Arrival

Arrival . . .

In the grand City Lord Manor of the magnificent Worryfree City, a sea of flags fluttered in the gentle breeze, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. Here, amidst the sprawling estate, an assembly of experts had formed, their presence as abundant as the clouds that adorned the azure sky. Their purpose? To extend a warm welcome to the distinguished guests soon to grace them with their presence—the illustrious members of the Jiang Clan.

Positioned just behind these venerable experts were countless young women, each exuding grace and poise. These ladies, carefully chosen from among the elite beauties of Worryfree City, had been handpicked by the City Lord himself.

Today marked a momentous occasion, the very day when the Jiang Clan's experts were expected to arrive.

Leading the way was Jiang Kuang, a charismatic young master of the Jiang Clan, surrounded by a retinue of skilled individuals. Notably, some of his entourage even boasted the formidable prowess of the immortal-foundation realm, serving as his vigilant guardians.

In the eyes of Jiang Kuang, who wielded such immense power, the entire Worryfree City seemed inconsequential. At a mere whim, he could obliterate the city. Such was his dominance that the City Lord dare not fail to show him due respect.

Aside from the residents of City Lord Manor, representatives from other immortal-ranked powers in Worryfree City had also gathered for this grand occasion. Among them stood the dignified sect leader and venerable supreme elder of the Golden Armor Sect, as well as esteemed individuals from the Fall Kill Sect and the commanding garrison. All had come together, united in welcoming the Jiang Clan.

Amidst the crowd, Han Luo, an officer from the commanding garrison, gazed upon the two rows of captivating beauties. His eyes danced with admiration, his heart stirred by their beauty. However, his expression shifted to one of bewilderment as he noticed someone unexpected—Zhao Yuyan, the dazzling prodigy of the Golden Armor Sect.

"Why, in the world, would she choose to serve as an attendant?" Han Luo pondered, baffled by her choice. Given her status, she should have had her pick of suitors. Moreover, her alluring attire accentuated her curves, radiating an irresistible allure. Yet, her eyes betrayed a resolute determination.

"Could she be harboring some ulterior motive? Is she hoping to use her beauty to gain favor with the Jiang Clan?" Han Luo contemplated.

Surprisingly, Zhao Yuyan was not alone in her intentions. Among these bewitching beauties, many shared her ambition. These ladies were considered the cream of the crop in Worryfree City, with numerous admirers vying for their affections. Yet, today, they willingly assumed the role of attendants, tending to the needs of the Jiang Clan's experts. All they yearned for was a chance, an opportunity that could change their fates.

But in the midst of this intrigue, Qin Qing remained an exception. She blended seamlessly into the crowd, her delicate presence radiating an aura of vulnerability. Her limpid eyes betrayed a hint of trepidation, as if she fervently wished for this ordeal to pass swiftly, leaving her untouched. Her deepest desire was to return home, to discover what had befallen her grandfather and Qin Feng.

As a gentle breeze swept through the gathering, all eyes remained fixed on the horizon. Among the assembly of experts and enchanting beauties, the common citizens of Worryfree City also stood, drawn by the anticipation of the approaching spectacle.

At long last, beneath the admiring gazes of the assembled throng, a row of silhouettes materialized in the sky. They stood atop majestic flying vessels, gracefully soaring through the heavens. Each vessel bore a unique and intricate design, adding to the grandeur of the moment.

The central vessel, the largest of them all, hosted a young man who stood with unwavering resolve. Gradually, the vessels slowed their majestic descent until they hung suspended in the airspace above the City Lord Manor. From this vantage point, they gazed down upon the expectant gathering below. To these distinguished guests, the meticulously arranged formations of experts and the elegant rows of beauties appeared far from extraordinary. It seemed they were quite accustomed to receiving such elaborate welcomes, considering their esteemed positions in Worryfree City. The efforts of the City Lord to win their favor hardly came as a surprise to them.

In the resplendent chambers of Worryfree City's illustrious City Lord, Bu Yanyu, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Bu Yanyu, her demeanor brimming with reverence, addressed the esteemed assembly of experts from the Jiang Clan. "City Lord of Worryfree City, Bu Yanyu, greets the experts of the Jiang Clan," she declared with a deep bow. A ripple of profound respect cascaded through the room, and all those gathered bowed in unison, their reverence manifesting as a visual display of deference toward the Jiang Clan.

