CHAPTER (05)

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CHAPTER (05)

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Zhu Qing looked into Long Yulan's eyes, seeing the deep regret and sorrow that reflected back at him. Her comforting presence was mesmerizing, and her Frostflame Celestial Physique only added to her otherworldly beauty. It felt as if their past life as husband and wife was pulling at him, making him want to hold her tightly and never let go.

"Junior Sister Yulan, there's no need to worry about this trivial matter. I know how much my parents meant to you. They always saw you as their own daughter,"

Zhu Qing said gently, trying to reassure her.

"Gege...You," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. She moved closer and wrapped her arms around him, her warmth and softness providing a comforting embrace.

"Don't worry, I'll always be by your side. Once I'm accepted by the Moon Temple, I'll ask my master to help us. If you want, we can even kill them together. We'll get justice for Aunt Yueli and Uncle Zhu," she promised, her eyes filled with love and  determination.

Zhu Qing could sense the depth of her feelings. They had shared half of their childhood together. As much as he loved his parents, Yulan loved them just as much. Yet, their enemies were formidable.

Even those henchmen were at the Void Refining Realm, let alone the main culprit, who still remained hidden in the shadows.

"Junior Sister, I'm just a small fry in the Profound Golden Core Realm. In a world dominated by the strong, what worth do our feelings have? Let's focus on getting stronger together. When the time is right, we'll have the power to seek justice,"

Zhu Qing said, closing his eyes and hugging Yulan back.  Emotions were not something he could control, and who could forget the death of their parents?

Yulan, sensing his sorrow, gently buried his head in her bosom, offering him the comfort of her embrace.

"Senior Brother, you're right. Thinking about vengeance now won't do us any good. What matters most is our personal strength and capabilities."

Yulan sensed the dampness in his eyes but chose not to expose his weakness. She was determined that they would be each other's strength.

Relief washed over her, knowing her future husband was not driven by reckless vengeance. Many evildoers had fallen due to their inability to control anger. In times of weakness, the wisest path was quiet self-improvement, as those who pursued revenge often ended up buried six feet under soil.

"By the way, when Mother gave you the spatial ring earlier, she forgot to include the teleportation talisman."

Zhu Qing's eyes widened in realization.

"What... teleportation talisman?"

Zhu Qing asked urgently, quickly separating himself from Long Yulan and changing his robe.

Teleportation talismans were extremely valuable in the cultivation world, especially given the scarcity of talisman masters. In the Western Region, talisman masters were a rare sight, with the Divine Sun Dynasty's situation being even more dire.

Thus, a low-grade second-tier talisman commanded a breathtaking 25,000 Supreme Grade Spiritual Stones, reflecting its extraordinary scarcity and value.

In the future, if he ever faced an enemy too powerful to defeat, he knew these talismans would be his greatest hope. Precious and rare, they could turn the tide of battle and save his life when all seemed lost.

"Yes, Father said things have become quite dangerous in the Western Region since the fall of the Mystic Sea Region and the defeat of Father-in-law Count Zhu."

"Demons and rogue cultivators are showing more interest in the area because of the annihilation rituals, making our safety a significant concern."

"So..These talisman might be just what you need, gege,"

Long Yulan explained, her eyes filled with concern. She gently brushed the sweat from his forehead with the hem of her clothing, her touch tender and caring..

"I understand. I must thank you properly for both your support and for being such a sweet fiancée," Zhu Qing said, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. He lifted her chin and pressed a tender kiss to her cheek.

"Brother Zhu Qing... please," Yulan murmured, her ears turning red and her eyelashes trembling. Though known for her fiery temper, in front of Zhu Qing, she was simply a love-struck childhood sweetheart.

"Take this," she quickly handed over a ten scrolls, her left hand covering the cheek that had received his kiss. Then she disappeared, not wanting to stay longer with the 'bad guy.'

Zhu Qing's lips curled into a slight smile after bestowing a tender kiss upon Long Yulan.

He carefully stored the talismans within his spatial ring. As he had recently broken through to a new realm, he needed to stabilize his newfound power.

