It had been a long since he had returned to Poplar Town. Now that he was back and realised how backwards it was, Long Chen had an indescribable sense of superiority.
Here, he was the only powerful person here. Nobody was on the same level as him.
âI canât stay here for my whole life, or else this will be my limit. Now that the matter with the Crimson Blood Sacred Sect has been dealt with, Iâll focus on staying in the Lingwu Family. Lingqing is going there as well; that is the place that I should stay in.â
âIn the Lingwu Family, Liu Yuan did not dare offend the Crimson Blood Sacred Sect on my behalf. Unexpectedly, Beitang Mo paid no heed to all considerations and came to the headquarters of the sect with the intentions of killing people. Beitang Mo is really something. Heâs even sending Earth Dan Realm cultivators to protect the Yang Family. This way, the Yang Family will definitely not come to any harm.â
The Yang Family had no worries for the future now that the Crimson Blood Sacred Sect had disappeared. From hereon, Long Chen just needed to put all his focus on the Lingwu Family.
The people of the Yang Family had heard the news that Yang Lingqing was going to enter the inner faction of the Lingwu Family. Everyone in the family, or really everyone in Poplar Town celebrated for a whole day.
Long Chen and Yang Lingqing were celebrities of Poplar Town and even of quite a few towns surrounding them.
Long Chen had initially been a no-good hedonistic son born to rich parents who had slept his life away. Now, however, things had taken ta 180-degree turn. He now had the image of a shining hero, which he was extremely proud about.
Two days later, under the eyes of the numerous people in Poplar Town, Long Chen brought Yang Lingqing away from Poplar Town and headed in the direction of the Lingwu Family.
âLingqing, weâll walk for awhile more before I introduce you to someone very important to me.â
The two of them each rode a good horse and were jolted along the way.
Long Chen had already told Yang Lingqing about the Ebony Scaled Horse she had gifted him. Yang Lingqing did not blame him, and instead reproached herself for the trouble it had caused Long Chen.
âVery important?â
Glancing at this young man who had been born on the same year, month and day as she had, Yang Lingqing was quite curious about how important this could be.
Riding into the forest after passing through the town, Long Chen turned back, looking like he had some secret. Yang Lingqing now glanced around and asked, puzzled, âIs the important person you talked about here? Why canât I see anyone?â
Long Chen laughed and snapped his fingers, âLittle Xi, come out!â
Under Yang Lingqingâs startled gaze, Long Chenâs stud earring suddenly emanated bright white light. A figure that was about two metres tall and was shrouded in white mist floated out. Soon, she appeared before Yang Lingqing and it was evident that her looks were the type enough for the masses to go crazy
Yang Lingqing was immediately stunned.
âWha- What is this?â
âHow rude. This is your sister-in-law.â Long Chen made a weird sound.
âSister-in-law?â
Yang Lingqing was even more puzzled.
Lingxi was humiliated at being called Long Chenâs sister-in-law and spat at Long Chen, and then skilfully smiled at Yang Lingqing, trying to act like a senior to her, âSister Lingqing, my name is Lingxi. Donât listen to his rubbish; Iâm not your sister-in-law.â
When Lingxi began to speak, Yang Lingqing stared at the two of them in shock and gloomily asked, âYou two⌠Explain this to me! Whatâs going on?â
Long Chen spent much energy and told Yang Lingqing some information regarding Lingxi, and also spoke about what they had gone through together.
After hearing that Lingxi had rescued Long Chen countless times, Yang Lingqing quickly accepted this girl. Lingxi was in a rather pitiful situation now, and Yang Lingqing couldnât help but take pity on her. The two of them got on good terms with each other soon enough, completely forgetting about their middleman, Long Chen.
Seeing them playing together and treating him as a third party, Long Chen had a sour expression on his face.
It was Lingxi that had suggested to meet Yang Lingqing. Long Chen was the closest to Yang Lingqing and agreed cheerfully. Unexpectedly, this was how the situation had turned out. Long Chen could only complain deep inside as they became more familiar with each other.
âItâs all karmaâŚâ
While Lingxi and Yang Lingqi were having fierce conversations, they soon arrived at Yuanling City. Once they were there, there were already people waiting at the gates to the city to receive Yang Lingqing. When this happened, Lingxi had no choice but to return to Long Chenâs earring.
The person receiving Yang Lingqing was Beitang Mo.
Due to Yang Lingqingâs connection to Long Chen, Liu Lan had accompanied Beitang Mo out. Two famous people of the Lingwu Family had gathered here, which attracted much attention.
âLooks like theyâre welcoming someone.â
After a while, Long Chen and Yang Lingqing appeared before them, and everyone then knew who Beitang Mo was looking for.
