Chapter 601: Chu Qingqing

Over thirty Kings had joined forces, yet they were repelled by Ning Jiang alone. Who would have believed it if they hadn’t seen it with their own eyes?

At this very moment, everyone was filled with reverence.

They all understood that with the power Ning Jiang had displayed, as long as he was given time, he would one day reign supreme over the world.

“Next, we’ll see if Xuanyuan Bi’an can defeat Ning Jiang. If even Xuanyuan Bi’an is no match for him, then here in the East Sea, no one in the Earth Martial Realm will be able to keep him in check.”

“With Ning Jiang’s talent, he’s more than qualified to go to the Celestial Domain and compete with those Top Level prodigies.”

As the many Kings retreated, a complex expression flickered across the face of a woman in the crowd.

‘In such a short time, you’ve already become the center of attention, rising in a single stroke to become the pinnacle of the East Sea’s younger generation. The gap between us is even wider than it was back then.’

This woman was slender and elegant, with a sword hanging from her waist.

It was none other than Chu Qingqing from the Meteor Sea Region. She had also entered the Myriad Treasures Exquisite Tower this time and had made some decent gains.

Compared to everyone else here, she was the first to have met Ning Jiang. Back then, Ning Jiang had been severely injured and of unknown origin, so she had looked down on him.

But later, she came to understand just how shortsighted she had been. For that, she had been filled with deep regret.

The opening of the Myriad Treasures Exquisite Tower this time had attracted people from all over the East Sea. She had come on one hand for the treasures inside, and on the other, to try and catch up to Ning Jiang.

But to her sorrow, the Ning Jiang of today was like a great Roc spreading its wings to soar high in the sky, the distance between them growing ever wider.

Slowly, it seemed they were becoming people from two different worlds…

‘Perhaps he’s already forgotten all about me?’

Chu Qingqing gave a bitter smile. Compared to the Ning Jiang of today, she was as insignificant as a firefly’s glow.

“Qingqing, what’s wrong?”

A voice from beside her startled her out of her thoughts. It was a man, quite handsome in appearance, and a companion she had come to know.

“It’s nothing.” Chu Qingqing shook her head, saying no more.

The man didn’t overthink it and said, “Qingqing, the Linglong Tower has closed. If you don’t have anywhere else to go, I’d like to invite you to be a guest at my home. What do you think?”

Hearing this, a glint flashed in Chu Qingqing’s eyes.

This man’s name was Zheng Yi. He could be considered a young talent, and his family’s influence was not small. They were a reputable force in the East Sea because a King presided over his Zheng Family.

Even if it was only the weakest One-Star King, they could still command a region.

Along their journey, she had more or less figured out Zheng Yi’s intentions toward her. Before, with his qualifications, he would have met her standards.

But now, with the brand of Ning Jiang seared into her heart, how could she possibly see anything in Zheng Yi?

Once you’ve seen a dragon, how can you still be impressed by a snake?

“Brother Zheng, thank you for your care along the way. I plan to travel alone from now on, so I won’t be visiting your home.” Chu Qingqing shook her head, politely refusing.

“This…” Zheng Yi’s expression immediately stiffened.

Although he, Zheng Yi, was not as famous as the prodigies on the Hidden Dragon List, the Zheng Family was a King’s Family after all. He was proud and arrogant at heart, so being rejected by Chu Qingqing naturally displeased him.

“Chu Qingqing, Brother Zheng invited you to the Zheng Family’s home out of goodwill. To not give him any face at all, isn’t that going too far?”

A man in blue robes, one of Zheng Yi’s friends, said with displeasure.

“My apologies.”

Chu Qingqing had no desire to say more and turned to leave immediately.

“Hold it,” the man in blue shouted coldly.

“What else is there?” Chu Qingqing frowned.

“Chu Qingqing, you can go, but leave your Upper Grade Spirit Sword behind. If we hadn’t helped you, you wouldn’t have obtained this sword.”

Chu Qingqing’s beautiful eyes turned cold as she retorted, “On this trip to the Linglong Tower, our agreement was to work together to kill Treasure Beasts and obtain treasures. It’s true you helped me get this sword, but I also helped you get other treasures. Between us, we owe each other nothing!”

“Hmph, what do you mean ‘owe each other nothing’? If you don’t hand over the Upper Grade Spirit Sword, don’t even think about leaving today,” the man in blue said aggressively.

“Brother Zheng, is this what you think as well?” Chu Qingqing looked at Zheng Yi.

Zheng Yi’s eyes narrowed slightly. He said, “Qingqing, he’s just angry. If you’re willing to be a guest at my family’s home, I’m sure he’ll give me some face and won’t make things difficult for you.”

“Enough. There’s no need for such hypocrisy.”

Chu Qingqing refused him on the spot. She was a Sword Cultivator, one who would rather break than bend. She would never agree to be forced into doing something against her will.

“You don’t know what’s good for you! Chu Qingqing, if you don’t hand over that sword, you’re not leaving today.” The man in blue took a step forward, the aura of his Earth Martial Realm Late Stage cultivation spreading out and pressing down on Chu Qingqing.

Chu Qingqing’s expression changed. Her Cultivation was only at the Earth Martial Realm Early Stage; she was no match for him at all.

Subconsciously, she glanced toward Ning Jiang in the distance. ‘If only Ning Jiang would help…’

The thought had barely flashed through her mind before she dismissed it. She had a strong personality, and her past interactions with Ning Jiang hadn’t exactly been pleasant. She didn’t have the face to ask for his help now.

BAM.

The fight broke out in an instant. The man in blue struck with his palm, and although Chu Qingqing blocked with her sword, she was still sent flying by the tyrannical Palm Power.

“Huh, someone else started a fight.”

“Young people are competitive and love to fight; it’s normal. But compared to Ning Jiang’s battle just now, this is just a minor squabble. Nothing worth watching. Let’s head back.”

The crowd showed little interest in their fight and began to disperse.

“Hm?”

At the same time, Ning Jiang, who was some distance away, was drawn in by the commotion of the fight and noticed Chu Qingqing.

‘To think I’d run into an acquaintance here.’

Ning Jiang was also a little surprised to see Chu Qingqing. The Meteor Sea Region was quite far from the Chaotic Sea Region, and judging by her aura, she had only recently broken through to the Earth Martial Realm. To dare come to the Linglong Tower with such a low Cultivation level was certainly commendable.

“Ning Jiang, do you know her?” Gu Huaying walked over.

“I have a bit of a connection with her younger sister. Forget it. For her sister’s sake, you can go and help her out for me,” Ning Jiang said faintly.

That little girl, Chu Xiu’Er, was much more to Ning Jiang’s liking.

“Alright.”

Gu Huaying nodded and walked out.

With a wave of her fair hand, countless flower petals burst forth, blocking the man in blue.

“Gu Huaying, what is the meaning of this? We haven’t offended you, have we?” Zheng Yi, who had been standing back without making a move, was startled to see Gu Huaying and hurried forward.

“This person is under Ning Jiang’s protection,” Gu Huaying announced, stunning them.

“What?”

Zheng Yi was greatly shocked and looked toward Ning Jiang in the distance.

He had seen Ning Jiang’s battle earlier. The man was as invincible as a Divine Demon. Moreover, he didn’t dare offend someone like Ning Jiang. After all, this was a man who dared to challenge even the Flood Dragon King to his face. Three Kings were still hanging from the Linglong Tower to this day.

“We’re leaving.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Zheng Yi no longer insisted and led his people away.