look utterly pathetic, tears welling up in her eyes. The men passing by were all attracted by Duanmu Qing's pitiful and weak expression, staring in astonishment, wishing they could rush up and "take her right there and then comfort her." Ling Xiao was speechless. Duanmu Qing was holding back her tears, which terrified him. He really did have a talent for dealing with villains. Heh heh, how come he hadn't noticed? When did he switch careers to become a bandit? He heard it was quite promising. "Sigh, come along. But you have to listen to me in everything, otherwise..."
What a miserable life! Even a heart of stone would melt at Duanmu Qing's tearful expression, let alone him. He made a fierce face, meaning you know what will happen if you don't obey. Having such a well-behaved, petite woman with him wouldn't be bad, but he figured there would be plenty of trouble later. He was self-aware enough not to think he was particularly charming enough to have someone like her following him. Even if Duanmu Qing lacked manners, given her upbringing, she wouldn't insist on clinging to him and creating a situation where she wouldn't marry anyone but him. She was just temporarily strapped for cash and saw him as her livelihood. She was too naive; perhaps he could consider tricking her into being his mistress. "Hmm..."
Hearing Ling Xiao agree to let her come, she was overjoyed, her delicate face blossoming into a radiant smile that made one's heart flutter. She quickly followed Ling Xiao.
Carriages came and went in a constant stream from Fenglan City, and people flowed endlessly. All sorts of people passed by Ling Xiao: there were warriors in armor, wielding swords, looking very imposing; there were noble mages in magical robes; and there were dashing women, their clothing particularly striking, their midriffs completely exposed, displaying their youthful vigor without any shyness. Some women even had their skirts cut open on the sides, revealing glimpses of their underwear amidst their graceful figures.
Ling Xiao secretly clicked his tongue in amazement; indeed, they were incredibly alluring and bold. However, although these women were beautiful, they paled in comparison to Duanmu Qing, who was always by his side. Jealousy was clearly visible in their eyes.
This was Ling Xiao's first time in Fenglan City. Looking out several miles beyond the city, he saw a vast, boundless forest, shrouded in a misty haze. The magnificent forest stirred his heart, giving him a desire to conquer it.
Looking at the majestic forest stretching for miles before him, Ling Xiao had never seen anything like it before. It was truly amazing, and he was deeply moved. Combining the forest with the name of Fenglan City, a phrase popped into Ling Xiao's mind: "Waves surge between heaven and earth, winds and mists rise and fall in desolation. People should come here, sword in hand, treading the long wind."
This was the evaluation of Fenglan City by a famous wandering poet who had traveled the world.
At first, when the coachman mentioned Fenglan City, Ling Xiao was puzzled. But when he actually stood in Fenglan City, he suddenly understood. The Nalan Empire was vast, with many cities, including many prosperous ones and several historical cities. They were known for their economic prosperity or heroic deeds. But Fenglan City was different. It was famous throughout the Divine Wind Continent for its Fenglan Forest, and it had beautiful scenery and a unique regional landscape.
Although Fenglan City wasn't as prosperous as the capital, it was nearly as well-off. Here, if you could imagine it, you could buy it; all kinds of goods were readily available, making it a bustling marketplace.
Ling Xiao walked through the bustling city of Fenglan, where merchants gathered and shops were as numerous as stars in the sky, dazzling the eye. Weapon shops, jewelry shops, snack shops, fabric shops—the list was endless. The sounds of vendors calling out their wares filled the air, and small stalls were everywhere.
Chapter 21: The Beauty Falls for Me There
were too many people. Duanmu Qing followed closely behind Ling Xiao through the crowded streets, her eyes filled with curiosity as she looked at the dazzling array of goods, her face beaming with excitement.
Seeing Duanmu Qing's bewildered expression, like a country bumpkin visiting a grand garden, Ling Xiao couldn't help but chuckle. However, he was also very excited. He had never seen such a prosperous place before. Tianyuan Town was practically nonexistent, dirt poor. He had never witnessed such a lively place before, but he only felt a slight excitement at this prosperity.
Ling Xiao arrived at a small vendor's stall. The vendor's business was booming; the vendor's wares piqued Ling Xiao's interest. The aroma and color made his mouth water, and he couldn't help but lick his lips. "So fragrant!" A large pot sat on the stove, containing many thumb-sized objects—a type of shelled plant. Each shell had split open, revealing a bright red opening from which a white sap oozed, quickly covering the pit.
"So fragrant!"
Duanmu Qing stared intently at the contents of the pot, like a curious child, her eyes gleaming with hope. She couldn't help but look up at Ling Xiao.
"Want some?"
Ling Xiao met Duanmu Qing's pleading gaze, like a little girl asking an adult for something she'd done wrong.
Duanmu Qing nodded, her good manners making her feel embarrassed. She really didn't want to go back, but having no other choice, she was determined to experience the outside world and could only rely on Ling Xiao, feeling incredibly grateful to him.
"Boss, one box, please."
