Approaching the city, the grand city walls presented a sense of solemnity before the two. Beneath the towering city gates, people flowed back and forth incessantly, filling the area with a bustling atmosphere. As they steadily entered the city, they gazed at the broad streets and the endless shops on both sides. The noise from the throngs of people in the street formed a massive sound wave, spreading out and soaring to the sky.
“This Yellow Sky City is truly bustling, perhaps matching the most popular cities in the Black-Corner Region,” Xiao Yan couldn’t help but marvel at the magnificent city and its vitality.
“But this is the Central Region of the Middle States, the very heart of the continent. Though the Black-Corner Region is formidable, it can’t compare to here,” Lin Yan chuckled, then identified the direction and led Xiao Yan swiftly towards where the Liu family was located. He had once stayed here for a while, so he knew the city fairly well.
Following Lin Yan, Xiao Yan walked through several long streets and around a few corners, and a vast estate appeared within their line of sight. The estate was expansive, and at this moment, the surroundings were crowded with armed guards, their vigilant and cold gazes constantly sweeping the area.
Seeing the tight security, Xiao Yan was stunned and said, “Is such heavy guarding necessary in broad daylight?”
Lin Yan was also taken aback, frowning slightly, he murmured, “Something seems off. The Liu family never had so many guards before. Wait a moment.” After saying that, he turned his eyes and stopped a hurried man, asking with a salute, “Excuse me, friend, what’s happening in Yellow Sky City? Why has the Liu family suddenly added so many guards?”
The stopped man looked at Lin Yan doubtfully and said, “You’re from outside? The Liu and Cheng families are vying for the control of the spatial wormhole. Both have brought quite a number of people to the central square, and almost everyone in the city is rushing there to see the commotion.”
Hearing this, Lin Yan frowned again, saluting the man before walking back to Xiao Yan, whispering, “Something’s not right. I remember it was the Liu family’s turn to manage the spatial wormhole for the year. Why are they contesting it again?”
Xiao Yan, who had heard the explanation, smiled, “Let’s go to the city center and find out.”
Lin Yan nodded and chuckled, “It seems Clan Leader Liu Qing isn’t having an easy time. Follow me; such contests are rare.” He then led the way, quickening his pace towards the city center. Xiao Yan laughed and followed closely behind.
At the city center, a vast bluestone square was filled with a dense crowd. At the center was a stone platform, on which a large, dark spatial wormhole slowly rotated, emitting a shocking spatial energy wave.
The square was packed with people, and the clamor was almost deafening. Curious glances were focused on the central confrontation.
“Cheng Yao, this year’s spatial wormhole is supposed to be managed by the Liu family. What do you mean by this?” Among the group on the left, a muscular man with a resolute face, exuding a naturally authoritative aura, was none other than Liu Qing, the clan leader. Unlike his past fierce demeanor, he now showed a calm and steady leadership, which was essential for the Liu family.
Behind Liu Qing stood two white-bearded elders, exuding a profound and commanding presence. Beside them was a voluptuous woman in red, her face like a peach blossom, exuding a tempting allure. She was Liu Fei, a name familiar to Xiao Yan from their earlier encounter in the Inner Academy.
“Heh, Liu Qing, you’re a generation younger than me. Be more respectful when speaking to your elders,” a middle-aged man with a gloomy gaze sneered from the opposing group.
Liu Qing smirked, about to speak, when an elderly voice echoed from the crowd, “This is the latest order from the Burning Flame Valley.”
All gazes shifted to an old man in red robes, leaning forward. His face was covered in red spots. “Elder Chi Huo of the Burning Flame Valley?” exclamations rose from the crowd. Liu Qing and the two elders’ expressions changed, and they bowed respectfully, “Elder Chi Huo, what does this new order mean? According to the old rules, it’s not the time to hand over the spatial wormhole management yet.”
“The Valley Master ordered us to find high-level alchemists to help refine a pill. However, we haven’t found a suitable one, so the order is issued. Whoever finds a high-level alchemist will manage the spatial wormhole for three years.”
“The Cheng family has already found a grade-six alchemist. If your Liu family can find one and bring him to the Burning Flame Valley, the spatial wormhole will be yours, and the time will extend to three years,” Elder Chi Huo pointed to the Cheng family, where a purple-robed elder stood proudly.
“A grade-six alchemist?” Liu Qing’s expression changed. The highest-ranking alchemist in the Liu family was only grade-five, and a grade-six was extremely rare.
“Elder, this is too sudden. Can you give us a few days to find a grade-six alchemist?” Liu Qing’s expression wavered, and he had to say this.
Elder Chi Huo shook his head, his tone unchanged, “This is a direct order from the Valley Master. If your family can’t find a grade-six alchemist today, the spatial wormhole will go to the Cheng family.”
Seeing Elder Chi Huo’s unyielding stance, Liu Qing’s face paled, and he clenched his fists. Where could he find a grade-six alchemist in a day?
“This old bastard must have been bribed by the Cheng family!” Liu Fei seethed, biting her teeth.
“Silence!” Liu Qing’s face darkened. Liu Fei, seeing his reaction, bit her lip and fell silent.
“What should we do, Elders?” Liu Qing turned to the two elders behind him, sighing.
The elders sighed, “We had heard vague rumors that the Burning Flame Valley was looking for high-level alchemists, but didn’t take it seriously. Miss Fei’s guess might be right. This grade-six alchemist has been practicing for a long time, making it hard to find a better one in Yellow Sky City.”
Hearing this, Liu Qing’s heart sank. The spatial wormhole was vital for the Liu family, and if they lost it, their development would stall.
“Heh, Cousin Liu, stop wasting thoughts. Just hand over the spatial wormhole. I might let the Liu family share some benefits if I’m in a good mood,” the middle-aged man named Cheng Yao mocked.
Liu Qing’s face turned green, but as the clan leader, he suppressed his anger, gritting his teeth, “Cheng Yao, this is all your doing! Let’s go!”
As he turned, a figure rushed from the crowd, laughing, “Lin Yan?”
Surprised, Liu Qing saw Lin Yan, who chuckled, “I can’t help, but someone can.”
Turning to the sky, Lin Yan yelled, “Hey, how long are you going to stay up there?”
Startled, Liu Qing and Liu Fei looked up, seeing a young figure descending from the sky and landing softly.
“Skywalking, a Battle Sect expert?” Liu Qing’s heart tightened, and he prepared to greet the figure, but a familiar, unforgettable laughter sounded, freezing him in place.
“Liu Qing, it’s been years, how are you?”
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