“Changle Immortal Island actually turns a blind eye to these bandit powers. It seems the Five Immortal Islands are not exactly saints either.”
Ling Xiao murmured thoughtfully, then his eyes suddenly flicked towards a corner of the Black Wind Tower.
The previously quiet crowd grew agitated all at once. Something had clearly happened, or perhaps some important figure had appeared.
Through the dense throng, Ling Xiao caught sight of a familiar silhouette.
Still that graceful, enchanting figure.
Still those unhurried, elegant steps.
Still that noble, radiant smile.
The mere sight of her turned many men into love-struck beasts, drooling beasts who surged forward as if drawn by scent.
The peach-blossom-eyed beauty, stunning as a blooming flower, frowned slightly. She clearly felt an instinctive aversion towards the men trying to approach her.
Yet when her gaze swept towards the entrance of the Black Wind Tower, she froze in shock.
Her eyes locked completely onto the white-robed, black-haired youth.
As the most dazzling pearl in the entire hall, her every movement naturally drew everyone’s attention.
When the crowd saw Yun Ya’s gaze settle on Ling Xiao and a knowing smile appear on her face, countless male warriors felt as though cats were clawing at their hearts. They were both tormented and fiercely jealous.
“That’s Princess Yun Ya of the auction house I met in Holy City. She also helped me a great deal in the Divine Phoenix capital.”
Ling Xiao smiled as he introduced her to Yue Nu and Leng Mei beside him.
Moments later, the sound of joyful footsteps rang out. Yun Ya flew towards Ling Xiao like a beautiful, chattering magpie.
“Young Hero Ling, I truly didn’t expect this. Only a few months have passed, yet you are still as dazzlingly sharp as a sword! I heard you’ve become the Celestial Emperor of the Celestial Empire? Unfortunately, I was away on Changle Immortal Island for work and missed your heroic battles in the Divine Phoenix capital and the Demon capital.”
Yun Ya had long heard of Ling Xiao’s earth-shaking deeds.
She had always wanted to meet him and talk properly, but work had kept her too busy.
She looked extremely excited. Her slender, delicate body even trembled slightly, causing many onlookers to feel protective and wish they could rush forward to embrace her.
“Princess Yun Ya has only grown more mature and charming. Even a young rascal like me can’t help drooling a little.”
Ling Xiao laughed. “Let me introduce you. This is Yue Nu, whom you should know. And this is Leng Mei, whom you’ve also met.”
A captivating, refined fragrance wafted from Yun Ya.
It must have been made from extremely high-quality incense, neither vulgar nor overpowering, yet utterly enchanting.
“Greetings, Your Highness Yue Nu! Greetings, Sister Leng Mei!”
Yun Ya was deeply respectful towards Yue Nu.
To her, Yue Nu was an unattainable idol. She had never imagined that such a legendary figure would now stand beside Ling Xiao like an ordinary woman. It was truly astonishing.
As for Leng Mei, despite the unyielding coldness in her bones, she willingly served as Ling Xiao’s maid. That was equally unbelievable.
“Greetings, Princess Yun Ya.”
Leng Mei cupped her hands politely.
Yue Nu merely gave a slight nod.
Had it not been for Ling Xiao, she probably would not have acknowledged Yun Ya at all. As a Yin-Yang realm expert, she was among the strongest existences on the Heavenly Dragon Continent, the Divine Phoenix Continent, and even the White Tiger Continent.
“I just heard that someone killed one of Mang Xiao’s subordinates, a young swordsman named Ling Xiao. At first I thought it was just the same name, but it really is you.”
Yun Ya turned back to Ling Xiao, her tone carrying a trace of worry.
Ling Xiao smiled. “Indeed, the killer is none other than me. Mang Xiao couldn’t control his dog, and that dog actually dared to ambush me. I disposed of him with a casual flick of my hand.”
“Since you’ve already clashed with Mang Xiao, you must know how powerful the Black Python family is, right?”
Yun Ya asked.
“Yes, I heard they are a bandit force tacitly approved by Changle Immortal Island. Their family head is said to be extremely strong.”
Ling Xiao nodded.
“Since you know that, you should understand there’s no good end to provoking the Black Python family. How about I act as mediator and help smooth things over between you?”
Yun Ya suggested after a moment’s thought.
“Princess Yun Ya seems to have forgotten. I am no longer merely the Heavenly Dragon Prince of the Divine Phoenix Empire. I am the Celestial Emperor of the Celestial Empire. The ones who should be regretting this are not me, but the Black Python family.”
Ling Xiao said calmly.
Hearing these words, Yun Ya was momentarily stunned.
Only after a long pause did she suddenly grasp the true meaning behind them.
If reconciliation was needed, it was the weaker party that should seek it from the stronger.
And right now, the weaker party was not Ling Xiao, but the Black Python family.
“I understand.”
Yun Ya smiled and no longer insisted on mediation. At that moment, she suddenly recalled the Divine Phoenix Academy from long ago.
Back then, Ling Xiao had been far weaker and had far less backing, yet he had still killed the Miraculous Hand Heavenly Venerable, crushed the academy’s pill business, and allowed Clear Void Academy to rise from the ashes.
The Ling Xiao of today was clearly far more steady and experienced, and now he had an entire powerful empire behind him. He truly had no reason to fear the Black Python family.
“By the way, Princess Yun Ya, why are you here? This place is full of vicious, brutish men. Aren’t you afraid they’ll devour you?”
Ling Xiao asked with a laugh.
Yun Ya gave a helpless shake of her head. “It’s headquarters sent me. They ordered me to come to Sin City and host this auction at the Black Wind Tower.”
“The Black Python family has quite some influence, managing to contact your Heavenly Dragon Trading Company headquarters.”
Ling Xiao remarked, slightly surprised.
“Not really. I think my superior is just throwing his weight around. He’s on Changle Immortal Island right now, overseeing all business on the Heavenly Dragon Continent and Divine Phoenix Continent, so naturally he has the authority to dispatch me.”
Yun Ya sighed.
“You don’t sound very happy about it.”
Ling Xiao observed.
“How could I be? There are far too many shameless scoundrels in Sin City. Their crude remarks are really hard to endure.”
Yun Ya said helplessly. “Why don’t we find somewhere quieter to talk? You’re here for the auction, right? I’ll arrange a VIP box for you.”
“Sounds good. Standing here any longer and we’ll be treated like rare animals.”
While Ling Xiao had been speaking with Yun Ya, the surrounding crowd had barely blinked, their eyes fixed un movingly upon them.
“This way, please, all three of you.”
Yun Ya made an inviting gesture and walked ahead towards a staircase.
The entire staircase was crafted from exquisite white jade, truly extravagant.
Six guards stood at the bottom. When they saw Ling Xiao and the others following Yun Ya, their eyes filled with wariness.
“Princess Yun Ya, without the Tower Master’s permission, outsiders are not allowed upstairs.”
The guards blocked Ling Xiao’s path and addressed Yun Ya.
“If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility. Don’t you know I have that privilege? If that’s not acceptable, I’ll turn around and leave right now. I won’t make things difficult for you.”
Yun Ya replied coolly.
