Chapter 89: The Fierce and Wild Ghost Mastiff (6k)

Seeing Xuan Yuan Muqian’s gaze turn toward him, Yan Xiaohu instantly straightened his chest with pride, though inside he felt like crying.

To engineer this chance encounter, heaven knows how much I’ve lost—especially to subdue that beast terrorizing the village, I gave it everything I had, only for the damn creature to regress to its ancestral bloodline at the critical moment.

I nearly capsized in a ditch, but luckily my timing was flawless, everything flowed together seamlessly.

Seeing Yan Xiaohu’s demeanor, Li Daoxuan said no more, only: “Since Brother Yan is guiding you, make sure you treat Princess Dianxia properly—don’t let any mishap bring shame upon Taiqingmen.”

Yan Xiaohu understood Li Daoxuan’s implication perfectly: Rest assured, I’d never dare peek at the princess bathing, no matter how bold I am.

Besides, I’m not some peeping tom.

“Hello, I’m Lu Yaoyao!” At that moment, Lu Yaoyao stepped forward cheerfully, approaching Xuan Yuan Muqian and introducing herself warmly.

Xuan Yuan Muqian studied Lu Yaoyao carefully, lingering a few extra glances at her eye sockets, then smiled and said: “Hello.”

Then she rummaged through her storage pouch and quickly pulled out a vial of pills.

“This is for you.”

“What?”

“It’s a pill that removes birthmarks. Don’t worry—it was crafted by the Imperial Advisor himself. Powerful effects; it erases any birthmark without leaving scars.”

“Thank you, but may I ask why you’re giving me this?”

“Your eyes.”

“My eyes? What about them?”

Seeing Lu Yaoyao’s confused expression and about to pull out a mirror, Li Daoxuan and the others grew tense at once: “Brother Yichen, my master is already on the mountain—I’ll take you there!”

Saying this, he grabbed Xuan Yuan Yichen and hurried up the mountain.

“Big brother—”

Soon, Lu Yaoyao’s frustrated shout came from behind.

Xuan Yuan Yichen suddenly realized—he’d also thought it was a birthmark at first.

“You two siblings really get along well!” Xuan Yuan Yichen said.

Li Daoxuan chuckled: “Nothing special.”

“Just like me—I love teasing my little sister. Don’t let Muqian’s current poise fool you; if you rile her up, I have to run for cover.”

Li Daoxuan smiled and fell silent, leading Xuan Yuan Yichen straight toward Chengtian Hall.

………

That evening, Zhou Qing had just fed the old hen powdered spirit stones and was about to absorb the spiritual essence of the Lingyun Mushroom when he heard a knock at the gate.

“Old Four, Old Four—” Yan Xiaohu’s voice called out.

Zhou Qing sighed helplessly and went to open the door.

The moment he opened it, a strong stench of alcohol hit him.

Yan Xiaohu let out a long, drunken burp. Zhou Qing recoiled in disgust, waving his hand to fan the smell away.

“How much did you drink?”

Yan Xiaohu waved the food box triumphantly: “Drank at Yushantang—all free. Why not? I even grabbed an extra portion for you. Eat it while it’s hot.”

Yan Xiaohu staggered inside. Zhou Qing hurried to support him.

Then, looking at the heavy food box, Zhou Qing felt a warm surge in his chest: “Thank you, Big Brother!”

Yan Xiaohu smiled faintly, then channeled spiritual power—his alcohol haze vanished rapidly.

“No thanks needed. You were supposed to eat at Yushantang today too, but I dragged you away. I should be thanking you. Eat up—I know you haven’t had a bite yet.”

Now sober, Yan Xiaohu was in good spirits.

Zhou Qing took the food box and set it aside, then asked curiously: “Big Brother, how was the Ninth Princess?”

Yan Xiaohu nodded, then shook his head, a look of melancholy suddenly crossing his face.

“She’s beautiful, no doubt—but I didn’t feel any fluttering in my heart. And when I spoke with her, her every word and gesture radiated noble elegance, making me feel inferior and deeply uncomfortable.”

