Chapter 468: Slaughtering Chickens Everywhere!
Xu Sanyan had quite a connection with the Qian Kingdom. They had been instrumental in his breakthrough to the void harmony realm, and it seemed they would be crucial for his ascension to the Sage Realm as well.
For reasons unknown, the Mad Daoist offered a warning: “The Dragon Vein is unlike any other. It is the foundation of a nation, the source of its destiny. If the Dragon Vein is damaged, the kingdom will descend into chaos, its people will suffer, and life will become unbearable…”
Unbearable?
As if they were his people.
Xu Sanyan chuckled. “How much better is it now?”
The disaster at Chaotic Cloud Mountains had engulfed several prefectures, proving unstoppable. Countless civilians had been displaced, and during his time in Qian Prefecture, Xu Sanyan had witnessed firsthand the plight of these refugees. The sheer misery of their situation was enough to break the heart and bring tears to the eyes.
He couldn’t bear to see others suffer, so he sent them all to eternal bliss.
The Mad Daoist shook his head and fell silent, gulping down his wine.
Xu Sanyan tilted his head back, gazing toward the horizon. In that direction lay the capital of the Qian Kingdom…
Meanwhile, several figures soared from Cloud Mountain, the headquarters of the Source Worship Sect, and streaked directly toward the Capital City. Among them was Fang Qingge, widely acknowledged as the second-most talented young cultivator of his generation.
Xu Sanyan’s sudden emergence had snatched the first-place position that had once belonged to Fang Qingge, relegating him to second place. Fortunately, Fang Qingge cared little for such superficial titles, so long as it didn’t hinder his quest to offer his shattered heart to a beautiful woman.
Emperor Qian remained unaware that the Capital City was about to become the next focal point of destiny. Countless individuals, drawn by fate and circumstance, were converging on the Imperial Capital—a city steeped in history, poised to erupt with new tales.
As the sun set, its pale golden rays bathed the rooftops in a languid, hazy light.
Yang Qiyuan reclined on the roof, her gaze fixed on the slowly sinking sun, her thoughts drifting to unknown places.
Tang Huanhuan lay with her head resting on Yang Qiyuan’s lap, gulping wine from a gourd. Splashes of wine trickled down her chin, dripping onto Yang Qiyuan’s graying thigh.
Feeling the cool dampness, Yang Qiyuan instinctively reached down to wipe it away. Her fingers brushed against Tang Huanhuan’s neck, tracing a narrow, elongated scar. Her brows lowered slightly, her lashes fluttering as she glanced casually at the scar before withdrawing her gaze.
Tang Huanhuan’s eyes fluttered open, her expression hazy. From this angle, she could see the smooth curve of Yang Qiyuan’s jawline, and a strange, unfamiliar feeling stirred within her.
The sensation surged quickly and faded just as swiftly. Tang Huanhuan shook her head to dispel the thought, inwardly marveling… What a formidable woman. She almost turned me gay.
Yang Qiyuan remained oblivious to the missed opportunity for a perfect romance, her heart still yearning for her husband.
During this time, she and Tang Huanhuan had grown incredibly close. Despite their first meeting, the two women felt like old friends who had known each other for ages, their spirits resonating deeply.
Tang Huanhuan had long been accustomed to her solitary life, yet deep within her heart, she often felt a profound loneliness. Yang Qiyuan’s arrival had beautifully filled this void. Moreover, their connection through Xu Sanyan had forged a certain “entanglement” between them.
Yang Qiyuan remained unaware of her true relationship with Tang Huanhuan, completely oblivious to the fact that they were actually half-sisters. She simply believed she had found a dear friend.
Tang Huanhuan, however, knew everything. Yang Qiyuan had held nothing back about her past, even sharing the events that had transpired in the Qi Kingdom. This only confirmed Tang Huanhuan’s conviction: this Xu Sanyan was indeed the same Xu Sanyan from their past!
How did he cultivate so rapidly…?
