Chapter 28

He would not underestimate himself, and he would certainly not underestimate others, especially those true geniuses in the inner sect!

If he couldn't befriend them, then he would have to rely on the sword in his hand—no, on his noble character and unparalleled charm.

――

Yunshui City.

Under the active guidance of the Meng family,

the news that their young master, Meng Zhangqing, had broken through to the Opening Aperture realm and been promoted to the Profound Heaven inner sect spread completely.

This caused other merchant guilds and factions to be shaken.

After all, an Opening Aperture warrior—and such a young one at that—meant something that went without saying.

For a time, the status of the Meng Merchant Guild in the city rose sharply.

It was almost trending toward becoming the number one merchant guild in Yunshui.

And the Meng clansmen walked with their heads held high when they went out.

Time passed quickly.

Five days later.

――

Outside Yunshui City.

Gu Hongyu, alone, saw Meng Zhangqing off to a grassy slope.

Actually, other members of the Meng family wanted to come along,

but they were all stopped by Gu Hongyu.

“Aunt, this is far enough.”

Meng Zhangqing pulled the reins and said with a smile.

“Alright.”

Gu Hongyu nodded.

The grassy slope they were standing on was quite high, and the view was excellent.

Looking into the distance, one could see rolling mountains and a surging river.

“This is a storage ring; everything has been prepared for you and placed inside.”

Withdrawing her gaze, Gu Hongyu took off the ring from her finger.

“A storage ring.”

Meng Zhangqing’s eyes flickered.

This thing was a rare treasure.

The price was extremely high.

It contained a small space where items could be stored.

Generally speaking, a storage ring required true qi to use, meaning it was for Sea Opening realm warriors.

But ever since he saw one on the outer sect Elder Sun Haishan, he had changed his perspective.

After all, Sun Haishan was only an Opening Aperture warrior, yet he could use one.

“This storage ring is quite special; it contains the true qi of its previous owner, so even if you aren't in the Sea Opening realm, you can still use it.”

Gu Hongyu seemed to notice Meng Zhangqing’s surprise and explained.

“So that’s it.”

Meng Zhangqing realized.

No wonder Sun Haishan could use it.

With this storage ring, traveling in the future would be much more convenient; whether it was valuable items or miscellaneous goods, they could all be placed inside.

To be taken out anytime, anywhere.

It was just that, as far as he knew, the family didn't seem to have such a thing.

It was likely his aunt’s own.

She had given her own directly to him.

His heart was touched; the cultivation world was actually filled with deceit and treachery, and such genuine care was very rare.

“Also, I have another good thing for you.”

Gu Hongyu took a box out from behind her; it had a seal on it and looked very valuable.

“What is this?”

Meng Zhangqing was curious.

“A treasure, but don’t open it for now; wait until you reach the Sea Opening realm.”

Gu Hongyu said. “Also, don’t pass what’s inside to anyone else.”

Her tone was quite serious.

“Is it that important? Alright.”

Meng Zhangqing didn't think too much about it.

Although his aunt could be flighty at times, if she was being serious, then it was real.

He bit his finger and dripped blood on the storage ring to claim it; a magical feeling appeared instantly.

It was as if his own consciousness had connected with the storage ring.

With just a thought, he could see the items inside and take them out easily.

“Then I’m leaving, Aunt.”

Putting the sealed box into the storage ring, Meng Zhangqing looked at Gu Hongyu and said.

“Go, go, go. You come back for a visit and end up taking my entire retirement fund.”

Gu Hongyu crossed her arms, her voice sounding very dismissive.

Hearing this,

Meng Zhangqing was speechless and smiled.

He knew his aunt was saying the opposite of what she meant.

Once he left, he didn't know when he would be able to return.

After all, cultivation knows no time.

Thinking this,

he stepped forward and gently hugged Gu Hongyu.

He could clearly see Gu Hongyu’s body stiffen slightly, but she quickly returned to normal.

She also hugged Meng Zhangqing back.

A gentle breeze blew, and the grass leaves fluttered.

The warm sunlight fell.

The scene of the two embracing was actually quite beautiful.

“Although I don’t know what your past was, Aunt, I will grow until the day you tell me yourself.”

“The world is vast, just listen for the dragon’s roar.”

Meng Zhangqing whispered into Gu Hongyu’s ear.

Then he let go, mounted his spirit horse, and galloped off into the distance.

Only Gu Hongyu remained standing in place.

After a long while, she finally came back to her senses.

A helpless yet gratified smile appeared on her beautiful face.

“This kid.”

“He’s getting bolder and bolder.”

Gu Hongyu shook her head slightly, her gaze fixed on Meng Zhangqing’s retreating back. “Senior Sister, do you think we will be able to hear the dragon’s roar?”

The wind on the plain rose again.

Blowing through her hair, just like her heart, which was no longer calm.

――

A few more days passed.

Juefeng Ridge.

Located on the road back to the sect for Meng Zhangqing.

Actually, Meng Zhangqing could have stayed in the family for another ten days or so.

But he didn't want to cut it too close.

If any accident happened and he was delayed, it would be a huge loss.

Night fell.

Meng Zhangqing sat cross-legged under an ancient tree; a fire burned in front of him, casting many shadows on his face.

That two-and-a-half-year-old spirit horse stood not far away, having entered dreamland.

The next second, Meng Zhangqing suddenly opened his eyes.

An extremely strong aura surged within his body.

It was clearly the fifth level of the Opening Aperture realm!

“Broken through.”

Meng Zhangqing exhaled softly.

The effect of the Soul-Returning Pill was truly not a lie.

Just two pills had allowed him to break through a minor realm.

It was just that, according to his estimation, ten Soul-Returning Pills might not be enough to reach the eighth level.

Because the further one goes in cultivation, the more is required.

But it didn't matter; there were still elixirs in the storage ring, as his aunt had prepared quite a few.

In Meng Zhangqing’s view,

his aunt had likely given him half of the family’s wealth.

In any case, it was more than enough to cultivate to the Opening Aperture realm.

Boom!

Just as Meng Zhangqing was preparing to continue cultivating, a firework lit up the night sky in the distance.

It transformed into the two characters for "Profound Heaven."

“This is?”

Meng Zhangqing stood up abruptly.

A distress signal!

This was a distress item specially made by the sect; once it bloomed, it could last for a long time in mid-air.

To make people notice.

“Is there a Profound Heaven disciple in danger?”

Meng Zhangqing frowned slightly.

If it were elsewhere, he could understand.

But this Juefeng Ridge was already quite close to the sect’s territory.

Who would dare to attack a Profound Heaven disciple in such a place?

Are they tired of living?

Shaking his head slightly, Meng Zhangqing didn't think too much, directly waking the sleeping spirit horse and rushing toward where the firework had bloomed.

Regardless, he would go and see first; within his capabilities, he would naturally step in to save them.

After all, they belonged to the same faction.

But if it exceeded his capabilities, he would have no choice but to retreat.