Ling Xiao didn't know what it was, but it looked delicious, and many people were buying it. Plus, his little one wanted some, so he didn't hesitate to pay for a box. Most importantly, he wanted some himself, hehe.
Duanmu Qing took a fruit pit from the box and handed it to Ling Xiao. The white juice flowing from the pit coated it and dried quickly, leaving a sticky feeling.
Seeing Duanmu Qing's delicate fingers holding a pit in front of him, her fair fingers as white and tender as scallion roots, a smile involuntarily appeared on his lips. He mischievously lowered his head, bit the pit between Duanmu Qing's fingers, and gently pulled it into his mouth.
Duanmu Qing's body trembled, as if bitten by a snake, and she hurriedly withdrew her hand, her face flushed red, her heart pounding wildly.
"You...you did this on purpose,"
Duanmu Qing said in a low, angry voice, her heart pounding at Ling Xiao's mischievous look.
"Pure coincidence, haha,"
Ling Xiao said shamelessly. With such a petite beauty by his side, it would be strange if he didn't have some thoughts. He had to at least take advantage of her. Chewing on the fruit pit in his mouth,
he thought, "Wow, the taste is really good. The juice on the outside is sour, and the pit inside is melted by the juice, incredibly fragrant, leaving a lingering fragrance in my mouth." "Hey, little girl, why don't you go home? Why do you have to follow me? If you just stand on the street and shout, the men crying and begging to support you could line up all the way to the capital." In
a great mood, Ling Xiao asked suspiciously, "Look at me, I have no money, no skills. Isn't following me just suffering? Do you have your eye on me?"
Ling Xiao looked at Duanmu Qing with a surprised expression.
"You big bad guy, always bullying me, I'd never fall for you!"
Ling Xiao's words made Duanmu Qing blush deeply. She playfully punched his chest with her small fist.
So soft, so comfortable. He was astonished by Duanmu Qing's display of feminine charm. Her delicate features, like spring rain on her eyebrows, exuded a captivating allure. A gentle fragility, like jade, radiated a delicate and subtle beauty, radiating a heart-stirring luster. Her movements were naturally fluid and graceful, brimming
with vitality, elegant and beautiful. Duanmu Qing's fist was very light, like a tickle to him. Her unique charm and allure were beyond description, capable of touching a man's heart. Ling Xiao couldn't resist sweeping her slender waist and easily pulling her into his arms.
"Mmm."
Duanmu Qing hadn't expected Ling Xiao to be so blatantly disrespectful. Startled, she cried out and nestled her soft body against his chest.
"Let me go!"
Being held in Ling Xiao's arms in public, her face flushed, she felt utterly ashamed at the strange looks from passersby, struggling slightly.
"Don't move. Everyone's watching. I'll just hold you for a little while, that'll be enough. Look, everyone's watching."
The envious and jealous looks from the passersby pleased him greatly. Envious? Jealous? Let them be! Ling Xiao felt a surge of satisfaction and pride, speaking to Duanmu Qing in a tone that, while seemingly persuasive, carried an undeniable air of command and coercion.
"Um, just for a little while? You promised to let me go,"
Duanmu Qing asked innocently, her struggles failing her, her voice filled with doubt and defiance.
Ling Xiao nodded, his domineering gaze leaving no room for response as he pulled her into a stroll. Her soft, delicate body was incredibly alluring in his arms. "Does this look more like a couple?" Ling Xiao chuckled shamelessly. "Hehe, following me will at least cost you some interest."
Duanmu Qing initially resisted. Being with a man for the first time, and seeing him so intimate, made her uneasy and unsure what to do. She could only obediently follow him. Although Ling Xiao seemed lecherous and had a roguish air about him, she didn't dislike him; that was why she hadn't left—not because she loved him. Her stiff body slowly relaxed under Ling Xiao's hands, involuntarily pressing tightly against his chest, feeling inexplicably safe and full.
Upon arriving in Fenglan City, the first thing to solve was the problem of accommodation. There were many inns in the city, some luxurious and grand, but many simple and modest. Because of his limited funds, Ling Xiao had to choose a cheap inn. He had spent almost all his money on this trip, and now he only had a little over four hundred coins.
"Sir, looking for a room?"
a waiter approached Ling Xiao solicitously, his eyes lighting up when he glanced at Duanmu Qing beside Ling Xiao.
"Ahem, yes, a room. What kind of rooms do you have?"
Ling Xiao coughed a few times, annoyed by the waiter's dazed expression, and inquired. Regardless of the type of inn, the rooms were all divided into different classes.
"Sir, our inn has three types of rooms: standard, regular, and VIP... I wonder if you and the lady..."
The waiter quickly snapped out of his daze and answered professionally. The man in front of him wasn't particularly handsome, but the woman beside him was petite, charming, and graceful. He had already concluded in his mind, what could a man and a woman possibly do? It was obvious they were...damn, a beautiful flower stuck in cow dung.
Ling Xiao didn't care about the envious and contemptuous looks from these people. He was just being a sour grapes. After finding out the details, he said, "Give me a standard room."
