Once Long Chen returned to his quarters, he started cultivating again until dawn. The Azure Dragon Halberd tournament was approaching, and he dared not slack off. Xiaolangs fate depended on his performance at the tournament.
At the break of dawn, Long Chen was still cultivating when Yin Mengyao knocked on the door and said excitedly, Long Chen, I have good news!
Long Chen opened the door and asked, looking confused, What is it?
Its a secret. Youll find out later, said Yin Mengyao teasingly.
After Long Chen saved her yesterday, theyd gotten even closer.
Alright, dont play games with me! Spill! Long Chen threatened her.
Alright. It was rare for Yin Mengyao to be this mischievous, but Long Chen wasnt buying it. She returned to normal and smiled. Your cousin in the Northern Black Tortoise family, Yang Lingqing, is coming to meet you. Shes on her way now.
Huh? Long Chen gasped in joy. It was an amazing surprise.
He had been feeling guilty because he should have gone to see her the moment he arrived. But his visit to the Star Devil Prison had taken up more than ten days. When Yang Lingqing heard that he had entered the inner family, she came over first.
After a while, he saw Dongfang Xuanxiao leading Yang Lingqing over. He knew that the two cousins hadnt met for a long time, so he and Yin Mengyao left them alone.
Yang Lingqing was wearing a long, light-green dress, and she had become prettier. There was even a hint of deep green in her beautiful eyes that made them look very lively. Brother Yang Lingqing was overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing Long Chen.
Lets talk inside. He pulled her in and made her sit down. Long Chen looked her up and down and grinned. Hey, girl, we havent met in a long time, and youve gotten so much prettier!
You jerk, youre just lying to make me happy! Knowing Long Chen, she wasnt going to fall for his lies.
But he was being genuine this time.
They hadnt seen each other in so long, and they both had a lot to say. Once they started talking, they didnt stop from morning until noon. Long Chen mainly told her about his experiences during their time apart. Yang Lingqing did the same, though her life was more boring. After receiving a few good cultivation methods and a wealth of resources, she had been spending all her time cultivating. Within less than a month, she had condensed her Human Core, therefore reaching the Human Core Realm.
Indeed, with the Dark Yin Body, her progress was extraordinary with the right cultivation methods.
Right, wheres Sister Ling Xi? she asked.
Shes sleeping. She sleeps deeply for many hours every day, said Long Chen.
Oh. Yang Lingqing nodded and looked around, saying wistfully, When you said that you wanted to join the inner family qualifiers, I knew it would be very difficult. But I also knew that you would succeed! I was right!
Hehe, of course. Your brother is an amazing guy! Money, power, and girls are easy to get for someone like me!
All you do is brag.
Yang Lingqing was much happier now that she could talk to Long Chen. She covered her mouth, laughing so hard that her stomach hurt.
But Long Chen was observant enough to notice the hint of worry and frustration hiding deep in her eyes. Xiao Qinger, tell your big brother, is there anyone bullying you in the Northern Black Tortoise family? If anyone dares to touch you, Ill spank his bottom. Long Chen knew that she was the kind that would suffer in silence, so she wouldnt say anything if he asked her in a serious tone. That was why he had spoken in a joking manner.
She froze, but when she saw the grin on his face, she sighed in relief and said, How could someone as likable as me have problems? Look at you, making enemies everywhere you go! You worry me to death.
Hehe, theyre just jealous because Im too handsome. Theyre insignificant, nothing to be feared, joked Long Chen.
He privately made a mental note. Dongfang Tianxing targeted Sister Mengyao as soon as he came back home. Lingqing went to the Northern Black Tortoise family alone and is vulnerable to Beitang Mos whims. If Beitang Mo isnt a good person, then Lingqing is in trouble
A huge boulder sat on Long Chens chest.
Are you sure theres no one bullying you? Long Chen thought of what Liu Lan had said. People who entered the inner family were often kept inside through marriage. Yang Lingqing was getting more beautiful by the day, and she even had the rare Dark Yin Body. How could she not catch anyones attention?
Im sure. Dont overthink it. Just focus on your cultivation; Im waiting to brag about you to other people. Yang Lingqing reached out and swatted his chest, as if he was overthinking things.
Alright, I believe you. Although that was what Long Chen said, he didnt think so. Based on Lingqings peculiar behavior, she must be in great trouble. She must be worried about me and thinks Im not strong enough, afraid that shell drag me into the problem. Thats probably why she wont tell me about it Long Chen made a mental note.
He didnt bring this topic up again. Instead, they discussed cultivation. Another two hours passed, and it was past noon. Ling Xi woke up and instantly saw Yang Lingqing, making her very excited.
