Ling Xiao was very satisfied with the assassin from Tianlong Auction House this time.
Tianlong Auction House was equally delighted with his Heaven-Breaking Pill. A thoroughly win-win deal.
Walking the streets, he noticed a strange phenomenon. Divine Phoenix Academy disciples had become scarce.
Even when out, they walked timidly, dodging him or Qingxu Academy disciples.
Their usual arrogance had vanished completely.
The matter did not end there.
Divine Phoenix Academy made a final desperate struggle.
The emperor decreed an investigation into the killer of Master Sun Shang and the one who gravely wounded Feng Ming Wanzhong, even sending investigators to Qingxu Academy.
Yet after seven straight days, they found not a single clue.
Finding anything would have been strange. No one could imagine Ling Xiao was the true cause of both men’s downfall.
Though Divine Phoenix Academy hated Ling Xiao, they could not link him to the culprit.
As for others there, they knew nothing.
Ling Xiao had not yet told them.
Investigation over, the emperor faced trouble.
The Fire Phoenix clan filed impeachment, claiming he damaged Qingxu Academy’s reputation by trusting Divine Phoenix Academy’s one-sided story without evidence.
This seemed minor, but for an emperor nearing abdication, it was grave.
Streets buzzed with gossip.
Ice Phoenix clan’s approval hit rock bottom.
At this rate, next year’s election would end in Fire Phoenix victory.
To appease Fire Phoenix anger and resolve the issue, the emperor publicly apologised to Qingxu Academy before the entire imperial city and ordered Divine Phoenix Academy to compensate ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones.
Fire Phoenix did not press further. They knew pushing after the apology would only squander their goodwill.
The timing was perfect.
Forcing an emperor’s apology was glory unmatched on Divine Phoenix Continent.
Yet the apology still sparked widespread discontent.
Fire Phoenix magnanimity won favour.
Deep in the palace, the emperor smashed an inkstone at the state preceptor’s face, cursing, “From now on, clean up Divine Phoenix Academy’s messes yourselves. Do not come to me. Useless fools, achieving nothing but ruin!”
The Righteous Alliance read the winds too. In this situation, they refused to touch the mess.
Without emperor or alliance support, Divine Phoenix Academy fully exited the pill market. Seized markets were sold cheaply to Qingxu Academy and Tianlong Auction House.
Academy leaders nearly spat blood in rage.
Determined to retaliate against Qingxu elsewhere.
But now, they had to tuck tails and behave.
Thus, the nearly two-month pill war ended in Qingxu Academy’s total victory.
From near bankruptcy to overflowing profits, all because Ling Xiao emerged from seclusion.
Now nearly everyone knew a pill master surpassing Master Sun Shang stood behind Ling Xiao.
Naturally, Ice Phoenix clan now sought to win him over, not target him.
Even the lofty Divine Phoenix emperor knew Ling Xiao’s name.
Ling Xiao felt little about it.
In fact, after wounding Feng Ming W сказано, he entered Tianyuan Treasure Pagoda for seclusion again.
No matter the fame or uproar, he knew his situation clearly. Cultivation too low. No room for slack.
This day, Ling Xiao emerged once more.
Outside talk shifted from the academies’ feud to another matter.
Rumour said Black Crow Empire stirred border conflict again. The emperor planned to select youths from both academies to aid and temper them.
Only battle forges true warriors.
Cultivation-only warriors lagged far in combat.
Many youths itched to shine.
Military merit brought rank, wealth, better arts, resources, treasures.
Why were the ten phoenix sons the ten phoenix sons?
They had proven themselves in war, earned merits, thus empire’s focus.
Beyond rewards, many hoped to catch Five Immortal Islands’ eye.
Joining them was a carp leaping the dragon gate.
Like Tianlong Continent warriors entering the twelve sects. Glory and brighter future.
On the streets, people either avoided Ling Xiao or bowed respectfully.
Though nearly a month in seclusion left him unkempt, none dared mock.
Strength earned respect.
A waste in finery remained a waste.
A strong man in rags, even ugly, commanded awe. Beauties threw themselves at him.
This world was raw and direct.
Strength brought respect.
Weakness invited bullying.
Below Tianyuan Treasure Pagoda stood a lavish palanquin, borne by Celestial realm warriors.
Beside it, none other than Fire Phoenix heir Feng Yinshan.
Seeing him, Ling Xiao was surprised.
His fame was great, but far below this heir. Why wait here?
“Brother Ling, this prince has waited long.”
His self-address shifted from “this king” to “this prince”, subtly lowering himself, elevating Ling Xiao.
“Your Highness waits for me? Heh, surely a mistake. I am merely a humble Qingxu disciple. How dare I trouble you?”
Perhaps due to Tianlong Continent events, Ling Xiao held little warmth for royalty.
“Brother Ling jests. One who refines yellow-grade pills, no less skilled than Master Sun Shang, certainly qualifies.”
Feng Yinshan stayed unruffled, smiling.
“Enough pleasantries. Does Your Highness seek me for something?”
Ling Xiao disliked royalty but saw no need to offend. He wanted to hear the heir’s purpose.