"Yes, sir," the waiter
replied.
"Why only one room?"
Duanmu Qing asked weakly when Ling Xiao said he wanted a guest room. "There
are two of us." "Of course, two people share a room,"
Ling Xiao said without changing his expression.
"No way,"
Duanmu Qing protested upon hearing Ling Xiao's answer. She had never shared a room with a man before.
"If you can't sleep on the street, I don't have any money,"
Ling Xiao said jokingly, paid a three-hundred-yuan deposit, took the number, and went upstairs alone. He wasn't a big shot anymore; he only had enough left for dinner. In this bustling city, money was needed everywhere.
Seeing Ling Xiao's angry expression, she sighed innocently and followed him upstairs hesitantly, a hint of fear in her heart. With her keen intellect, she had subtly noticed Ling Xiao's predicament as they strolled along. Should she go or not? But she had already slowly walked away.
"A stingy man."
Chapter 22: Selling Pills
The room was quite nice, with a separate bathtub and a large bed.
Duanmu Qing sat uneasily on a stool, fiddling with her hands, curiously watching Ling Xiao. Ling Xiao sat on the stool, stroking his chin with a troubled expression.
"Qing'er, you stay in the inn and don't go anywhere,"
Ling Xiao instructed, regaining his composure. "I'm going out for a bit."
"Where are you going?"
Meeting Ling Xiao's gaze, Duanmu Qing panicked, afraid he would abandon her.
"Don't worry, I won't abandon you."
Duanmu Qing looked worried, and he gave her a definite answer, realizing she was really clinging to him.
"Okay. You... come back soon... I... I'm scared."
She answered hesitantly, her clear voice tinged with embarrassment.
"Hehe, are you reluctant to leave me and are clinging to me?"
Duanmu Qing's obedient and adorable appearance made Ling Xiao unable to resist a smile. He leaned in, lifted Duanmu Qing's chin without a word, and kissed her cute little bottom.
"Mmm."
Duanmu Qing let out a sound, never expecting Ling Xiao to be so lewd. She was startled and flustered, her mind blank, only feeling a surge of electricity coursing through her body.
"So fragrant..."
Cool and slippery, Ling Xiao pulled away after the kiss, quickly fleeing the scene with a half-smile. He was really afraid that this shy girl would be embarrassed. Duanmu Qing was very obedient and gentle, her mind filled with a kind of knowledgeable and reasonable beauty, yet her nature was innocent and fragile.
"You big pervert...all you do is bully Qing'er..."
Duanmu Qing's face flushed red as she stared blankly at Ling Xiao's departing figure.
Fenglan City was a bustling commercial hub, boasting a vast commercial industry, organizations, and trade. After leaving the inn, Ling Xiao headed straight for a place called "Shunde Trading Company." He had noticed it while strolling around.
Entering the Shunde Trading Company, he was greeted by a dazzling array of goods. Each counter had a woman in professional attire sitting at it, introducing items to potential buyers.
"What do you need first?"
a woman approached and asked enthusiastically.
"Well, I'd like to sell some things. I wonder if this trading company accepts them?"
Ling Xiao inquired. Trading companies were widespread throughout the Divine Wind Continent, thriving in every city, providing convenience and fulfilling people's needs.
"Oh, sir, please come this way."
The woman led the way with a professional smile.
The Shunde Trading Company was enormous. Ling Xiao walked through a corridor to a counter in a separate hall. Several appraisers sat at the counter in the hall. Ling Xiao glanced around the hall. Behind the appraisers sat an elderly man with a full head of white hair, lounging in a recliner, his eyes half-closed, exuding an air of contentment.
"I wonder what you wish to sell, sir?"
Ling Xiao sat down in the chair in front of the counter, and an appraiser approached to inquire. Only shops of a certain scale could be called guilds, and all shops that could be called guilds had their own branches. There were countless guilds of all sizes on the Shenfeng Continent, but only three guilds stood out, occupying a dominant position and possessing absolute power. They were known as the Three Giants: Shunde Guild, Guang'an Guild, and Alliance Guild. These three guilds controlled seventy percent of the trade on the Shenfeng Continent. They integrated acquisition, sales, pawning, and auction, forming a massive trading organization.
"I want to sell pills. I wonder if your guild accepts them?"
Ling Xiao slowly took out two small porcelain bottles from his robes.
"Of course we accept them. As long as the pills are of good quality and pure in effect, our Shunde Guild will offer a reasonable price."
The appraiser smiled. In this era where alchemists were scarce, pills were very precious, and their uses were numerous, making them very popular. This led every guild to buy pills in large quantities to enhance their strength and sell them at higher prices.
Ling Xiao handed the two bottles to the appraiser, who poured the pills into a container. A fragrant aroma filled the air. Looking at the bright, shiny pills with their unique medicinal scent, the appraiser's eyes showed considerable appreciation. The container contained over a dozen second-grade pills and more than thirty first-grade pills. Ling Xiao had refined quite a few pills before leaving Tianyuan Town; having advanced to a Grand Mage, his success rate in pill refining had improved further.
