Wang Heng - Sworn Brothers!

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After several months, Qi Yuan returned to Tianxing City, finding it as bustling as ever.

Dressed in a sky-blue robe and a silver hair crown, he exuded elegance as he flew into the city at low altitude, his sleeves fluttering in the wind. The garrison disciples of the Xing Palace quickly spotted the red ring on his hand but made no move to stop him.

On either side, foundation-building cultivators watched him with envy.

Reaching the Holy Mountain, Qi Yuan returned to his cave. As soon as he touched the restriction of the formation, two graceful figures hurriedly emerged.

Xin Ruyin's jade-like face softened with deep tenderness as she rushed into his arms, her voice filled with joy. "Senior, you're finally back!"

"You don't know how much Miss has missed you, Senior," Xiaomei added, her pretty face full of longing. She, too, wanted to throw herself into his arms but held back due to their different statuses.

Qi Yuan hugged Xin Ruyin tightly, brushing his lips against hers and inhaling the familiar fragrance of tea. "I won't be going out for a while. I'll stay and accompany you all."

The treasures he had obtained from the Fire God Sect required time to refine, and he intended to focus on cultivation and alchemy for the next few years.

"Really?"

Xin Ruyin's gentle eyes lit up before turning slightly red, like a delicate flower blooming.

The days with Senior in the cave would be both exhausting and fulfilling—pleasure and hardship intertwined.

Ruyan was still in seclusion, trying to break through to the Jindan stage. That meant she and Xiaomei would have to bear everything on their own.

Qi Yuan smiled and pinched her cheek. "When have I ever lied to you? How is Ruyan's retreat going? Any problems?"

"Everything has been stable, Senior. No abnormalities," Xin Ruyin reassured him.

A good sign. That meant Ruyan's breakthrough was progressing smoothly.

Xin Ruyin turned to Xiaomei. "Go prepare hot water for Senior's bath."

"Yes, Miss." Xiaomei blushed and quickly left.

Qi Yuan chuckled. "Ruyin, you should come later too. We can't let Xiaomei handle everything alone."

Xin Ruyin's face turned crimson as she shot him a playful glare, but she still nodded.

If Senior insisted, resisting was futile. Better to just go along with it.

Leaving them behind, Qi Yuan headed to the spirit insect chamber. He placed the remaining sixty or seventy gold-eating insects inside and checked on the colorful grass—only about three hundred years old.

Looks like he'd have to live frugally for a while.

After tending to the Flying Centipedes and feeding them Soul-Feeding Pills, he checked on the two Blood Jade Spiders. They were in excellent condition—Xiaomei had clearly taken good care of them.

She deserved a generous reward.

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A Few Days Later

Hearing only pleas for mercy, Qi Yuan finally relented and let Xin Ruyin and Xiaomei rest. Deciding it was time to sell some unnecessary treasures, he flew toward the city.

Arriving at a shop bearing the Miaoyin Sect's emblem, he stepped inside. The place was lively, filled with customers.

The Miaoyin Sect's businesses were mostly run by female disciples, ensuring smoother transactions and attracting more customers.

Qi Yuan had sold plenty of treasures to the Miaoyin Sect before, yet he had yet to attract Zhou Yuan's attention. Not that he was particularly interested in him—his real target was Wang Ning, also known as Zi Ling, the most beautiful woman in Chaos Star Sea.

"Master Qi, welcome! Would you like to rest in a private room?" A beautiful female disciple greeted him warmly.

Qi Yuan nodded and followed her inside.

Shortly after, an elegant middle-aged man entered. His features were sharp, his gaze keen like a tiger's, and his aura carried the weight of the late Jindan stage.

Qi Yuan tensed slightly. A cultivator of this level wouldn't approach him for no reason.

The man smiled. "I am Wang Heng, the leader of Miaoyin Sect. I hope I'm not disturbing you, Fellow Daoist Qi."

Wang Heng?

Qi Yuan stood up and responded politely, "Sect Master Wang, this is just a minor transaction. You didn't need to trouble yourself."

Wang Heng chuckled. "You've sold quite a few treasures to our sect, and since you're in the Jindan stage, I wanted to get to know you personally."

Qi Yuan nodded. "I see. Please, have a seat, Sect Master Wang. Let's chat over some tea."

A gleam flashed in Wang Heng's eyes. He wasn't dealing with an ordinary cultivator—Qi Yuan was an individual powerhouse, rich in resources and strong in combat. If he could be recruited into Miaoyin Sect, it would be a tremendous gain.

Wang Heng had already investigated his background: an unknown cultivator who suddenly appeared in the southwest sea region, participated in a secret meeting with the Lord of Mulong Island, and even killed a demon cultivator of the same level. Then, he moved into Tianxing City and settled on the Holy Mountain.

Strength, resources, independence—Qi Yuan was the ideal candidate.

Instead of immediately making an offer, Wang Heng steered the conversation toward alchemy, weapon refinement, and cultivation techniques. The more they talked, the more impressed he became.

Qi Yuan wasn't just strong—his knowledge was deep and insightful. Recruiting him would be a major boon to Miaoyin Sect.

Finally, Wang Heng got to the point. "Fellow Daoist Qi, your talent and knowledge are truly outstanding. Would you consider joining Miaoyin Sect? Women, spiritual stones—whatever you ask for, I will do my best to provide."

Qi Yuan's expression dimmed. "I appreciate your offer, but I prefer my freedom. I have no intention of joining any sect."

Wang Heng sighed in disappointment. Forcing the issue wouldn't work. But then an idea struck him.

If Qi Yuan wouldn't join the sect…

Wang Heng suddenly stood up, eyes gleaming, and grabbed Qi Yuan's sleeve. "Brother Qi, we hit it off so well today. Why don't we become sworn brothers?"

Qi Yuan was caught off guard. What? Sworn brothers? How did things escalate so quickly?

What about Zi Ling?!

He hesitated. "Fellow Daoist Wang, isn't this a bit too—"

Wang Heng cut him off. "There's nothing inappropriate about it! Or are you looking down on me?"

What the hell?! If he agreed, they'd be brothers. But if he refused, it'd seem like he was looking down on Zi Ling?!

I wanted to be your son-in-law, but now you insist on making me your sworn brother…

And so, they became sworn brothers.

Wang Heng, pleased with his own cleverness, laughed heartily. "Come, Second Brother! Let's go. I'll take you to meet your sister-in-law and my daughter, Wang Ning."

Qi Yuan sighed helplessly. "Lead the way, Big Brother."

Soon after, they arrived at a grand courtyard—one of Miaoyin Sect's properties in Tianxing City.

Though the sect's headquarters wasn't in Tianxing City, they had significant business operations there. After all, the city was prosperous—but settling there wasn't cheap.

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