C3 Relic Arts

The Sea Ridge Region was Jianghai's crown jewel, bustling with prosperity and wealth.

Nestled against the ocean, the Sea Ridge Region was a compact mountain ridge boasting just nine streets. These streets ascended like a stairway to the heavens, each one a step closer to the sky.

Each street in the Sea Ridge Region was renowned, with eighty percent of Jianghai's wealth pulsing through its veins. Securing a company on even the outermost Ninth Street required a fortune in the tens of millions. It was no surprise that the majority of the world's top 500 companies had set up shop there.

Indeed, having a job in the Sea Ridge Region was a badge of success in itself, let alone owning a company there.

Upon hearing Gu Qianqian's words, Tantrum couldn't suppress a chuckle.

He was well-acquainted with the allure of the Sea Ridge Region, having longed for it and indulged in daydreams of standing atop the Emperor Building on First Street, his beloved woman in his arms, commanding the world below.

But dreams were just that—dreams, a distant cry from reality.

Yet, Tantrum wasn't about to capitulate to Gu Qianqian so easily. He gazed at her with a mischievous glint in his eye and drawled, "You've laid out your terms, but I must confess, I'm quite the covetous sort. One Xia Xingchen isn't enough for me—I desire you as well. What's your price for that?"

Gu Qianqian let out a derisive laugh, her voice icy as she retorted, "I knew you were no good!"

Seeing Tantrum still eyeing her with amusement, she stiffened her expression and snapped, "Don't think I'm belittling you, a country bumpkin. In Jianghai, money is king, and many successful men juggle two women with ease. But if you want both me and Xingchen, you'd better own a street in the Sea Ridge Region as your personal estate! Otherwise, get lost!"

Her words stripped away her former pride, elegance, and intellect, leaving only her fierce determination to outmatch Tantrum.

Thankfully, Xia Xingchen's timely return diffused the brewing animosity. Both Tantrum and Gu Qianqian averted their gazes, an unspoken agreement to act as if the confrontation had never occurred.

Tantrum was assigned a room in the west corner of the building.

It was a small space, lacking even a window, and quite a distance from Xia Xingchen and Gu Qianqian's rooms. Tantrum couldn't shake the feeling that this was Gu Qianqian's way of getting back at him.

Luckily, Tantrum wasn't picky about accommodations. He sat on the bed and began unpacking his luggage.

His next task was to find a job, a thought that instantly gave him a headache.

During his spat with Gu Qianqian, he had wildly exaggerated, claiming to own a company in the Sea Ridge Region and even an entire street as his personal property. But now, confronted with reality, he felt utterly clueless.

Without even a high school diploma, how was he supposed to find work in Jianghai? Should he resort to manual labor or security work? Perhaps the most he could hope for was a gig as a personal bodyguard for some tycoon's daughter.

It was a long shot, but Tantrum was open to the idea.

His grandfather had kicked him out to find a bride, handing him only two thousand yuan as a "dating fund." After the train fare, he had barely enough to last ten days to two weeks.

"Tantrum?"

Just then, Xia Xingchen burst in, a mischievous twinkle on her lovely face. Without waiting for an invitation, she hopped onto the bed, propped her chin in her hands, and watched Tantrum organize his belongings. Her legs swung playfully as she showcased her graceful curves for Tantrum to see.

"What's up?" Tantrum asked, giving Xia Xingchen an exasperated look.

"Tantrum, did I hear right that Grandpa Tang chased you out with a stick?" Xia Xingchen asked, her smile revealing two charming dimples.

Tantrum rolled his eyes and after a long pause, grumbled, "Your dad's got it all wrong!"

It wasn't a stick the old man used—it was more like a cannon.

The Dragon Gallbladder Bright Silver Spear, once wielded by the renowned Three Kingdoms general Zhao Zilong, was dismissed as a mere stick by Xia Xingchen's father. If the elder were to find out, he'd be livid beyond measure.

In his left hand, the Azure Rainbow Sword; in his right, the Bright Silver Spear. Astride his White Dragon Horse, clad in gleaming white armor and helmet, he charged alone down the long slope to rescue his lord. This was none other than Changshan Zhao Yun, also known as Zhao Zilong!

The weapon that stood by his side throughout his life was the Dragon Gallbladder Bright Silver Spear, ranked second among China's ten legendary spear-type divine weapons, trailing only behind the Overlord Spear wielded by the Western Chu's mighty Xiang Yu.

But the Dragon Gallbladder Bright Silver Spear in the old man's possession was far from ordinary. Blessed by his mastery of Relic Arts, the Bright Silver Spear had been transformed into a supreme Relic. Without employing the Bright Silver Spear or the Relic Arts, Tantrum might manage to hold his ground for a time. But once unleashed, Tantrum had no choice but to shield his face and hit the ground, praying for mercy.

These so-called Relic Arts were techniques chronicled in the "Tome of Relics," a treasured text handed down through the Tang family lineage. Practitioners could cultivate their skills using antiques, and a successful Relic Arts Master could wield power akin to Taoist magic, imbuing ancient artifacts with formidable might. A Relic Arts Master armed with a Relic could easily surpass the capabilities of an Ancient Martial Artist.

Even at a mere level 1, Relic Arts was Tantrum's ace in the hole, a secret weapon he was loath to reveal. But once shown, it spelled certain doom for his adversary.

Considering the old man's prowess as a level 4 Relic Arts Master, combined with the Dragon Gallbladder Bright Silver Spear, the resulting force was beyond Tantrum's wildest imaginings. He couldn't fathom resisting, and despite his impressive Ancient Martial Arts skills, he stood no chance against a casual thrust of the old man's spear, let alone contemplate escape.

"It doesn't matter whether it's a big gun or a stick, they're pretty much the same. You got kicked out either way." Xia Xingchen stifled a laugh behind her hand. Seeing Tantrum embarrass himself was a rare treat, and she was so amused that she was rolling around on the bed with glee.

As she tumbled, her clothing rode up, exposing her snow-white stomach and slender waist.

Tantrum's gaze traced the revealing lines of her figure, and his heartbeat quickened. He swallowed hard, unable to resist the temptation of Xia Xingchen's enticing pose on the bed.

He mentally chided himself to look away from any impropriety, yet his eyes refused to obey. The girl had truly blossomed. She was not only becoming more beautiful by the day, but her figure was irresistibly captivating.

Even Tantrum, who had grown up alongside Xia Xingchen, found himself struggling to maintain composure as a physical reaction betrayed him. He hastily tried to cover his embarrassment, yet his eyes remained fixed on Xia Xingchen's exposed waist and the curve of her hips, his breathing growing heavier.

"This little enchantress is absolutely lethal..."