Amidst this formal exchange, the enigmatic figure of Jiang Kuang, a young man of remarkable repute, maintained an air of stoic composure. His gaze swept leisurely across the assemblage, lingering momentarily on the ethereal beauties adorning the surroundings. Yet, his countenance remained an enigma, betraying no discernible emotion.

The silence that enveloped the room was palpable, a testament to the gravity of the occasion. After a measured pause, Jiang Kuang finally broke the hush with a tone as measured as his gaze. "City Lord Bu," he began, his voice resonating with a gravitas that commanded attention, "your efforts have not gone unnoticed."

Bu Yanyu, not only known for her esteemed position but also for her rare beauty, responded with a graceful smile that exuded a mature charm. Her eyes, like radiant jewels, shimmered with elegance as she replied, "This is but a humble duty, Your Excellency. How could I dare to lay claim to the title of 'hard work'? The banquet awaits in our manor, and we extend a warm welcome for you to partake."

A subtle nod of acknowledgement escaped Jiang Kuang's impassive demeanor. With measured grace, he disembarked from the ornate flying vessel that had carried him and his entourage. His retinue followed suit, while Bu Yanyu and her entourage hastened to welcome them, leaving the center stage unoccupied as a mark of respect.

"Please, everyone, follow me," Bu Yanyu courteously invited, gesturing toward the path leading to the City Lord Manor. Jiang Kuang and his esteemed companions proceeded ahead, making their way toward the opulent estate.

Flanking the entourage were two immaculate rows of captivating beauties, a testament to Bu Yanyu's thoughtful arrangement. As Jiang Kuang's discerning gaze meandered through the array of stunning women, an undercurrent of desire seemed to emanate from the hopeful glances they cast in his direction. Nevertheless, Jiang Kuang's expression remained stoic, his attention untouched by their advances.

This silent parade of allure continued until Jiang Kuang's penetrating gaze fell upon a remarkable figure amidst the beauties—Zhao Yuyan. A single glance was all it took for Jiang Kuang to discern the distinct quality in her eyes, a fiery determination and a subtle trace of pride. Her presence exuded an air of distinction.

Breaking the silence with his composed voice, Jiang Kuang addressed her directly, causing a tremor to course through Zhao Yuyan's body. Her eyes, now ablaze with fervor, locked onto Jiang Kuang as she replied, "Zhao Yuyan, Your Excellency. I possess formidable skills in the art of weaponsmithing and am currently capable of forging fifth-ranked divine weapons."

A flicker of surprise danced across Jiang Kuang's otherwise inscrutable countenance. He now understood the source of her fiery determination. Zhao Yuyan, a weaponsmithing prodigy, had set her sights on the renowned Jiang Clan, an institution revered throughout the Cloud Prefecture as a bastion of weaponsmithing excellence. It was a testament to the allure and prestige of the Jiang Clan, drawing the most talented artisans to its hallowed halls.

With the exchange of formalities complete, Jiang Kuang, the enigmatic figure at the heart of the spectacle, issued a remark that lingered in the air like a wisp of intrigue. "I will remember it," he murmured with a faint air of mystery, his words carrying an enigmatic weight that left those around him intrigued. And with that cryptic utterance, he continued his stately procession, the beauties who accompanied him a sight to behold, their radiance akin to the boundless expanse of clouds in the heavens.

Yet, among this mesmerizing ensemble, one figure stood out like a rare gem amidst the shimmering sea. She wore garments that exuded an understated elegance, and her demeanor possessed a certain grace and poise that set her apart from her peers. Unlike the others, she kept her head bowed, avoiding direct eye contact with Jiang Kuang, and her hands clutched her dress with a nervous intensity that spoke volumes.

Unperturbed by the extravagant display of beauty surrounding him, Jiang Kuang broke the silence with a soft-spoken command. "Lift your head," he gently ordered, his voice carrying an almost imperceptible note of authority. At his behest, Qin Qing quivered, suddenly aware of the numerous curious gazes now fixed upon her. Her heart raced, a symphony of anticipation and trepidation coursing through her as she slowly complied, her gaze meeting Jiang Kuang's with a hint of apprehension.

Jiang Kuang's eyes sparkled with an enigmatic light as he inquired further, his voice soft and measured. "What's your name?" he asked, his gaze never wavering from her.

