"How interesting... There really is some melodramatic emotional drama." Ling Xiao stood with his hands behind his back, watching Lin Xi disappear without making a move to stop him. He had already left a strand of soul imprint on the latter. The method recorded in the Soul Snatching Ancient Art would be difficult for ordinary experts to detect.
Of course, even without Nian Qingyun's intervention, Ling Xiao had no intention of killing Lin Xi now. After all, there was still plenty of Karma to plunder from him. What just happened was only the beginning. Next, this treasure-seeking beast should start serving his purpose. Heaven and Earth Spiritual Fires? Ling Xiao naturally coveted them too. The path to nine Dao Principles was long and arduous.
Moreover, he hadn't sensed the slightest aura of a remnant soul on Lin Xi today. Clearly, the 'old grandpa' in his ring must be deliberately hiding his presence. The ability to evade the soul perception of a Divine Emperor-level expert suggested this particular 'old grandpa' had some skills. Remnant souls of powerful experts were nourishment for Ling Xiao's soul palace.
Two thousand Karma Points... five hundred seized in today's fight. He wondered what surprises Lin Xi would bring the next time they met.
Hehe.
This feeling of being disliked yet being utterly untouchable...
It was really quite comfortable.
"The first time? Which 'first time' was that?" Ling Xiao turned around, glanced at the many powerful figures in front of the hall, and a smile returned to his face. He could feel a new, inexplicable sense of awe in the way people looked at him now. The power of a Dao Principle, in the Sacred Province, was the line separating a monstrous prodigy from a mere genius. Especially the disciples of the Myriad Demons Sect and the Ling Clan members, their eyes held a trace of fear. Comprehending two Dao Principles? Such talent could be called invincible.
"Hahaha, Young Master Ling Xiao is indeed peerless in the world!"
"The leader of the younger generation must be the Young Master!"
"Young Master Ling Xiao,I've admired you for a long time~"
Many prodigies from Ancient Clans immediately swarmed up, vying to flatter Ling Xiao. In their eyes now, this Ling Clan Young Master was not only peerlessly handsome but also possessed an innate immortal bone and divine demeanor, naturally embodying the Dao's charm. Such a figure was destined to stand at the pinnacle in the future. If they didn't lick his boots now, when would they?
"Indeed, Young Master Ling Xiao, I could tell that Lin Xi fellow was doomed from the start. But the Young Master's magnanimity... such breadth of mind puts us to shame."
"Young Master,this humble one is staying at the Cloudsoar Pavilion tonight, in the Celestial Suite number one... If you have time later, could you... come and offer some guidance on my cultivation?" Many proud daughters began to look mesmerized, their words fragrant, competing with each other, hoping to gain a shred of favor from the Ling Clan heir.
"Hmph."
Just then, a cold snort came from inside the distant hall. Instantly, an absolutely frigid aura rolled out, causing the faces of many proud daughters to pale, their minds nearly unsettled.
"Hmm? Seems like... she's getting the right idea?" Ling Xiao raised an eyebrow slightly. Women, regardless of status, background, or cultivation level, really do share the same temperament.
Ding. Congratulations, Host, for sparking the curiosity of the Daughter of Destiny. Gained 500 Karma Points, 5000 Villain Points.
"Everyone, let's go. Today is my engagement day. We must drink until we drop!" Ling Xiao grinned and walked towards the great hall.
"Today is Young Master Ling Xiao's joyous occasion, the whole world should celebrate!"
"Right,right! Young Master, after you!"
The prodigies fell in step half a pace behind Ling Xiao, surrounding him like stars encircling the moon as they proceeded forward. All the sect masters witnessing this scene felt a pang of bitterness. After today, this Ling Clan heir will truly dominate his generation.
The engagement banquet officially began. During the feast, whether they were powerful experts from ancient sects or Divine Emperor-level figures, all presented congratulatory gifts to celebrate Ling Xiao and Nian Qingyun's joyous occasion. Of course, Ling Xiao unceremoniously pocketed every single gift.
Nian Qingyun, from start to finish, maintained an icy demeanor. She neither ate nor drank, and didn't even glance at Ling Xiao. The Dao Palace Divine Maiden, the Frost Beauty—truly living up to her name.
"Hahaha, Young Master Ling Xiao is peerless! Why not take advantage of this joyous day to become sworn brothers?"
"Seeing the Young Master feels like seeing my own dear brother,so familiar! A wonderful idea!"
"Woof woof woof!"[Implies someone fawning excessively, like a dog]
The entire hall was filled with harmonious jubilation. Ling Xiao accepted everyone freely, constantly drinking and merrymaking with the prodigies, enjoying himself immensely.
---
Meanwhile, after escaping the Ling Clan sacred realm, Lin Xi didn't dare hesitate in the slightest. He used his full power to flee towards Sunset City. It wasn't that he was in a hurry to collect that Spiritual Fire, but he feared his actions today might have angered the Ling Clan, provoking a pursuit. Don't be fooled by Ling Xiao's sanctimonious act just now. These scions of ancient clans are the most hypocritical. He was just trying to appear magnanimous in front of Nian Qingyun. He probably hates me to the core by now.
The first intimate contact... Hmph, Ling Xiao, no matter how awesome you are, I've already tasted your fiancée. Even if there was a bit of a dusty taste, overall, it was still fragrant. Slurp.
"Xi'er..." Spirit Elder's voice suddenly came from the ring.
"Spirit Elder!!" A dark flash crossed Lin Xi's eyes. This old thing is all boastful and imposing when bragging, talking about being a Venerable Realm expert, the Heavenly Flame Venerable. Why didn't he dare even utter a peep when I was being humiliated?
"Find a place to stop for a moment first." Spirit Elder's voice was grave. Back in the Ling Clan, although he had used methods to conceal his aura, he still felt a terrifying divine sense that seemed to notice his presence. The Ling Clan's depth made him wary. If Lin Xi died, all his efforts over the past nearly eight years would be in vain.
"Spirit Elder... we haven't even left Han Tian City yet. What if..." Lin Xi frowned. Stop? What if Ling Clan experts are chasing us?
"When things happen, don't panic... Here, take this pill first." Spirit Elder chuckled lightly, displaying an unmatched air of a supreme expert.
You're not panicking! Worst case, you just find another successor. What about me?! Lin Xi gritted his teeth fiercely, taking a small blue pill from the ring. His eyes held doubt. "Spirit Elder... this is..."
"This is an 'Qi-Concealing Face-Changing Pill'. Taking it can mask your aura and alter your appearance. I guarantee even your own father wouldn't recognize you."
"So miraculous?!"Lin Xi naturally didn't doubt Spirit Elder's methods. According to the elder's past accounts, when he dominated the Sacred Province back in the day, it wasn't just relying on his Venerable Realm cultivation, but also his masterful alchemical skills. Even now, the masters of some supreme orthodoxies in the Sacred Province were once his followers. But now, with his physical body destroyed and only his soul remaining, he didn't dare contact these people, fearing it might bring more trouble. The human heart is, after all, a complex thing. But once Lin Xi could step into the Emperor Realm, Spirit Elder had promised him that at least five supreme orthodoxies would be at his command. And this was the reason Lin Xi had never regarded Ling Xiao or the Ling Clan seriously from the start.
Look at this pie he's painting. It's so big and round.
You can't eat it in one bite, and eating too much might make you burst.