Chapter 290: This Is Not the Style of Overbearing Spear Liu Qing
With Xiao Yuan's speed, reaching Tianhuang City took him less than a day. Soon, the city's silhouette began to form under a stretch of dense greenery.
"So this is the Tianhuang City you spoke of?"
As Xiao Yuan paused to gaze at the city in the distance, a cool, familiar voice sounded at his side.
Turning his head, he found Cai Lin—dressed in a vivid red robe—also staring at the city. Her flawless profile caught his eye like a perfect painting.
"Yeah, this is the place. You remember Liu Qing, right? This is his family's home."
Xiao Yuan smiled as he spoke.
"Mhm."
The seductive woman nodded slightly, maintaining her ever-distant queenly demeanor.
Xiao Yuan had long grown used to it.
For all her cold words, her actions told another story. During their time in the spatial tunnel, even though she never revealed herself, he could feel she had remained close by.
"Let's go in together."
With a chuckle, Xiao Yuan reached out to take her hand—only to grasp at empty air.
"Hmph! This queen is not some little girl who plays hand-in-hand games with you!"
Her voice echoed in his ears—but she had already vanished.
"What kind of Dou Zong uses spatial force for this kind of mischief?"
Xiao Yuan shook his head, then suddenly appeared in what seemed like empty space beside him and snatched up a snow-white wrist.
"Let go!"
The red-robed beauty was startled, but quickly recovered, her lovely face frosty.
"Cai Lin, I've been thinking for two months, and I finally figured it out."
Xiao Yuan's expression turned serious as he held her soft wrist.
"What you said before made sense. Now that I have some strength, you said you wouldn't stay by my side without a reason. So… I've thought of a reason for you."
Cai Lin paused, slightly frowning. "What reason?"
Xiao Yuan gave a mischievous laugh and said, "You don't want the Snake-People to be driven back into the depths of the Tagor Desert, do you? If you don't stick with me, I might just send them back."
"You wouldn't dare!"
Her expression instantly flared with the temper of Queen Medusa.
"Try me."
Xiao Yuan stepped closer, his tone sharp.
"You won't."
Cai Lin suddenly smiled seductively, then turned and flew down toward the city.
"…"
Xiao Yuan sighed and reluctantly followed.
She wouldn't kill him—and he would never seriously use her tribe as leverage.
"Fine, fine. I can't threaten you. You can't threaten me. Can't we just live together peacefully?"
Xiao Yuan caught up and again tried to take her hand.
"Hmph! Why should this queen peacefully coexist with a mere human?"
Still stubborn.
But Xiao Yuan knew—no matter how hard her words were, her lips were soft when kissed.
He didn't mind her bark and held her hand anyway.
"Then why'd you follow me?"
He smiled as they flew toward the city together.
"This queen was just… passing by. Had nowhere else to go, so I hitched a ride. If you don't want me here, I'll leave."
She turned her head, feigning indifference.
"As if I'd ever drive you away. You know that."
Xiao Yuan laughed, holding her close as they landed.
The towering city walls of Tianhuang City came into view, bustling with crowds and lively noise.
The streets were wide, lined with endless shops. The influx of people turned the square into a vibrant sea of activity.
Neither of them masked their faces, and their stunning appearance made them the center of attention. Countless gazes—curious, admiring, and envious—were cast their way.
Xiao Yuan casually stopped a passerby to ask for directions to the Liu estate, then headed straight there with Cai Lin.
After weaving through several long streets and winding alleys, a massive estate finally appeared before them—surrounded by tightly packed guards armed to the teeth.
Cai Lin was the first to speak. "Looks like your old friend has run into some trouble."
Xiao Yuan paused, but wasn't worried. Trouble? With him here, what trouble?
"I'll go ask."
He signaled Cai Lin to wait, then walked up to the gate guards and cupped his fists. "Excuse me. I'm an old friend of Liu Qing from Jia Nan Academy. May I ask you to pass word to him?"
"An old friend of the Patriarch?"
The guard was puzzled by the pair's appearance but returned the courtesy. "The Patriarch is currently at the central plaza with the Cheng family. They're disputing management of the spatial wormhole. I was assigned gate duty today, so I couldn't assist."
