C65 There Was a Scar on His Neck

The entrance was narrow, leading to a long, slender corridor that one had to navigate through. Yet, upon reaching the corridor's end, Chu Yan was greeted by an unexpectedly open space.

Though Langya Pavilion's entrance was tucked away in a narrow alley between two buildings, the interior spanned between and connected both structures, creating a surprisingly spacious area.

At a glance, the area appeared to be a grand hall, where at least forty individuals were engaged in martial training. The variety of martial skills and weapons in use was diverse.

Some were immersed in basic strength training, their bare chests showcasing robust muscles as they repeatedly hoisted and lowered heavy stone weights, their breaths punctuating the air with rhythmic grunts.

The scene made it clear that Langya Pavilion was a haven for warriors to hone their skills.

Chu Yan scanned the room, intent on finding someone to confirm if this was indeed the place mentioned by Xia, the innkeeper. Just then, a middle-aged man approached him.

The man appraised Chu Yan as he walked, his gaze eventually settling on the scar adorning Chu Yan's neck, his expression turning contemplative. "Hmm... a scar on the neck..."

He had reached Chu Yan before the latter could finish his thought.

"Old Xia sent me—"

Before Chu Yan could complete his sentence, the man gestured dismissively, "I know, come with me."

With that, he strode toward a door in the corner of the hall.

"That's it?" Chu Yan was skeptical but followed nonetheless. "It seems Old Xia may have been truthful after all; this place does seem to be frequented by those seeking to purchase blood essence."

Meanwhile, on the third floor of Langya Pavilion, Lin Miaoran was in conversation with a woman who appeared to be in her forties.

Lin Miaoran was clad in white, but today's attire was a snug-fitting outfit, a departure from her usual flowing white dresses.

The woman sitting opposite her had a pallid complexion, the kind that suggested she was convalescing from a significant illness.

"Sixth sister-in-law, you should be focusing on your recovery; there's no need for you to go out of your way for me," Lin Miaoran said as she poured a cup of hot tea for the woman, her concern evident in her voice.

The young woman offered a slight smile and said, "I might as well be doing something since I'm idle anyway. I'm well aware of my body's condition; it's an old issue. If resting could cure it, I would've been healed long ago."

"Had it not been for me, you wouldn't be in this condition now, Sixth Sister. You'd likely be a cultivator at the Pulse Condensation Stage by now," Lin Miaoran said, a trace of sorrow in her tone.

The young woman waved her hand dismissively, "How many times have I told you? Let's not dredge up the past. Your talent now far exceeds mine. I bet your father doesn't even know that you've reached the fifth level of the Genuine Force Stage and are attempting to break through to the Pulse Condensation Stage."

Lin Miaoran nodded in agreement, "For now, it's just you, me, and Fu Rui who are privy to this."

"The Lin Family's top prodigy," the young woman said, gazing at Lin Miaoran with a deep sense of affection. "All the hardships I faced back then will have been worth it if you succeed."

"Rest assured, Sixth Sister," Lin Miaoran declared firmly, "I, Lin Miaoran, vow to find a way to heal your injuries and help you return to your former glory."

Despite knowing her chances of recovery were slim, the young woman was deeply touched by Lin Miaoran's words.

With a tearful glint in her eyes, she smiled, "Let's set that aside for now. I hope the man we've found today meets your expectations. He's the toughest I could find in the ruins of this old town within my means. About five years ago, this fellow, known as the Evil Dragon, was cornered by a gang. They slashed his neck so deep you could see the bone, yet he survived. Clutching his neck with one hand and wielding a Splitting Mountain Axe in the other, he killed half of his attackers.

The survivors ran for seven streets before they escaped, and they've never dared to show their faces in the old town ruins since."

"This guy's resilience is just what we need. Hopefully, he won't end up like the others, either begging for mercy or passing out before we've barely started fighting."

In the old town ruins, mention someone with a scar on their neck, and everyone knows you're talking about an evil dragon."

"This guy's ability to take a beating is a godsend. I just hope he doesn't end up like the others—barely two moves in and they're either crying for mercy or passing out cold, unable to even make a peep." A gleam of anticipation shone in Lin Miaoran's eyes.

The woman regarded her with concern. "Miaoran, how confident are you about breaking through to the Pulse Condensation Stage?"

Lin Miaoran pondered briefly before replying, "At the moment, perhaps only a ten percent chance. But if this dragon can withstand a good beating, allowing me to master my strength more intuitively, the odds could rise to thirty percent. And in the best-case scenario, even fifty to sixty percent isn't out of the question."

The woman, sensing Lin Miaoran's intent, ventured, "Are you thinking of—"

"Yes, Sixth Sister, that's exactly my plan," Lin Miaoran confirmed with a nod. "I aim to advance to the Pulse Condensation Stage before the Profound Moon Sect's recruitment begins. As you know, among cultivators, status matters. There's a strict hierarchy within the sect.

Although I've been accepted as a disciple due to my Pure Jade Physique, entering as a Genuine Force Stage cultivator would relegate me to the lowest rank of service disciple."

A spark of determination lit up Lin Miaoran's eyes. "How can I, Lin Miaoran, settle for being a mere service disciple after joining the sect?"

Her words resonated with a boundless self-assurance that stirred the woman's spirit.

The woman was about to respond when a knock at the door interrupted them, and Fu Rui's crisp voice called from outside, "Miss, miss."

After Lin Miaoran gave her assent, Fu Rui entered, bowing to the woman before turning to Lin Miaoran, "Miss, someone just informed us that the man with the scar on his neck has come."

"Excellent! I've been eager for this." Lin Miaoran rose to her feet, retrieved a transformational inscription from her attire, and pressed it onto her face.

Moments later, as she peeled away the transformational inscription, her once delicate and beautiful features were gone, replaced by those of an ordinary-looking young man with thick lips.

Fu Rui gave Lin Miaoran a once-over and burst into laughter, her hand covering her mouth.

"Don't you dare laugh," Lin Miaoran chided, shooting Fu Rui a glare. "Otherwise, do you want all of Evergreen Town gossiping about Lin Miaoran, the Lin family's eldest daughter, picking fights in the old town ruins?"

"No, of course not," Fu Rui managed between chuckles, struggling to straighten up. She took a deep breath, trying to suppress her giggles, and said, "Miss, I'm begging you, don't talk like that. A man's face with a woman's voice is just too bizarre, hahahahaha!"

She was nearly rolling on the ground with laughter by the end of her sentence.

"Fine, I won't say a word! And you—stop laughing, you imp!" Lin Miaoran was a mix of exasperation and amusement as she bellowed at Fu Rui, striding out with her arms akimbo.