Yan Xiaohu frowned.

Zhou Qing: “...”

“Of course she is—she’s royalty. What can a country bumpkin like us compare to her? I think you’d get along better with that ghost girl—you’re both the same kind of weird!” Zhou Qing teased.

Yan Xiaohu hurriedly said: “Don’t joke like that! I’m destined to become a royal son-in-law—how could I pick a ghost girl? Forget it. Tomorrow, if you want to wander, go ahead. I’ve already made my first impression—you can’t threaten me anymore.”

Zhou Qing said: “What about Big Brother?”

“Don’t know—he’s still in seclusion. But tomorrow, the Seventh Imperial Prince will fight Li Daoxuan, rest for two days, then challenge Big Brother.” Yan Xiaohu thought and replied.

Hearing this, Zhou Qing’s interest stirred.

“Their battle will surely be spectacular—will there be many spectators?” Zhou Qing asked eagerly.

Yan Xiaohu said: “Of course. Two Nascent Soul experts fighting? A rare learning opportunity for all of us. The arena’s limited, but all True Disciples and Core Disciples will be there.”

Hearing this, Zhou Qing grew excited.

So the crowd will be filled with Jin Dan and Nascent Soul cultivators.

Perfect. This is great.

I was just wondering how to find a chance to farm Ignore Points—here it comes.

“Third Brother, wake me up when you leave tomorrow!” Zhou Qing said.

Yan Xiaohu nodded: “Got it. Eat up. You’ve been running around all day. Honestly, dealing with women is exhausting.”

After seeing off his third brother, Zhou Qing was about to close the door when a paper crane flew toward him.

As the crane landed, Lu Yaoyao’s playful voice came from within: “Zhou Brother, didn’t know you had such good taste—you’ve just saved yourself decades of hard work!”

Zhou Qing was utterly confused.

Did he drink fake wine?

…

Today’s Arena was bustling, packed with disciples from the Thirteen Peaks, layered thickly around the perimeter.

Of course, ordinary disciples had no right to watch the battle between the Sect Master’s heir and an Imperial Prince—those present were almost all True Disciples and Core Disciples.

In addition, various stewards, Elders, and multiple Peak Masters had come to watch.

By the time Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu arrived, the crowd was already roaring, and even distant onlookers were secretly placing bets.

Wait—that bet-taker over there… is that Niu Guangmo?

Zhou Qing stared blankly at Yan Xiaohu beside him.

“Boss!” Soon, several familiar True Disciples approached.

Yan Xiaohu immediately pulled out two hundred blank image jade slips and handed them to them.

“Remember—only start selling after the battle begins. Use your eyes. Don’t waste time pushing to someone who can’t afford it.”

They nodded, understanding.

“Here’s a list of Core Disciples with money. Target them first—I don’t believe they won’t want to record this battle for later study!”

Yan Xiaohu grinned.

They quickly dispersed.

Zhou Qing stared at Yan Xiaohu and clapped.

“Third Brother, your business sense is incredible—I truly admire you! You never miss an opportunity!” Zhou Qing praised.

Yan Xiaohu waved his hand: “This is nothing. But to raise funds for the bets and these two hundred blank image jade slips, I’ve nearly emptied my coffers and am deep in debt. If I lose, my reward of one high-grade spirit stone might vanish.”

“Old Four, you can’t just watch me go bankrupt. Worst case? You might have to lend me… Old Four, don’t walk off so fast—I haven’t finished talking!”

Soon after, Zhou Qing looked up at the Arena’s upper tiers.

The Peak Masters sat in order—some solemn, some smiling, each radiating immense aura.

Eight of the Thirteen Peak Masters had come—clearly, they were curious about this match.

Beside Sect Master Cao Zhengyang sat two masked figures.

“Those two are the Seventh Prince and Ninth Princess’s guardians—though that’s just the surface. There are surely more hidden,” Yan Xiaohu whispered.

