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Wang Heng had made many good friends in his lifetime, forging strong personal relationships. Seeing his widow and daughter being bullied today, surely someone would step forward to seek justice?
When Zhou Yuan saw one of her husband's friends finally standing up, her unhappy expression turned to one of joy.
"It's Long Sandao… With him here, Miaoyin Sect's predicament might be resolved."
Rumors spoke of Long Sandao fighting three late-stage Jindan magic cultivators in the outer sea and escaping unscathed. His strength was undeniable.
The Qingjian Patriarch narrowed his eyes. His expression darkened as he said, "Fellow Daoist Long, there is no need for you to involve yourself in this matter. If you step aside, I will reward you handsomely in the future."
Long Sandao sneered. "I am a man of integrity. How could I accept such a bribe? Forget it."
His righteous words earned the admiration of those present. Even Zhou Yuan smiled, her weakness and pallor fading.
Seeing his stubbornness, the Qingjian Patriarch seethed with anger. Elder Mei glanced at Long Sandao, recalling past events. Following his gaze, he suddenly understood and chuckled.
"After all these years, I see Fellow Daoist Long still has feelings for Zhou Yuan. No wonder he's willing to take such a risk for Miaoyin Sect."
The Qingjian Patriarch caught on immediately. "So that's how it is. Long Sandao, why didn't you say so earlier? If you step aside, Zhou Yuan will be yours."
"Nonsense!"
Long Sandao's face turned red with anger, but his evasive gaze betrayed his thoughts.
Zhou Yuan's expression twisted in shame and fury. The murmurs around her shattered her favorable impression of him. She had thought he was standing up for her out of loyalty to her late husband, but it turned out to be for something else entirely.
Long Sandao felt the judgmental stares. No matter how thick-skinned he was, he couldn't bear it. Without another word, he turned into a streak of light and fled from Miaoyin Sect.
The Qingjian Patriarch sneered at his departure. What a coward. If he had stayed, he would have given Zhou Yuan to him without hesitation to win over a late-stage Jindan cultivator. Beauty meant little to him.
With Long Sandao gone, Miaoyin Sect was once again in danger.
"Master Zhou, I no longer need those three islands. Hand over all of Miaoyin Sect's assets, and I may spare the lives of your disciples," the Qingjian Patriarch said confidently, certain of victory.
Panic spread among the disciples. Some knelt and begged for mercy, while others tried to flee.
The Qingjue Sword gleamed in the Qingjian Patriarch's hand. Without hesitation, he struck.
Screams filled the air.
Zhou Yuan trembled and cried out, "Enough, I—"
"Enough? You caused this mess at my brother's funeral, and you think I should just let you go?"
Qi Yuan's voice was calm as he stepped forward.
"Little brother, you..."
Zhou Yuan was doubtful. Qi Yuan couldn't possibly be a match for the Qingjian Patriarch. The name "Night Demon" was well-known, but no one had ever seen him.
The engagement had been confirmed, and Zhou Yuan didn't want Zi Ling's future to be unprotected.
"Who is that? Do you know him?"
"I feel like I've seen him before…"
"He called Wang Heng 'big brother'—could he be Qi Yuan, the one wanted by the Demonic Path?"
"Is he the ruthless man who killed Night Demon and his disciples in the outer sea?"
The Qingjian Patriarch had heard the rumors but dismissed them. Qi Yuan was only a mid-stage Jindan cultivator, and while his magic power seemed strong, he couldn't believe the man had killed a late-stage Jindan cultivator.
People exaggerated.
Today, he would expose the truth with his sword, tearing apart Qi Yuan's reputation. Once news of Miaoyin Sect's fall spread, his own prestige would soar.
The Qingjian Patriarch exhaled a mist of true essence onto his Qingjue Sword. A brilliant green light burst forth as the blade transformed into a dragon-like shadow, hurtling toward Qi Yuan.
The attack was far stronger than before. He wasn't taking chances.
Zhou Yuan watched in shock as the terrifying sword force bore down on Qi Yuan.
But Qi Yuan merely chuckled. With a wave of his sleeve, a black ring-shaped magic weapon appeared. It expanded to ten feet in size, gleaming like polished ink.
With a flick of his mind, the ring shot forward, colliding with the Qingjue Sword. A sharp clang echoed through the sky.
This guy isn't simple. His magic power is too strong.
The Qingjian Patriarch glanced at Elder Mei.
Understanding the silent command, Elder Mei leaped forward, his palms transforming into beast-like claws as he lunged at Qi Yuan's forehead.
Qi Yuan didn't even look. Instead, he plucked the strings of a magic harp. A blood-red light shot out.
In an instant, it pierced Elder Mei's forehead.
His body twitched violently, white smoke rising from his head. His eyes rolled back, and he collapsed.
Dead.
The Qingjian Patriarch was stunned.
Killing a Jindan cultivator was like slaughtering a chicken?
This is bad. Letting Elder Mei test him first was the right choice.
Qi Yuan activated his Thunder Escape technique. In the blink of an eye, he appeared before the Qingjian Patriarch, green flames flickering at his fingertips. He reached for his opponent's forehead.
A chill ran through the Qingjian Patriarch. His instincts screamed danger.
This flame—he must not touch it.
Sword Escape!
At the last second, he fled without hesitation.
But it was too late.
Sword Escape was fast, but Thunder Escape was just as swift.
In the sky, green and multicolored lights flashed as the two chased each other.
"Does my little brother have such skill?"
Zhou Yuan looked up, recalling her husband's final words.
If Qi Yuan was with them, Miaoyin Sect would be safe.
Qi Yuan performed a series of hand seals. A formation quietly activated.
Thick red chains, inscribed with ancient runes, wove together and sealed the space, ensnaring the Qingjian Patriarch.
"You know formations?"
The Qingjian Patriarch's face paled. He hadn't even noticed when the trap had been set.
"What do you think?"
Qi Yuan floated before him, the green flames at his fingertips burning brighter.
"No, don't kill me! I will serve you as a slave—just spare my life!"
The Qingjian Patriarch struggled with all his might, but the red chains held firm.
Qi Yuan touched his forehead, and the soul-burning green fire flared.
A piercing scream rang out as the Qingjian Patriarch's body fell from the sky.
Everyone was shaken awake.
Maybe the rumors were true.
Qi Yuan really had killed the Night Demon.
The Qingjian Patriarch was dead.
Zhou Yuan stared in disbelief. Just moments ago, she had been on the brink of death.
Now, the tide had completely turned.
"I am too strong," Qi Yuan murmured.
(End of Chapter)