Qin Qing trembled, her hands clutching her dress as she struggled to summon the courage to reply. The oppressive silence was broken only by the stern interjection of Xie Yu, whose eyes bore into Qin Qing with an unsettling intensity. With a quavering voice, she managed to stammer, "My name is Qin Qing."

A simple acknowledgment escaped Jiang Kuang's lips as he resumed his measured stride, leaving Qin Qing to grapple with a whirlwind of emotions in his wake.

"Follow after him," Xie Shi, one of the Jiang Clan's prominent figures, directed the other females in a commanding tone. As a procession of beauty followed in Jiang Kuang's wake, they all made their way toward the sumptuous banquet awaiting them.

Within the banquet hall, the Jiang Clan naturally occupied the most distinguished seats, with experts from the City Lord Manor and other influential powers seated below. The beauties, serving as elegant ornaments to the evening's festivities, stood regally behind the Jiang Clan, their presence adding an extra layer of charm to the event.

Moments later, Jiang Kuang's voice once again pierced the air, laden with a sense of purpose. "Zhao Yuyan, Qin Qing," he called out, summoning two particular figures to his side.

Zhao Yuyan's eyes gleamed with a startling intensity as she swiftly stepped forward, responding to her master's call. The supreme elder of the Golden Armor Sect, who had been observing the proceedings with keen interest, was taken aback by her unanticipated compliance. It seemed his disciple harbored deep-seated grievances related to a previous punishment, her actions serving as a subtle act of defiance.

Meanwhile, Qin Qing's beautiful eyes flickered with uncertainty, but she remained rooted in place, her resolve unshaken. When prompted by Xie Yu's impatient inquiry, she mustered the courage to assert herself. "I don't wish to go over," she stated firmly, her complexion paling in the face of the looming repercussions.

Her words hung heavily in the air, met with a chilling silence that sent shivers down her spine. The intensity of the stares that bore down upon her was enough to induce fear and trembling in her legs.

After an interminable pause, Jiang Kuang's voice, gentle yet unwavering, cut through the tension. "Come over now," he commanded, leaving no room for further hesitation.

In that pivotal moment, Qin Qing found herself teetering on the precipice of an emotional breakdown. Her trembling body betrayed her inner turmoil, and as her eyes met the enigmatic countenance of Jiang Kuang, she couldn't suppress the overwhelming impulse to cry. Reluctantly, she lifted her foot and took a hesitant step toward him, her heart weighed down by a mixture of trepidation and uncertainty.

Just as the atmosphere seemed to hang in suspense, an unexpected disruption shattered the tense tableau. One of the Jiang Clan's experts standing beside Jiang Kuang abruptly inclined his head, his gaze fixated on the distant horizon. His swift reaction triggered a domino effect, prompting Bu Yanyu, Xie Shi, and the other immortal-ranked experts to turn their collective attention toward the source. A surge of immortal qi surged toward them, heralding the approach of an unknown force.

With astonishing swiftness, a brilliant beam of light streaked across the sky. All eyes locked onto a white-robed young man riding a flying shuttle, moving with a lightning-like velocity in their direction.

"Incredible! An immortal weapon?" murmured Jiang Kuang and the others, their astonishment plain to see.

However, before anyone could react further, Xie Shi, his fury unrestrained, bellowed in outrage, causing the very fabric of space to quiver. The young man came to a halt, suspended in mid-air, his gaze sweeping across the gathering with an unparalleled sharpness.

Recognition rippled through the crowd as they processed the unexpected arrival. It was none other than Qin Wentian, the white-robed young man who had materialized before them, wielding an immortal sword in hand. His eyes, sharp as daggers, bore into Xie Yu, who seethed with indignation. Zhao Yuyan, too, regarded the newcomer with an icy countenance. It was clear that Qin Wentian's appearance had taken them all by surprise.

A hushed murmur spread among the onlookers, even the immortal-foundation experts displaying signs of astonishment. How could a cultivator at the second level of the Celestial Phenomenon Realm dare to act so audaciously? The aura he exuded, coupled with the presence of an immortal-ranked weapon, hinted at a background far more formidable than anyone had anticipated.

"It appears this young man hails from a major power," speculated the gathered crowd, their curiosity piqued.

Turning his gaze, Qin Wentian fixed his cold, unyielding eyes upon Bu Yanyu and Xie Shi. His voice cut through the tension, unapologetically demanding answers. "You, from the City Lord Manor, have you all grown tired of living?" he challenged, his words laden with defiance and righteous fury.