The old man lying behind him slowly opened his eyes upon smelling the medicinal aroma, thoughtfully observing Ling Xiao before examining the pills in the container.
"Such pure pills, bright in color, with a rich medicinal fragrance. Although the grade isn't high, the quality is better than what I've acquired before,"
the old man murmured.
"Sir, we'll buy your pills."
The appraiser said without hesitation after seeing the pills. "Because your pills are of good quality, we will offer 1.5 million Dao coins to buy them. I wonder if sir is satisfied?"
"Hmm."
Ling Xiao nodded. Making money was so easy. He sold a few dozen pills for more than a million Dao coins. Choosing to learn alchemy from the old man back then was really the right decision. In this world where the strong are respected, as long as you have the ability, you will never have to worry about money. This is a paradise for the strong, while for the weak, only a tragic fate awaits.
Upon receiving Ling Xiao's affirmative answer, the appraiser respectfully said, "Sir, please show me your Magic Crystal Card."
Ling Xiao was taken aback. A Magic Crystal Card? He awkwardly replied, "I'm sorry, I haven't applied for one yet."
A Magic Crystal Card is a medium used to store money. It is made from a magical material called Magic Crystal Stone. Transactions involving large sums are usually transferred to the recipient's Magic Crystal Card via bank transfer. Magic Crystal Cards are extremely convenient, solving the problem of carrying large amounts of cash. Cash can be withdrawn wherever there are Mercenary Guilds, Magic Guilds, or Warrior Guilds. Ordinary people don't have them because applying for one costs 100,000 Dao Coins.
"Ah,"
the appraiser exclaimed in surprise, looking at Ling Xiao with some difficulty.
"Young man, I'll accompany you to the Mercenary Guild to register a Magic Crystal Card."
Just when things were at a critical moment, an old voice rang out.
Looking towards the voice, the old man lying in the chair stood up and said.
"I'll go instead,"
the appraiser hurriedly bowed and said, not daring to be negligent in the slightest. Even the young lady treated him with great respect; how could he be negligent, especially since she was his superior?
“No need, I was just about to go out for a stroll anyway,”
the old man said, his words leaving no room for argument.
“I wonder if young brother would be willing?”
“Of course, thank you for your trouble.”
Ling Xiao readily agreed. Having a guide was more than a given; it would save him a lot of trouble. Judging from the old man’s appearance, he held a high position in the Shunde branch of the trading company.
“May I ask your name, young brother?”
the kind-faced old man asked in a friendly manner. “My name is Balaton.”
“My name is Ling Xiao. ”
Balaton was so enthusiastic that Ling Xiao replied, wondering why the old man was being so polite to him. The two walked side by side.
“Young brother Ling Xiao, please wait a moment, I’ll be right back,”
Balaton said apologetically, as if he had something to give.
Ling Xiao looked around the trading company with boredom. The company had many items, some of which were priceless. Ling Xiao came to the magic jewelry counter, where various exquisitely crafted pieces were displayed, all very appealing.
Chapter 23: Balaton
A crystal-like pendant caught Ling Xiao's eye. Smooth and simple, it lacked any flamboyant beauty, emitting a faint green glow. Tiny beads were strung together like little elves. The moment he saw it, Ling Xiao thought of Duanmu Qing. It suited her perfectly; it would complement her fair wrist beautifully. The crystal pendant also carried a small offensive spell.
He shook his head; he couldn't afford it now. He'd have to wait until the money arrived. Turning to the weapons display case, each weapon gleamed coldly, radiating an imposing aura. "Good weapons," Ling Xiao couldn't help but praise inwardly.
The materials were superior, the craftsmanship exquisite. Ling Xiao picked up a sword and examined it closely, handling it. He didn't even have a weapon of his own, and he was tempted to buy a suitable one.
Holding the short sword, he carefully felt its weight. It wasn't quite right. He gently swung his arm back and forth, savoring the feel of the sword.
"Ouch."
A crisp sound rang out. Ling Xiao looked up and saw a woman in a business suit that perfectly accentuated her figure. Her handsome face wore a faint, professional smile, her tone perfectly concealed. Her long, beautiful black hair was piled high like a sea of clouds. Her thin lips were as red as apples; though not as delicate and beautiful as Duanmu Qing's, they possessed a unique charm. The woman exuded an intellectual and rational beauty, her professional smile carrying a hint of aloofness.
An aura of a powerful woman emanated from her elegant face, like a lily blooming in the world, completely concealing her inner and outer self, revealing only her outward strength to men. She wandered alone in the dead of night, slowly savoring the moment, hoping to be conquered.
For such a powerful woman, a career woman, what she presented to men was a uniform—a devilish uniform that deeply attracted men's desires. The combination of her powerful aura and her business attire stirred a demon within every man, a desire to conquer the woman before him.
"Excuse me, are you alright?"
Ling Xiao was startled, quickly retracting the sword that had touched the woman. He'd really been careless; luckily, he hadn't swung it too hard, or the woman in front of him might have…
"Be careful, this kind of thing is dangerous, you know?"
