C13 The Explosion in the Collapsed Area

At the Southern King's palace, Princess Qingyuan stood before a man of towering stature. He seemed as if he were made of steel, exuding an extraordinary presence even in stillness. The scars on his face did not detract from his imposing aura; instead, they added to his indomitable and heroic mien. His eyes held a fierce determination, like a sheathed blade ready to strike at a moment's notice.

Despite his age, no one underestimated him, nor did they dare meet his gaze directly. His dignity and commanding aura were the products of battles fought in blood and fire. He was none other than the emperor's own brother, the Southern King, who had once shared wine and laughter with Old Master Liu and struck fear into the hearts of southern barbarians.

"Liu Jitai is as tough as they come, a true hero whom I greatly respect," the Southern King's deep voice resonated as he spoke, his thick eyebrows lifting slightly. "In recent years, while holding back the southern barbarians at Southern Mausoleum City, I've occasionally heard tales of Liu Xingchang. I had planned to visit the Liu Family upon my return to the capital, but I could never have anticipated such drastic changes."

"My daughter has already sent a letter of invitation to the Mysterious Immortal Sect. We can pay them a visit tomorrow," Princess Qingyuan informed him.

"The Mysterious Immortal Sect will have more than just us as guests tomorrow. Everyone is eager to witness this spectacle," the Southern King replied coolly.

"With us there, Liu Xingchang should be safe," Princess Qingyuan asserted.

"Don't speak too soon," the Southern King cautioned, shaking his head. "Liu Xingchang comes from a lineage of heroes, and assisting him is our duty. However, the Liu Family's ascent is bound to bring joy to some and sorrow to others. While we rejoice, there are those who would see him dead at the earliest opportunity. Should a certain family intervene, even we might not be able to ensure his safety."

"The Liu Family has such formidable adversaries? Which family is it?" Princess Qingyuan inquired with concern.

The Southern King squinted at the pitch-black sky outside the hall and shook his head, remaining silent.

...

At the Prime Minister's Mansion.

"Is Liu Xingchang's death certain?"

Qing Yi leapt to her feet and exclaimed, "The Southern King has returned to the Royal Capital. Given his relationship with Old Master Liu, wouldn't he assist Liu Xingchang?"

The Prime Minister lifted his teacup, gently blew on the steam, and replied, "Liu Xingchang's venture to the Mysterious Immortal Sect was akin to entering a dragon's lair and a tiger's den. With the Southern King's protection, Liu Xingchang's life should be safe. However, the Southern King's influence is effective only within the Mysterious Immortal Sect, not with that particular family."

Qing Yi inquired, "Which family are you referring to?"

"The Li Family," the Prime Minister disclosed.

Qing Yi, taken aback, asked, "Which Li Family?"

The Prime Minister elaborated, "The Royal Capital is vast, but how many Li Families are there that can afford to disregard the Southern King?"

Qing Yi, astonished, questioned, "You mean the maternal family of the Fourth Princess? But aren't the Fourth Princess and Liu Xingchang betrothed? Why would the Li Family target Liu Xingchang?"

Qing Bai, with a twist of his brows, interjected, "The issue stems from the betrothal itself. The Fourth Princess's mother was once relegated to the cold palace, and the Li Family's fortunes waned. Unlike the Liu Family's ascent, the Li Family's resurgence came through the Fourth Princess's connection to the Dragon Saliva Sect."

Qing Yi gasped, "The Dragon Saliva Sect? That formidable sect that stands above all nations?"

With a nonchalant tone, the Prime Minister stated, "Having ties with the Dragon Saliva Sect is so thrilling that even the Emperor rejoices. Do you think the Li Family would let Liu Xingchang ruin such a powerful opportunity for ascension?"

Qing Bai sighed, "With his brother's engagement annulled and Liu Xingchang in such a predicament, he's bound to create an even bigger uproar. The Li Family may not fear Liu Xingchang, but they dread the Dragon Saliva Sect abandoning the marriage alliance due to his scandal. The Dragon Saliva Sect, with its millennia-old legacy, would never allow its young sect master to wed a woman surrounded by scandal."

