Chapter 416 - 189: The Humble Past is But the Path Taken: A Glorious Homecoming to Anning County’s ’Realm Gate

Chapter 416: Chapter 189: The Humble Past is But the Path Taken: A Glorious Homecoming to Anning County’s ’Realm Gate

"They’re here!"

「Jiangyin Pier.」

Xu Longxiang, his Qi and Blood surging like a sea, and Ji Xiu, who had just perfected the Divine Talisman Fire, condensed a Daoist Seed, and succeeded in Daoist and Martial Dual Cultivation, had only just arrived.

Instantly, all eyes focused on Ji Xiu.

The onlookers were the heirs of the County’s Three Major Professions. They had come to Jiangyin Prefecture by boat to broaden their horizons and, using their connection to the Wind and Cloud Association, had enrolled in the Wind and Cloud Daoist School on Daoist School Street.

After arriving on Daoist School Street to practice and witnessing the true prodigies of the Prefecture City, these scions of Anning County’s powerful families—Lu Yu, Lu Hongyu, and Wei Zhi—finally understood the meaning of the word "gap" after struggling for some time.

Therefore, when they saw Ji Xiu’s meteoric rise—becoming a Martial Saint Disciple and stealing the spotlight from nearly everyone else in Jiangyin Prefecture—they knew he had become peerless among the Prefecture City’s younger generation for the time being.

Even though they had been on good terms before—Lu Yu had even been the one to introduce Ji Xiu to Duan Chenzhou, and they had addressed each other as martial brothers—at a moment like this, a certain awkwardness was unavoidable.

The youth stood ramrod straight, a plaque on his back, clad in armor, a saber at his hip. The Spiritual Essence from the various Spiritual Objects on his person was practically overflowing, creating a dazzling sight.

As for the white-bearded old man by his side, with Qi and Blood like a dragon and a tall, powerful frame—he was on another level entirely. Just a distant glance was enough to make your legs tremble; you’d be lucky if they didn’t.

A Martial Saint!

A Titled Martial Saint!

Lu Yu, Lu Hongyu, and Wei Zhi trembled inwardly.

Once, there was a time.

’When would people of our minor standing, hailing from Anning County, ever get to see such a figure!?’

It had only been a little over half a year.

Back then, at his lowest point, Ji Xiu was just a Horse Slave. Yet, through some incredible stroke of luck, he had been accepted as a disciple by a true, bona fide Martial Saint!

Meanwhile, they had come to the Prefecture City with dreams of making a name for themselves, only to find they couldn’t even get ahead in a bottom-tier Daoist School. If not for their prior connection to Ji Xiu, they feared it would have taken a monumental effort just to learn the True Inheritance.

The difference in their fortunes could not have been greater.

The group had been planning to return to the County for a visit, but when they suddenly received word that Ji Xiu was also heading back to Anning County, they came here early to wait for him.

As Ji Xiu stopped before them, a look of wry helplessness appeared in his eyes. He paused and swept his gaze over them.

"Everyone, why be so formal?"

"My Master and I are heading to Anning Prefecture. Since you’re all returning to the County to visit family, why not travel with us?"

He extended the invitation.

After hearing this, Lu Yu, Lu Hongyu, and the others looked at each other, somewhat tempted.

In the next moment, however, a black-scaled Flood Dragon burst from the surface of the vast East Canghai, soaring into the air and rattling the pier’s heavy iron chains.

The huge commotion attracted everyone’s gaze!

"What a fine Black Flood Dragon."

Beside Ji Xiu, Xu Longxiang raised an eyebrow and offered a word of praise.

"Putting aside its bloodline, which has a hint of draconic aura, just look at its sinews, bones, and skin... they’ve nearly reached the Leakless realm."

"If you were to harvest them, the great sinews could be used to string a Treasure Bow, the spinal bones could be forged into Weapons, and the Flood Dragon Skin could be fashioned into a suit of armor. All of it would be Spirit Dao Fifth Grade quality. You’d have to spend a fortune to buy any of it, and even then, such materials are rarely for sale!"

"It’s a shame this one’s domesticated. Otherwise, to be able to hunt one like this in the wild..."

The old man muttered to himself, his eyes scanning it up and down, his covetous thoughts completely unconcealed.

The Cangming Monarch, having just sensed Ji Xiu’s Qi Mechanism and poked its head out of the water, suddenly went rigid, as if it had been targeted by some primordial terror, some Great Evil from a bygone era.

When his pair of triangular, vertical pupils landed on the old man beside Ji Xiu, the Cangming Monarch’s heart instantly began to pound violently.

’This old man... he seems to have ill intentions toward me!’

And that wasn’t all.

The Cangming Monarch could clearly sense it.

This old man in front of him, who kept his Qi and Blood suppressed within every inch of his flesh, but could likely shatter several mountains if he unleashed it...

’An insurmountable foe!’

’If we fought, I wouldn’t have the slightest chance of victory!’

The Cangming Monarch spent his days roaming the East Canghai. He never went ashore and had no dealings with the people from the Fishing Trade. As such, he was completely oblivious to the turbulent events unfolding in Jiangyin Prefecture.

Seeing Xu Longxiang now left him utterly terrified, wondering where on earth Ji Xiu had met such a horrifying being.

This continued until Ji Xiu cleared his throat and stepped in to smooth things over.

"Master, this Great Flood Dragon is a friend of mine. He receives tribute from the Fishing Trade. He’s how I travel between Anning County and Jiangyin Prefecture. Riding him, a round trip takes but a single day—it’s hundreds of times faster than any boat!"

"So, once we’ve retrieved the bones of our predecessor, Ye Wenjiang, we can just ride this Flood Dragon back to Anning County."

The implication was clear: he was asking the Elder Martial Saint not to be so menacing.

’He just showed up and he’s already sizing up the Cangming Monarch for its sinews, bones, and skin. If he scares this transoceanic flood dragon half to death, what will I use for a mount?’

Upon hearing this, understanding dawned on Xu Longxiang’s face. He looked at the Black Flood Dragon, which was regarding him like a mortal enemy, and let out a hearty laugh.

"You’ve got some skills, kid. Where’d you find a mount like this?"

"Flood Dragons are untamable by nature. Unless they’re suppressed by a being of a higher order, not even a Dragon and Tiger expert or a Titled Martial Saint could necessarily force one into submission. Tsk, tsk..."

"I’ve never ridden a Flood Dragon across the vast sea in my life. How interesting! It seems I have you to thank for this experience, kid."

A trace of interest showed in Xu Longxiang’s eyes.

Meanwhile, Qii Zhao, the Dragon Head and Grandmaster of the Fishing Trade, merely swallowed hard, not daring to utter a word.

Or perhaps it was more accurate to say that with the renowned Dragon Elephant Martial Saint, Xu Longxiang, standing right there, he didn’t know what he possibly could say.

He glanced at the enormous merchant ship he had ordered prepared, then back at the arrogant, untamable Flood Dragon that lived off the Fishing Trade’s food and drink.