Although the woman had a smile on her face, her words carried a superior tone, which annoyed Ling Xiao.
"Mm,"
Ling Xiao replied lazily. Beside the woman stood a man dressed in brightly colored clothes.
Although the woman's eyes showed displeasure with Ling Xiao's attitude, she didn't intend to pursue the matter. Just now, as she passed by Ling Xiao, a sword had suddenly been placed against her chest, startling her, but she hadn't planned to pursue the matter.
"Boy, be careful next time. If you really poke somewhere, the consequences could be..."
The man, displeased with Ling Xiao's lazy demeanor, flashed a cold light in his eyes, his tone barbed.
Hearing the man's words, Ling Xiao glanced meaningfully at the woman, a wicked smile playing on his lips. He wondered how effective his weapon would be; it shouldn't be much worse than a sword. Perhaps it was more appropriate to keep the sword for the man opposite him. He glanced at the man again.
"No need for your concern, sir. If there's a next chance, I promise I won't use a sword again,"
he said calmly, clearly not wanting any further involvement with the two. The slick-haired man's aura was directed at him, which displeased him greatly; the man's cultivation level must be considerable. Judging from their attire, the two were prominent figures in Fenglan City.
"Wait."
Ignoring his own reminder and warning, the man's face flushed with embarrassment. Besides, the woman beside him was the one he had been pursuing relentlessly. He frowned, blocking Ling Xiao's path as he tried to leave. The man was dressed plainly, with nothing particularly remarkable about him; he seemed like a clueless fellow.
"What brings you here, brother? Do you also want me to poke you a few times with my sword?"
His brow furrowed, he snapped angrily. These rich young masters, accustomed to fine clothes and pampered meals, always acted superior, believing themselves to possess an unparalleled sense of superiority. They were like a bunch of idiots, sometimes forming a mournful shape, sometimes a condescending one.
"You…you're courting death!"
the man roared, his icy gaze fixed on Ling Xiao. He hadn't expected there to be anyone so unafraid of death these days, practically seeking their own demise.
Ling Xiao curled his lip in disdain. He wasn't afraid of the man at all. He wouldn't attack until the man made a move.
“Oleg, don’t cause trouble. This is the Shunde Trading Company.”
The woman frowned and spoke up to stop him. Everything was about profit; a fight would damage the Shunde Trading Company’s image, and she didn’t want that to happen. Besides, she had volunteered to manage the Shunde Trading Company’s branch in Fenglan City precisely to achieve something.
“Hmph, kid, you’re lucky.”
Oleg, hearing the woman’s voice, reluctantly glanced at Ling Xiao. He didn’t want to leave a bad impression on her.
“Ling Xiao, let’s go.”
Balaton called out from afar, giving some instructions to his servants before hurrying over.
“Grandpa Balaton, are you going out?”
The woman looked at Balaton approaching respectfully, then looked at Ling Xiao with suspicion. Was Balaton calling to Ling Xiao? She was very curious and couldn’t help but look at Ling Xiao. He was unremarkable, his lazy expression carrying a hint of roguishness that was repulsive. He seemed like a cunning person; did he have some powerful background?
"Ruoshui, once you're done, the shop is yours. I'll accompany this young man to get his magic crystal card."
Balaton approached and spoke kindly to the woman before him. Ruoshui seemed much more mature and composed since arriving.
"Senior, I am Oleg. I've long admired your name. It's an honor to meet you today."
Oleg greeted Balaton with a beaming smile, obsequiously lowering his posture with a forced, ingratiating smile. While others might not know Balaton's background, he had already thoroughly investigated it. He was curious about the relationship between Balaton and Ling Xiao, thankfully he hadn't acted rashly earlier.
"So you're the young master of Dechang Trading Company. It's a pleasure to meet you. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll have Ruoxue entertain you
." Balaton was a shrewd man; he must have already inquired about the people of Fenglan City.
"I'll be going now."
Balaton quickly returned, noticing Ruoshui's question, but didn't answer.
After the two left, Oleg couldn't help but ask Ruoshui, "I wonder what the relationship is between that Ling Xiao and Senior Balaton?"
"I don't know either."
Ruoshui frowned. She had never heard Balaton mention Ling Xiao before. It seemed that this was Balaton's first time out in Fenglan City. He smiled professionally as he spoke with Oleg.
"Ling Xiao, I wonder if you have any more pills?"
Balaton casually interjected as the two walked down the street.
"These are all the pills I have right now. I had no choice but to sell them because I was short of money."
Ling Xiao answered insincerely. He was very cautious and understood the principle of not flaunting wealth. He still had more than a hundred pills in his storage bracelet. Don't underestimate these hundred-plus pills. If they were on the market, they would be highly sought after. Even a high-level alchemist would need half a year to refine them, perhaps longer. Refining pills is not as easy as one might imagine.
"If Brother Ling has any more, please remember to sell them to our Shunde Trading Company. We'll offer a higher price than our competitors."