Zhou Qing nodded. Though far away, he clearly sensed the killing intent radiating from them.

“Zhou Brother, so you’re here!”

At that moment, Lu Yaoyao’s cheerful voice came from behind.

Zhou Qing turned to see Lu Yaoyao, Shi Zhen, and an unfamiliar woman walking together.

“Oh my, Muqian Sister, why are you down here? The upper platform has the best view!”

Seeing the unfamiliar woman, Yan Xiaohu immediately grinned and rubbed his hands together.

Zhou Qing instantly realized—the woman was the Ninth Princess of Shengwu Empire.

But how in just one day had they become best friends?

Who the hell is the social butterfly here?

“Lu Sister searched for you for ages—I pointed you out, but she couldn’t see you,” Shi Zhen laughed.

Lu Yaoyao scratched her head, embarrassed: “My vision’s been off lately. You were right here, and I still couldn’t spot you.”

Zhou Qing only smiled, then bowed to Xuan Yuan Muqian: “Greetings, Ninth Princess.”

“Zhou Brother, don’t be formal—just call me Muqian like everyone else!”

Though Xuan Yuan Muqian was Foundation Establishment peak, for some reason, standing before Zhou Qing, she felt invisible pressure.

His cultivation must be higher than hers—calling him Zhou Brother made sense.

【Heart Insight Point +8】

As Zhou Qing admired the Ninth Princess’s noble bearing, contrasting sharply with his idiotic grinning third brother, the system’s chime suddenly sounded in his ear.

Then he saw Lu Yaoyao’s Touding annotation change from 【Well-Read】 to 【Good Eye】.

Zhou Qing was momentarily puzzled.

Lu Yaoyao suddenly praised: “Sister Mu Qian, your hair is so beautiful—it’s orange! Few people have hair like this. I remember Brother Zhou likes girls with orange hair.”

Lu Yaoyao deliberately stressed the words “orange.”

Zhou Qing froze, then quickly understood.

I knew something felt off when I saw Xuan Yuan Mu Qian earlier—it was her hair.

“Don’t listen to her; I was just joking back then!” Zhou Qing hurriedly said.

Yan Xiaohu glanced around nervously.

What’s going on here?

Xuan Yuan Mu Qian smiled, then touched her hair. “You’ll have to disappoint Brother Zhou—I didn’t always have this color. A while ago, I took a special elixir, and due to some side effect, it turned this shade.”

Hearing this, Zhou Qing quietly exhaled in relief.

“That’s an odd side effect. What was your original hair color?” Zhou Qing asked.

Xuan Yuan Mu Qian smiled. “Of course black—with a touch of silver. I inherited it from my mother; she isn’t human.”

Xuan Yuan Mu Qian spoke frankly—it wasn’t a secret.

Zhou Qing suddenly understood.

Lu Yaoyao’s pupils shrank sharply, her heart skipping a beat.

Could I have finally found the right person?

And my grandmother is here too?

Is my blood not purely human?

At that moment, the crowd erupted in cheers.

Zhou Qing and the others turned quickly—two figures had appeared on the arena floor without anyone noticing.

Li Daoxuan held a heavy sword today; its broad blade gleamed with cold frost.

His posture was upright, his white robe fluttering in the wind, his gaze icy—like a drawn blade, radiating sharpness.

Opposite him stood Prince Xuan Yuan Yichen of the Holy Martial Empire, gripping a silver spear, its tip shimmering with light as if coiled with dragon shadows.

He exuded an aura of supreme dominance.

“So this is the Seventh Prince?” Zhou Qing marveled. He had to admit—the man was the real deal: tall, rich, handsome.

Third Brother wanting to be his brother-in-law? Probably impossible.

“Activate the arena’s boundary seals!” Cao Zhengyang said.

Several Elders nodded and swiftly formed hand seals.

But in the next instant, a piercing whistle tore through the sky.

Before anyone could react, a jet-black spear—like a weapon plucked from the netherworld—shot forward like a bolt of dark lightning, striking the ground between them with overwhelming force.