Qing Yi felt a chill envelop his entire body, and he involuntarily took a step back, saying, "So, with Liu Xingchang's visit to the Mysterious Immortal Sect, the Li Family will surely seize the opportunity to strike through another's hand. With the Dragon Saliva Sect's shield of protection, not even someone as influential as the Southern King can touch them."

Qing Bai sighed deeply, "Which means, Liu Xingchang... is undoubtedly walking to his death."

...

The first day of the ninth month dawned clear.

In the Great Pine Kingdom, today wasn't marked by any special festivities, yet it was a day eagerly awaited by the various powers within the Royal Capital.

Before the break of dawn, all the major forces had already dispatched their agents to covertly surround the Chen Mansion, closely monitoring any activity.

As Liu Xingchang emerged from the Chen Mansion with Liu Yichang, the watchers swiftly relayed the news back to their respective homes with utmost urgency.

"Liu Xingchang has truly embarked!"

"Liu Xingchang has kept his promise!"

"Liu Xingchang is on his way to the Mysterious Immortal Sect!"

Such messages spread through the entire Royal Capital like a whirlwind.

People expressed their astonishment and mockery in equal measure, admiring Liu Xingchang's audacity while also scorning his reckless bravery.

Was Liu Xingchang not signing his own death warrant by challenging the Mysterious Immortal Sect's master and the sect's young miss?

Did Liu Xingchang really think the Mysterious Immortal Sect was on par with the Dai Family?

Despite the consensus that Liu Xingchang was certainly doomed, the news of his departure from the Chen Mansion prompted the leaders of the major powers to hasten to the Mysterious Immortal Sect as quickly as they could.

These influential figures had already sent their visiting cards to the Mysterious Immortal Sect the previous day under the pretext of a social call.

Their true intentions, of course, were an open secret.

Meanwhile, a stir was also brewing in the Great Pine Mountain Range on the outskirts of the city...

...

In the outskirts, within the Great Pine Mountain Range.

The Great Pine Mountain Range was once renowned as the most picturesque landscape in the Great Pine Kingdom. With its endless chain of mountains, the Great Pine River flowing to the east, and the Furnace Stone Waterfall cascading to the west, it attracted many who cherished natural beauty.

However, ever since an unprecedented earthquake struck the Great Swallow Mountain Range a decade ago, causing several peaks to crumble and collapse, the Great Swallow River turned as turbid as sludge, and the Furnace Stone Waterfall ceased to flow, few people have ventured into this area. The range, once so silent that even wildlife steered clear, was suddenly alive with activity today.

The commotion originated from the site of the collapse within the Great Swallow Mountain Range and grew increasingly intense. After some time, a resounding "boom," akin to a thunderclap on a clear day, erupted from a collapsed area to the southwest. Massive boulders shattered, sending mud and stones skyward, startling a flurry of birds and beasts from the previously still mountains.

A very ordinary, first-rank Demonic Beast, the Forest Fire Wolf, sprang onto the rocks, cocking its dark brown head with a puzzled expression in its green eyes. Accustomed to the mountain range's quietude, it had never before heard such a frightful noise. What could have happened at the site of the collapse?

Suddenly, a vicious glint appeared in the Forest Fire Wolf's green eyes as it spotted prey emerging from the collapse. A person, very much alive, stepped out from the blackened cave blasted open by the explosion. The wolf was eager to attack, craving the taste of human flesh, but in the next instant, fear overtook its gaze.

The individual who emerged from the black cave began to radiate an overwhelmingly powerful and terrifying presence. "Heavenly Path Realm... I've finally broken through to the Heavenly Path Realm, shattering this blue light confinement..." he murmured.

"It's been ages. I wonder if those old fools in the Royal Capital think I, Liu Jitai, am dead? Who could have imagined that a powerful relic lay hidden within these mountains? The collapse revealed the relic, and while it brought me fortune, it also trapped me here... Drinking from the relic's Spirit Concentration Spring to sustain my life, I find myself longing for the Phoenix Restaurant's Beggar Chicken and Bamboo Leaf Green... How many years have passed since I last saw home? What state has the Liu Family fallen into now?"

"Has my grandson, Xingchang, honed his innate talent for cultivation? So many years have passed; he ought to have achieved the fifth rank by now..."

*Sigh*

"It's time... to return home..."

...