Chapter Forty-Five: The Expert Who Came Knocking

“Yes, Chief!”

Two sturdy men bowed deeply. One of them took out a soul-summoning banner, about a foot long, from his bosom.

This soul-summoning banner was obtained by Ye Xuan from a slain spirit cultivator. It could temporarily summon the memories of recently deceased souls within a thousand-meter radius, replaying the scenes just before death.

“Begin!”

At Ye Xuan’s loud command, the banner stirred without wind, floating in midair as vivid images appeared on its surface.

Scenes unfolded—from Ye Keqing intercepting Qin Lang and his two companions, to the fierce battle between Ye Keqing and Qin Lang.

“To think he could fight against Qing’er with the strength of a peak ninth-stage Martial Disciple without losing ground! And his martial technique is even more flawless than the fifth-stage waves!”

Ye Xuan squinted slightly, a murderous gleam flashing in his eyes as Qin Lang repeatedly revealed his trump cards.

The banner’s images shifted to the final scene where Qin Lang displayed dual martial souls, competing in soul power against Ye Keqing!

“That bastard is a dual martial soul cultivator!”

The light in Ye Xuan’s eyes surged as he clenched his fists tightly.

After Ye Keqing resolutely self-destructed, the entire scene ended. The banner darkened, returning to its original state.

“He actually forced Qing’er to self-destruct!”

Seeing the final image of Ye Keqing’s self-destruction, Ye Xuan could no longer sit still. He suddenly stood up, his face twisted with rage and ferocity.

Though he had long suspected his daughter Ye Keqing had most likely perished, a faint hope had still lingered in his heart. But now, witnessing her demise with his own eyes utterly shattered that last flicker of illusion.

His only child, the most gifted and promising genius of the Ye family, had fallen on Tianfeng Mountain!

And the culprit was none other than Qing’er’s fiancé—Qin Lang!

“The murder of my daughter is an unforgivable grudge!”

Ye Xuan gritted his teeth and howled to the sky,

“Qing’er, rest assured, your father will personally slay Qin Lang and avenge you!”

***

Several days later, inside Qin Lang’s room.

Qin Lang remained immersed in the Dan Emperor’s Sacred Book, continuously studying the art of alchemy.

As the Supreme Elder had said, his own alchemy skills were indeed no match for Qin Lang. Compared to the flawless techniques within the Dan Emperor’s Sacred Book, the Supreme Elder’s methods were riddled with flaws and hardly worth mentioning.

“Hm?”

Suddenly, Qin Lang’s brow twitched as he looked up, noticing someone approaching his courtyard.

At the gate stood a tall young woman, dressed in snow-white robes, poised gracefully.

Behind her stood a gray-clad elderly man with hawk-like eyes and a fierce demeanor.

This young woman was none other than Xue Qianyao, the head of the Moon Embrace Pavilion.

***

Inside Qin Lang’s room.

Qin Lang sat face to face with Xue Qianyao in her white robes, while Yun’er and the gray-clad elder stood nearby.

After exchanging polite congratulations, Xue Qianyao’s expression grew serious as she looked at Qin Lang.

“I have come not only to congratulate you on becoming an outer disciple of the Fengyun Sect but also to inform you of a matter of utmost importance.”

“Oh? Please, Lady Xue, do tell.”

Qin Lang had a rather favorable impression of Xue Qianyao. She was skilled in business; when he sold a high-level yellow-stage martial technique, she had mercifully reduced her commission from twenty to ten percent. Later, when Qin Lang searched Tian Mountain for the Heavenly Ice Flower, she dispatched her men to assist. Though they were ultimately unhelpful, her gesture alone was enough to earn Qin Lang’s goodwill.

“We have received word that the Ye family plans to ambush you on the way to the Fengyun Sect and kill you!”

Upon hearing this, Yun’er’s delicate face paled with worry as she glanced anxiously at Qin Lang, who remained as calm as a still pond.

After the Tianfeng Mountain Youth Trial ended, Ye Xuan had been the first to congratulate Qin Lang and seize the opportunity to inquire about Ye Keqing’s whereabouts. Though outwardly cordial, he could not conceal the deep hatred he harbored for Qin Lang.

Qin Lang knew Ye Xuan must have guessed that Ye Keqing died by his hand. The Ye family and he had become mortal enemies, locked in a life-or-death struggle. The journey to the Fengyun Sect was the perfect opportunity for the Ye family to strike.

“Seems you anticipated the Ye family’s move long ago?”

A flicker of surprise passed through Xue Qianyao’s beautiful eyes. The information she had was top secret, yet Qin Lang seemed already prepared. Soon, her lips curved into a smile as she continued,

“We have also learned that the Ye family has persuaded the Huang family to join them. They will act together against you!”

If it were only the Ye family, the Qin clan would not be afraid. But with the Huang family involved, the balance of power would become uncertain.

“Oh?”

Qin Lang’s smile deepened with amusement. “If the Huang family doesn’t come, fine. But if they wade into these murky waters, then not only will the Ye family be wiped out, the Huang family will vanish from Qingfeng Town as well!”

Qin Lang had already learned that Tian Yuan, the leader of the Tianfeng Mountain Youth Trial, would personally escort him to the Fengyun Sect. If the Ye and Huang families foolishly attempted to ambush him, Tian Yuan alone could annihilate both clans!

To a Martial Artist of Tian Yuan’s caliber, the Ye and Huang families were nothing but insignificant.

Xue Qianyao’s eyes widened slightly in astonishment. Qin Lang was unafraid even of the Huang family’s intervention? And he seemed supremely confident?

At that moment, Xue Qianyao even wondered if Qin Lang was truly a mere fifteen-year-old youth.

What kind of being had the Ye and Huang families provoked?

“Lady Xue, you seem very concerned about my safety.”

Qin Lang’s face bore a profound smile as he regarded Xue Qianyao calmly. Her visit surely had motives beyond simply conveying this news.

“The only talent in the empire rivaling Mo Tianji in giftedness, yet falling before fully blossoming—what a pity that would be!”

Suppressing her surprise, her red lips parted slightly as she sipped fragrant tea. She gestured to the gray-clad elder behind her and said with a smile,

“Old Song is Moon Embrace Pavilion’s top expert, a Martial Artist. If you don’t mind, he can discreetly protect you on this journey.”

Regardless of Qin Lang’s own plans, Xue Qianyao revealed her true purpose. She harbored a premonition that if she missed this chance, she might never again have an opportunity to align with Qin Lang.

After speaking, the gray-clad elder stepped forward, bowing slightly to Qin Lang.

“A Martial Artist!”

Yun’er’s eyes widened in amazement. She had never expected that the humble elder behind Xue Qianyao was an even stronger expert than the Supreme Elder!

Such a formidable figure had offered themselves willingly to protect the young master?

The young master’s charm was truly overwhelming!

Yun’er was thrilled. With such a guardian, even the combined forces of the Ye and Huang families would pose no threat.

“Lady Xue’s arrival is a timely boon. How could I, Qin Lang, refuse your kindness? Consider me your friend henceforth!”

Qin Lang smiled faintly. Xue Qianyao was truly a master of words. Though she was dispatching a powerful expert to assist him, her tone bore no arrogance, making it exceedingly pleasant to hear.

Of course, Qin Lang understood she would not help without reason. She clearly valued his potential and wished to establish a friendship early.

If the opportunity arose, Qin Lang would surely repay her kindness in kind.