"You're the one who killed my aunt?!"
"Yes, that was me… And today, it's your turn, you slut! But do you know this? Not only did I kill your aunt—I even slept with her for an entire week!"
Blocking the blue sword with his bare hands, Gu Yan was suddenly struck by a powerful kick from Hua Ling's right leg, smashing into his abdomen. His body was sent flying, his jaws clenched tightly from the impact.
"Gu Yan… today, it won't be me who dies—it will be you! My aunt's death will be avenged today. I will kill you!" Hearing Gu Yan's words ignited a raging fury within her heart.
"Turning the body into a sword?!"
As she spun her blue sword, Hua Ling's entire body rotated clockwise. Her rotation was incredibly fast, generating terrifying gusts of wind.
Gu Yan was utterly stunned. What Hua Ling had used was the signature technique of the Cloud Sword Sect. Being able to master this meant Hua Ling was a Peak First-Star Spirit Realm cultivator.
"H–How can someone as young as you reach such a high cultivation level?" Gu Yan trembled in fear, his face turning pale.
"I already told you—you're nothing but frogs trapped at the bottom of a well!"
Slaaaaaaash!
In the blink of an eye, Gu Yan's body was sliced apart, reduced to scattered chunks of flesh.
After killing Gu Yan, Hua Ling halted her assault. She hovered in the air on her Qi wings and stared coldly at Han Leng, whose body was now trembling.
"Han Leng, I have no quarrel with you. But do you still intend to capture Xiao Chen?"
"P–Princess Ling, I—I apologize! I know my place. I'll leave immediately!"
Meanwhile, instead of studying Hua Ling's techniques for weaknesses, Xiao Chen was completely mesmerized by her beautiful pink wings. This caused the Star Soul Spirit's voice to echo in his mind.
'What are you doing? Are you captivated by her beauty? You are a Phoenix—once your wings awaken, they'll be a hundred times more magnificent than hers!'
'Really, Master?'
'Oh? So you just want to fly, huh? It seems the natural instincts of a Phoenix are still deeply rooted within you. That's good…'
Seeing Han Leng retreat, Hua Ling walked over to Xiao Chen and said, "Your trouble with Han Leng is settled. Now continue your journey."
"Yes, Princess."
Three days later, feeling bored from sitting in the carriage with nothing to do, Xiao Chen chose to enter his subconscious realm to train with his master.
This wasn't for leisure or meaningless activity. Xiao Chen practiced several formation techniques that could prove useful in battle.
"The Heaven-Reversing Formation requires extreme focus to execute. Chen'er, every strike of this technique consumes a massive amount of Qi. The destructive power depends entirely on how much Qi you release. With your current cultivation, you can only use it once in combat—so use it wisely."
"Thank you, Master."
The Star Soul Spirit smiled warmly. He was no longer surprised by Xiao Chen's rapid comprehension of new techniques.
Suddenly, the carriage came to a halt, and Xiao Chen heard Hua Ling's voice calling him back to consciousness.
"Xiao Chen, can you wake up? Is this all you do—sleep all day?!" Hua Ling shouted irritably.
Regaining control of his body, Xiao Chen simply nodded.
"Have we arrived?"
"As you can see. From now on, you're free to roam around the Hua Clan. But later this afternoon, come to the elders' meeting hall. I expect your presence…" Her voice turned cold, her expression flat.
Ignoring the change in Hua Ling's demeanor, Xiao Chen stood up and wandered around to admire the beauty of the Hua Clan.
Although Hua City itself wasn't particularly grand, it was one of the most frequently visited cities by external cultivators.
All of this was closely related to the businesses operated by the Hua Clan.
"Look, isn't that the Phoenix Prince personally escorted by the princess?"
"Yes, he's incredibly lucky to have survived the catastrophe that befell his family…"
"But why did he come here?"
"Aiiih, did you forget? The princess wants to cancel the engagement!"
"Lower your voice! That's just a rumor. If you speak carelessly, the princess might punish us!"
Everyone clearly knew his identity. After all, Hua Ling had personally gone to the Phoenix Empire to retrieve Xiao Chen—naturally, they recognized the fallen Phoenix Prince.
Ignoring the gossip, Xiao Chen eventually stopped at a wine tavern owned by an old man. Though his body looked frail, Xiao Chen felt that this old man was anything but ordinary.
"Young master, welcome…"
"Grandfather, could you give me a jar of your finest wine?"
The old man smiled, fetched a jar of wine, and placed it on the table.
"Boy, what is your purpose for coming here?"
"Grandfather, I'm only here to meet one of my father's acquaintances. Why do you ask?"
"The threads of fate are tangled… What seems trivial now may grow enormous in the future. This matter will only end when one side is slaughtered—or defeated."
"What are you talking about? I don't understand."
"Hahaha! Old man here just likes to babble nonsense. Don't take it to heart. Enjoy the wine…" The old man walked back to his place calmly.
Yet those words left a bad premonition in the Star Soul Spirit's heart. Despite his high cultivation, that old man seemed capable of foretelling the future.
'That old man is truly mysterious…'
After finishing the jar of fine wine, Xiao Chen wasn't drunk at all. Feeling puzzled, he asked, "Grandfather, what kind of wine is this? It's not intoxicating at all."
"That's a private brew made by my son—good, isn't it? Hahaha! Since it's your first time tasting it, you don't need to pay. But let me give you one piece of advice: don't provoke others before you possess great strength."
"I accept your advice, Grandfather."
"Go on, boy…"
Leaving the tavern in a hurry, Xiao Chen headed toward the elders' meeting hall. After walking for fifteen minutes, he finally arrived and entered the grand building, his emotions difficult to describe.
"He's here… Everyone, stay quiet!"
Hua Long, Hua Ling's father, warned the elders.
"Uncle Long, why did you invite me here?"
Hua Long looked at his daughter, who slowly opened her eyes. Moments later, a marriage contract appeared out of thin air.
"Xiao Chen, our engagement must be canceled…"
Xiao Chen wasn't surprised at all. He simply asked,
"What is your reason?"