Chapter 314: Entering the City, Beyond the Walls

"Who would have thought that such powerful strange beasts have emerged beyond the walls? It seems the changes across the realm since the fall of Qi Lu Fu Su have been even faster than we imagined," Old Doctor said, his expression growing grave.

"Yes," Lu Qing nodded. "And from what those two gentlemen said earlier, those two beasts clearly possess great intelligence—far from mere animals. Their wisdom is on par with that of ordinary humans."

"Who knows how many such intelligent beasts have already appeared? And how many of them are peaceful?" Old Doctor murmured, concern in his voice.

He had heard about the incident with the White Wolf from the traveling merchant earlier. To command a pack of wolves to attack a city was unmistakable proof that the White Wolf held no kindness toward humanity. If all the newly awakened beasts shared this hostility...

Then the lives of countless common people across the realm would indeed be in peril.

"Such is the course of fate," Lu Qing said, sensing his Master's unease. "The balance of power among the great forces of the world will inevitably shift. The ancient immortal era was never one where mankind alone ruled. Other races existed then too. This is simply the tide of history, Master. We need not despair."

"Hmm, I know," Old Doctor replied, nodding.

For the past few days, he had studied the jade slips Lu Qing had carved with detailed records. He now understood much of what had occurred in the ancient immortal era. He knew that the awakening of beasts and the resurgence of ancient races after Qi Lu Fu Su’s fall was not only natural—but ordained by Heaven itself.

"The City Gate is opening!"

Suddenly, someone shouted from the crowd.

On the gate tower, a man waved a yellow banner—clear signal that the gate was about to open. Those waiting outside, merchants and travelers alike, began moving into position, forming orderly lines. Lu Qing and the others joined the tail end of one such caravan.

As soon as the outer ranks had settled, a deep, grinding sound echoed from the gate. The massive twin doors slowly began to slide apart.

"Hu Jie Jie," Xiao Yan said excitedly, turning to Hu Ze Zhi, "you're about to go home!"

"Yes," Hu Ze Zhi replied softly, her expression complex—joy warring with trepidation.

With a thunderous creak, the gate finally swung wide open. First, a stream of merchants and travelers poured out from within the city. Then, it was Lu Qing’s turn to enter.

As expected, an entry fee was required. Ma Gu stepped forward, drawing out his money pouch.

The fee collector was the same towering, imposing warrior from last time.

Having learned from past mistakes, Ma Gu didn’t try to sneak extra coins into the pouch. He paid exactly the amount due, with no tricks.

The warrior took the silver without comment, recorded the transaction, then glanced up. His eyes narrowed slightly.

"I recognize you. Didn’t you just enter the pass last month?"

Ma Gu blinked, then quickly flashed a polite smile. "You have a sharp memory, sir. Yes, we only just crossed the border last month."

The warrior’s gaze shifted behind Ma Gu, landing on Lu Qing. His expression flickered—just for a moment—before returning to calm.

"Then you’ve returned quickly. Did you enjoy your stay in Zhong Zhou?"

"Thanks to your kindness, the journey was smooth. We’ve seen many wondrous sights—truly eye-opening," Ma Gu replied.

"Good. The fee is settled. You may enter."

Watching Lu Qing and the others walk through the gate, the warrior’s smile slowly faded, replaced by a deep frown. He reached beneath the desk and pulled out a scroll painting, carefully unrolling it.

On the scroll was a portrait of a young man—holding a warblade, his spirit fierce and unyielding. The face was unmistakably that of Lu Qing.

The warrior’s breath hitched.

"Indeed, it’s him. But… wasn’t it reported just two days ago that he’d only just left Sheng Cheng? How could he be back so soon?"

Recalling the City Lord’s strict orders, he acted immediately. He called over his subordinate to take over the toll collection, then grabbed the scroll and hurried off.

"Lu Gongzi," Hu Ze Zhi asked as they walked the city streets, "that city guard captain—did he recognize you?"

"Hmm? Why do you say that?" Lu Qing raised an eyebrow.

"I saw his eyes change when he saw you. He looked truly startled. He must know who you are."

Lu Qing was genuinely surprised. He hadn’t expected Hu Ze Zhi to notice such a subtle shift.

He shrugged. "Perhaps. But it’s not our concern. Let it go."

"Oh."

Seeing that Lu Qing and Old Doctor showed no worry, Hu Ze Zhi relaxed. She understood—this matter wasn’t worth fretting over.

Lu Qing smiled inwardly. He had noticed the warrior’s odd reaction too. The man’s gaze had been unmistakably familiar.

After all, Qinglong City was one of the key gateways guarding Zhong Zhou. Its connection to Sheng Cheng was undoubtedly deep. If they had some method of tracking individuals, it made sense.

And given what had happened at Sheng Cheng—his image, his name, his deeds—news of him had surely spread across all major sects and powers.

As long as they didn’t come looking for trouble, Lu Qing had no quarrel with them.

"Lu Gongzi," Hu Ze Zhi said, "where are you planning to stay tonight? I’ve lived here all my life—I know the city well. I can guide you."

"It’s still early," Lu Qing laughed. "We won’t be staying in the city. After I drop you off at home, we’ll be leaving straight away."

"Leaving already?" Hu Ze Zhi stiffened, stunned. She hadn’t heard them mention this earlier.

