C15 Jiang Lu

"This is quite curious. Skyreach Tower, usually indifferent to others' affairs, has decided to show up today?"

Liu Yunlong furrowed his brow as he regarded the newcomer, but his expression betrayed a lack of genuine concern.

With her bewitching figure and the long, shapely legs beneath her purple robe, Jiang Qingyan commanded the attention of everyone present without even trying.

"Little sister Xian'er, don't be scared. Your big sister is here, and I dare anyone to lay a finger on you."

Jiang Qingyan strode over to Ning Xian'er, draping an arm around her shoulders with a carefree air, then playfully winked at Ning Que.

Was there something about her that was so alluring?

Ning Que couldn't help but smile wryly. Jiang Qingyan's sudden friendliness was surely not without motive. Yet, her readiness to stand up for them now was a show of true loyalty. He resolved that, should the opportunity arise to repay this kindness, he would spare no effort.

"Heh, think you can stop me? Just you? Well then, I'll take you both down, and enjoy the spoils."

Liu Yunlong's face was dark as he sneered at Jiang Qingyan. His lips twisted into a cruel smile as he slowly raised his hand, forming a long whip that he lashed down with a crackling sound, echoing with the rumble of thunder, aimed straight at Jiang Qingyan.

"Deathwhip, Thunderclap Stance."

The whip moved with lightning speed, its twists cloaked in a sheath of electric arcs, exuding a formidable presence. Yet, Jiang Qingyan remained unfazed and casually turned to the side, "Jiang Lu, this one's yours."

At her command, a green figure stepped in front of her. Ning Que and Ning Xian'er were taken aback to realize that this woman, referred to as Jiang Lu by Jiang Qingyan, was none other than the green-clad hostess they had encountered at Skyreach Tower.

With a flick of her wrist, Jiang Lu summoned a dazzling orb of light from her palm that surged forward to meet the whip. Upon impact, the fearsome whip disintegrated inch by inch. Liu Yunlong's brow creased, and with a shrug of his shoulder, he swiftly withdrew the whip.

Jiang Lu flicked her wrist, and the orb of light shot toward Liu Yunlong like a shooting star. His face was etched with seriousness; having already suffered a setback, he wasted no time in response. Bringing his hands together, he summoned the Shadow Aegis once more, his confidence in this defensive soulcraft evident.

"I've misjudged the situation. This young woman is actually a Soul Marshal. I completely overlooked it before. She must possess an advanced technique for concealment," Ling Jing murmured, seemingly frustrated with himself for not recognizing Jiang Lu's true strength earlier.

Ning Que, upon hearing this, cast a puzzled glance at Jiang Qingyan. Her own abilities might be modest, but Jiang Lu, who attended her like a servant, was a Soul Marshal. Clearly, Jiang Qingyan's background extended beyond merely managing Skyreach Tower in Oceanwatch.

"That kid's about to take a hit," Ling Jing remarked, watching the battlefield with a touch of glee. Ning Que focused his attention and saw their soulcrafts collide in silence, defying expectations. The Shadow Aegis, upon which Liu Yunlong heavily relied, was silently eaten away by the orb of light, leaving a gaping hole. The orb then struck his chest unimpeded.

A stench of charred flesh filled the air as Liu Yunlong's robe was instantly burned through, his chest skin turning a blackened crisp.

Jiang Lu, not aiming to be lethal, recalled the orb of light after wounding her opponent and retreated to Jiang Qingyan's side.

Liu Yunlong's cheek twitched from the blow, the sharp pain in his chest causing him to involuntarily gasp for air.

"You still want to play the charmer? Go home and hug your mother instead. It's no surprise you're in league with the Hai family—you're cut from the same cloth as Tsunami Sky," Jiang Qingyan taunted mercilessly, spitting in disdain and furrowing her brows, leaving no room for Liu Yunlong's dignity.

Ning Que couldn't suppress a chuckle. This woman's candor was refreshing; her insults were delivered with a satisfying directness.

"I'll remember today's slight. I suspect you hold a significant position within Skyreach Tower. It's surprising to find such hidden talent in the small town of Oceanwatch."

Despite his seething anger, Liu Yunlong was no fool. He recognized that the woman in green had spared him further harm; otherwise, his injuries would have been much worse. Pursuing the matter further would surely bring him no benefit.

"The Shadowsea Cult will have its revenge."

With that threat, Liu Yunlong turned on his heel and departed, his companions from the Hai family quickly falling in step behind him. Only Hai Yunhe paused to shoot Ning Que a venomous look, a malevolent grin spreading across his face.

Regardless of today's outcome, he had achieved his objective. The Ning family and Skyreach Tower had deeply offended Liu Yunlong, and there would be ample opportunities to retaliate in the days to come.

As the crowd that had gathered to watch the conflict finally dispersed, Ning Que approached Jiang Qingyan and bowed respectfully. Without her timely intervention, the situation would certainly not have been resolved so smoothly.

"Sister Qingyan, I can't thank you enough."

Ning Xian'er was genuinely moved. She was aware of the difficulty Jiang Qingyan faced in stepping forward. Despite Skyreach Tower's vast influence, the Shadowsea Cult had long been entrenched in the southern seas, and taking a stand against such an established force for the sake of the Ning family undoubtedly put Jiang Qingyan under considerable strain.

"You don't need to be so formal with me. Come on, let's head to Skyreach Tower. I have something to discuss with you."

