Chapter 242: The Scheming Northern Dragon King
"When Teacher returns, I'll put in a good word for you. How about that?"
Under the sky of Tianwai Heaven, outside the Tianchen Manor, Huang Min's words sparked excitement in Zi Yan's bright eyes. Looking up at her with an adorable, wide eyed expression, Zi Yan asked, "Really, Sister Min?"
Huang Min laughed heartily and replied, "Of course! I wouldn't lie to a little girl like you."
"Alright then! I have so many delicious things to share. Come on, Sister Min, Brother Ling Yun, I'll treat you to some good food right now!" Zi Yan chirped happily as she grabbed Huang Min and Ling Yun's hands, bouncing excitedly as they walked away.
Watching them leave, a faint smile crept onto Xiao Bieli's face.
Xiao Bieli's Conversation with Qinglian
At that moment, Qinglian's figure appeared behind Xiao Bieli. With a faint smile, he remarked, "It seems you're quite fond of that little girl from the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan."
Startled, Xiao Bieli turned sharply, bowing respectfully. "Greetings, Lord Qinglian!"
Waving his hand nonchalantly, Qinglian said, "Enough of that. It's been over a thousand years, and you're still so stiff and formal. Aren't you tired of it? Because I certainly am."
"Etiquette cannot be neglected," Xiao Bieli replied earnestly.
"Fine, fine. I won't argue with you. Anyway, there's no need to worry. Min and Ling Yun are kind hearted by nature. Even though they have grievances with the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, they would never bully the weak. They've been taught better than that.
As for that little girl, Zi Yan she's pure hearted and means no harm. I'm sure they'll get along just fine." Qinglian smiled reassuringly.
Just as Qinglian finished speaking, another figure emerged from the void it was Huang Jiuji.
"Greetings, Elder Huang!" Qinglian and Xiao Bieli bowed in unison.
"No need for formalities," Huang Jiuji said with a warm smile, gesturing for them to rise.
A Discussion of Huang Min and Ling Yun's Growth
Curious, Qinglian asked, "What brings you here, Elder Huang?"
Huang Jiuji chuckled softly and replied, "Min and Ling Yun sensed the presence of that little girl from the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan earlier. I was concerned they might act impulsively, so I followed them to ensure everything was alright.
But I must say, I'm very pleased with their behavior. It seems their teacher's guidance has truly shaped them well."
Qinglian nodded in agreement. "Indeed. We've watched Min and Ling Yun grow up. Their character is much like Lord Tianchen's steadfast and honorable. They would never pick on someone weaker than themselves."
With a hint of pride, Qinglian added, "Elder Huang, allow me to offer my belated congratulations. Min and Ling Yun's breakthrough to the nine star Dou Saint peak is truly remarkable. Given their extraordinary speed, there are now only a handful of individuals on the Dou Qi Continent who could hope to catch them. This is a joyous occasion for both the Tianhuang Clan and the Xiao Clan. Perhaps, in time, the Tianhuang Clan may return to its former glory!"
Huang Jiuji's mood brightened even further as he laughed heartily. "Haha! It's all thanks to Min and Ling Yun's hard work and Lord Tianchen's teachings. Without them, who knows how many more years it would have taken to reach this point?"
"Regardless, their achievements are a blessing for both the Tianhuang Clan and the Xiao Clan. Lord Tianchen will surely be pleased when he learns of this," Qinglian remarked with a smile.
Just as Huang Jiuji was about to respond, a sudden explosion resounded in the distance, accompanied by shouts and commotion.
"Hmm? What's going on?"
Huang Jiuji and Qinglian exchanged surprised glances. It had been over a millennium since anyone dared to cause trouble outside the designated training grounds of Tianwai Heaven. Yet, someone had the audacity to do so now.
In an instant, the two figures disappeared, leaving Xiao Bieli behind.