"What's going on? I thought the management changes annually. Why the conflict?"
Xiao Yuan frowned.
"It's the Cheng family's doing. We just took over last month, but now they suddenly want it back!"
The guard's expression turned angry.
"I see…"
Xiao Yuan nodded, thanked the guard, and turned back to Cai Lin. "Let's go."
—
At the heart of Tianhuang City, an enormous stone plaza spread wide. In its center stood a platform, atop which rotated a pitch-black spatial wormhole, pulsing with spatial energy.
The area was packed—people buzzing with chatter, focused on the two groups facing off before the wormhole.
"Cheng Yao, this year's wormhole is under the Liu Clan's charge. What's the meaning of this move?"
From the left group, a broad-shouldered man stood with natural authority. His face had matured, exuding composure.
It was Liu Qing—no longer the brash youth of the Inner Academy, but a steady clan leader.
Behind him stood two white-haired elders, exuding invisible pressure, and beside them, a red-robed beauty—mature, seductive, and radiant. This was likely Liu Qing's sister, Liu Fei—once entangled with Xiao Yan.
Now, Liu Fei had blossomed into a full-bodied stunner, drawing many men's eyes despite the tense atmosphere.
"Hehe, Liu Qing, you're younger than me. Mind your tone."
On the other side, the Cheng family stood led by a shadowy-eyed middle-aged man—Cheng Yao—who laughed coldly.
Before Liu Qing could reply, a hoarse old voice rang out.
"This is an order from Burning Flame Valley."
All eyes turned to an old man in crimson robes, covered in red blotches—Elder Chi Huo.
"Elder Chi Huo of Burning Flame Valley?"
Gasps echoed.
Liu Qing and his elders bowed. "Elder Chi Huo. May I ask why? We just assumed management. The term should be one year."
"The Valley Master seeks high-tier alchemists to help refine a pill. As none have been found yet, the order was passed: whoever provides one gains control of the wormhole—for three years."
Chi Huo gestured toward the Cheng Clan.
"They've found a tier-six alchemist certified by the Pill Tower. If your clan can do the same, you may retain control—and for three years."
Everyone turned to see a proud old man in purple alchemist robes standing behind Cheng Yao.
"A tier-six alchemist..."
Liu Qing's expression darkened.
Their best alchemist was only tier-five. Tier-six was rare—even in a power like Burning Flame Valley.
"Elder Chi Huo, may we have a few days to search?"
Liu Qing asked carefully.
"No. This is the Valley Master's direct order. Delay is not an option. If you cannot produce a suitable alchemist by today's end, the wormhole goes to the Cheng Clan."
Chi Huo remained indifferent.
Liu Qing's fists clenched. Where would he find a tier-six alchemist in a single day?
"Bet Cheng Yao bribed him."
Liu Fei hissed through gritted teeth.
"Silence!"
Liu Qing snapped. She fell silent, biting her lip.
"Elders, what now?"
Liu Qing turned to his two seniors.
They sighed. "We'd heard whispers of this weeks ago but thought nothing of it. Cheng Clan was clearly tipped off. Their alchemist has held his certification for years—very tough to beat."
The wormhole was crucial—providing enormous income. Without it, the Liu Clan's growth would stagnate.
"Just give up and hand it over, Liu boy. Maybe I'll throw you a bone someday."
Cheng Yao sneered.
Liu Qing's face darkened, but he kept his composure. "Fine, you win. Let's go!"
"Go? That doesn't sound like the Overbearing Spear Liu Qing of the Inner Academy."
A familiar voice echoed overhead.
Liu Qing frowned—it was so familiar…
Liu Fei's eyes lit up. "Brother—it's Xiao Yuan!"
"Xiao Yuan?"
Liu Qing looked up—and there he was. A white-robed youth descended from the sky, stepping through the air like a god.
"You… you're a Dou Zong now?!"
Seeing the familiar, handsome face—and sensing his aura—Liu Qing recalled recent rumors of a youth named Xiao Yuan devastating Wind Lightning Pavilion.
"It's been a while, Liu Qing. Glad to see you well."
Xiao Yuan smiled warmly.
(END CHAPTER)
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