C19 True Martial City

"The secret technique!"

Lau Qing's eyes held a complex mix of emotions as he demanded, "Why did you hijack the Dragon Sect Escort Agency's shipment?"

"Why rob your shipment?" Fang Ji sneered, his face a mask of scorn. "I wanted to prove myself, to show that I'm superior to you. The Dragon Sect Escort Agency should be under my leadership!"

"In terms of talent, I surpass you. In terms of strength, I am equally superior. Why then did our Master entrust the Dragon Sect Escort Agency to you? I refuse to accept it!"

Confronted with Fang Ji's challenge, Lau Qing was momentarily taken aback, his gaze igniting with fury as he faced Fang Ji and bellowed, "So, for the sake of leading the Dragon Sect Escort Agency, you would betray us and bring harm to our ranks?"

Fang Ji and Lau Qing both hailed from the Dragon Sect Escort Agency. Yet, before the old master's death, he chose Lau Qing as his successor, leaving Fang Ji seething with envy and resentment. This was the catalyst for the robbery.

Realizing that jealousy was the motive behind Fang Ji's betrayal and his attempt to hurt his former comrades, Lau Qing's anger flared even hotter.

Had Xiao Ling not intervened, the Dragon Sect Escort Agency would have surely been doomed at Fang Ji's hands.

"Of course, the Dragon Sect Escort Agency is rightfully mine!" Fang Ji bellowed.

Witnessing Fang Ji's descent into madness, the members of the Dragon Sect Escort Agency were filled with outrage, their voices rising in protest.

"You fool, if the old master had chosen you as his successor, he would have been blind!"

"Fortunately, the old master saw through your twisted heart and didn't pass on the leadership to you. Otherwise, the Dragon Sect Escort Agency would have been ruined by your hands."

"Fang Ji, I can't believe I once defended you. Looking at you now, I realize how foolish I was!"

"Lau Qing alone is fit to lead the Dragon Sect Escort Agency. You are not!"

As the accusations from his fellow members of the Dragon Sect Escort Agency rained down, Fang Ji was momentarily stunned, his features contorting grotesquely.

His standing within the Dragon Sect Escort Agency paled in comparison to Lau Qing's. Perhaps the old master's decision had been the right one after all.

A flicker of guilt passed through his heart, but his expression quickly twisted into a snarl as he declared, "You're all as good as dead! Even if I die, I'll drag the entire Dragon Sect Escort Agency down with me!"

"None of you will escape!"

Fang Ji's laughter boomed, then a gush of black blood spilled from the corner of his mouth. His head lolled to the side, life extinguished.

"Fang Ji!" Lau Qing cried out, a glimmer of tears in his eyes.

They had grown up together, training in martial arts and sharing life's moments within the Dragon Sect Escort Agency, as close as brothers. Yet, the coveted position of the agency's leader had turned Fang Ji bitter, driving him away from the brotherhood they shared.

Now, with Fang Ji's lifeless body before him, Lau Qing's heart was heavy with hatred, but the memories of their shared childhood lingered, refusing to fade.

"It looks like he was poisoned," Xiao Ling observed, noting Fang Ji's purplish-black complexion. He crouched down, peeled away Fang Ji's shirt, and uncovered a scorpion tattoo on his chest.

The tattoo was eerily lifelike, seeming to move with a will of its own. It writhed across Fang Ji's corpse and, to the shock of all present, burst forth from the body, lunging at Xiao Ling.

With a disdainful "Humph," Xiao Ling unleashed his fire martial soul, engulfing the scorpion in flames and reducing it to ash.

As the scorpion perished, more of the creatures emerged from the other fallen assailants, then scattered from the scene.

Xiao Ling's gaze hardened as he pondered, "Which group has been using such tactics recently?"

The Dragon Sect Escort Agency members were equally dumbfounded by the spectacle.

The thought of a venomous scorpion lurking within one's flesh was enough to send shivers down their spines, chilling them to the core.

