C14 The Cloud Rope

"Do you really think you can ignore the Black Cloud Sect, Luo?"

Sensing the anger in the laughter, Black Shadow's expression grew serious.

"If it were a trivial matter, I might give the Black Cloud Sect some face. But this time, you've targeted my two children. If I don't act, won't I be a laughingstock?"

General Luo took a deep breath, his eyes flashing with determination.

"Fine, fine, fine. Let's see how you explain this to the boss."

Though Black Shadow's words remained defiant, his form turned into a dark mist, retreating towards the wall. Sensing General Luo's murderous intent, he couldn't help but feel the urge to flee.

"Cloud Chain!"

General Luo squinted slightly, raising his right hand slowly.

An invisible current flowed from his palm toward the dark mist, forming a misty chain that bound it.

"Luo, how dare you..."

As the mist struggled, it reverted to the form of the man in black. Before he could finish his sentence, the chain seeped into his body, silently dissolving him into ashes.

"Hmph, a mere tenth-level warrior dares to boast in front of this General. Truly reckless."

General Luo flicked his sleeve, a hint of a cold smile crossing his face.

“Father, your Cloud Spirit technique is incredible! When will I be able to wield such power?” Luo Youyou blinked her bright eyes at her father, exuding a charming innocence.

“Silly child, your potential far surpasses mine. I bet you'll reach my level before you're thirty.” General Luo's stern expression softened into a rare smile.

“Godfather, I'm glad I didn't let you down. During my trip to Skyfall Mountain, I finally uncovered the real reason the bandits provoked us. They were incited by the city guards, hoping to lure you into an ambush at Skyfall Mountain.”

Luo Tongtian stepped forward, bowing respectfully to his godfather.

“You've been through a lot, my child.”

General Luo helped Luo Tongtian up, gently patting his shoulder.

“It's an honor to do anything for you, even if it means enduring hardships. Unfortunately, all the guards you assigned to me perished.”

Luo Tongtian's face clouded with sorrow at this.

“No matter. Those guards were spies from other factions. When my power was weaker, I relied on them. Now that I'm stronger, it's time to clear them out.”

General Luo shook his head and gave a soft smile to Luo Tongtian.

"Ah, I see. That makes me feel much more at ease."

Luo Tongtian breathed a sigh of relief at his words.

"As for the connection between the bandits and the city guards, I had anticipated it."

"I just thought you needed some challenges to shake off your slump, so I entrusted you with this important task. I hope you don't think I was too harsh!"

General Luo said this with a hint of guilt, patting Luo Tongtian on the shoulder.

"Father, how could I blame you? I'm grateful! Without this mission, I wouldn't have been able to break through my limits."

Luo Tongtian shook his head repeatedly, his face full of gratitude.

"Yes, I can see that your abilities have improved significantly, and your confidence is at an all-time high."

"Seeing you bounce back like this makes me genuinely happy. I hope you continue to grow stronger and help me with my work." General Luo nodded, his face full of satisfaction.

"Don't worry, I won't let you down."

Luo Tongtian nodded enthusiastically.

"Father, the bandits and the city guards have already made their move against us. How do you plan to respond?"

Luo Youyou asked curiously, holding her father's arm.

"If this had happened before, I would have had to swallow my pride and endure it. But now, with my increased strength and solid backing, I won't give in so easily," General Luo said confidently. "As for the rest, don't worry about it. I have my own ways to handle them. Focus on your training and aim to get stronger as quickly as possible."

With a smile, General Luo handed a thought bead to Luo Tongtian and left with his hands clasped behind his back.

"Tongtian, you've been fighting nonstop these past few days, and you're completely exhausted. Go back to your room and rest. I'll prepare some herbal remedies to help with your injuries," Luo Youyou, dressed in a flowing purple gown, said. Her hair danced in the night breeze, creating an almost ethereal beauty that left Luo Tongtian momentarily speechless.

"Uh... could you get me some Origin Energy Pills? I need them," he finally said, changing the subject to hide his embarrassment.

"But you're only at the third level of body refinement. You don't really need Origin Energy Pills, do you?" Luo Youyou responded, momentarily surprised. Realizing she might have hurt his pride, she quickly shifted the topic again.

"Alright, alright. I have a few hundred Origin Energy Pills. I'll bring them all to you later."

"You've been all mysterious since your trip to the mountains. It's hard to figure you out," said Youyou, giving him a playful wink before leaving with a swirl of fragrant air.

After six straight hours of meditation, Tongtian finally felt somewhat refreshed. As he slowly opened his eyes, he noticed a graceful figure in purple busying herself nearby.

"Lie down and take off your shirt!" Youyou commanded just as Tongtian was admiring her.

"Uh... now?" Tongtian hesitated, unsure.

"Of course now. What, you think I meant tomorrow?" Youyou replied, pursing her lips.

"Even though we get along well, we're still young. Isn't it a bit... premature?" Tongtian frowned, clearly uncomfortable.

"What are you imagining? I need to apply some medicine, not whatever you're daydreaming about. Even if you wanted to, I wouldn't," Youyou retorted, rolling her eyes.

"Just joking, no need to get so worked up. Ouch, ouch..." Tongtian chuckled awkwardly as he removed his shirt, but winced when her hands applied the medicine with a bit more force than necessary, causing him to break out in a cold sweat.

"That's what you get for not behaving!"

Luo Youyou couldn't help but burst into laughter when she saw his grimacing face. Her radiant smile lit up the room, filling it with warmth and sweetness.

Luo Tongtian lay there, feeling her cool fingers gently applying ointment on his back. His heart couldn't help but flutter a little.

When she finished applying the ointment and was about to pull her hand away, he suddenly grasped her delicate hand.

"What are you doing?" Luo Youyou blushed and asked shyly.

"Nothing, just wanted to thank you for helping me with the ointment. Let me give you a little massage."

Luo Tongtian said as he gently massaged her soft hand.

"Silly!"

Luo Youyou pulled her hand back, gave him a playful look, and turned to leave. At the door, she paused and, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, said, "Remember what I told you? Once you're stronger than me, I'll agree to go out with you."

"Just an eighth-level warrior, right? I'll surpass you one day."

Luo Tongtian watched her walk away, determination flashing across his face.