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With just a few moves, Qi Yuan killed the Qingjian Patriarch, a cultivator who had been in the late Jindan stage for centuries.
Everyone present was stunned.
Qi Yuan's cultivation was clearly only in the mid-stage of Jindan, while the Qingjian Patriarch had long solidified his realm and was no mere novice. The difference between them should have been insurmountable.
Yet reality had proven otherwise.
This young man would undoubtedly make a name for himself in the Chaos Star Sea.
If there was a chance, they had to befriend him.
Amidst the silence, sudden screams rang out.
Zhou Yuan had executed the remaining members of the Qingjian Sect.
The Qingjian Patriarch had forced her into desperation, leaving her with nothing but deep-seated hatred for his sect. Revenge was inevitable. Those who followed him could only blame their ill fate.
Qi Yuan had taken an interest in Zhou Yuan's daughter.
Had he not interfered, the Qingjian Patriarch's plan would have succeeded. He could not sit idly by and let Miaoyin Sect fall, nor could he allow Zhou Yuan and her daughter to be harmed.
If he did nothing now, how could he face Zi Ling in the future?
Qi Yuan saw Zhou Yuan's actions but remained silent.
Winners take all.
He retrieved the Qingjue Sword and the Qingjian Patriarch's storage bag, easily erasing the soul imprint. With a casual flick, a fireball descended, reducing the corpse to ashes.
"Brother, are you hurt?"
Zhou Yuan approached, concern in her beautiful eyes. She kept a careful distance, wary of inviting the same rumors that had plagued her after Long Sandao's actions.
"Sister-in-law, I'm fine. I only hope my brother's coffin was unharmed."
Qi Yuan's tone was gentle.
"I reinforced his coffin with protective spells. There's no need to worry. As long as you're safe, I am too. If something had happened to you again, I wouldn't know what to do."
Zhou Yuan's voice carried lingering fear. Her almond-shaped eyes shimmered, holding a trace of unspoken emotion.
Dressed in simple mourning robes, her charm remained undeniable.
A widow's allure was a dangerous thing.
Qi Yuan had killed the Qingjian Patriarch and saved Miaoyin Sect. Without realizing it, he had become the new pillar of support in Zhou Yuan's heart.
Even she wasn't aware of the shift.
"Fellow Daoist Qi, I am Lay Buddhist Tianshui. I would like to make your acquaintance."
"I am Meng Ban, representing the Meng family. We would be honored to form a friendly relationship with you."
One after another, Jindan cultivators stepped forward, expressing their goodwill.
Among them were powerful late-stage Jindan cultivators, as well as representatives of noble families who oversaw entire regions.
In the Chaos Star Sea, these figures held either great prestige or substantial influence.
Yet now, they eagerly surrounded a mere mid-stage Jindan cultivator, engaging him with warm smiles and frequent displays of favor.
If word got out, it would undoubtedly cause a stir.
Zhou Yuan watched the same cultivators who had stood by in silence now swarming Qi Yuan and let out a sigh.
Her little brother was incredible.
Wang Heng had painstakingly built these connections over decades, enduring countless hardships. Yet after his death, they had all but faded.
Now, Qi Yuan had reestablished them in mere moments, proving his strength and influence.
After exchanging pleasantries, Qi Yuan finally spoke in a clear voice.
"Everyone, I hope you will take care of Miaoyin Sect in future business matters."
"Of course. The trade between my Huo family and Miaoyin Sect will proceed as usual," a young woman said coquettishly.
A middle-aged man with a short beard nodded. "The Li family feels the same way."
Zhou Yuan stepped forward, her voice carrying a slight tremor. "I appreciate your kindness. However, business matters can be discussed after my late husband's funeral has concluded."
The group quickly realized their mistake.
Talking about business in front of a mourning hall was indeed inappropriate.
One by one, they reassured her that they would wait until Miaoyin Sect was ready.
The disciples quickly cleaned up the hall, and Wang Heng's funeral resumed.
To prevent further trouble, Qi Yuan chose to remain at the Miaoyin Sect headquarters.
As expected, a few opportunistic enemies appeared.
Qi Yuan dealt with them swiftly.
After that, no one dared to stir up trouble.
The reason was simple.
Those who had witnessed the battle spread the news far and wide.
A single rumor could be dismissed.
But when countless people told the same tale, its credibility skyrocketed.
Upon hearing that Qi Yuan had slain the Qingjian Patriarch, many of Miaoyin Sect's enemies reconsidered their plans.
If they couldn't even defeat the Qingjian Patriarch, what chance did they have against the man who killed him?
Revenge could wait. Survival was more important.
As the story spread, Qi Yuan's reputation began to rise throughout the Chaos Star Sea.
On the streets and in the alleys, his past deeds became a frequent topic of discussion.
Of course, he still paled in comparison to figures like Wen Tianren.
But it was only a matter of time.
With Wang Heng's funeral concluded, Miaoyin Sect gradually returned to normal.
With Qi Yuan as her backing, Zhou Yuan handled business dealings with newfound confidence. Every matter was arranged in an orderly fashion, and she dispatched disciples to formalize agreements.
In the sect master's personal quarters, Zhou Yuan sat upright on a pearwood chair. Though the funeral was over, her long black hair remained unadorned, free of ornate pearl hairpins.
Her fair face was lightly made up, enhancing her natural beauty.
She wore a simple yet elegant lavender palace dress—modest, yet dignified.
At that moment, two graceful figures entered.
They bowed respectfully. "We greet the Sect Master."
The newcomers were none other than Fan Jingmei and Zhuo Ruting, the left and right emissaries of Miaoyin Sect.
Zhou Yuan raised her clear eyes, observing the two women, their beauty unparalleled. She nodded slightly.
She intended to fulfill her late husband's final wish.
Use beauty to win Qi Yuan's loyalty.
Wang Heng had once planned to do the same with his trusted subordinates but had been firmly rejected by Zhou Yuan.
Now, she had changed her mind.
She would use every possible method to bind her younger brother to Miaoyin Sect.
As long as he remained, the sect would never fall.
As for the marriage contract, it would proceed as planned.
Zi Ling would be his wife.
Fan Jingmei and Zhuo Ruting… would be his concubines.
Such arrangements were not uncommon in the world of cultivation.
Fan Jingmei broke the silence. "Sect Master, do you have a task for us?"
Zhuo Ruting also looked on with curiosity.
Zhou Yuan let out a soft sigh. "You both understand Miaoyin Sect's current situation. Had we failed today, our sect's banner would no longer be flying. I am sending you to approach Qi Yuan. If either of you succeeds, you will be handsomely rewarded with spirit stones and magical treasures."
Fan Jingmei's heart skipped a beat.
She had long desired to climb into Qi Yuan's bed.
But due to sect rules, she had restrained herself, waiting for an opportunity.
Now, the order had finally come.
It was time to act.
(End of Chapter)