C38 Killed

Bao Guangsha screamed in agony as Zhuang Xing took him down with a single thrust of his spear. Blood sprayed and spattered, and even in his final moments, his eyes remained wide open. It likely never crossed his mind that Zhuang Xing would truly have the audacity to end his life.

"Quiet down."

Having dispatched Bao Guangsha with a single spear thrust, Zhuang Xing felt nothing. Anyone who sought his life should be ready to meet their end.

"Young Lord."

The onlookers wailed as they gazed upon Bao Guangsha's eyes, still wide with shock, and they backed away in horror. They could never have imagined their Young Lord would suffer such a complete and fatal defeat.

"The Young Lord is dead."

"Run, this is a devil incarnate."

Panic seized everyone, their hearts pounding and their spirits shattered.

"Join him."

Zhuang Xing's cold smile was the last thing they saw as he gripped the Chaos Shocking Spear and swept it in a deadly arc. The fearsome spear light burst forth in an instant.

The faces of those around him were frozen in terror as blood gushed forth, and they collapsed, never understanding what had taken their lives.

"Storage Ring."

With a flick of his spear, Zhuang Xing sent Bao Guangsha's Storage Ring flying into his grasp. Without a second glance, he tucked it into his own Storage Ring and vanished in the blink of an eye.

Soon after, a middle-aged man arrived at the scene. Confronted with the carnage, he flew into a rage.

"My son."

The news of Bao Guangsha's demise spread rapidly, stirring a massive commotion. The buzz filled the streets and alleys, taverns and inns, as Martial Cultivators and common folk alike engaged in fervent discussion.

"Have you heard the big news?"

"What happened?"

"The Young Lord of the Celestial Eagle Gang, Bao Guangsha, has been killed."

"Bao Guangsha is dead? That can't be true. Are you sure you're not pulling my leg?"

"I'm not lying to you. Bao Guangsha has indeed been killed. The whole of Azure Sun City is abuzz with the news; it's on everyone's lips."

"So, it's really true."

"Absolutely. Why would I lie to you?"

"Who could possibly have the power to take down Bao Guangsha? Aren't they afraid of the Celestial Eagle Gang seeking vengeance?"

"That remains a mystery."

"When did this incident occur?"

Someone replied, "This morning, deep within Azure Sun Mountain. Reportedly, the assailant not only eliminated Bao Guangsha but also the Celestial Eagle Gang's Divine Beast, the Golden Wolf Eagle, inflicting heavy losses on the gang."

"He even took out the Golden Wolf Eagle. Could it have been the work of a Spirit Sea Stage Expert?"

"Whether or not the perpetrator is a Spirit Sea Stage Expert, I can't say for sure. But I'd wager they're not far from that level of power."

"Bao Houdi must be livid, right?"

"Absolutely. Bao Houdi has sealed off all the entrances and exits to Azure Sun Mountain and dispatched a large force to scour the area for the killer. Whether they've found him by now is anyone's guess."

"With Bao Guangsha gone, we're in for quite the spectacle."

"Indeed."

Such discussions were rampant throughout Azure Sun City, stirring significant commotion.

In the Yao family's grand hall, many had gathered.

"Di, you've done a fantastic job."

At the head of the room, a middle-aged man burst into hearty laughter. This man was Yao Tianbian, the current head of the Yao family, father to Yao Di, and a Spirit Sea Stage Expert like Bao Houdi, one of the four great tyrants of Azure Sun City.

The rest joined in the laughter. After years of conflict with the Celestial Eagle Gang, their animosity ran deep. With the gang's Divine Beast, the Golden Wolf Eagle, dead, and their most promising young disciple slain by Zhuang Xing, the Celestial Eagle Gang had suffered a severe blow. How could they not rejoice?

"Still, Di, are you certain that kid truly had the skill to defeat Bao Guangsha?"

Yao Di had claimed that Zhuang Xing's actual cultivation level was merely Spirit Wheel Stage Level Three Heaven, while Bao Guangsha was a bona fide Spirit Wheel Stage Level Seven Heaven expert. The idea of Zhuang Xing vanquishing Bao Guangsha would be met with skepticism by anyone with a shred of sense.

Yao Di said, "Father, at first, I was skeptical too, but after I looked into that young man's record and some of his achievements, I believe it's quite possible that he really has the capability to defeat Bao Guangsha."

"Have you investigated this individual? What's his name, and what's his background?"

After a moment of contemplation, Yao Di replied, "Father, his real name is Zhuang Xing. He's a member of the Zhuang family from Cloud Peak City. Even when he was at the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Two Heaven, he had already defeated experts at the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Five Heaven and Level Six Heaven."

"What are you saying? Are you certain of this?"

Everyone was incredulous. Cloud Peak City was known as a weaker city, having been ranked last in the previous Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition and becoming the butt of many jokes. Now, the emergence of such a formidable individual from Cloud Peak City was hard to believe.

Yao Di nodded. "Father, my words are the truth. He appears to have the ability to take on opponents beyond his level. Currently, the Celestial Eagle Gang and this young man are at odds, like oil and water. We can use him to strike at the Celestial Eagle Gang, inflicting even heavier losses on them. That way, they won't be able to stand up to our Yao family any longer."

Initially, he had intended to eliminate Zhuang Xing, but now it seemed that keeping him alive served a greater purpose. No matter how astonishing Zhuang Xing's talent might be, he was still just a piece in their strategy to combat the Celestial Eagle Gang.

Yao Tianbian laughed heartily once more. Zhuang Xing had already removed the significant threat of Bao Guangsha for them, and they could fully exploit him to inflict greater damage on the Celestial Eagle Gang, ensuring they no longer had the power to rival the Yao family.

"Di, you've made a significant contribution this time. Tomorrow, I will request a Top Grade Pill for you from the Elder Council. You must work diligently and aim to advance to the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Eight Heaven as soon as you can."

With the Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition on the horizon, the higher Yao Di's cultivation level, the better the Yao family's chances of achieving a remarkable performance.

Historically, at the Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition, the strength of a Spirit Wheel Stage Level Seven Heaven could vie for a spot in the top one hundred, though the odds were slim and entry was far from guaranteed. However, those at the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Eight Heaven stood a much better chance, typically securing a place in the top one hundred. Of course, should he manage to break through to the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Nine Heaven, reaching the top fifty, or even the top thirty, was within the realm of possibility.

There was still some time before the Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition. Given Yao Di's talent, it was entirely possible for him to make a breakthrough and reach the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Nine Heaven. When that moment arrived, Yao Di was sure to become a legend in Azure Sun City, and the Yao family's strength would skyrocket. It was inevitable that they would soon be the preeminent power in Azure Sun City.

"Top Grade Pill?"

Yao Di's eyes sparkled. Top Grade Pills were the purest of pills, free from any impurities, making them ideal for cultivation.

"Thank you, Father. I will work tirelessly and live up to your high expectations."