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"This is too much!"
Zhou Yuan was shocked. Not only had Patriarch Qing Jian demanded the assets of the three islands, but he had also come to her late husband's mourning hall, disturbing his soul.
How could this be tolerated? Once word spread, how would the Miaoyin Sect maintain its prestige in Chaos Star Sea?
With a sharp swish, a brown spear flashed with starlight, its tip radiating a murderous gleam, and suddenly stabbed toward Patriarch Qing Jian. Zhou Yuan struck first, shocking the gathered cultivators.
Many had assumed she would swallow her anger for the sake of the greater good. No one had expected her to act so decisively.
"It's just a trick."
Patriarch Qing Jian's face showed a hint of contempt. He raised his Qing Jue Sword, and in an instant, dazzling sword energy burst forth. A beam of light surged into the sky, sending ripples through the heavens.
With a sharp slash, his cloudy eyes gleamed with aggression as he swung his sword. A green arc of sword energy, dozens of feet long, locked onto Zhou Yuan and descended fiercely.
The mourning hall trembled violently. People scrambled in disarray, though the hall's defensive measures prevented large-scale destruction.
"Such powerful sword energy!"
"Even though he didn't use his full strength, this is still a devastating strike from a late-stage Jindan cultivator."
"Master Zhou is in danger. She has just lost her husband and now faces this catastrophe."
Zhou Yuan gripped her Bailie Spear tightly, but the pressure bore down on her like a tidal wave. Her face paled. The gap in cultivation alone was already overwhelming, not to mention facing such a deadly sword technique.
The spear light and sword energy collided with a deafening boom. Shockwaves rippled outward, forcing many Jindan cultivators to retreat. Those with weaker foundations paled, some even vomiting blood. Only mid-stage Jindan cultivators and above remained composed, watching with knowing smiles.
Though Zhou Yuan was strong, she was no match for Patriarch Qing Jian. The impact sent her flying, blood staining her clothes.
Qi Yuan leaped forward, his toes barely touching the ground. A five-colored glow flickered in his palm as he reached out to catch Zhou Yuan. His sharp gaze turned toward Qing Jian, ready to retaliate—
"How dare you harm our leader? Prepare to die!"
Three figures shot forward, their magic weapons flashing as they engaged Patriarch Qing Jian. They were the three guest elders of the Miaoyin Sect—one mid-stage Jindan, two early-stage Jindan.
"If you wish to die, then come. I fear none of you!"
Patriarch Qing Jian's aura surged, his Qing Jue Sword shining even brighter. Having already injured Zhou Yuan in her own mourning hall, he now faced three opponents at once—without losing the upper hand.
The battle erupted into a dazzling display of magical techniques, captivating every cultivator present. The wounded Zhou Yuan was momentarily forgotten.
"Sister-in-law, open your mouth."
Qi Yuan, seeing others engage Qing Jian, withdrew the magic power in his hands. He pressed a few acupoints on Zhou Yuan's body, halting the chaotic magic inside her. Taking out a precious pill, he held it to her lips and whispered.
Zhou Yuan instinctively parted her lips and swallowed. Only then did she realize she was still in Qi Yuan's embrace. A trace of panic flashed across her eyes as she quickly said, "Thank you for saving me. I'm fine now."
She hurriedly stepped away, avoiding his gaze.
"Mother, are you alright?"
Zi Ling, tall and elegant, rushed over. Though a purple veil covered her face, her worry was evident. Her father had just passed away—if anything happened to her mother, it would be unbearable.
"I'm fine, Ning'er," Zhou Yuan reassured her, grasping Zi Ling's hands tightly.
Zi Ling, relieved, turned to Qi Yuan. "Thank you, big brother, for saving my mother."
Qi Yuan chuckled, playfully pinching her nose. "Take good care of her. I'm going to check the front lines."
He had his own plans. Helping them now meant securing Miaoyin Sect under his influence for future use. Information was valuable—territory expansion was secondary.
Zi Ling's face turned red, her eyes darting around. Their playful gestures had always been in private—never in front of her mother. What would she think?
Zhou Yuan's gaze flickered with suspicion, but she said nothing. The marriage agreement between the two had already been signed. As long as they didn't cross any lines, she had no objections. It was a good opportunity for them to bond.
Qi Yuan pushed through the crowd, reaching the front lines. Watching the intense battle unfold, he was impressed.
Two distinct scents reached his nose—Zhou Yuan and Zi Ling had joined him, their attention fixed on the fight.
Zhou Yuan was focused on the three guest elders. If they could hold their ground, it would send a message to the gathered Jindan cultivators and family representatives that the Miaoyin Sect was still formidable.
"The three elders are about to lose," Qi Yuan murmured.
Zi Ling glanced at him, confused. "What do you mean?"
Zhou Yuan's expression darkened. "They're holding their own. Don't speak nonsense."
Qi Yuan simply counted down. "Three... two... one..."
Suddenly, one of the early-stage Jindan elders struck his own companion with a treacherous blow, knocking him down.
Patriarch Qing Jian seized the moment. With three swift sword slashes, he killed the mid-stage Jindan elder of Miaoyin Sect, turning the tide of battle in an instant.
The hall fell into stunned silence.
Zhou Yuan felt as if a boulder had crushed her chest. Anger and pain surged within her as she rose to her feet. "Elder Mei, what is the meaning of this? You took our sect's rewards and now betray us?"
Elder Mei's dark face twisted uncomfortably. His actions would forever stain his reputation.
"Master Zhou is mistaken. Brother Mei has simply chosen the wiser path. Miaoyin Sect has only you, an early-stage Jindan cultivator. How can you protect such vast assets?" Patriarch Qing Jian chuckled, his eyes shamelessly roaming over Zhou Yuan's mature beauty. "Why not marry me? I will care for you in Wang Heng's stead."
Zhou Yuan's hands clenched into fists.
A deep, furious voice suddenly rang out.
"Qing Jian, you arrogant old thief! Today, I, Long San Dao, will avenge my late brother Wang!"
A towering man stepped forward, his late-stage Jindan aura surging with battle intent.
The battle was far from over.
(End Of Chapter)