C25 Resplendent Building

"I absolutely won't let you slip through my fingers!"

Upon realizing Xiao Ling was nowhere to be seen above, Huang Ba furiously stomped his foot, his body shaking with rage.

He had never been made a fool of like this in his life!

With a deep breath to quell his fury, Huang Ba sprang into action, darting toward the prison exit in a frenzied sprint.

Evidence of combat littered the path, yet there were no bodies, which only darkened Huang Ba's mood further.

He had a sinking feeling that Xiao Ling had slain these people and incinerated their remains with a crimson flame.

Thud, thud, thud!

By the time he reached the prison's exterior, Xiao Ling's trail had gone cold, prompting Huang Ba to stomp in frustration once more, his body quivering with anger.

"This kid is unbelievably fast!"

Gloom filled Huang Ba's eyes. Failing to capture Xiao Ling left him feeling deeply frustrated.

What's more, Xiao Ling had killed too many people inside the prison. If the authorities questioned him, he wouldn't be able to shirk responsibility.

"Wang Yi's men are on to something..."

The sound of footsteps outside caught Huang Ba's attention. He clenched his jaw, drew his longsword, and inflicted several cuts upon himself.

"Brother Huang, where did that kid get to?"

Just then, Wang Yi arrived, looking considerably less disheveled in a fresh set of clothes.

He was followed by a formidable entourage, each member exuding the presence of a martial master.

Their leader, a one-eyed man, radiated a particularly robust aura, indicative of a Nine-star Martial Master.

"Brother Wang, I've failed."

Clutching his wounds, Huang Ba's complexion was ashen as he admitted, "That kid resorted to dirty tricks. I was caught off guard by his schemes and he slipped away..."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yi's eyes bulged with anger, and he couldn't restrain himself from berating, "You're utterly worthless, unable to stop even a Martial Master!"

As Wang Yi's harsh words rained down on him, Huang Ba bowed his head, his features contorted with shame.

If it weren't for a failure like you stirring up this mess, would we be in this predicament?

Despite his inner tirade against Wang Yi, Huang Ba couldn't lash out at him. Wang Yi was part of the Wang family, and Huang Ba knew better than to provoke such a connection.

"Uncle Wang, what's our next move?"

Wang Yi turned to the one-eyed brute beside him, his frustration evident. "That kid has to die!"

Recalling his own humiliating display in front of Xiao Ling, Wang Yi shook with rage, his teeth clenched in fury, fantasizing about devouring Xiao Ling's flesh.

"Rest assured, Young Master Wang," Wang Houdun said, bowing respectfully. "I'll capture the boy you speak of."

He then scrutinized Huang Ba. "Do you have anything of the boy's? Anything at all will do."

"I believe so," Huang Ba replied, bowing in return. "I'll go find it now."

With swift agility, he darted back into the prison, heading straight for the martial arts primer.

Soon, Huang Ba reappeared, presenting the book to Wang Houdun.

"Basic Martial Cultivator Knowledge?"

Wang Houdun raised an eyebrow at the book, then glanced at Huang Ba's sheepish expression. Without pressing further, he reached into his embroidered pouch and pulled out a snow-white mouse, which scampered up to his shoulder, squeaking eagerly.

"Uncle Wang, what's this?" Wang Yi asked, his curiosity piqued.

"A mouse," Wang Houdun simply stated, gesturing to the creature. "Don't underestimate it. Its sense of smell is incredibly keen. Once it picks up the scent from this book, it'll track down the boy you're after."

"When that time comes, I'll deliver him right to you."

Wang Yi leapt up, his excitement palpable as he applauded. "With this mouse, there's no way he can slip through my fingers! I'll make sure he begs for death!"

...

Meanwhile, Xiao Ling, having escaped the prison, encountered a group of hurriedly approaching men in black.

Awoo!

A golden figure pounced in front of Xiao Ling, affectionately licking his face—it was Xiaojin, the little golden creature he had entrusted to Lau Miaoyi.

"Brother Liu?!"

As Xiao Ling eyed the men in black, he instantly recognized them as members of the Dragon Sect Escort Agency.

"Mr. Xiao, this isn't the place for conversation. Please, come with us," one of them urged.

Lau Qing, unaware of how Xiao Ling had escaped, tossed him a black robe and led the way as the group from the Dragon Sect Escort Agency departed.

Xiao Ling had already sheathed his Edgeless Sword. Donning the black robe, he cradled Xiaojin and followed in the footsteps of Lau Qing and the others.

Soon after, Lau Qing's group escorted Xiao Ling to a secluded area behind a grand pavilion, slipping quietly inside. They entered a bedroom and shed their black robes.

"Brother Xiao!"

Lau Qing stepped forward, his eyes brimming with thanks, and embraced Xiao Ling firmly. "If it weren't for you, my sister would have fallen victim to those villains."

After Liu Miaoyi had frantically sought him out and explained the situation, he came to regard Xiao Ling as a brother.

To rescue Liu Miaoyi, Xiao Ling had braved the wrath of True Martial City's Wang family, bested the profligate Wang Yi, and was ultimately wrongfully imprisoned by the law enforcement team.

Hence, Lau Qing had rallied his Dragon Sect brothers to storm the prison, only to find Xiao Ling had already made his escape.

