Playing for real?

RUMBLE!

RUMBLE!

Two deafening roars echoed, followed by three figures flying out.

The former were clearly Yang Kun and Zhao Tai, their faces dark and disheveled, looking somewhat battered.

The latter was Zhang Jinhua, who had taken a full blow from Liu Qiang, resulting in a broken arm and a visibly weakened state, leaving him lying on the ground in agony.

The sudden turn of events caught everyone off guard.

A moment later!

When they finally reacted, their eyes were filled not only with shock but also with deep reverence and fear.

Their gaze towards Ying San, in particular, sent tremors through their souls.

Earth Fiend Level Five!

This was the pinnacle of combat power in Soaring Dragon City. Who could possibly compare to him?

It's over!

It's completely over!

With just one strike, the disparity in strength was crystal clear.

They could already imagine Liu Qiang's one-sided slaughter of everyone present.

This was a joke. Even their strongest fighter had fallen; how could the remaining individuals possibly resist?

"Father!" Zhang Shiqing rushed forward, "Are... are you alright?"

Zhang Jinhua's chest was soaked in blood, and he continuously coughed up bloody foam. Liu Qiang's full-power strike was simply beyond his ability to withstand.

"I... cough... cough cough... I'm fine..." Zhang Jinhua forced a smile onto his contorted face. "Don't... don't worry about your father... Father... Father is fine..."

"Fa... Father..." Zhang Shiqing's eyes welled up with tears, her fists slowly clenching. Her voice turned ice-cold. "I won't let you be wronged for nothing."

"Don't worry!"

"Absolutely not!"

Zhang Shiqing stood up and turned to look at Qin Jishi, her gaze filled with a question... no... deep within it... a hint of a plea, begging him to intervene.

She knew clearly that Yang Kun and Zhao Tai had maintained such a strong stance against Black Eagle Prefecture, which could only mean one thing: Qin Jishi possessed an immeasurable background.

World-Saving Pavilion!

Only disciples of the World-Saving Pavilion would act with such impunity.

Sensing Zhang Shiqing's gaze, Qin Jishi chuckled but remained silent.

"Shiqing..." Tang Xiulan followed Zhang Shiqing's gaze. When she saw Qin Jishi, she became furious. "At a time like this, you're still concerned about this good-for-nothing? It's all because of him! If it weren't for him, would our Zhang Family be in this situation? He's a complete jinx."

Qin Jishi shrugged, showing Zhang Shiqing a look of helplessness.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Zhang Shiqing stood up and walked over to Qin Jishi.

"You're not going to intervene?"

"It has nothing to do with me!"

"Ungrateful! If it weren't for us back then, would you even be alive?"

"That was the old man, not me."

"Fine, you won't act? Then I'll go with Sun Baitan. And I'll make sure all the powers in Azure Wave Imperial Capital know that you, Qin Jishi, are wearing a cuckold's hat."

Zhang Shiqing stared at him, her expression dead serious. "And it's very green, so green it'll blind you."

Qin Jishi: "..."

There's no venom like a woman's heart!

This saying is not false!

Watching Zhang Shiqing's retreating back, Qin Jishi's forehead creased even more.

"Oh, come on! I don't believe this. You're trying to force me this way?"

Qin Jishi knew Zhang Shiqing's intentions. She was forcing him to act.

He hadn't intended to stand by and do nothing anyway. After all, he was nominally the Zhang Family's son-in-law. Now, with Zhang Shiqing's actions, it had instead ignited Qin Jishi's fighting spirit.

"I don't believe you'll actually go with him."

Zhang Shiqing was decisive, without a hint of hesitation. "Elder Sun, if I agree to your terms, will today's matter be dropped?"

Hearing this, Sun Baitan looked at her playfully. "Of course. As an elder, my word is my bond. It will certainly stand."

"Good!" Zhang Shiqing nodded. "But I have one condition."

"Speak freely!" Sun Baitan wanted exactly this outcome. Everything he had done so far was to make Zhang Shiqing yield. In the face of absolute power, even the purest fairy could only prostrate herself at his feet.

"Let Qin Jishi live..." Zhang Shiqing's lips curved upwards. "Our Zhang Family has fallen out with the Liu Family for his sake, yet he remains indifferent. I want him to live the rest of his life without any dignity, just drifting along."

"Let him live?" Sun Baitan frowned, glancing at the Liu father and son, clearly hesitant.

"Elder Sun!" Zhang Shiqing continued, "Don't you think this is more satisfying than killing him?"

Seeing Yang Kun still conflicted, Zhang Shiqing's expression turned cold. "If you don't agree to my terms, I'll die right here in front of you."

As she spoke, Zhang Shiqing condensed an ice arrow in her palm, preparing to strike her own forehead.

"Shiqing..."

"Shi...qing..."

"..."

Tang Xiulan and Zhang Jinhua watched their daughter, their eyes filled only with worry and heartache.

She shouldn't have to endure this.

She shouldn't!

Yang Kun hadn't expected Zhang Shiqing to be so resolute. He didn't want to give up such a good Cultivation Cauldron. Just as Zhang Shiqing's hand was about to fall, he violently swung his arm...

Bang!

Instantly, a powerful aura repelled Zhang Shiqing. "Fine... I agree to your terms..."

"Elder Sun... you..." Liu Qiang hadn't expected this outcome.

"Patriarch Liu, I've only agreed to let him live. As for how he lives..."

The Liu Family, who had been about to erupt in anger, instantly understood the implication. With a stern look, he said, "Elder Sun, now I know what I need to do."

"Young lady, I've agreed to your terms and guarantee the Zhang Family will be fine. Now, will you come with me?" Yang Kun licked his dry lips without any pretense.

"I'll go with you!" Zhang Shiqing stepped forward, walking away without looking back.

No matter how much the Zhang Family members shouted, it was useless.

This?

No!

Qin...

Yang Kun and Zhao Tai's gazes were filled with deep confusion. They didn't understand why Qin Jishi hadn't made a move yet.

In almost an instant, everyone present looked at Qin Jishi with contempt.

His own woman was leaving with someone else, and he remained unmoved. For any normal person, enduring such humiliation, even to death, would be unbearable.

Qin Jishi frowned!

Holy crap!

Is this for real?

Qin Jishi had underestimated Zhang Shiqing's determination. She was a strong woman, and he had no doubt that if he didn't step forward now, Zhang Shiqing would leave with Yang Kun.

Of course, with Zhang Shiqing being so strong, she wouldn't yield either. If she were truly forced to leave, Zhang Shiqing would likely defend her chastity with her life.

Damn it!

You're amazing!

Qin Jishi raised an eyebrow. Zhang Shiqing was, after all, his nominal wife. Even without affection, she was his woman. Who dared to lay a finger on his woman?

Watching Zhang Shiqing slowly approach, Yang Kun had already begun to fantasize about the scene of enjoying her as a Cultivation Cauldron.

"Shiqing... stop..."

A cold voice echoed through the heavens. "My woman, let's see who dares to touch her?"

The sudden turn of events caused a gasp from the entire crowd. Zhang Shiqing stopped in her tracks, the corners of her mouth curling up into a smile of achieved conspiracy.

Bewilderment!

Surprise!

Scorn!

Amusement!

Everyone present looked towards the source of the voice, their faces displaying a myriad of expressions.