The girls chattered nonstop, leaving Long Chen aside.
He watched them in silence. Are these the two girls I must protect?
Long Chen was frustrated. Ling Xi had insurance now that she had the Sky Soul Fruit, but he still couldnt feel at peace, because Yang Lingqing was alone in the Northern Black Tortoise family.
Yang Lingqing only left in the evening.
He noticed her unwillingness to leave, but he knew that she had to go. The Northern Black Tortoise family was going through great lengths to nurture her, so as a trainee, she had no autonomy.
I feel like Lingqing is worried about something, said Ling Xu solemnly after she left.
I know. If Ling Xi noticed the same thing, then it had to be true. Emotions could affect a persons entire demeanor, so it was obvious no matter how hard she tried to cover it up.
Lets go look for Xuanxiao.
All he could do was ask for help. The Black Tortoise family was an immense presence, and he couldnt fight it alone.
Dongfang Xuanxiao was sitting in the Xuanxiao Pavilion. Has your cousin left already? he asked.
Long Chen nodded. He didnt hide what he was thinking from Dongfang Xuanxiao and said directly, Stepfather, could you help me investigate if anyone is forcing my cousin to do something in the Black Tortoise family? For example, forcing her into marriage.
Hm. Dongfang Xuanxiao fell silent for a while, then he nodded and called for a guard. Very quickly, an armored guard entered and Dongfang Xuanxiao told him of Long Chens request. The guard nodded, then he quickly disappeared. You may return. Ill tell you once I receive any news.
Thank you, Stepfather! Long Chen trusted him, so he turned to leave.
Long Chen, Dongfang Xuanxiao suddenly called out.
What is it? Long Chen looked back.
Dongfang Xuanxiao looked at him and said mildly, Dont worry, itll be fine.
He wanted Long Chen not to worry, but Long Chen couldnt relax. He initially wanted to focus on preparing for the Azure Dragon Halberd tournament, but Yang Lingqings matter frustrated him.
No one is allowed to touch the people I protect, or Ill chop them to pieces, even if I must risk my life!
Long Chens eyes darkened as he sat down in a pavilion in the courtyard.
Dongfang Xuanxiao finally came to Long Chen when it was almost midnight. He must have come to relay what he had learned as soon as he could, further proving his love for his stepson.
Stepfather, whats the situation? he asked worriedly.
You guessed right. Beitang Mo has already sent her a marriage proposal, and he has sent the dowry to Baiyang Town. But your cousin is impressive too, because shes delaying her reply. But the marriage is being arranged by the Northern Black Tortoise familys head, Beitang Ming, who is Beitang Mos father. So your cousin wont be able to delay any longer and will soon relent. If they use your family in Baiyang Town to threaten her, shell definitely do as they say!
Snap!
Long Chen squeezed the wooden railing so hard, it splintered!
A fierce, red glint appeared in his eyes!
Dongfang Xuanxiao stared ahead and asked mildly, Are you planning to storm the Northern Black Tortoise family?
I was the one who encouraged her to join the Northern Black Tortoise family, but I never expected it to come to this! I dont want Lingqing to do anything she doesnt want to do; I dont want her to force herself. She is my cousin, so I must stop this, even if I die! exclaimed Long Chen through gritted teeth.
Youre a brat who doesnt know when to stop, said Dongfang Xuanxiao in exasperation. Im guessing that she came to see you today because she was too stressed out. And Im guessing she will surrender as soon as she returns. Although she has a Dark Yin Body, she started too late and is only at the initial Human Core Realm. She is as weak as an ant in the eyes of a giant like the Northern Black Tortoise family! So, tell me, what do you plan to do?
What else? I was the one who made her lose her freedom, so I must trade my life for her freedom! He felt extremely guilty when he thought about how he had been stupid enough to push Yang Lingqing into that place alone.
Dont be so pessimistic. Maybe theyll like each other? Beitang Mo is an excellent young man, and hes as strong as Tianchen in terms of cultivation. Hes number one in the Northern Black Tortoise family.
No. Long Chen shook his head. If Lingqing liked him, she wouldve told me today. Plus, if she liked him, why would she delay her reply? Stepfather, it looks like I wont be able to participate in the Azure Dragon Halberd tournament
Long Chen was prepared to take Yang Lingqing back to Baiyang Town, running away from this place.
Are you saying you want to leave the Lingwu family? Dongfang Xuanxiao turned to look at him calmly.
Im sorry! Youve done so much for me, but I couldnt repay you! Long Chen really had no way to repay him for everything he had done.
Silly child. Dongfang Xuanxiao suddenly smiled and patted his shoulder. Prepare yourself, well storm the Northern Black Tortoise family tomorrow!