Martial Universe: Strongest in Every Map, I'm Forever Above You
Chapter 43

First Meeting of Qing Tan and Xuan Su! Master Yan's Test!

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In the blink of an eye, another three days passed in a hurry.

During those three days, the gates of Liu Yuan's Small Courtyard remained tightly shut. Aside from the occasional maid leaving meals at the entrance, no one else went in or out.

Liu Yuan and Qing Tan had been "cultivating diligently" inside the room the entire time.

It had to be said that cultivating after obtaining a special constitution really was wonderful!

Every time he circulated his cultivation technique, Liu Yuan could clearly feel the Origin Power within his body growing at an astonishing rate. His physical body seemed to be repeatedly forged by divine iron, becoming ever more formidable.

The thrill of growing stronger was truly addictive, impossible to stop once one had tasted it.

Thus, Liu Yuan's past three days had been exceptionally pleasant and fulfilling. He had even begun to forget all about returning.

However, he had not intended to stay here forever.

After all, Qing Yang Town was simply too small for Liu Yuan now.

Compared to Flame City, many things here were rather inconvenient.

Therefore, early on the fourth day, Liu Yuan directly took Qing Tan to bid farewell to Lin Zhentian and the others, saying that he was returning to Flame City.

Inside the Lin Family's main hall.

"You're leaving so soon?"

Lin Zhentian looked at Liu Yuan and Qing Tan before him, his eyes filled with deep reluctance.

But he also understood that a Hidden Dragon in the Abyss could not remain there forever. A peerless talent like Liu Yuan was destined to Soar the Nine Heavens.

Thus, the old man did not try too hard to stop them. He merely held Qing Tan's hand and repeatedly reminded her to take good care of herself and come home often when she had the time.

However, just as Liu Yuan and Qing Tan were about to depart, Lin Dong, who had been standing quietly at the side, suddenly stepped forward.

"Brother Liu Yuan..."

There was hope and determination on the young man's somewhat immature yet resolute face.

"I want to go to Flame City with you too!"

"Oh?" Liu Yuan stopped and looked at him with interest.

Lin Dong scratched his head and spoke honestly.

"Now that the Lei Xie Families have been destroyed and the threat of the Blood Robe Sect is gone, Qing Yang Town is peaceful. But... I feel that being too comfortable isn't suitable for cultivation."

"I want to see the wider world outside. I want to become stronger, just like you, Brother Liu Yuan!"

Hearing this, Liu Yuan could not help but laugh inwardly.

That's more like it!

As the Child of Destiny, how could he stay holed up in the starter village and retire?

The stronger Lin Dong became, the faster the map would open up, and the higher the system's full-map idle rewards would be.

This kid was taking the initiative to go out and grind monsters and level up. Liu Yuan couldn't have wished for more.

"Alright!"

Liu Yuan immediately nodded in agreement and laughed heartily.

"A real man should indeed venture out into the world."

"Since you want to go, come with us. I happen to have some connections in Flame City, so I can arrange a place for you to stay."

"Thank you, Brother Liu Yuan!" Lin Dong was overjoyed.

Without much delay, the three of them took Little Yan, mounted their fast horses, and left Qing Yang Town at once, galloping toward Flame City.

About half a day later.

The outline of that towering, majestic city once again appeared in their sight.

Looking at the city walls dozens of zhang high and the endless stream of people at the gates, a trace of awe flashed through Lin Dong's eyes.

Although he had come here before, the city's prosperity still moved him every time he visited.

After entering the city, Liu Yuan led Qing Tan and Lin Dong straight toward the most bustling area in the city center with practiced ease.

Before long, the enormous, resplendent, and imposing building—the Wanjin Auction House—came into view.

"We're here."

Liu Yuan swung down from his horse and casually handed the reins to an attendant nearby.

Before they could even approach the entrance, the two rows of guards at the door, who had originally stood tall with arrogant expressions, changed dramatically the instant they saw Liu Yuan's face.

Swish!

The guards all bent at the waist in unison, their faces filled with humble, even fawning smiles, while their voices rang out loud and clear.

"Welcome, Young Master Liu Yuan!"

"Young Master Liu Yuan, you're here! Please, come in at once! This humble one will notify the President and Steward Su immediately!"

This sudden display gave Lin Dong, who was following behind them, quite a fright.

He stared blankly at the guards who were bowing and scraping, his heart filled with shock.

One had to know that when he and his father, Lin Xiao, had come to Wanjin Auction House to sell Yang Yuan Stones in the past, these guards had all been arrogant and disdainful. Even toward Origin Core Realm experts, they had maintained that haughty, businesslike attitude.

Yet now, before Brother Liu Yuan, these people were actually respectful to this extent? It was practically as though they had seen their own ancestors!

"Is this Brother Liu Yuan's status now...?"

Lin Dong secretly clicked his tongue. His desire for strength grew even stronger.

Liu Yuan was already accustomed to this. He merely nodded faintly and led the two of them straight into the auction house's VIP lounge.

They had only just sat down, and even the tea had yet to cool.

Thud thud thud!

A burst of hurried footsteps came from the staircase.

Immediately afterward, two figures hurried over.