"Yes," Lu Qing said. "We’ve been away from home for far too long. I want to return as soon as possible."

She didn’t hear the rest. Her mind was reeling.

"Hu Gu Niang?"

Lu Qing noticed her dazed expression and called her name gently. She blinked, finally coming back to herself.

"Oh… nothing. What is it?" she asked, still dazed.

"Hu Gu Niang, there are two paths ahead. Which way leads to your home?"

"Um… the left one," she stammered, glancing around frantically before pointing.

She quickly stepped forward, trying to hide her turmoil.

Lu Qing shook his head slightly, then followed. Old Doctor merely smiled, unconcerned by the young woman’s emotional flutter.

Hu Ze Zhi’s heart was a storm—but as they drew closer to her home, the chaos began to settle. What remained was pure, trembling excitement… and nervous anticipation.

At last, she saw it—the familiar gate, the one she had known since childhood.

Her emotions exploded.

She broke into a run.

The courtyard gate stood open. Though she felt a flicker of unease, she had no time to think. She burst through, shouting, "Father! I’m home!"

Then her voice died.

Her eyes widened in horror.

"Who are you? Let go of my father!"

Before her stood a group of fierce-looking men. Her father, Hu Lao San, lay on the ground, bloodied and motionless, pinned beneath the foot of a young man in fine robes—pale, delicate features, eyes cold and calculating.

"Xiao Lian?" Hu Lao San’s face lit up with disbelief when he saw her. But the joy was instantly replaced by panic. "Run! Run now—these are monsters!"

Too late.

The young man’s gaze snapped to Hu Ze Zhi. A smile spread across his face.

Without a word, two of his guards lunged forward, hands outstretched, aiming to seize her.

"You dare!"

Seeing his daughter in danger, Hu Lao San’s eyes turned crimson. He strained with all his might—but the man above him merely pressed down, and blood sprayed from his mouth. His strength vanished.

The young man’s eyes never left Hu Ze Zhi. He smiled as his two elite guards—both at the Jin Gu Jing stage—closed in.

Then, the smile froze.

A black iron pole shot from behind Hu Ze Zhi, striking both guards in the chest.

Thud! Thud!

Violent force exploded. The two guards spat blood, flew backward, crashing into the courtyard and knocking over pots, benches, and jars.

"What?"

The sudden turn of events stunned everyone.

The young man narrowed his eyes, staring at the iron pole—no, at the man behind it. Wei Zian.

"Who are you? Why interfere in Qi Jia’s affairs?" the young man demanded coldly.

Wei Zian ignored him, turning to Hu Ze Zhi with genuine concern. "Hu Jie Jie, are you alright?"

"I’m fine," she said, trembling. "But my father—he’s hurt!"

"Dare to ignore me?" The young man’s voice turned icy. No one spoke to him like that. He flicked his fingers—two more figures leapt forward.

These two were stronger. Their Qi and Blood Power surged, heating the air around them. Two Nei Fu Jing masters—formidable warriors in their own right.

Yet Wei Zian didn’t budge. He stood still, arms crossed, the iron pole resting on his shoulder, a faint smirk on his face.

"Does this boy not value his life?"

Before the young man could finish his thought, a blur appeared beside Wei Zian.

Then—light.

A blade slashed through the air. The two Nei Fu Jing guards, caught unawares, were cut in half. They flew backward, crashing to the ground.

Thud! Thud!

They landed, gasping, clutching their chests. Deep, bone-deep wounds gaped open.

The sight sent shockwaves through the remaining guards. Their faces paled. They stared at Ma Gu in utter dread.

If not for their armor, they would have been split in two.

Who was this man? How could his sword move so fast, so precisely?

"And you?" The young man finally spoke, voice trembling with rage. "Who are you?"

One strike—two Nei Fu Jing masters felled, barely able to stand. Ma Gu was clearly a Nei Fu Jing Da Cheng-level master—among the strongest in all of Qinglong City.

And such a man did not belong to someone he could easily dismiss.

But the young man’s face turned livid. Ma Gu didn’t answer. Instead, he looked down at Hu Lao San beneath his foot.

"Release him."

"Good. Good!" The young man laughed bitterly. "No one has ever dared speak to me like that. I’ll crush you both!"

Furious, he surged with Qi, preparing to crush Hu Lao San’s chest.

But then—his foot sank into nothing.

A searing pain exploded up his leg.

He screamed.

He looked down. His lower leg was severed, lying beside him.

"My leg! My leg!" he shrieked, rolling on the ground in agony.

"Master! Master!" The guards scrambled, some trying to stop the bleeding, others shielding him.

"Kill them! Kill them all!" The young man howled, his mind shattered by pain.

But no one moved. They had seen Ma Gu’s sword.

Not a single guard dared advance.

Then, the young man roared, "If you don’t attack, I’ll have my father kill every last one of you!"

The words froze them.

Their faces twisted with fear. With no choice, they gritted their teeth, eyes bloodshot, charging forward—wounded or not, they lunged.

But then—pressure.

An invisible force descended upon the courtyard.

Every guard froze—completely immobilized. Their bodies locked. Their faces locked in expressions of horror.

Xiān Tiān Pressure?

Who dared use Xiān Tiān-level pressure within the city?

Inside a nearby opulent mansion, a figure sitting in meditation suddenly snapped awake.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end