C27 Cloud Ascending City

Hu Geqing's mindset had completely transformed. Discovering that Liu Xingchang was a Cultivator had indeed taken her by surprise, yet it wasn't enough to shift her unfavorable opinion of him. It was only when Liu Xingchang displayed his formidable strength and a talent so extraordinary that she could hardly believe it, that she came to the startling realization: it wasn't Liu Xingchang who was holding the team back, but rather, they were holding him back. Without Liu Xingchang, they would have been weeping on their way to the afterlife by now!

A wave of guilt washed over Hu Geqing, and she wished she could just disappear into the ground. Despite being the spoiled young lady of the Linghu Clan, her face reddened with embarrassment. The thrill of narrowly escaping death couldn't alleviate the complexity of her emotions at that moment.

Casting a covert glance at Liu Xingchang, Hu Geqing noticed for the first time that the young man, who exuded a scholarly vibe yet wielded his sword with lethal precision, was quite attractive.

Oh dear...

Hu Geqing chided herself inwardly. Was this really the time to be concerned with such thoughts?

Hu Gewan, too, had seen Liu Xingchang in a new light. Her decision to save him had been a matter of conscience, not because of his good looks or his status as a Cultivator. The realization that her good deed had been rewarded brought her a sense of contentment, and witnessing Liu Xingchang's heroic rescue made her feel fortunate. The mix of satisfaction and relief gave her the impression that there was something genuinely appealing about Liu Xingchang at that moment.

She had many admirers, but few could evoke the feelings that Liu Xingchang had stirred within her. It's common for people to develop a fondness for someone who lends a hand in a crisis, especially if that person is also aesthetically pleasing. It's easy to mistake this fondness for romantic interest.

However, Hu Gewan was level-headed and did not confuse her feelings with affection. So, her immediate response was to express her gratitude to Liu Xingchang.

Liu Xingchang gestured dismissively and said, "Let's help everyone else to their feet first."

With Liu Xingchang's assistance, the group managed to get back on their feet. Liu Changqing was also helped up by his men. His gaze shifted uncertainly, as if he wanted to speak, but after a glance at Liu Xingchang, he ultimately remained silent. With a curt command, he gestured to his followers, and they all departed from the dense forest.

Watching Liu Changqing and his companions vanish from sight, the Second Elder shook his head with a sigh, "It's a shame. Now that Liu Changqing has fled, it won't be easy to take him down next time."

Despite the regret, the Second Elder was well aware that Liu Xingchang couldn't be held responsible for this outcome. The conflict was between their group and the Liu Family, not Liu Xingchang and the Liu Family. Nobody wanted to unnecessarily increase their bloodshed and invite unwanted karma.

Hu Gewan approached Liu Xingchang with a deep bow, "If not for your intervention, the six of us would surely have perished at the hands of Liu Changqing. You must allow me to express my gratitude!"

Liu Xingchang quickly steadied Hu Gewan, "You were the ones who saved me first, prompting me to return the favor. Now, we're even. There's no need for such formality, Miss Hu Gewan."

The Second Elder interjected, "Young Master Chen, regardless, we saved one life, yours, but you saved six of ours. We are in your debt..."

Liu Xingchang could only offer a wry smile in response, at a loss for words.

Linghu Sanlang, ever the forthright one, wrapped an arm around Liu Xingchang's shoulder and declared, "Brother Liu, I know you're not one for these cumbersome rituals. So, since you're also leaving the forest, why not join us on our journey to Cloud Ascending City? You saved our lives; you must let us host you for a few days. I'll take you out for drinks... And just between us," he added with a conspiratorial whisper, "there's a place called Happy Forest on the third street in Cloud Ascending City, home to the most enchanting ladies you'll ever see. I'll make sure you have the time of your life!"

Hu Gewan smacked Linghu Sanlang on the head, reprimanding him, "What are you blabbering about?"

Linghu Sanlang yelped in mock pain, "I'm just extending the hospitality of a host, am I not?"

Zhao Man chuckled from the sidelines, "Is that what you call hospitality? No wonder the young sect master from the Demon Faction is always eager to visit the Linghu Family, praising your unique way of welcoming guests."

Linghu Sanlang grinned sheepishly, rubbing his nose.

Liu Xingchang laughed along, then added, "Fortunately, I have many unanswered questions. Since you're all headed to Cloud Ascending City, I might as well accompany you."

Liu Xingchang burst into cheers, "Brother Liu, that's fantastic! Trust me, you're going to absolutely love the Happy Forest!"

Hu Gewan delivered another swift kick to Liu Xingchang's rear, eliciting a bizarre yelp from him and triggering a wave of hearty laughter among the group. The discomfort from the earlier threat of death had vanished in that moment of mirth.

...

As they traveled, Liu Xingchang came to realize that he had unwittingly left the Great Pine Kingdom behind, and that Cloud Ascending City was a sovereign entity.

In this world, kingdoms were minor players, hardly comparable to esteemed Cultivation Forces. As such, many independent Cultivation Forces chose not to align with any nation, perhaps opting to root themselves in a standalone city instead.

Cloud Ascending City was one such city, autonomous and unmanaged by any external power.

Within this self-governing city, the City Lord’s Manor was the preeminent force and the sole official authority.

They established the city's regulations and oversaw both the city itself and the surrounding Cultivation Resources.

Many of these autonomous cities were, in fact, mightier than some nations.

Cloud Ascending City was evidently a fine example of such a city, as upon Liu Xingchang's arrival, he found it to be lively and harmonious. The mix of vendors and citizens was chaotic yet orderly, boisterous without being unruly, all signs of a flourishing society.

Along the way, several charming young women cast coquettish glances at Liu Sanlang, though the majority were offering polite greetings to Hu Gewan.

Liu Sanlang wasn't wrong; courting Hu Gewan required more than just charm and pedigree.

The party quickly traversed the lengthy streets and made their way back to the Linghu Clan.

Their timing was unfortunate, as the elders of the Linghu Clan were away attending to some business outside the city.

With no other option, Hu Gewan arranged for Liu Xingchang to rest until the elders returned, at which point someone would summon him.

Liu Sanlang clamored to take Liu Xingchang to the Happy Forest, but after Hu Gewan sent him flying with a well-placed kick, he quieted down. Liu Xingchang, for his part, was content to enjoy some peace and quiet.

What he needed most at the moment was peace and quiet. Even though he had refined the Holy Water Rune, it was akin to having cooked a meal; just because the meal was ready didn't mean it had been eaten. He still hadn't mastered the energy within the Holy Water Rune.

Liu Xingchang suddenly felt a surge of anticipation. Despite the Holy Water Rune being incomplete, he believed it could still aid him in making several breakthroughs.

…