The one walking in front was Xia Wanjin, president of the Myriad Gold Merchant Association, while the one beside him was Xuan Su, dressed in a red cheongsam that accentuated her voluptuous and graceful figure.

"Ah, little friend Liu Yuan! You've finally returned!"

Before Xia Wanjin even drew near, his hearty laughter had already carried over. His attitude toward Liu Yuan was extremely warm, with even a faint hint of ingratiation.

After all, Liu Yuan was not only a Form Creation Realm expert, but also a "god of wealth" capable of casually producing vast quantities of top-grade pills. He had to cling tightly to a thigh like that.

As for Xuan Su beside him, the instant her beautiful eyes landed on Liu Yuan, they blossomed with a flash of delighted surprise.

If not for the presence of outsiders, she would likely have already thrown herself into Liu Yuan's arms.

"Brother Xia, Sister Su."

Liu Yuan rose to his feet and greeted them with a smile.

Then he turned slightly and began introducing both sides.

"Come, let me introduce you."

Liu Yuan first pulled Qing Tan, who was beside him, closer and said with a doting expression, "This is Qing Tan, my fiancée."

He then pointed at the still somewhat reserved Lin Dong.

"This is Lin Dong, Qing Tan's older brother, and also my brother-in-law. He has good talent, so I'll have to trouble President Xia to look after him a little in Flame City in the future."

Xia Wanjin and Xuan Su promptly greeted them politely.

Especially when Xuan Su heard the words "my fiancée," her beautiful eyes lingered on Qing Tan for a moment.

Looking at the stunning girl before her—with her rare Ice Blue hair, cool and noble temperament, yet also a hint of a maiden's sweet innocence—Xuan Su secretly marveled to herself.

"What a beautiful girl..."

However, as an intelligent woman, Xuan Su knew her place very well.

After Liu Yuan finished the introductions, he did not hide anything. Instead, he openly said to Qing Tan and Lin Dong, "This is President Xia of the Myriad Gold Merchant Association. As for this Steward Su, Xuan Su..."

Liu Yuan paused, a smile curling at the corner of his lips as he looked at Qing Tan.

"She is now my woman as well."

The moment those words fell.

Lin Dong's hand holding the teacup suddenly trembled, and he nearly spilled the tea onto himself.

He looked in surprise at the alluring, mature, and charming Steward Su, then at Liu Yuan, and finally at his younger sister Qing Tan.

When had Brother Liu Yuan gained another woman?

But upon further thought, in this world where strength reigned supreme, it was perfectly normal for the strong to have several wives and concubines.

Besides, Brother Liu Yuan was so outstanding. It was only natural for him to have a few confidantes. As long as Qing Tan was the principal wife, there was no real problem.

Qing Tan's reaction made Lin Dong heave a sigh of relief.

There was not the slightest displeasure on the maiden's face. Instead, she gave Xuan Su a sweet, obedient smile and called out, "Hello, Sister Xuan Su."

A few days earlier, during a break from "cultivating diligently," Liu Yuan had already confessed Xuan Su's existence to her.

For Qing Tan, who had grown up in the clan and been deeply influenced by traditional values, as long as Brother Liu Yuan had her in his heart and treated her well, she did not mind having another sister to take care of Brother Liu Yuan.

Seeing this, the trace of worry Xuan Su had originally felt instantly vanished.

She immediately stepped forward, warmly took Qing Tan's hand, and brought out a few small gifts for her. The two women soon began chatting affectionately, calling each other sister after sister. For a time, the scene was exceptionally harmonious and warm.

Watching this, Lin Dong could not help giving Liu Yuan a thumbs-up in his heart.

"Brother Liu Yuan really is Brother Liu Yuan. Even his ability to handle household matters is first-rate!"

Just as the group was chatting merrily and the atmosphere was harmonious.

Suddenly.

A commotion arose in the VIP passageway inside the Wanjin Auction House.

"Take care, Master Yan!"

"Master Yan, if you have time next time, please honor us with another visit and offer us some guidance!"

Surrounded by a group of auction house stewards, an elderly man and a young woman slowly emerged from the passageway.

Leading them was an elderly man in a gray robe. His beard and hair were entirely white, and his face was wrinkled with age, yet his eyes were bright and spirited, with a faint sharp gleam flickering within them.

As he walked, the surrounding crowd instinctively made way for him and looked at him with immense reverence, respectfully addressing him as "Master Yan."

At the elderly man's side was a young woman dressed in purple. She was quite pretty, though an undisguised air of arrogance showed between her brows.

Just then—

Master Yan, who had been preparing to leave, seemed to sense something and suddenly halted.

He turned his head, and his sharp gaze passed through the crowd before landing precisely on Liu Yuan, who was seated in the resting area.

"Hm?"

Master Yan frowned slightly.

The reason he had stopped was because he saw Xia Wanjin, who had always held himself in such high regard, actually accompanying a young man at this moment. Moreover, he seemed rather respectful toward him?

"Since when did Flame City produce someone like this?"

With a hint of curiosity, Master Yan did not dwell on it. With a thought, he made his move.

Buzz!

An invisible wave of Spiritual Power instantly surged out from his Mud Pill Palace. Like an unseen giant hand, it silently probed toward Liu Yuan!

He wanted to see what was so extraordinary about this young man!

End of Chapter
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