Chapter 434: Sound Valley, Elder Huan Yin
As they approached the city, the imposing city walls loomed before them, giving off an aura of severity. Beneath the towering city gates, the crowds bustled with activity, filling the air with a noisy and lively atmosphere.
The pair entered the city smoothly. Looking at the wide streets and the endless rows of shops lining both sides, especially the teeming crowds in the streets whose constant chatter created a deafening roar, Xiao Yixian couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, "This Tianhuang City is really bustling! It seems like it could rival even the most popular cities of the Northwestern Continent."
"This is the Central Region of Zhongzhou, the very heart of the entire continent. Other places can't compare to here," Moyu replied with a slight smile.
He then asked for directions from a passerby and quickly led Xiao Yixian and the others toward the direction of the Liu family estate.
After crossing a few long streets and making several turns, they finally came upon a vast estate. The manor sprawled across a large area, and at this moment, nearly every inch of the perimeter was guarded by armed soldiers. Their cold, watchful eyes continuously scanned the surroundings.
Seeing the tight security, Moyu was taken aback and said in surprise, "In broad daylight, do they really need this many guards?"
Hearing this, the Black Bat King, always eager to ease his master's burdens, swiftly stopped a passerby and inquired about the Liu family's situation.
The passerby was just an ordinary citizen, and upon seeing the fierce-looking Black Bat King, he quickly spilled everything he knew about the Liu family without holding back.
"Master," the Black Bat King reported after returning, "that man said the Liu family and the Cheng family are currently fighting over control of the spatial wormhole. Both families have sent many people to the plaza in the city center to face off."
Hearing this, Moyu furrowed his brows once again and said to Xiao Yixian, "It looks like our route has changed. Let's head to the city center and take a look."
Xiao Yixian naturally had no objections and nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, Moyu asked for further directions to the city center and then quickened his pace toward their new destination.
At the center of Tianhuang City was a very spacious square paved with bluestone. In the middle of the square stood a stone platform, atop which a massive, dark spatial wormhole slowly rotated. An astonishing spatial ripple emanated from it, filling the air.
The square was packed with a sea of people. The noise from the crowd was so loud it was almost painful to the ears. Countless curious gazes were fixed on the center of the square, where two groups of people were facing off against each other.
"Cheng Yao, the spatial wormhole is under my Liu family's management this year. What are you trying to pull with this stunt?"
In the group on the left, the leader was a robust man with a resolute face that exuded a natural authority. If Moyu were present, he would have recognized him instantly—it was none other than Liu Qing, whom he hadn't seen in years.
Behind Liu Qing stood two elderly men with white hair and beards. Though they stood casually, their presence radiated an overwhelming aura, making it clear they weren't to be underestimated.
Next to Liu Qing was a woman with a voluptuous and mature figure, dressed in a striking red outfit—Liu Qing's younger sister, Liu Fei.
"Heh, Liu Qing, you're younger than me by a generation, so you should be more respectful when addressing your elders," sneered the leader of the opposing group, a middle-aged man named Cheng Yao. His eyes gleamed darkly as he glanced at Liu Qing, his lips curling into a mocking smile.
Just as Liu Qing was about to retort, a graceful, mature voice suddenly rang out from the center of the square.
"With the permission of Burning Flame Valley, I bring a new directive from Sound Valley."
At the sound of the voice, countless heads turned toward its source. There stood an elegant and enchanting woman dressed in a green gown. Her figure was curvaceous, exuding an aura of maturity that drew countless heated gazes.
"Is that Elder Huan Yin from Sound Valley?"
Cries of surprise erupted from the crowd. Liu Qing and the two elderly men behind him also showed subtle changes in their expressions before respectfully bowing.
"So, it's Elder Huan Yin. What exactly is this new directive? According to the rules, Tianhuang City is under the control of Burning Flame Valley," Liu Qing said politely.
"I am aware that Tianhuang City belongs to Burning Flame Valley, and our Sound Valley has never been too concerned about territorial disputes. So, there's no need for anyone to worry about taking sides here." Elder Huan Yin's tone remained calm. "A few days ago, Sound Valley reached a deal with the upper ranks of Burning Flame Valley. Our valley master has ordered us to find some high-level blacksmiths to help repair a treasured item. However, we have yet to find suitable candidates, so we are issuing this directive now. Whoever can find these high-level blacksmiths will be given the management rights to the spatial wormhole, and this will be valid for three years."
Elder Huan Yin glanced toward the Cheng family, where an elderly man in a purple blacksmith's robe stood proudly with his hands behind his back.
"The Cheng family has already found a sixth-tier blacksmith recognized by the Blacksmith Alliance. If the Liu family can also find such a person and have them accompany me to Sound Valley, the spatial wormhole can be entrusted to you, and the duration will be extended from one year to three."
"A sixth-tier blacksmith?" Liu Qing's face changed upon hearing this.
Blacksmiths were rare in the Central Region, and the Liu family didn't have the connections to find one.
"Elder Huan Yin, this request came too suddenly. Could the Liu family have a few days to search for a sixth-tier blacksmith? We will give it our all!" Liu Qing said, his face changing as he struggled to find a solution.
Elder Huan Yin shook her head, her tone remaining as unruffled as ever. "This is a direct order from the valley master. Who dares to delay? Even I wouldn't have the power to do so. If the Liu family can't produce a sixth-tier blacksmith today, then the management rights of the spatial wormhole will go to the Cheng family."
Seeing that Elder Huan Yin was offering no leniency, Liu Qing's face turned grim, his fists clenching tightly.
Where was he supposed to find a sixth-tier blacksmith in just one day? Did they think such blacksmiths were as common as cabbages? Sixth-tier blacksmiths were among the elite, even within the Blacksmith Alliance.