"I don't know," Lau Qing admitted, shaking his head. "Fang Ji has been gone from the Dragon Sect Escort Agency for several months. I have no idea where he's been."

He clearly grasped the gravity of Xiao Ling's inquiry.

Only a person of extreme cruelty could wield such sinister methods.

And undoubtedly, such individuals were part of a larger, formidable power.

"Be more cautious from now on," Xiao Ling mused. "These attackers are too organized, not the random act of vengeance Fang Ji described..."

Upon hearing this, Lau Qing felt a sense of dread. If Fang Ji wasn't acting out of personal vendetta, then they were being deliberately targeted.

"Let's just hope it was personal with Fang Ji..."

Lau Qing managed a weak smile, despite the unease weighing on his heart. "We're only half an hour from True Martial City. Let's pick up the pace and get there first."

The Dragon Sect Escort Agency members felt the gravity of the situation and nodded in agreement.

Regaining their composure, they resumed their journey toward True Martial City.

"I need a moment..."

Halfway there, Xiao Ling excused himself from the group, claiming an urgent need, and dashed off to where the black-clad assailants had fallen.

"Blood Flame!"

Ensuring he was alone, Xiao Ling summoned his Blood Flame Martial Soul and transformed the corpses into blood essence, converting it into vital energy for his own use.

Boom!

As the potent Origin Qi surged within him, Xiao Ling channeled it into his dantian, shattering his previous limits and advancing to a Nine-star martial artist.

"With my Blood Flame Martial Soul, I can ascend the ranks swiftly."

Determination flickered in Xiao Ling's eyes as he plotted, "I'll lay low in True Martial City, reach the Martial Master Stage, and then decide my next move."

"Then, I'll gather information on the Holy Martial Institute. The folks at Wild Sword Martial Club might have some insights..."

After his brief departure, Xiao Ling rejoined the Dragon Sect Escort Agency's ranks.

"Xiao Ling, you're incredible."

As they continued their travels, Xiao Ling bonded with the Dragon Sect Escort Agency. Lau Miaoyi's eyes sparkled with admiration as she said, "Your quick thinking and action saved us all, taking down those attackers in the blink of an eye."

The memory of Xiao Ling shielding her made Lau Miaoyi's cheeks glow and her heart flutter. Xiao Ling had become the only one to touch her heart, awakening feelings she had never known before.

"Mr. Xiao, once we reach True Martial City, how about we all go for a drink?" Lau Qing suggested with a smile. "Consider it a token of appreciation from the Dragon Sect Escort Agency. You simply can't turn us down."

"Absolutely, Mr. Xiao. You're our saviour; we owe it to you to celebrate with a proper drink," another chimed in.

"Without Mr. Xiao's heroic efforts, who knows if we would have made it to True Martial City alive," remarked one of the burly men from the agency, laughter in their voices, eyes gleaming with respect as they gazed at Xiao Ling.

Xiao Ling's formidable actions were still fresh in their minds, haunting them. The sight of the men in black he had decimated was profoundly unsettling.

Graced with the Dragon Sect Escort Agency's heartfelt invitation, Xiao Ling cracked a smile and responded, "With such a warm invitation, how could I refuse? I'll gladly join you for a drink."

Xiao Ling had spent his entire life at the Holy Martial Institute, venturing out only once to Demon Mountain. He had never set foot in True Martial City, but he wouldn't dream of snubbing an invitation from the Dragon Sect Escort Agency.

"We're here—True Martial City!" Lau Qing announced, halting amidst the cheerful banter to gaze upon the city ahead, his voice tinged with awe.

Before them lay a city of grand scale and breadth, its towering walls a testament to its strength. Despite the battle scars etched into its surface, the city stood resilient.

At the heart of the city, the name 'True Martial City' was inscribed in bold, sweeping characters—a city renowned within the Flame Yellow Empire for its bustling population of Martial Cultivators and its vibrant prosperity.