Settling into the lotus position, he resumed his cultivation, his aura gradually melding with the surrounding spiritual energy.

A day had passed.

His top priority was to attend to his friend's needs and provide the cure he required.

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[Su Liang's Home]

[Sun City, Scorching Sun Dukedom]

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The atmosphere was cool and crisp after the rain, and Zhu Qing's steps were light as he made his way to Su Liang's home. Though he could have flown on his sword at this stage, he wanted to enjoy the weather.

The path led him through narrow, winding streets, where the scent of wet earth mingled with the fragrance of blooming flowers. As it was the capital city of the dukedom, it was meticulously cleaned.

Soon, as he approached the modest courtyard house, Zhu Qing couldn't help but notice its simple yet charming appearance. The wooden structure, though unadorned, exuded a warm and inviting aura. He knocked on the door, his knuckles rapping lightly against the aged wood.

The door creaked open, revealing a woman whose beauty took his breath away.

Bai Jianer, Su Liang's mother, stood before him, her presence commanding attention. She was wearing a grey cheongsam that highlighted her striking figure. Her eyes were a vivid shade of green, like emeralds glistening in the sunlight. Her black hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, framing an oval face that was both delicate and enchanting. Her voluptuous figure and tender skin added to her allure, making it clear why she had captured the attention of many.

For a moment, Zhu Qing was mesmerized, unable to tear his gaze away. He quickly regained his composure and bowed respectfully.

"Good afternoon, Madam Bai. I came to see Su Liang. How is he doing?"

Bai Jianer's smile was warm and inviting. She had met this young man many times. Despite his noble status, he had no arrogant attitude and treated her son kindly, which is why she had good feelings toward him.

"Thank you for coming, Xiao Qing. Xiao Liang isn't home at the moment. He went to the market to pick up some supplies. If you like, you can wait here, or…"

Zhu Qing's eyes lit up with understanding. "I'll go find him then. Thank you, Madam Bai."

With a swift nod, Zhu Qing stepped onto his sword, channeled his true qi, and flew out of the house, heading towards the market.

His heart quickened as he maneuvered through the bustling streets. As he neared the market, his senses sharpened. He heard raised voices and saw a commotion up ahead.

Pushing through the crowd, he spotted Su Liang in the midst of a heated argument. A group of burly men from the Gu family surrounded him, their faces twisted in contempt. Su Liang's clothes were tattered, and he looked visibly distressed; it was clear he had been beaten brutally.

"Hey, Su Liang, I heard your mother's been getting some 'special attention.' No wonder she's looking so... tempting. Can't say it doesn't catch the eye."

"Yeah, Young Master Gu Changsheng's been eyeing her for a while. Everyone knows he turns women into his playthings."

"Soon your mother will be spending the night with him, and she might end up with a couple of new mouths to feed."

"Shut your filthy mouths!"

"Hehe, why so angry? Just hand her over. You're way out of your depth trying to protect her. Gu Changsheng's desires are infamous, and they never end well for those who resist."

"We're just warning you. If you don't want your life and your mother's to become a nightmare, you'd better start cooperating. After one night, she might go back to you, and she'll get paid for it."

"You scum! How dare you talk about my mother like that. Get away from us, or I'll make you regret it!"

"Oh really? And how are you going to do that? You can barely stand."

"Haha! Keep resisting, and you'll see firsthand what Gu Changsheng is capable of. Trust me, it'll be far worse than you can imagine."

"Leave us alone! We've done nothing to you."

The leader of the group, a stocky man with a scar running down his cheek, sneered. He was a late-stage Foundation cultivator and clearly arrogant.

"Gu Changsheng doesn't take kindly to being ignored. Your mother's refusal has really pissed him off. Tell her it's her lucky day to catch Young Master Gu's eye."

The crowd murmured in shock and curiosity, but no one dared intervene. After all, who would stand up against a powerful figure from Sun City?

Zhu Qing's eyes narrowed as he noticed the jeering glances and heard the harsh words thrown at his friend. His anger flared. According to his memories, these guys usually raped mortal women for fun, abducted their daughters, and caused havoc. Zhu Qing wasn't the kind man of the past; for such people, there was only one thing he could offer: death.

