Chapter 1531 - 1528: Lantian Clan — Long Yijian

Even though the Clan Leader of the Lantian Clan earns the deep trust of the clan members with his exceptional strength and mysterious charm, it is surprising that he has never issued any directives or orders. Ye Qiu once fought alongside this person in a boss battle during a wave; his silent support and unwavering presence on the front lines were truly admirable.

Yet, this time, this man has raised objections to Fang Wushang's request, demanding a duel with him. What could possibly be happening?

Though feeling puzzled beyond belief, to reassure Fang Wushang, Ye Qiu still bravely spoke up:

"...Anyway, I'll go to the Lantian Clan first. I'll try to negotiate directly with him."

"Hmm... I'm really sorry. I've troubled you again..."

"It's okay, I'm willing to do anything. Because you are my..."

Fang Wushang gazed at me as I fell silent, searching for the right noun.

"Important partner... indeed!"

Although Fang Wushang seemed a bit displeased, pouting slightly, he eventually showed a slight smile.

The strongest man, a living legend, Holy Knight—these titles given to the Clan Leader of the Lantian Clan are many and varied, and all can be counted on one hand.

The name of that legendary man is Long Yijian. Though his name suggests a sword, it is his high defense that is known throughout the world.

Legend has it that no one has ever broken through Long Yijian's shield defense; it is said that up to now, no one has seen him bleed from an injury. During the first wave, amidst numerous casualties, he singlehandedly upheld a nearly collapsing line for ten minutes, a feat still widely recounted to this day.

No weapon can pierce Long Yijian's shield.

This has become one of the most believed truths in this world.

Together with Fang Wushang, Ye Qiu arrived at the Lantian Clan headquarters, feeling inexplicably tense. Of course, Ye Qiu had no intention of confronting Long Yijian. The sole intent was to ask him to grant Fang Wushang temporary leave from the clan.

The headquarters of the Lantian Clan is located in Iron Capital. It bears this name because, unlike most other towns primarily made of stone, its main structure—a towering spire—is constructed entirely of steel that glimmers with a black sheen. Although the town is bustling with many residents due to its thriving smelting and metal carving crafts, the streets are barren of trees. In this autumn season, it gives an impression of a wind that feels particularly chilly.

Ye Qiu and the others crossed the Transfer Gate Square, walking on the broad road assembled from polished steel plates and secured with rivets. Fang Wushang's steps appeared heavy, likely due to concern over the uncertainty of what was to come.

Walking between the rows of spires for about ten minutes, a taller spire came into view. The massive doors were adorned with many protruding silver spears and the Lantian Clan's flag fluttered everywhere, blown by the cold wind.

This is the famous Lantian Clan headquarters.

Fang Wushang stopped a bit ahead of me, looking up at the spire.

"Actually, the former headquarters wasn't here. I heard the clan used to be quite small—a small house in a small town. But as the clan grew stronger, complaints about it being too cramped gradually emerged. I'm not saying the guild's growth is a bad thing... but this town is just too cold; I don't like it..."

"Then let's quickly resolve things and go get something warm to eat. How about that?"

"Good grief, why do you only think about eating? Given the circumstances..."

Fang Wushang laughed and lifted her left hand to lightly grip Ye Qiu's right hand fingertips. Without glancing at the heart-racing Ye Qiu, she held this position for a few seconds, then said "Alright, fully charged" before letting go and walking towards the spire. Ye Qiu hurriedly followed behind.

That very action made Ye Qiu's heartbeat almost skyrocket. It took him quite some time to calm down.

Upon climbing the broad staircase, there was a large door, wide open, flanked by heavily armored guards wielding long spears. Fang Wushang, making her boots clink upon the floor, walked towards the door, and the guards raised their spears in salute upon seeing her.

"Thank you for your hard work."

Ye Qiu was taken aback hearing Fang Wushang speak like this because it was the first he'd seen such a demeanor from her. Though Fang Wushang usually maintained a stoic appearance, such cold aloofness was never seen before.

Whether it was the neat raising of a single hand in return salute, or her energetic gait, it was hard to believe that the current her was the same dejected girl from an hour ago at the general store. Ye Qiu timidly followed Fang Wushang and passed by the guards into the tower.

The high tower, like the street, was built from black steel, with the ground floor being a fairly transparent hall, currently empty.

Feeling the building more chilling than the street, they traversed the floor that resembled refined metallic mosaics, and a large spiral staircase emerged before them.

Metallic sounds echoed in the hall as they climbed the stairs. Such height would surely tire out those with lower stamina levels halfway. After passing many doors, as Ye Qiu began wondering just how high they had to climb, Fang Wushang's steps finally halted before a cold steel door.

"Is this the place... Wushang?"

"Hmm... pretty scary, right?"

"I thought so when I first came."

Fang Wushang nodded apathetically. Then, as if making a firm decision, she extended her right hand to knock on the door forcefully, and without waiting for a response, she pushed the door open. The flood of light from inside made Ye Qiu squint.

The inside was a circular room using an entire upper floor, with walls made entirely of transparent glass. The gray light filtering through the glass dyed the entire room in the same tone.

In the center was a large semicircular table, with several men seated on five-legged chairs opposite the table. Ye Qiu hadn't seen the four seated on the sides, but he would never mistake the man in the center.

That was the legendary man, Long Yijian!.

Despite appearances, he exuded no sense of oppression. He appeared to be around twenty-five years old, with a face that looked scholarly and sharp. His iron-gray hair draped over his elegant forehead.