The Confrontation with the Northern Dragon King
Near the Tianchen Manor, less than a kilometer away, Huang Min's face darkened as she glared at Beilong Wang Zhuguang (Northern Dragon King Zhu Guang), who had just been sent flying by a powerful kick from Ling Yun.
"It truly is a small world, isn't it, Zhu Guang? Tell me, who gave you the courage to block our path?" Huang Min asked coldly.
Moments earlier, Zhu Guang had seen Zi Yan being pulled along by Huang Min and Ling Yun. Assuming they meant harm to her, he rushed in to stop them without understanding the situation.
Recognizing Huang Min and Ling Yun, his blood boiled with anger. Years ago, he had lost an arm during a battle in the Beast Region a humiliation he never forgot.
Believing his recent improvements in strength were sufficient to settle the score, Zhu Guang attacked without hesitation. Yet before he could even get close, Ling Yun dodged effortlessly and delivered a devastating kick. Zhu Guang was sent flying over a hundred meters, crashing into a decorative rock formation.
"Who dares cause trouble in Tianwai Heaven?"
Within moments, a squad of Longteng Guards (Dragon Vanguard) arrived, encircling the group. Though most of them were only at the Dou Zun level, their presence demanded respect they represented the Xiao Clan's Enforcement Hall.
The squad leader quickly assessed the situation and bowed deeply. "Your Highnesses Huang Min and Ling Yun, Lady Zi Yan, Lord Zhu Guang my deepest respects!"
Several new recruits, initially eager to apprehend the culprits, hesitated after witnessing their captain's reverent demeanor.
Huang Min waved dismissively. "There's no need for formalities. Continue your patrol we'll handle this matter ourselves."
"Understood, Your Highness!"
The Longteng Guards bowed again before retreating swiftly.
Zi Yan's Curiosity
Watching the guards leave, Zi Yan blinked in surprise. "Sister Min, why did they listen to you so easily? You told them to leave, and they just left!"
"Hehe, identity, status, strength take your pick. We hold an absolute advantage in all of them. Besides, that squad leader has seen us before. As soon as he recognized us, he knew this was beyond his ability to handle, so leaving was the smart choice," Huang Min said with a light smile.
As she finished, Ling Yun added with a chuckle, "This isn't even a big deal. Back in the day, Sister Min and I would often tear things apart here in Tianwai Heaven. They're used to it by now."
"Oh, I see!" Zi Yan exclaimed, nodding in understanding.
She had spent five years in Tianwai Heaven but had never seen anyone dare to provoke the Longteng Guards. Her own limited strength kept her from ever acting up around them. Seeing Huang Min dismiss them with just a word was a first for her.
The Northern Dragon King Intervenes
"Miss, step away from them! These two are the Dragon Emperor's enemies!"
Suddenly, Northern Dragon King Zhu Guang flew out of the rubble, shouting a warning to Zi Yan.
Zi Yan froze, utterly confused. Before she could process his words, Ling Yun appeared before Zhu Guang in a flash. Grabbing him by the throat, Ling Yun growled coldly, "Shut up!"
"Ling Yun, let him go!" Huang Min called out, stopping Ling Yun just as he was about to tighten his grip.
With a snort, Ling Yun released Zhu Guang, who collapsed to the ground in a heap.
Huang Min Confronts Zhu Guang
Huang Min, still holding Zi Yan's hand, approached Zhu Guang. She smiled, but her words carried a sharp edge:
"Zhu Guang, your concern is unnecessary. Zi Yan is an adorable little girl who just invited us out for food. And yet, here you are, charging in like a lunatic. What is it? Did the lesson we taught you last time not suffice? Or have you forgotten whose territory this is?"
Her tone was calm but dripping with disdain, causing Zhu Guang's veins to bulge in anger. Still, he dared not respond.
The moment Ling Yun moved earlier, Zhu Guang, a seven star Dou Saint at his peak, hadn't even had time to react before being subdued. He also sensed that both Huang Min and Ling Yun had reached the pinnacle of nine star Dou Saint.