The spear sank three inches into the earth; the surrounding blue bricks shattered instantly, stones flying everywhere, the entire arena trembling from the impact.

Instantly, silence fell. Everyone turned instinctively—seeing a figure stepping down from the air.

He was tall and imposing, clad in tight black armor that flapped like a storm of darkness sweeping in.

His long hair whipped wildly in the wind, revealing eyes as sharp as falcons, brimming with boundless arrogance and wildness.

Each step he took upon empty air echoed like thunder.

Everyone stared, stunned—until Shi Zhen suddenly covered her mouth, eyes shining.

“Big Brother!”

Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu burst into joy—they never expected Big Brother to emerge from seclusion at this moment.

Mo Xingjian on the stage shook his head.

“Still so showy! This isn’t my doing—I truly didn’t know!” Mo Xingjian quickly told Cao Zhengyang.

Cao Zhengyang sighed heavily.

It seemed Li Daoxuan and Xuan Yuan Yichen wouldn’t fight today.

The next moment, Gui Ao flashed forward, landing beside the spear, then grasped its shaft and gave it a slight shake—a powerful energy wave erupted, forcing everyone nearby to step back involuntarily.

His gaze burned as he swept over Li Daoxuan and Xuan Yuan Yichen, a faint smirk curling his lips.

“Perfect timing. Old Li, they came to challenge me—you just cut in halfway. Isn’t that a bit unethical?”

Gui Ao’s voice was deep and powerful, echoing like thunder over the arena.

Li Daoxuan frowned. “I was just—”

“I know you meant well, but if he’s too drained, and I win afterward, it won’t be a fair victory,” Gui Ao cut him off.

Li Daoxuan snorted, about to speak—then immediately turned his gaze upward to Cao Zhengyang on the platform, eyes filled with frustration.

Cao Zhengyang muttered something; Li Daoxuan could only reluctantly look back at Gui Ao.

“Since you’ve emerged, don’t forget we still have a match to settle!” Li Daoxuan said, then stepped out of the arena.

Gui Ao’s lips curled into a wicked grin as he turned to face Xuan Yuan Yichen.

“Your Xuan Yuan Dragon Emperor Art must be perfected now—excellent!” Gui Ao sized him up.

Xuan Yuan Yichen studied Gui Ao, his expression grave: “You’ve grown stronger—you’re half a step into Soul Transformation.”

“Soul Transformation requires mastering an essence. Do you think it’s that easy? But you’re right—I’ve at least half-stepped into that realm. Still, judging by your stance, you’re using me as a stepping stone. Too bad—I’ll be your stumbling block.”

Gui Ao laughed loudly, then pointed his black spear straight at Xuan Yuan Yichen.

“Come on—I’ve been looking for someone to test myself against. Since you’ve come to me, I won’t hold back!”

As soon as he spoke, the entire arena’s atmosphere turned violent.

Xuan Yuan Yichen laughed too, twirling his silver spear like a silver dragon soaring into the sky.

“Don’t let me down either!”

The two faced off, eyes flashing like lightning.

The next instant, before anyone could react, they clashed at blinding speed.

Spear shadows crossed, light flared everywhere.

The arena erupted with a deafening roar; the ground shattered instantly under the shockwave, stones flying like rain.

Both stepped back several paces, their battle lust burning hotter than before.

Then they clashed again.

No one spoke—everyone stared, stunned.

Xuan Yuan Mu Qian nervously cheered for her brother; Zhou Qing quietly slipped away until he found a secluded corner, watching Big Brother.

[Ignore Point +1]

[Ignore Point +1]

…………

Soon, Zhou Qing heard the system’s alert, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“Dang dang dang!”

The clash of spears rang out like heavy rain.

Their figures darted across the arena, spear shadows overlapping, dizzying to watch.

Gui Ao’s attacks grew fiercer; his black spear became a raging beast, relentlessly lunging at Xuan Yuan Yichen.