Balaton spoke with a businessman's tone, trying to build rapport. Although Ling Xiao's pills weren't of a very high grade, they were better than others of the same grade. Most importantly...
Chapter 24: Recruitment
"Definitely, definitely."
To avoid suspicion, Ling Xiao had only brought thirty pills with him. He couldn't understand why the old man valued his pills so much and was being so polite. Would a large trading company like Shunde Trading Company care about such a small number of pills? Would they be worried about not having enough pills to buy?
"I wonder if Brother Ling would be interested in working at Shunde Trading Company."
After a pause, Balaton changed the subject. Although the young man was simply dressed and had nothing special about him, with his businessman's eye and intuition, the young man still had some investment value.
Balaton's words startled Ling Xiao, leaving him somewhat bewildered and unsure of the meaning. He replied, "You flatter me too much. I am unworthy to serve in your esteemed institution."
Although he didn't know the rank, judging from the man's expression, the position seemed quite prestigious.
"Hehe,"
the old man chuckled, narrowing his eyes, "If I'm not mistaken, you must be an alchemist."
"Indeed, I am an alchemist. As for my cultivation, it's truly nothing special."
Ling Xiao didn't conceal his identity as an alchemist. Since Balaton had pointed it out, he might as well be frank. He now understood that the other party was interested in his alchemist title. It seemed there was no such thing as a free lunch. But even a lowly alchemist shouldn't be this popular.
"Modesty, haha, young man, you're really modest."
Balaton smiled amiably, secretly calculating. Since Ling Xiao was an alchemist, all indications suggested his alchemy skills were quite good. The pills he sold to the Shunde Trading Company were grade one and two. Although the grades weren't the rarer kind on the market, their texture, color, and efficacy were significantly superior to similar pills, making them top-quality. What
Ling Xiao didn't know was that alchemists were even more sought after in the Divine Wind Continent than he imagined. They were objects of fierce competition among various forces to enhance their strength. He was like a technician on Earth, welcomed by various industries. Regardless of your skill level, as long as you're a technician, you'll be hired. For various organizations, recruiting an alchemist who could reach the level of a human-level alchemist might be a great find—it could instantly revive a dying family.
"I wouldn't dare, but I can't accept something for nothing."
Ling Xiao understood that Balaton was only trying to recruit him into the Shunde Trading Company because he was interested in his status as an alchemist. However, he figured the Shunde Trading Company was full of talented people, and with such a large scale, anyone he could recruit would likely be better than him.
Balaton had already anticipated the other party's refusal, as some alchemists disliked joining organizations and being constrained, especially renowned alchemists who wouldn't be easily recruited unless there was something appealing to them. He then said, "The Shunde Trading Company is vast, with branches throughout the Naland Empire. If you join us, we can provide you with certain conveniences, and we'll sell you everything you buy at half price."
Balaton's efforts to recruit Ling Xiao were a long-term investment. Being able to refine second-grade pills with excellent effects suggested he might be a high-level alchemist, but he dismissed that idea. The youngest recorded high-level alchemist in history only reached that level at eighteen. However, reaching the intermediate level at his age was still remarkable on the Divine Wind Continent, and any power would prioritize his training and development.
Ling Xiao was slightly tempted, but still shook his head regretfully. His purpose in leaving Tianyuan Town was to find Niya, and now he had no clue where to start. How could he be distracted by this? He said apologetically, "I appreciate your kindness, but I really can't spare the time to work at your esteemed institution."
Balaton wasn't angry at Ling Xiao's refusal; his attitude and expression remained unchanged, though it was unclear what he was thinking.
The magic crystal card was processed quickly. The applicant needed to provide identification information and input mental energy. Mental energy was like a password; only the user could use the magic crystal card. No one else could use it. From Balaton, he learned that the mental energy input wasn't omnipotent; it had certain loopholes. A mage skilled in mental magic could easily erase the mental energy without damaging the magic crystal card.
After deducting 100,000 Dao coins, the remaining money was deposited into Ling Xiao's magic crystal card. Over a million Dao coins—just thinking about it was exciting.
After parting with the old man, Ling Xiao returned to the inn contentedly, in high spirits.
"You're back."
Duanmu Qing's clear voice rang out, a blush flashing across her face. Unmarried and alone in a room with a man, Duanmu Qing felt truly uncomfortable.
"You missed me,"
he said playfully to Duanmu Qing. His gaze was intensely fixed on her. She had just bathed, her soft, dark hair still damp, cascading down her back. A faint jasmine scent emanated from her, its fragrance intoxicating. At that moment, Duanmu Qing was like a fairy blooming among lotus flowers.
"I didn't,"
Duanmu Qing said coquettishly, her eyes avoiding Ling Xiao's burning gaze.
"Are you hungry?"
Night crept into the room, spreading across the boundless world. A magical chandelier hung in the guest room, its soft light radiating warmth. It was getting late; it was time for dinner. He instructed the waiter to prepare food and bring it to the room.
"I'm going to take a shower first."