"Haha, Liu Qing, stop daydreaming. Just hand over the management rights. If I'm feeling generous later, maybe I'll let the Liu family have a taste," Cheng Yao said, sneering mockingly at Liu Qing's conflicted expression.
Liu Qing's face turned a deep shade of blue at Cheng Yao's taunt, but as the head of the Liu family, he had to think of the bigger picture. He could only swallow his anger and say through gritted teeth, "Cheng Yao, you win this time! Let's go!"
Just as Liu Qing turned to leave, a voice rang out from above the square.
"Oh, Liu Qing, this doesn't seem like you. Are you really just going to give up?"
Liu Qing froze at the sound of the familiar voice. He raised his head and saw a young figure flying toward them, stepping lightly through the air before landing gently on the ground.
"Walking through the air? A Dou Zong expert?"
Liu Qing and his companions were startled, but just as they were about to offer respectful greetings, a familiar laugh echoed, making Liu Qing's body stiffen in shock.
"Liu Qing, it's been years. How have you been?"
The familiar voice sent a shock through Liu Qing. After a brief moment of disbelief, he finally snapped back to reality. His eyes widened as he stared at the silver-eyed youth before him, his voice trembling, "Governor?"
"I need that information from you. I figured I'd stop by and check in on you while I'm here," Moyu said with a smile, glancing toward the Cheng family in the distance.
Hearing this, Liu Qing nodded and then laughed heartily. "No problem! Leave this little matter to me."
"Brother, our Liu family is currently in need of a blacksmith, and Senior Moyu..." Liu Fei, standing behind Liu Qing, whispered.
After all, back in the days of Jia Nan Academy and the Black-Corner Region, Moyu's blacksmithing skills were well-known. His abilities had played a big role in helping the Yuan Mansion dominate the Black-Corner Region.
Liu Qing's heart stirred upon hearing this.
"What's going on? Need some help?" Moyu asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well... the family is in a bit of a bind," Liu Qing said awkwardly. After all, it was rather embarrassing to ask for help right after meeting.
"Haha, Liu Qing, you may have left Yuan Mansion, but you're still my senior and an old comrade. What's with the hesitation? Do you think I'd look down on you?" Moyu asked, chuckling.
Hearing this, Liu Qing hesitated for a moment before sighing, "It's all because of the trouble with the spatial wormhole. Originally, it was the Liu family's turn to manage it this year, but Sound Valley made some kind of deal with Burning Flame Valley and gained the right to decide. They've made finding a high-level blacksmith the condition. The Cheng family somehow found a sixth-tier blacksmith, but the Liu family doesn't have the connections."
"Sound Valley?" Moyu's face showed a hint of surprise.
He had been planning to visit Sound Valley soon, but it seemed the opportunity had fallen right into his lap.
Moyu's gaze then shifted to the arrogant old man in the purple robe. "So, if you can find a blacksmith better than that old man, the spatial wormhole will still be under Liu family control?"
Liu Qing nodded, looking at Moyu with a glimmer of hope. He knew Moyu was also a blacksmith, and back in the Inner Academy and the Black-Corner Region, he had been a force to be reckoned with. By now, his skills must have only improved.
Seeing this, Moyu smiled and stepped forward. He cupped his hands in greeting toward Elder Huan Yin and said with a smile, "Elder, the Liu family hasn't conceded yet, so may we ask you to hold off on the transfer for now?"
Elder Huan Yin's beautiful eyes flashed with surprise.
From the moment Moyu had appeared, Elder Huan Yin had taken notice of him. She had been somewhat astonished that someone so young could have reached the level of a Dou Zong. Such an achievement was rare even among the younger generation in Sound Valley.
"If the Liu family hasn't conceded, then please bring out the blacksmith. If the Liu family can find someone stronger than Master Ye Xiu, the spatial wormhole will still belong to the Liu family," Elder Huan Yin said softly, her tone gentler perhaps due to the talent Moyu had shown.
Hearing this, Moyu smiled and nodded before turning his attention to the old man in the purple robe. "In that case, may I have a friendly competition with Master Ye Xiu?"
"You're the blacksmith the Liu family found?" Elder Huan Yin was taken aback. She studied Moyu closely, feeling a sense of disbelief.
It was already shocking enough that Moyu had reached the Dou Zong level at such a young age. To think he was also a blacksmith? That was almost too much to believe.
Moyu's words also caused a stir among the crowd.
Most people sneered at his claim. A young man, even if he was strong, wasn't necessarily qualified to challenge a master like Ye Xiu.
Ye Xiu himself was momentarily stunned before a cold smile appeared on his wrinkled face. He looked at Moyu and said, "Maybe I can't match you in Dou Qi, but in blacksmithing? To be blunt, you're not qualified!"
Moyu ignored Ye Xiu's mocking words and turned to Elder Huan Yin with a smile. "How shall we compete, then? Will we forge weapons in front of everyone?"
"There's no need for such trouble. I don't have time to waste on you," Ye Xiu said, waving his sleeve with a cold laugh. "Since you claim to be a blacksmith, you should know how important soul power is to us. Let's compete by testing our soul power. Since you're younger, I'll let you go first. If you can push me back using your soul power, I'll admit defeat!"
Moyu was momentarily surprised by Ye Xiu's words, but then a playful smile spread across his lips.
Ye Xiu finished speaking, folded his hands behind his back, and stood calmly, gazing at Moyu with an air of superiority.
"Go ahead, boy."
Moyu smiled knowingly, raised his hand slowly, and with a light wave toward Ye Xiu, an immense wave of soul power erupted, sweeping across the sky like a storm.
In that instant, Elder Huan Yin's once calm face suddenly changed drastically.
As for Ye Xiu, his previously composed expression instantly turned deathly pale.
(End of chapter)
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