Jiang Qingyan's smile was warm, though her eyes lingered on Ning Que.

Ning Que couldn't easily decline the invitation. He understood the weight of the favor owed. Acknowledging Jiang Qingyan's request, he gave Ning Xian'er a nod. She, in turn, gave Zhuang Hong a few instructions to keep an eye on the market, and then they all made their way to Skyreach Tower.

Once inside the grand inner hall of Skyreach Tower, Jiang Qingyan gestured for Ning Que and Jiang Lu to take a seat. Jiang Lu served them tea, which left Ning Que feeling somewhat uneasy, considering she had just come to his aid.

Jiang Lu gave Ning Que a knowing smile and then positioned herself beside Jiang Qingyan.

"Ning Que, my dear brother, it's been only a few days since we last met, and you've already advanced to the Soul Awakening Realm. That's quite impressive."

Jiang Qingyan inquired with a casual air, her alluring eyes fixed on Ning Que.

"My abilities really aren't worth mentioning," Ning Que replied, taking a sip of tea and gently shaking his head. After all, anyone here was far stronger than him.

"You're being too humble, little brother. Most people spend a considerable amount of time just to achieve Soul Awakening. You've progressed so quickly; I suspect you've successfully refined the Spirit Gathering Pill."

Jiang Qingyan's slender fingers rhythmically tapped on the table as she leaned in, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

At the mention of the 'Spirit Gathering Pill,' Ning Que's face showed a flicker of concern, and he was about to refute when Ling Jing interjected.

"She's quite astute. You acquired the Jade Water Flower, and she deduced that you intended to refine the Spirit Gathering Pill. But it's likely just a guess; she can't be certain."

"There's no harm in acknowledging it. Her keen interest in the Spirit Gathering Pill could lead to a mutually beneficial business arrangement," Ling Jing suggested.

Upon hearing this, Ning Que pondered for a moment before regaining his composure. With a thought, a small vial appeared in his hand and he placed it on the table.

"I have indeed refined the Spirit Gathering Pill. Here are two more. Sister Qingyan, if you need them, please take them as a token of my gratitude for your assistance today."

Jiang Qingyan's expression shifted subtly at the sight of the Spirit Gathering Pills, but she quickly composed herself and chuckled, "You think too little of me, young man. I helped you because I consider you family. Let's not spoil things with talk of repayment."

"Skyreach Tower will purchase these two Spirit Gathering Pills with soulstones. However, Brother Ning Que, I have another favor to ask. Our Skyreach Tower has a significant demand for Spirit Gathering Pills. If you're willing, I'd like to commission you to refine some more for us. We'll pay the market rate for each one. What do you say?"

Understanding dawned on Ning Que as he listened. He was at a loss about what to do next. The Spirit Gathering Pill had been crafted by Ling Jing, and the decision to proceed with the transaction ultimately rested on Ling Jing’s wishes.

"The Spirit Gathering Pill isn't exactly a rare commodity. Since she's interested, I might as well refine some for her. You're flat broke, so it wouldn't hurt to stockpile some soulstones for protection. Besides, this young lady's background might be more complex than it seems. It's not a bad idea to foster a good relationship with her."

Ling Jing's aged voice resonated, signaling his consent to the arrangement.

"I'll take on this task, but you'll need to supply the ingredients for the pill yourself."

Ning Que feigned deep contemplation for a while before finally delivering the response Jiang Qingyan had been eagerly anticipating.

"Naturally."

Jiang Qingyan's face lit up with joy upon his agreement, silently congratulating herself for her timely intervention. Otherwise, the deal might not have been so easily concluded.

She didn't believe that Ning Que was the one who had actually refined the Spirit Gathering Pill. Instead, she suspected that there was a highly skilled alchemist supporting him from behind. But that was none of her concern; she had no interest in prying into matters that didn't pertain to her.

Ning Xian'er, who had been quietly observing from the side, couldn't hide her irritation as she watched Ning Que and Jiang Qingyan converse with such ease. In a fit of annoyance, she pinched Ning Que's waist.

He turned to see Ning Xian'er subtly gesture towards the Spirit Gathering Pill on the table, and he immediately grasped her silent message, responding with a resigned smile.

Clearly, Ning Xian'er was upset that he hadn't discussed the matter of the Spirit Gathering Pill with her, yet seemed to share everything with Jiang Qingyan.

Jiang Qingyan was decisive and efficient. As soon as she received Ning Que's agreement, she instructed Jiang Lu to fetch the necessary ingredients. At Ling Jing's suggestion, Ning Que seized the opportunity to request several rare medicinal herbs. Jiang Qingyan, ever so magnanimous, didn't hesitate and directed Jiang Lu to acquire them all.

Shortly after Jiang Lu departed, a flurry of urgent footsteps approached from outside. Ning Que was puzzled, but then he noticed Jiang Qingyan's expression shift as she turned her gaze toward the door.

The door burst open with such force that it slammed against the wall and continued to tremble. Three figures charged in, led by a gaunt, diminutive old man.

Despite the old man's diminutive stature, his sharp eyes gleamed with intensity. Upon entering the room, he quickly assessed Ning Que and Ning Xian'er, only to dismiss them with a glance. His gaze then fixated on Jiang Qingyan, and with teeth nearly clenched in anger, he demanded, "What have you done!"

Ning Que, observing the old man's blatant rudeness, felt no inclination to engage. He calmly took a sip of water and settled in to watch how Jiang Qingyan would handle the situation.