Ling Xiao tossed out a sentence, swayed his body, and staggered into the bathroom. In a great mood, everything he did was enjoyable.
"Take a shower, pick up girls... eat grass."
Ling Xiao hummed a random song as he closed the door. The bathroom walls were covered with smooth stone slabs, and a bathtub large enough for one person to lie down in the middle was placed there. The entire bathtub was made from a single piece of stone, smooth as jade. A large mirror hung next to the bathtub, and there was a circular protrusion on the edge of the tub. Above the tub was a spiral-shaped lamp, slightly smaller than the tub itself.
Ling Xiao surveyed the bathroom with satisfaction, and slowly took off his clothes. Hehe, looking at his naked self in the mirror, Ling Xiao struck a pose with satisfaction. No, not strong enough. How about this? He made a shot put gesture with his hands, leaning to one side. Hmm, not bad, that's a bit more interesting.
"Sigh, people always talk about perfection, but how many people can achieve it? I've only achieved nine out of ten. The only flaw is that I'm not handsome. Perhaps this is what people mean by 'the heavens are jealous of talent,'" Ling Xiao thought shamelessly in the mirror. "It's not my fault I'm not handsome. The fault is that even without being handsome, I'm still so stylish. If I were handsome, would any man in the world have a chance? "
He looked at his lower body with satisfaction. Since practicing that ultimate Dao theory, it was indeed quite good. His "brother" was more vigorous than ever before. What men care about most is their "assets." Without a strong foundation, even a bull has to bow its head.
Shamelessly twisting his lower body, Ling Xiao made various indecent gestures. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he stopped abruptly, frozen in place.
Chapter 25: Indecent Assault
Duanmu Qing wasn't wearing any clothes. A thought appeared in Ling Xiao's mind. He saw his gaze fixed on a corner, where something made his blood boil, and his eyes couldn't move an inch.
Ling Xiao took a difficult step, trembling as he approached Duanmu Qing. The clothes she had changed out of after her bath were somewhat disheveled. Her eyes burned as she stared at him, his erection already throbbing.
He looked at her with longing, torn between taking them or not, but his hands trembled as he reached out. The plain white lace was soft and smooth, its edges adorned with beautiful floral trim. The lace was small and lovely, emanating a strange scent that captivated Ling Xiao's soul.
He couldn't resist bringing Duanmu Qing's clothes to his nose and inhaling deeply. His heart skipped a beat, and an uncontrollable fire ignited
within him. The clothes covering Duanmu Qing's private parts excited Ling Xiao immensely; it seemed to bear traces of Duanmu Qing's touch. Feeling guilty, he glanced around, and finding the door closed, he carefully examined what he held in his hands. The scene was utterly lewd—a man, completely naked, holding a woman's garment—what could he possibly do? Even a fool would know.
"It shouldn't be discovered, right?" Ling Xiao reassured himself, his heart pounding. "It's just for a moment, it'll be fine." He gently placed Duanmu Qing's [breast] towards his genitals…
"Hoo."
Ling Xiao let out a comfortable sigh, his blood boiling, an indescribable sensation. His lewd appearance was utterly infuriating.
His mind was filled with Duanmu Qing, his undergarments already beginning to move, feeling waves of pleasure washing over him…
After a long while, Ling Xiao lay in the bathtub, humming a song contentedly with his eyes half-closed: "Touch your breasts, Zhang Rou, touch your face, so comfortable… I want to eat you…"
His languid singing was undeniably decadent.
Ling Xiao twisted the protrusion on the edge of the bathtub; it was the switch to heat the water. Above him, a spiral hanging lamp served as a shower, allowing him to comfortably enjoy a bath while lying in the tub. He completely immersed himself in the bath, his body and mind relaxing, experiencing immense comfort.
Duanmu Qing, that little girl, is really cute. She's dignified and pretty, petite and adorable, with a soft, scholarly air about her. Her whole being exudes gentleness and obedience, though she's a bit gullible and easily trusts others. If she encounters a bad person, well…
Getting up and wiping the water droplets from his body, Ling Xiao took out a clean set of clothes from his spatial ring. He couldn't bear to look at Duanmu Qing's underwear, which he had ravaged and was now a mess.
He muttered to himself, "Is she alright?" He realized how perverted he had been, using a woman's underwear for that kind of thing. Thinking about it, he was truly disgusting. How had he never realized it before? He quickly cleaned up the scene.
After straightening his clothes, he stepped out of the bathroom and saw Duanmu Qing hesitantly watching the door. Upon seeing him, a shy expression appeared on her face. She glanced at Ling Xiao and hurriedly went into the bathroom. While Ling Xiao was showering, Duanmu Qing suddenly realized that her undergarments were still in the bathroom. Having run away from home, she had nothing. Always meticulous about cleanliness, she didn't want to wear her slightly soiled undergarments again, and having no other clothes to change into, she decided to wash them thoroughly. But before she could wash, Ling Xiao returned.
The thought that Ling Xiao might see her private parts made her blush. These were a woman's private parts, usually only seen by her closest confidants.
"Ah!"