Xuan Yuan Yichen barely kept up, his silver spear whirling in a flawless defense, repelling each strike.

Many had never seen Gui Ao’s true power—Elders on the stage, even the Sect Master, never stopped praising him.

Even Li Daoxuan, now outside the arena, stared at Gui Ao with grave seriousness.

“Heaven-Shattering Strike!” Gui Ao roared, shaking his black spear—immense dominance coalesced at its tip.

Seeing this, Xuan Yuan Yichen didn’t dare underestimate—he erupted in golden scales.

“Xuan Yuan Dragon Emperor Art: Dragon Emperor Descends!” he bellowed, thrusting his silver spear—out surged a massive dragon, silver with golden veins, roaring as it charged Gui Ao.

“Boom!”

Their collision exploded with even greater force.

Even the arena’s boundary seals cracked under the impact; several stunned Elders rushed to repair them.

“Interesting!” Gui Ao’s battle lust didn’t fade—it grew, even sparking excitement.

“You’re impressive too!” Xuan Yuan Yichen laughed, his aura surging again.

The black and silver figures wove together, stirring the crowd’s blood.

After who knew how long, another clash sent them flying apart.

Gui Ao sheathed his spear and laughed heartily: “Enough! Didn’t expect you to grow this strong. Let’s call it a draw, same as always?”

Xuan Yuan Yichen frowned, about to speak—but Gui Ao vanished from the arena, bowed respectfully to the Sect Master and others above.

“Disciple greets you, Senior Brothers and Uncles!”

Cao Zhengyang and the others were stunned—Gui Ao just quit? So casually?

“Fine. It’s just sparring—no need to overdo it. Don’t damage your camaraderie, right?” Cao Zhengyang glanced at the two masked figures beside him.

They nodded slightly, their aged voices echoing: “Indeed.”

“I have matters to attend to—I’ll take my leave!” Gui Ao bowed again, then leapt into the crowd, grabbed Yan Xiaohu beside the betting table, and flashed to Zhou Qing’s side.

“Let’s go—haven’t seen you in years. Come drink with your Senior Brother!”

Gui Ao laughed loudly, seizing Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu, then vanished as a streak of light through the crowd.

Everyone exchanged glances, turning to the Seventh Prince on the field.

“Brother, are you alright?” Xuan Yuan Mu Qian rushed onto the arena to check on him.

Xuan Yuan Yichen sighed lightly and murmured, “Looks like I lost again—he’s giving your big brother some face.”

Hearing her brother’s words, Xuan Yuan Muqian was stunned, then turned her gaze toward the fading silhouette in the sky, worried.

He’s truly become your big brother’s obsession—what should we do now?

…………

“Big Brother, your entrance today was absolutely awesome, insanely cool, beyond description!”

Inside Yushan Hall, Yan Xiaohu poured wine for Gui Ao with deep admiration—he’d really spent big today to welcome Big Brother back.

“Big Brother, are you about to enter Soul Transformation?” Zhou Qing kept piling food onto Gui Ao’s plate.

Gui Ao took a few sips, then shook his head: “If Soul Transformation were this easy, wouldn’t everyone in Taiqingmen be a peak master? It requires comprehending a certain realm—but at least I’ve got a direction now. By the way, where’s Old Two?”

Zhou Qing fell into thought, and Yan Xiaohu hurried to explain: “Second Sister left the sect three years ago—she said she had personal matters to handle. When we went to Qingmu City…”

Yan Xiaohu then explained to Gui Ao.

After listening, Gui Ao frowned slightly: “Soulbreath Immortal Grass? This spirit herb can indeed cure Master’s old injury completely, but it’s dangerously risky. Still, with her cautious nature, she should be fine.”

Then Gui Ao glanced at his two younger brothers and smiled: “It’s been years—I see Old Four has gotten much paler. Old Three, your face has gotten rounder.”

Yan Xiaohu: “...”

Requesting monthly votes; also, updating something—the broken sword is named [Broken Tetanus].

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(End of Chapter)