"So this is True Martial City," Xiao Ling murmured, awestruck by the sheer size of the metropolis before him. The initial shock quickly gave way to composure as he gathered himself.

"Let's go," Lau Qing said with a smile, leading the way. They paid their entrance fee in Essence Stones and stepped into the city.

Inside True Martial City, the scene transformed. Shops lined the streets like a forest, and the dying light of the sunset bathed the red bricks and green tiles in a warm glow, enhancing the city's beauty and adding to its bustling atmosphere.

Strolling alongside the bustling street, Xiao Ling noticed the endless flow of pedestrians, each radiating with a robust Yuan Qi. Their formidable strength caused his pupils to narrow in awe.

"True Martial City truly is remarkable!"

Xiao Ling was astounded. He hadn't anticipated the residents of True Martial City to possess such formidable strength. The streets were teeming with martial cultivators, martial masters at every turn, and even Martial Spirit experts were not uncommon.

"Our task this time is to deliver the cargo to the Resplendent Building! Once that's done, we'll have successfully completed our mission," Lau Qing explained. "After we've turned in the mission, let's head over to Spring Flower House to unwind. We'll spend a day in True Martial City before we depart."

Lau Qing glanced at his sister Lau Miaoyi, whose cheeks were tinged with a blush, and smiled. "Little sister, why don't you show Mr. Xiao around the city? Later, you can meet us at Spring Flower House."

As her brother, Lau Qing had picked up on Lau Miaoyi's fondness for Xiao Ling early on in their journey. He intentionally carved out some time for the two of them to spend together.

Besides, Xiao Ling was not only powerful but also of good character. If he could be persuaded to join the Dragon Sect Escort Agency with Lau Miaoyi's assistance, it would be ideal.

With his words hanging in the air, Lau Qing led the rest of the Dragon Sect Escort Agency towards the Resplendent Building, leaving Xiao Ling and Lau Miaoyi alone.

"Is this your first visit to True Martial City, Xiao Ling?" Lau Miaoyi asked, her voice laced with mirth as she observed Xiao Ling taking in the sights. "I'm quite familiar with the city. How about I show you around?"

"I'd appreciate that, Miss Liu," Xiao Ling replied, bowing slightly.

"You can just call me Miaoyi," she insisted, her eyes sparkling. For some reason, being addressed as Miss Liu by Xiao Ling didn't sit well with her.

"Miaoyi..." Xiao Ling repeated, the corners of his mouth curling into a subtle smile.

"That's better. Let's head to the liveliest pedestrian street in True Martial City and have some fun."

With that, Lau Miaoyi linked her arm with Xiao Ling's and together they made their way toward the bustling promenade.

"Is she flirting with me...?"

Xiao Ling touched his nose, resigned to letting Lau Miaoyi lead him by the hand.

The pedestrian street was teeming with activity, a veritable hive of hustle and bustle.

Numerous street vendors and merchants had gathered here, selling an array of trinkets and goods.

These individuals exuded a calm yet potent presence, their abilities far from ordinary.

"Wow, this is so pretty. Xiao Ling, what do you think about this one?"

Lau Miaoyi was spirited, holding up a red necklace to her neck and seeking Xiao Ling's opinion.

"Not bad, not bad at all."

Xiao Ling nodded in agreement. Throughout their stroll, Lau Miaoyi had enthusiastically shown him various items, inquiring if they looked good, yet she hadn't made a single purchase.

He couldn't help but wonder, was this typical behavior for women while shopping?

"Xiao Ling, why do you keep saying 'not bad'? You're making me unhappy."

Lau Miaoyi's lips formed a pout, clearly not pleased with Xiao Ling's lackluster reactions.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, Lau Miaoyi let out a shriek, stepping back with a mix of shame and anger on her face. "You jerk, how dare you touch me there!"

"Miss, you've got it all wrong."

A dandy with a lecherous gaze appraised Lau Miaoyi and responded, "It was merely an accidental brush, nothing intentional."