A gasp came from the bathroom. Ling Xiao, hearing the sound, awkwardly touched his nose, utterly embarrassed. Even with his thick skin, he couldn't help but blush. How utterly shameful! His reputation was ruined in an instant. "You scoundrel! Even a scoundrel should be a noble one! Look at you! Using that thing? Is it even necessary? You should at least eat meat! I despise you! Look at your pathetic self!" Ling Xiao cursed his useless manhood in his heart.
Duanmu Qing was deeply ashamed. A thin, angry blush spread across her delicate face, reaching her fair neck. Looking at her undergarments, clearly violated by Ling Xiao, they were a mess. Although she was unmarried and still in her boudoir, she knew a little about matters between men and women. The thought of Ling Xiao using her most intimate clothing for such an outrageous act made her tremble with rage.
Not knowing what to do, tears welled up in her clear, crystal-like eyes. From childhood, she had been taught to be a virtuous and gentle woman, and now her intimate clothing had been violated by a man. She felt wronged.
"Waaah,"
a soft sob escaped from the bathroom. Ling Xiao was stunned, at a loss. His actions had actually made Duanmu Qing cry. He was somewhat taken aback. Although he considered himself shameless as a rogue, he couldn't bear to see a woman cry, especially such a sweet and beautiful woman, and he even had feelings for her.
"Duanmu Qing, are you alright?"
Ling Xiao forced himself to enter the bathroom. Duanmu Qing was squatting on the floor, hugging her knees and burying her head in her hands, sobbing softly.
"I don't need your help, you rogue!"
Overwhelmed with sorrow, Duanmu Qing could only hug herself and cry.
"I'm sorry, Qing'er, I didn't mean to. You should know how beautiful you are. I just couldn't help it... so..."
Ling Xiao quickly comforted her, spouting nonsense: "Any normal man would want that... This isn't indecent assault... It just shows you're charming..."
"Don't cry, or you'll look like a little kitten."
Ling Xiao's tongue was silver, and he used his silver tongue to explain himself. With his experience as a seasoned rogue, how could a naive little girl like him be so difficult to win over? He spoke eloquently, quoting classical texts and spouting a bunch of profound truths, indirectly praising Duanmu Qing's beauty once again.
"It's none of your business. You're just bullying me."
Duanmu Qing, squatting on the ground, choked out. Although she didn't quite believe Ling Xiao's words, she subconsciously forgave him and somewhat believed his nonsense. However, how could she face Ling Xiao in such an embarrassing situation?
"Alright, you'll get ugly if you keep crying. Let me see."
Without a word, Ling Xiao picked up Duanmu Qing's soft body and stood up, roughly carrying her out of the bathroom. He didn't have the patience to coax her.
"You... what are you doing? Let go of me, let go..."
Duanmu Qing, her tears still wet, frantically pushed Ling Xiao away with trembling hands. Her face flushed red and then pale, a mixture of shyness, anger, and nervousness, but how could she possibly move Ling Xiao?
"Don't move. Do you want to cry in the bathroom all night?"
Ling Xiao glared at her, looking at Duanmu Qing's starry eyes with a touch of heartache. Her eyes, once clear as the dawn of creation, were now slightly red and swollen from crying, with glistening tears still clinging to the corners.
"I... I... you... ah."
Duanmu Qing looked at Ling Xiao's angry face with fear, clearly frightened, but the hint of heartache in his eyes made her heart tremble, and she stammered, unable to speak. To her utter surprise, Ling Xiao leaned down and gently kissed the corner of her eye, causing her to gasp and her mind to go blank.
Chapter 26: Magic Theory
He gently licked away the tears from Duanmu Qing's eyes, the taste bitter yet sweet, and said tenderly, "Look at your swollen eyes, they look awful."
"No way!" Duanmu Qing looked at Ling Xiao with a complicated expression. This rogue, who usually exuded a roguish charm, was now surprisingly gentle. She thought to herself, "He
's not bad, is he?" "Have you fallen for me? Don't look at me like that, or you'll fall in love with me."
Ling Xiao waved his hand in front of Duanmu Qing and said with a grin.
"You bad boy, I'd never like you."
Pouting like a spoiled child, Duanmu Qing's mood gradually improved, and a strange feeling arose in her heart.
"To make up for my Qing'er, I'll give you something." He
was truly clever, easily appeasing her. Seizing the opportunity, Ling Xiao smiled mysteriously, "Want it?" "
I don't want to...I want to..." Duanmu Qing hesitated, secretly curious about what Ling Xiao had given her. Driven by curiosity, even her initial reluctance was piqued by Ling Xiao's mysterious demeanor.
"Hehe, do you like it?"
Looking at Duanmu Qing smugly, Ling Xiao pulled a pale blue, crystalline bracelet from his pocket. The crystal beads strung together were as blue as the ocean, their simple texture serene and elegant, devoid of vulgarity. Unpretentious and unadorned, it resembled wild grass growing in a beautiful mountain—ordinary, yet reflecting vitality and embellishing nature.

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