C49 Change

"Aren't you a bit overconfident? Do you really think you can kill Bao Houdi?"

Yao Di burst into laughter as if he'd heard the funniest joke in the world. Bao Houdi was one of the four Tyrants of Azure Sun City and a Spirit Sea Stage Expert. Even Yao Di's father, Yao Tianbian, wouldn't claim he could defeat Bao Houdi, much less kill him.

The others agreed. Bao Houdi was a Spirit Sea Stage Expert, and Zhuang Xing, despite his exceptional talent, was still young with much to learn, only at Spirit Wheel Stage Level Five Heaven. The idea of him killing Bao Houdi was something no reasonable person would believe.

Zhuang Xing just shrugged. Whether these people believed him or not, he was indifferent.

"Beat it, and don't let me see you again."

Zhuang Xing turned away, dismissing Yao Di. He had never considered him a threat.

As usual, the incident at Cloud Moon Tower spread like wildfire throughout Azure Sun City, causing a massive stir as if an atomic bomb had gone off.

"Have you heard? The killer of Bao Houdi has finally been revealed."

"Really? Who is it?"

"Who? Someone you'd never expect."

"Come on, who is it? Stop teasing and just tell me."

"Zhuang Xing."

"Zhuang Xing? But didn't he vanish on Azure Sun Mountain? Has he returned?"

"Yes, he's back. He showed up at Cloud Moon Tower today."

"Really? He's quite fortunate. The Celestial Eagle Gang had so many people after him and none could take him down."

"Today at Cloud Moon Tower, he openly claimed that he was the one who killed Bao Houdi."

"What? Bao Houdi was killed by him? Impossible, that's just not possible."

"Honestly, I'm skeptical too, but he didn't seem to be lying. Besides, he has no reason to lie."

"So, are you saying it's true?"

"It appears to be. His strength is now inscrutable. He managed to defeat Yao Di in just a few moves."

"Yao Di was defeated by Zhuang Xing? How could that be? Didn't he advance to Spirit Wheel Stage Level Eight Heaven?"

"I witnessed it myself. Yao Di was no match for Zhuang Xing; he was defeated in just a few moves."

"Zhuang Xing defeated Yao Di in a handful of moves. Can he even be considered human?"

"Indeed, he's more than human; he's a demon, a true demon."

...

Conversations like these were buzzing throughout Azure Sun City. Zhuang Xing's fame had skyrocketed, not just among the locals but also among people from other cities.

In the Yao family's main hall:

"Father, you must seek justice for me. I have to kill him."

Yao Di's roar was filled with anger. Today's events at the Cloud Moon Tower were an unbearable humiliation for him. He was consumed with the desire to flay Zhuang Xing alive and scatter his remains, to quench his burning rage.

Yao Tianbian, seated in a place of honor, furrowed his brow deeply. They had been searching for Bao Houdi's killer, assuming the culprit was at least a Spirit Sea Stage Expert, since Bao Houdi himself was one. It was believed that only someone of that caliber could have killed him, so they never suspected a Spirit Wheel Stage cultivator.

But now, Zhuang Xing had shockingly confessed to the deed, a revelation so astounding it was hard to accept.

"Have you finished throwing your tantrum? A minor setback like this shouldn't be more than you can handle. How do you expect to achieve greatness if this is all it takes to break you? Instead of wasting time here with your outbursts, you'd be better off focusing on your cultivation. Strengthen yourself and aim to defeat him in the Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition."

For the first time, Yao Tianbian felt disappointment in his son. Such a trivial defeat had provoked such a reaction; how could he hope to make any further progress in his Martial Dao Cultivation?

Chastened by his father's words, Yao Di finally quieted down, though he still looked somewhat bewildered.

"Go back and think things over."

Carrying a heavy heart, Yao Di retreated to his quarters. But the more he dwelled on the day's events, the angrier he became. In terms of talent, he was the top prodigy of Azure Sun City. In terms of heritage, his family was one of the city's three major powers. In every aspect, Zhuang Xing should have been his inferior. Yet, Zhuang Xing was the one with superior strength.

"Mr. Di, should we kill him?"

Yao Di replied, "Do you think I haven't considered that? He's detestable. I'd love to flay him and tear out his sinews. But without my father's support, what can I do?"

Despite his intense desire to kill Zhuang Xing, Yao Di had to acknowledge that Zhuang Xing's strength greatly exceeded his own. In terms of martial prowess, he was no match for Zhuang Xing.

"Yao Ben, do you have any bright ideas?"

Yao Ben stroked his chin and chuckled darkly, "I do have a plan."

Yao Di was eager, "Tell me, what's your plan?"

Leaning in, Yao Ben whispered into Yao Di's ear, causing his eyes to sparkle with anticipation.

"Mr. Di, how about my plan? No matter how formidable he is, even if he's capable of slaying Bao Houdi, if you capture his parents, he won't dare touch you. Then, you can deal with him however you please."

Yao Di burst into hearty laughter, "Excellent, we'll proceed with this plan. I'll ensure he endures excruciating pain."

Time flew, and the next day arrived. Zhuang Xing awoke from his deep sleep.

"It's time for me to move on."

Having resolved the issues in Azure Sun City and advanced to Spirit Wheel Stage Level Five Heaven, staying here offered little benefit to him. His potential for growth was limited. With that in mind, Zhuang Xing decided to depart.

Yet, he had no specific destination in mind. But that didn't bother him.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

"Who is it?"

"Young Master."

Zhuang Xing's heart skipped a beat—it was Chunri's voice. He quickly opened the door.

"Chunri, what brings you here?"

Upon seeing Zhuang Xing, Chunri seemed to find her resolve. She lunged into his embrace, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Young Master, I'm so relieved to see you."

Zhuang Xing was taken aback, unsure of the situation.

"Brother Chen."

Aside from Chunri, several Zhuang family disciples and servants were present. They all seemed deeply moved upon seeing Zhuang Xing.

"What's going on with all of you?"

Zhuang Xing was baffled. It was early morning, and yet so many had come from Cloud Peak City to seek him out. Had something happened?