C3 A Cat and a Dog

Zuo Daosheng's silhouette flashed as he charged at Lin Xi with incredible speed, closing the distance in a mere instant. He launched a punch aimed directly at Lin Xi's throat, clearly intent on killing her.

Lin Xi sensed a trace of spiritual energy on Zuo Daosheng's fist, indicating he was at least at the Mortal Exuviating Stage. She swiftly sidestepped and captured Zuo Daosheng's oncoming arm with both hands, delivering a powerful elbow strike to his arm.

"Crack!" The sound of breaking bones echoed through the hall.

Taking advantage of the momentum, Lin Xi pulled forcefully, causing Zuo Daosheng to stumble forward. She then raised her right leg and delivered a sharp whip kick to his abdomen, sending him flying several meters.

Lin Xi quickly closed the gap, planting another kick squarely on Zuo Daosheng's chest and twisting forcefully, eliciting yet another crisp snap of breaking bones. The onlookers in the hall were frozen in shock.

Lin Changqing, realizing the implications, quickly asked, "Lin Xi, you..."

Lin Xi turned to face Lin Changqing with a smile. "Sorry, I recovered but didn't get the chance to update you all."

Mid-sentence, Lin Xi's gaze shifted coldly to Zuo Ci. "I encountered a stray dog that decided to snap at my door."

Zuo Ci, momentarily stunned, looked at his son, who was barely clinging to life, and his composure crumbled.

Without giving Zuo Ci a moment to process, Lin Xi's right foot came crashing down on Zuo Daosheng's throat. "Crack!"

In a frenzy, Zuo Ci lunged at Lin Xi, but before she could react, Lin Changqing intervened with a swift move, his fist the size of a sandbag hurtling towards Zuo Ci's face. Zuo Ci's face collapsed under the impact, and he was sent flying.

"Deputy General Zuo Ci has plotted a rebellion and must be executed!" came the proclamation. "Remove the bodies of Zuo Ci and his son!"

After the order, Lin Changqing turned to Lin Xi, who simply smiled in response.

"You've recovered; there's no need to worry!"

Lin Changqing observed Lin Xi, who had regained his former vitality, and was filled with elation.

"Good, then you can continue serving as the Young General."

At this point, Lin Xi interjected, "I'm no longer interested in being the Young General, but I do have a recommendation for you."

Lin Changqing's cheerful demeanor faltered slightly, but he figured Lin Xi must have his reasons.

He summoned the individual Lin Xi had recommended.

"Lin Zhengyi has impressive abilities. Take him under your wing for some military training, and he's sure to become an invaluable aide."

While introducing him, Lin Xi nudged Lin Zhengyi toward Lin Changqing.

Lin Zhengyi looked on, a picture of confusion, not understanding what was happening.

"Well then, I'll leave it in your capable hands, Dad!"

With that, Lin Xi turned and dashed out.

He had no desire to stay cooped up in the mansion; there were more pressing matters to attend to!

He had to gather the materials required before entering the tower.

Lin Xi needed to grow stronger, as the Lin family's current predicament was a source of concern.

Trouble was brewing.

Leaving the General Mansion, he headed for Wanbao House on Chang Ning Street.

Before he could enter, Lin Xi was halted by Loong Yuv's voice in his head.

"There's a familiar spiritual energy here."

"What is it?" Lin Xi inquired.

"I'm not sure. Let's go have a look."

Guided by Loong Yuv, Lin Xi approached a stall not far from Wanbao House.

The stall owner, his face slick with grease, greeted him with a grin, "Young Master, if you're in need of anything, all my spiritual weapons are of Profound Rank quality. Please, have a look."

Lin Xi paid the stall owner no mind, his gaze sweeping over the items on display. Then, Loong Yuv's voice chimed in.

"Purchase that dagger. It contains an aura akin to those we encountered in the Holy Prison."

Lin Xi's eyes sparkled at the revelation.

He had stumbled upon a gem!

"Shopkeeper, how much for this dagger?" Lin Xi asked, picking up the tarnished blade.

The stall owner replied with a smile, "For the Young General, a mere 100,000 Spirit Stones."

Upon hearing the price, Lin Xi couldn't contain his shock, "100,000 Spirit Stones? You're really bold to ask for that much."

Spirit Stones were the solid currency of the Celestial Azure Dynasty, as well as a vital resource for cultivators' training. They could only be found in the Ancient Battlefield, and ten Spirit Stones could sustain an ordinary person for a year.

"Young General, perhaps you're unaware, but this item comes from the forbidden zone of the Ancient Battlefield. Although I haven't deciphered its exact purpose, it's certainly no ordinary object."

The shopkeeper grinned at Lin Xi, aware that he had lost all his cultivation and must be desperate to find a way to restore it, which is why he had the audacity to quote such a steep price.

"I'll give you no more than one thousand."

Lin Xi's brow furrowed. As a Young General, he could afford 100,000 Spirit Stones, but doing so would surely reveal his hand.

"This is a treasure unearthed from the Ancient Battlefield."

"One thousand. Take it or leave it."

Realizing Lin Xi's resolve, the shopkeeper knew he wouldn't fetch the higher price, but a profit of one thousand Spirit Stones was still a win.

"Fine, it's a deal!"

The deal done, Lin Xi took the rust-covered dagger and examined it closely.

"Loong Yuv, this dagger..."

Before Lin Xi could finish his inquiry, a mocking voice interrupted, "Young General, you're nothing but a spent force now. Why not pass that dagger to me? I'll offer 200,000 Spirit Stones, enough for a lifetime of luxury."

Lin Xi turned to see an elderly man with a distinctive mustache and a young man approaching him, the latter with a light step.

Lin Xi slightly frowned at the words. Trouble seemed to follow him. He didn't recognize the young man, but he knew the elder: the manager of the Ten Thousand Treasure Tower, a third-grade Artifact Refining Master — Jia Ren.

Artifact Refining Masters were among the elite in the Celestial Azure Dynasty. They might not be powerful in their own right, but they commanded the loyalty of many strong followers. A quality weapon could boost a person's combat power by thirty percent.

"Young General, don't let greed get the better of you."

The young man's displeasure was evident when Lin Xi remained silent. Back when Lin Xi had made a name for herself on the Ancient Battlefield, she was a household name throughout the Celestial Azure Dynasty, eclipsing even the fame of a genius Artifact Refining Master. Now that Lin Xi was disabled, he seized the chance to shame her without hesitation.

Moreover, his mentor, Jia Ren, had mentioned that the dagger was peculiar and warranted further study.

"Who might you be?" Lin Xi asked, her nonchalance fueling the young man's rage. Clenching his teeth, he declared, "A First Grade Alchemist, Soong Hee!"

"Oh? And who's this insignificant shrimp?" Lin Xi's face was tinged with mockery. Jia Ren had condoned Soong Hee's public insults, clearly ready to burn bridges, so why should she hold back?

"You..." Fuming, Soong Hee spat out, "Lin Xi, you're nothing but trash now. Don't seek your own demise."

"Even a Young General can't escape death after crossing an Artifact Refining Master, let alone a deposed one like yourself."

"Are you even in my league?" Lin Xi laughed boldly, her arrogance clear. It seemed anyone felt they could threaten her these days.

"Lin Xi, do you still think you're the untouchable Young General of the past?" Soong Hee sneered, his power on full display, revealing he was at the Mortal Exuviating Stage.

"Today, you'll learn that trash should stay down!"