"Brother Xiao, we stand by you! You're a true hero, earning our deepest respect!"

Xiao Ling's actions had won him the admiration and reverence of the Dragon Sect Escort Agency.

"It was nothing," Xiao Ling said with a smile, dismissing the praise with a wave of his hand.

"We had just set out to free you from prison," Lau Qing admitted, "but to our astonishment, you managed to escape on your own. You truly amazed us."

"Pure luck," Xiao Ling replied, touching his nose. "I just slipped away when they weren't looking..."

Of course, no one believed this modest claim, but since Xiao Ling chose not to elaborate, they didn't press the matter.

"Xiao Ling!"

Just then, a sweet-scented breeze heralded Lau Miaoyi's arrival as she flung herself into Xiao Ling's embrace, tears streaming from her eyes. She beat gently on his chest, her voice breaking, "I feared I'd never see you again. I swear, I'm done with shopping forever..."

The memory of the incident on the pedestrian street was still vivid in her mind.

Had she been alone, she likely would have been captured by Wang Yi and violated.

Without Xiao Ling's intervention, she wouldn't have made it out safely. Yet, upon learning of Xiao Ling's imprisonment, her tears had been ceaseless.

Ultimately, Lau Qing and his brothers from the Dragon Gate Escort Agency, disguised as men in black, orchestrated a prison rescue for Xiao Ling.

Liu Miaoyi had intended to join them, but Lau Qing had dissuaded her.

After all, getting caught during a prison break meant certain execution in True Martial City!

"See? I'm alright, aren't I?"

Sensing the girl's overwhelming emotions, Xiao Ling was momentarily taken aback, then gently patted Liu Miaoyi's back and chuckled, "If you keep crying, you'll soak my clothes through..."

At his words, Liu Miaoyi looked up and dabbed at her tears, her fear of losing Xiao Ling palpable.

Their embrace drew sighs from Lau Qing and the others, prompting Liu Miaoyi's cheeks to flush with embarrassment. She stepped back like a startled cat and shyly met Xiao Ling's eyes.

Xiao Ling, feeling her gaze, touched his nose and averted his gaze.

His heart was reserved for one girl alone—Yun Xi. With her fate unknown, Xiao Ling's heart was in turmoil, eager for news from the Holy Martial Institute...

Da Da Da.

Soong Rui burst in, his voice laced with panic, "Boss, the Wang family's forces are on our trail!"

"What?!"

Lau Qing exclaimed, incredulous, "We've been so discreet. How did they find us at the Resplendent Building?"

The Dragon Gate Escort Agency members, who had just begun to relax, were now on edge.

The idea that the Wang family could track them to the Resplendent Building was inconceivable.

Soong Rui explained, "Boss, I saw that burly man who calls himself Wang Houdun holding a white mouse. They tracked us here by following it!"

"It must be the mouse's keen sense of smell!"

Lau Qing turned to Xiao Ling and inquired, "Mr. Xiao, did you leave something behind in the prison?"

"I left a book behind in the prison. It seems that white mouse caught the scent of the book and then followed my trail here."

Xiao Ling's gaze was heavy with concern. He hadn't anticipated that the Wang family would locate them so swiftly, a realization that weighed heavily on his heart. Now, they had no safe haven.

"I should leave this place."

After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Ling resolved to depart, saying, "They're after me. If I'm gone, the problem goes away."

"Mr. Xiao, that would be unwise."

Lau Qing intervened urgently, "I suspect the Wang family has already dispatched a significant force to encircle the Resplendent Building. Stepping outside now would be like walking into a noose."

"Brother, I can't bear the thought of anything happening to Xiao Ling!"

Lau Miaoyi clung to Lau Qing's arm. Xiao Ling had become a significant part of her life, and the thought of him being taken was unbearable. She couldn't imagine living without him.

Despite their brief acquaintance, Lau Miaoyi had fallen for Xiao Ling.

She was utterly captivated by the resolute young man.

"Little sister, rest easy."

Lau Qing gave Lau Miaoyi's shoulder a reassuring pat and smiled, "This is the Resplendent Building. Even the City Master of True Martial City would have to weigh his options carefully before making a move here."

"How so?" Xiao Ling asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.

Having been raised in the Holy Martial Institute, he was unfamiliar with the intricacies of various sects and powers.

Yet, from Lau Qing's tone, he could infer that the Resplendent Building was no ordinary establishment. Even the City Lord of True Martial City had to show respect when dealing with it.

"The Divine Martial Continent is home to ten major Merchant Unions, and the Resplendent Building is among them," Lau Qing explained with a smile. "Its influence stretches across the continent, with innumerable powerful individuals within its ranks, including Martial Monarch Experts. Its prestigious reputation is well-earned! This Resplendent Building is just one branch, yet its actions have the power to sway the economy of True Martial City!"

"If the Wang family dares to come to the Resplendent Building to snatch someone, they'd be outrageously bold."

"Moreover, the Resplendent Building's proprietor, Huo Wu, shares a significant rapport with us at the Dragon Gate Escort Agency. Given our current predicament, she's bound to intervene. Once she steps in, even the City Lord of True Martial City would think twice before causing any trouble!"

"After all, this is the Resplendent Building! Its prestige is not to be trifled with by anyone!"