âWhere is this girl from, for even Beitang Mo and Liu Lan to be waiting here?â
âWho knows? Thereâs one just at the Human Dan Realm, while the other is at the Dragon Pulse Realm. In Yuanling City, theyâre like needles thrown into an ocean. They arenât enough to cause any ruckus.â
âExactly. Donât consider how bright and beautiful Yuanling City looks. How many geniuses have been buried here?â
Under envious and jealous gazes, Long Chen and his sister went to Beitang Moâs side. Without another word, he brought them into a luxurious carriage and headed towards the Lingwu City.
On the way, Beitang Mo did not speak a word. Only after they were almost there did he speak to Yang Lingqing, âOnce weâre at the Beitang Family*, listen to everything I tell you to do, though Iâm not worried since you seem obedient and not the type to cause trouble. If you have any questions, ask me.â
(TL note: Beitang Family = Northern Black Tortoise)
âAlright, I understand.â Yang Lingqing nodded.
Yang Lingqingâs mind was blank, but Long Chen was very worried.
Yang Lingqing was merely at the Dragon Pulse Realm, but an exception had been made for her to enter the inner faction. There were sure to be many who were jealous of her, and even if she did not provoke anyone, there were definitely people finding excuses to provoke her. If she was not careful, she might even die without knowing what happened.
Holding Yang Lingqingâs hand, Long Chen could tell that she was actually nervous, but was not displaying it.
âQingâer, remember this well. If thereâs anyone who bullies you, tell me, no matter how strong they are. Iâll take care of them for you.â
While separating, Long Chen leant his head towards Yang Lingqingâs ear and exclaimed in a tone that could not be declined.
âI understand, but if I donât do anything, nobody will bully me.â
Though Yang Lingqing was afraid, she tried her best to squeeze out a smile and waved her little fist at Long Chen, threatening him, âYou need to take care of Sister Lingxi, or else Iâll hurt you.â
Long Chen had no choice but to nod, smiling wryly.
The two of them then truly separated. However, Beitang Mo seemed to have heard what Long Chen said to Yang Lingqing. He looked at Long Chen closely, âSeems like youâve already submitted the application for the inner faction selection?â
Long Chen nodded.
Beitang Mo suddenly snickered, âDonât be so naive. The enemies Lingqing will be taking on are going to be far from what you can handle. All you need to do is try harder so that it doesnât reflect badly on Lingqing.â
Having said this, he flung his robes and left.
As Yang Lingqing left as well, she kept turning back to look at him occasionally. He suddenly realised that she would have to face a lot of matters alone in the future, and Long Chen couldnât help but be concerned.
âI donât know if it was the right decision for her to enter the Lingwu FamilyâŚâ
Long Chen pondered over this matter. In order for Yang Lingqing not to be bullied in the Lingwu Family, he would need to get stronger.
âHe said that I donât have any qualifications to deal with the opponents that Lingqing will face? Hehe, just watch and seeâŚâ
Anyone who had intentions of causing trouble for Yang Lingqing had to be within the inner faction. Long Chen knew that in order to protect her, he first had to enter the inner faction.
âI wonder if Iâll have a chance in this inner faction selectionâŚâ
Long Chenâs gaze was filled with an unyielding stubbornness as he watched Yang Lingqing leave. Liu Lan took all this in and smiled sweetly, âSo? Are you unconvinced?â
She was naturally referring to what Beitang Mo had said before he left.
âI wonât accept it for now. Iâll convince you in the future.â
Long Chen raised his head and stared straight at Liu Lan, spouting very big words.
âYouâve turned gutsy.â
Liu Lan shook her head, seeming to exclaim coquettishly.
Looking at this resolute young man, she felt slightly dazzled.
Noticing her eyes that had turned a little strange while staring at him, Long Chen was startled and laughed, âWhy are you looking at me with such emotion? Are you planning to prey on young men?â
Having said this, Long Chen suddenly felt an icy-cold gaze on himself and turned. At a pavilion far away, a young man was staring at him without moving. Long Chen couldnât tell who it was, nor did he care.
Liu Lan did not get mad at Long Chenâs teasing and instead, played along with him and placed her fair fingers that were like cogongrass on his shoulder, âOf course Iâm planning to eat you up. Would you let me?â
Long Chen suddenly went limp. He still found it difficult to tolerate such spicy words and immediately drew back, laughing in embarrassment.
âCowardâŚâ
She rolled her eyes at him and got serious, âWhat are your plans?â
âOf course, itâs to obtain the beast spirit of the Enchanted Purple Dragon. Time is of essence; I wonât talk to you anymore. Bye.â
Without saying anything more, Long Chen went past her and, uncaring of Liu Lanâs fury, proceeded forth.
âLiu Lan seems to be too enthusiastic towards me, especially in such a public area. What does she want?â
Recalling the man who had been staring at him from the pavilion, Long Chen felt something was off.
âI didnât even take his girl. Whatâs his problem?â