Ling Tian Sword God

Ling Chen felt an overwhelming power surging within him and immediately flickered. He spun around, launching a kick, and a massive rock behind him, towering over a person, was blasted into rubble by his punch.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Ling Chen continuously punched and kicked, terrifying power erupting from his fists and feet, leaving large holes in the cave walls.

Is this the Dragon Blood Power?

Experiencing the terrible destructive power this force possessed, Ling Chen felt an inexplicable joy.

"What Dragon Blood Power? It's just from a mere Yin Dragon; it's worlds apart from a true dragon."

Seeing Ling Chen's self-satisfied expression, Qing Luo shook her head, clearly deeming him unambitious.

"Come, let me see the extent of your tiny Yin Dragon Bloodline."

Qing Luo crossed her arms, and then a surge of mighty pressure was suddenly released from within her. Faintly, the shadow of a huge serpent began to emerge behind her.

WHOOSH!

The moment the serpent shadow solidified, it violently swept towards Ling Chen.

Facing this awe-inspiring onslaught, Ling Chen was pushed back several steps. But the next moment, a blurry dragon shadow appeared before him. This dragon shadow, with four claws and dual horns, was faint but vividly lifelike, as if it truly existed.

Accompanying the birth of the dragon shadow was a powerful Dragon's Majesty.

The two phantom figures clashed, causing astonishing waves of power to sweep through the cave.

POP!

The dragon shadow was shattered by the serpent shadow in a mere moment. With his current strength, thinking he could contend with an expert of Qing Luo's caliber was nothing more than wishful thinking.

"Although the Yin Dragon Bloodline is somewhat lacking, it's not entirely useless."

Qing Luo seemed quite satisfied with the Dragon's Majesty Ling Chen released. After all, Ling Chen's strength was still low, so his Dragon's Majesty naturally seemed feeble in her presence. Lasting for three breaths was considered passing.

"Regardless, my success in refining the Yin Dragon Essence Blood is all thanks to your efforts, Senior."

Ling Chen curbed his excitement and then solemnly bowed to Qing Luo in gratitude. Without her help, he would have been unable to reach his current level.

"I'm helping you because I find you agreeable. There's no need for all those human formalities; they're quite annoying." Qing Luo's delicate brows furrowed; she clearly disliked Ling Chen bowing to her like that.

"Senior, if there's ever anything I can do for you in the future, I will spare no effort," Ling Chen replied earnestly.

"Alright, enough chatter."

Qing Luo waved her hand. "You came looking for me about the Beastman Blood Refining Technique, didn't you? Now that you have successfully refined the Yin Dragon Essence Blood, you can leave."

"Yes, Senior. I'll be heading to the City of Thunder in a few days to participate in this year's Martial World Congress."

Ling Chen nodded. He knew Qing Luo was a straightforward person; if he overdid his expressions of gratitude, it would appear insincere.

"The Martial World Congress…"

Qing Luo's eyebrows raised. "As I recall, your father, Ling Tianyu, won the Martial Arts Supreme title at the Martial World Congress. Such a grand event, where martial arts experts exchange knowledge, is indeed suited to people like you from the Jianghu."

"Go. You will certainly have a place at this year's Martial World Congress."

"Yes, I will give my all."

Ling Chen nodded, a glint of determination in his eyes. He had left the Divine Intent Sect to gain experience, and it had been over a year. Wasn't it all to prepare for this Martial World Congress?

Exchanging pointers and learning from genius warriors from all over the Five Kingdoms—just contemplating it made his blood boil with excitement.

This was the dream of everyone in the Jianghu.

"Then, Senior Qing Luo, I shall take my leave."

Ling Chen cupped his fists in a salute to Qing Luo. After she nodded, he turned and left the cave.

This kid... he's a lot like his father was at his age. But he's much more endearing than his father.

After Ling Chen left the cave, Qing Luo rested her snow-white chin in her hand, muttering to herself.

After muttering to herself, Qing Luo walked towards the inner part of the cave. However, just as she turned around, she heard footsteps behind her.

Why is he back?

Qing Luo turned around, somewhat surprised, but the one who appeared before her was not Ling Chen, but a Cyan-robed Guest wearing a mask.

"Who are you?"

Qing Luo's pretty face changed. She quietly began to circulate her True Qi, her expression wary. When did this person get in? I didn't notice him at all!

The Cyan-robed Guest didn't respond but instead reached up and removed his mask, revealing his true face to Qing Luo.

"It's you?"

Upon seeing the true face of the Cyan-robed Guest, Qing Luo's mouth fell open in shock. "Didn't you already…"

"Already what?"

The Cyan-robed Guest smiled. "It's been so many years. Won't you invite me in for a seat?"

"Sit wherever you like."

Qing Luo shook her head helplessly. He's already inside. What's the point of saying that?

"How did you know I live here?"

Qing Luo sat at a stone table, looking in surprise at the Cyan-robed Guest opposite her. She estimated it had been over a dozen years since she'd last seen him. How could he possibly find me now, of all times?

"Originally, of course, I didn't know."

The Cyan-robed Guest lifted the teacup from the table and took a sip before continuing, "Until you went to Yin Beast Valley."

"Yin Beast Valley?"

Qing Luo's pretty face paled slightly. Yin Beast Valley... isn't that the valley in the Yin Dragon's territory?

"You were nearby at the time?"

The surprise in Qing Luo's eyes deepened. Then, as if suddenly understanding something, she chuckled softly. "You were nearby when we were extracting the Yin Dragon Essence Blood, yet you didn't lift a finger to help? And you call yourself an old friend. Isn't that a bit much?"

"With your strength, even if you truly fought that Yin Dragon, it would be difficult to determine a victor. Why should I meddle?"

The Cyan-robed Guest shook his head, a sharp glint in his eyes. "Besides, given my identity, it's no longer appropriate for me to be known in the Jianghu. It took great effort to achieve this peace and quiet; I can't let my long-laid plans go to waste."

"Well, that's true enough."

Qing Luo inclined her head slightly, then looked up at the Cyan-robed Guest. "But one doesn't visit the Three Treasure Hall for nothing. What brings you here this time?"

It has been over a dozen years since he last appeared before me. If he said he came for no reason, I wouldn't believe him.

"Indeed, there is one matter for which I need your help. Given your background, I believe you can provide me with a satisfactory answer."

The Cyan-robed Guest nodded. He then flipped his palm over, and an ancient golden token, intricately engraved with text, appeared in his hand.

"The Void Emperor's royal decree!"

The moment she saw this token, the color drained from Qing Luo's pretty face.