"Hiss…"
Zhu Guang inwardly gasped as cold sweat ran down his back. His expression turned grim as he forced himself to speak. "Fine. But know this Miss Zi Yan is the Dragon Emperor's only bloodline. If anything happens to her, the Dragon Emperor will not let you off!"
Ling Yun Strikes Again
"Oh?" Huang Min raised an eyebrow at the implied threat.
Before she could respond, Ling Yun moved again, sending Zhu Guang flying with a powerful kick.
"Bang!"
Zhu Guang's body shot through the air like a cannonball, crashing several hundred meters away and leaving a deep crater in the ground.
Ling Yun turned back to Huang Min. "Sister Min, this guy is up to no good. Why not just finish him off?"
Huang Min shook her head dismissively. "Forget it. He's nothing but a clown. Killing him here in Tianwai Heaven would only cause unnecessary trouble. Let him go."
Zi Yan's Confusion
Turning to Zi Yan, who looked adorably bewildered, Huang Min asked gently, "Little Zi Yan, do you have any issues with that guy?"
"Issues? No, Sister Min," Zi Yan replied, shaking her head. "The Northern Dragon King is someone Father sent to Tianwai Heaven to act as my bodyguard. But I don't like him, so I didn't let him follow me. A while ago, I heard he became Lord Xiao Qing's mount, so I haven't seen him in a long time!"
Huang Min frowned slightly. "That doesn't make sense. The moment he saw us with you, he immediately announced your identity as the Dragon Emperor's daughter. That's why Ling Yun said he might be up to something.
If there's no bad blood between you two, why would he do that?"
Zi Yan tilted her head, still puzzled. Ling Yun spoke up to explain, **"Little Zi Yan, it's true that we have a grudge against your father. Back then, we stormed East Dragon Island and nearly lost our lives there. If not for Teacher arriving in time, we wouldn't be standing here today.
Zhu Guang, as the Northern Dragon King of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, knows this history well. When he saw us with you, he had two options: either he genuinely feared for your safety or he wanted to use us to harm you."**
Zi Yan's Outrage
Zi Yan's eyes widened in shock. "Really? Brother Ling Yun, you're saying you and my father are enemies?"
Ling Yun nodded. "Yes, but don't worry. We've known who you are since we met you at Tianchen Manor. We have no intention of harming you."
Ling Yun then recounted their conflict with Zhu Kun and the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, explaining the events that led to their grudge.
After listening carefully, Zi Yan, though young, was no fool. She quickly connected the dots and realized why Ling Yun and Huang Min had suspected Zhu Guang's intentions.
Puffing up her cheeks in frustration, Zi Yan clenched her tiny fists. "Brother Ling Yun, Sister Min, hit him! Beat him up!"
Huang Min and Ling Yun couldn't help but burst into laughter, their initial worry about Zi Yan distancing herself from them dissipating instantly.
Huang Min affectionately pinched Zi Yan's cheeks. **"There's no need to hit him. He's not worth the effort. But Little Zi Yan, you should send a message to your father and have him recall Zhu Guang.
Someone like him, with such questionable motives, could be a real threat to you in the future. If it had been someone else in our place today, your life could have been in serious danger. Do you understand?"**
Zi Yan nodded earnestly. "Okay! After we eat, I'll send Father a message and have him take that bad guy back. Maybe even punish him!"
A Bitter Zhu Guang
Watching the trio walk away, Zhu Guang's eyes burned with fury. The Northern Dragon King clenched his fists tightly, his heart filled with resentment.
"Damn it! Why? Why does everyone like her so much? It's bad enough that the Xiao Clan fawns over her, but even these two phoenixes, who have such deep hatred for Zhu Kun, are charmed by her?!"
Unwilling to accept his perceived injustice, Zhu Guang glared at their retreating figures.
Unbeknownst to him, not far away, a shadowy figure observed his every move, quietly relaying the scene to Zhu Kun on East Dragon Island.
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