Without hesitation, he stepped forward, his aura radiating power.

Zhu Qing raised his hand, focusing his qi. After a long time, he used:

---Primordial Chaos Wave: Third Form: Annihilation!---

A transparent, rippling wave of energy surged into the sky, growing in intensity as it moved. The market fell into a stunned silence as the wave swept over the bullies. The energy was merciless, erasing their forms from existence, leaving only a faint shimmer in the air where they had stood.

The scene cleared in an instant. No one comprehended what had happened, but the thugs were nowhere to be seen, obliterated from the universe.

Soon, Zhu Qing turned his attention back to Su Liang. He rushed to his friend's side, noticing Su Liang's injured leg and the pain etched on his face.

"Su Liang, are you alright?" Zhu Qing asked, his voice laced with concern.

Su Liang looked up, his eyes wide with a mix of relief and awe. "You… Brother Zhu Qing, took care of them. Thank you, haah."

Zhu Qing reached into his robe and pulled out two recovery pills, handing them to Su Liang.

"Slow down. Take these. They'll help with the pain and speed up your healing."

Su Liang accepted the pills with a grateful nod and swallowed them. As the medicine began to work, he visibly relaxed.

Thirty minutes passed...

Zhu Qing carefully guided Su Liang back to his home, each step a slow and deliberate effort.

The fate of the thugs who had attacked them was a subject of hushed speculation; some said they had been urgently recalled by the Gu family.

As they reached the front of the house, Bai Jianer emerged, her face a portrait of worry.

The moment she caught sight of Su Liang, her anxiety gave way to a desperate rush, her gaze never leaving him as she hurried to his side..

"Liang!" she cried out. Her son had gone to the market to buy vegetables for her, but now he was injured. As a mother, her concern was palpable.

"W-what happened to you? Are you alright? Oh my..."

Su Liang managed a faint smile despite the pain.

"Mother, I'm fine. It's just some injuries. Nothing I can't handle."

Bai Jianer's eyes filled with tears as she looked at Zhu Qing.

"Thank you, Xiao Qing. I cannot express how grateful I am for your help. But... this all happened because of me, didn't it?"

Zhu Qing shook his head gently. Although he wanted to place a comforting hand on her shoulder, he remembered it might be inappropriate.

"Madam Bai, you mustn't blame yourself. This trouble arose from Gu Changsheng's vile intentions, not because of anything you did."

Bai Jianer wiped her tears, her face a mix of sorrow and gratitude. "But I... I didn't expect things to escalate like this. It's my fault for attracting such attention."

Three days ago, when she was searching for a job, she went to one of the Gu family's jewelry shops because they needed a maid.

However, she didn't expect Young Master Gu to be there. He directly harassed her and wanted a forced relationship.

She managed to escape and hoped it would be over if she stayed silent.

After all, the Gu family is a cultivation family, and she was just a mortal.

Despite his injuries, Su Liang spoke with conviction.

"Mother, it's not your fault. I would face any danger for you. These injuries are nothing compared to the pain of seeing you distressed."

Zhu Qing's gaze softened as he looked at Su Liang.

"You're a true friend, Su Liang. But don't worry about Gu Changsheng. I will handle him."

Bai Jianer's eyes filled with a mixture of relief and admiration.

"Xiao Qing, you've already done so much. I don't know how to repay you."

Zhu Qing smiled warmly, though his mind was already focused on the task ahead. He recalled that in similar situations, women often repaid with their bodies, according to Earth customs.

However, Zhu Qing had his own principles.

"You don't need to repay me. Just take care of yourself and Su Liang, Madam Bai. I'll deal with Gu Changsheng."

He then turned to Su Liang. "Rest and recover, Liang. I'll take care of this threat."

With a final nod of reassurance, Zhu Qing made his way out of the courtyard, heading towards Duke Long's castle.

After all, he still needed to confront Ye Tian, and for that, he required the help of Alchemist Shao Hai.

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To Be Continued...