Tang Huanhuan couldn’t fathom it. Years ago, when they had first met, Xu Sanyan’s cultivation level had been inferior to her own. Now, she couldn’t even see his shadow; he had left her far behind. While she still struggled in the Foundation Establishment Realm, he had already achieved void harmony.
“Sigh…”
“Sigh…”
The two women sighed in unison.
The capital examination had concluded, and Tang Huanhuan had performed well enough to secure a position in the Capital City. She now served as Deputy Commander of the Hall of Military Proclamations, a rank only one step above a common soldier. In a city teeming with hidden talents and powerful figures, she still had to tread carefully.
The Hall of Military Proclamations was responsible for guarding the capital, overseeing city gates, and patrolling the walls. The duties were light, yet the salary and authority were considerable. Tang Huanhuan was reasonably content, at least she had recouped the money she had spent earlier.
Checking the time, Tang Huanhuan rose to wipe wine from her lips. “I need to report for duty. You should stay in the Capital City for a while longer. It’s too chaotic and dangerous outside right now. There’s no rush to leave until things settle down.”
“Mm, that’s probably best.”
Yang Qiyuan didn’t refuse her kindness. Truth be told, she didn’t know where else to go. She had descended from the mountains alone, driven by a burning determination, only to fail in finding her husband’s whereabouts. Now, she could only leave things to fate.
As Yang Qiyuan watched the sun sink below the horizon, a growing sense of loneliness settled in her heart.
Tang Huanhuan was a solitary figure, but wasn’t she the same?
“Husband… where are you?”
The western district of the capital city bustled with activity. Dozens of flower boats, large and small, drifted on the nearby lake, their decks teeming with figures coming and going in a lively scene.
Though it was still early, most flower boats hadn’t yet begun soliciting customers, but some eager patrons were already pacing impatiently.
Xu Sanyan stood on the shore, stroking his chin. He had arrived here immediately upon entering the capital city, as if drawn by some inexplicable instinct, like a vulture drawn to carrion, obeying a primal urge.
The husband Yang Qiyuan yearned for day and night was about to venture into this treacherous, unknown territory—a place where countless lives were slaughtered like chickens, their fates extinguished in the billions!
Beneath the lake’s surface, countless innocent lives lay hidden, yet the stench of death was masked by cloying, pungent perfumes.
Truth be told, Xu Sanyan hadn’t intended to come here. He prided himself on being a “righteous gentleman”—how could he possibly frequent such places?
But then again, as the old saying goes, “Since I’m already here…”
He turned to the young man beside him and asked politely, “Greetings, brother. I’m new to the capital city and unfamiliar with this place. May I ask what makes this spot so special that everyone’s craning their necks to see?”
The young man sized him up, noting Xu Sanyan’s handsome features and distinguished bearing. Only then did he deign to reply.
“Oh, just arrived in the Capital City? Then you’ve come to the right place! If you were to rank all the fun spots in this vast capital, this place would undoubtedly be number one!”
The young man licked his lips unconsciously, as if recalling something. “I guarantee you’ll want to come back for more after just one visit.”
“Brother, elaborate,” Xu Sanyan said, his interest piqued. After weathering countless storms over the years, he had seen it all. His knowledge of species diversity would make even Ning Caichen give him a thumbs-up and call him “Big Brother” out of respect.
In terms of status, he had tasted them all: Immortal Maidens, demonic witches, empresses, young widows, noble ladies, heroic swordswomen, and even Mo Xianxian, the self-proclaimed “First Beauty.”
As for species, he had never discriminated against demons or ghosts—his motto was “dare to try anything”!
Sensing Xu Sanyan was a kindred spirit, the young man didn’t hold back. He pointed to the distant flower boats and explained, “See those boats with bamboo plaques? Those are for ordinary women who charge silver. The ones with gold plaques? Those are for women who charge spirit stones.”
He then pointed to the three particularly large flower boats in the center. “And those with auspicious cloud carvings? Those are reserved for patrons of high status and influence. No matter how many spirit stones you have, you won’t get on without the proper connections.”
(End of the Chapter)