Settling Qing Tan, Visiting the Symbol Master Association

And at that very moment,

As Master Yan's slightly trembling yet deeply respectful voice echoed through the Wanjin Auction House's hall, the entire noisy space fell into deathly silence.

The silence lasted for several breaths before an uproar, like boiling water, suddenly erupted!

"My heavens! Am I seeing this right? Master Yan... actually bowed to that young man?!"

"How is that possible? Master Yan is the President of our Flame City Symbol Master Association! Even the City Lord treats him with utmost courtesy. Why would he humble himself before some brat today?"

"What did Master Yan just say? 'This master's might'? And he asked for forgiveness? Could it be..."

"Could it be that this young man's Spiritual Power is even stronger than Master Yan's?!"

The moment those words were spoken, everyone's hearts clenched.

Stronger than Master Yan?

Master Yan was already a Four-Seal Talisman Master. Then this young man... could he be a Five-Seal Talisman Master?!

At that thought, everyone's gaze toward the young man calmly seated in his chair changed completely.

At barely twenty years old, he possessed terrifying strength that surpassed the foremost figure in Flame City's rune master world. It was simply unbelievable!

Compared to the spectators merely watching the excitement, Xia Wanjin and Xuan Su, standing to one side, were far more shaken.

The two exchanged a glance and saw near-stunned horror in each other's eyes.

As senior members of the Myriad Gold Merchant Association, they knew Liu Yuan's background better than anyone else.

They knew Liu Yuan was a martial arts expert in the Form Creation Realm, and they also knew he could casually refine top-grade Pills.

They had originally thought that was all there was to him.

But now...

Master Yan's bow was like a resounding slap that brutally shattered their narrow understanding.

"Brother Liu Yuan... his Spiritual Power is actually this powerful too..."

Xia Wanjin swallowed hard, his mouth utterly dry.

Form Creation Realm Origin Power, and Spiritual Power that might even have reached the level of a Five-Seal Talisman Master!

Liu Yuan's true depth was far more unfathomable than he had imagined!

Xuan Su stared fixedly at Liu Yuan's extraordinarily handsome profile, her chest rising and falling sharply as stormy waves surged in her heart.

"Little Brother Liu Yuan... just how many secrets are you still hiding?"

Xuan Su murmured inwardly, the admiration and affection in her eyes becoming richer than ever.

To become the woman of such a powerful man, even if only one among many, would be an immense honor!

Faced with the astonished gazes that could have drowned a person, as well as Master Yan, who remained bent before him with cold sweat pouring down his forehead,

Liu Yuan still maintained his calm demeanor.

He gently set down the teacup in his hand. The bottom of the cup touched the table with a soft knock.

The sound was faint, but to Master Yan, it was like thunder striking the ground.

"Get up."

Liu Yuan's voice was calm, betraying neither joy nor anger, yet it carried an unquestionable authority.

"I know you meant no harm."

"Otherwise, do you think that with your pathetic bit of Spiritual Power, you would still be standing here talking to me safely?"

Though the words were arrogant, no one present dared refute them.

Master Yan's body trembled slightly, and a wave of relief at having survived washed through his heart.

He knew Liu Yuan was telling the truth.

If that rebounding force had been even a little stronger, or if Liu Yuan had harbored the slightest killing intent and used his Spiritual Power to directly attack his Mud Pill Palace, he would probably have already become either a cold corpse or a drooling idiot!

"Thank you, Master, for showing mercy! Thank you, Master, for your magnanimity!"

Yan Xuan felt as though he had been granted a pardon. He hurriedly bowed again before finally daring to straighten up.

But by then, the clothes on his back were already soaked through with cold sweat. The only thing left in his gaze toward Liu Yuan was pure awe.

Liu Yuan looked at the shaken Elder, a teasing smile curling across his lips. He suddenly raised a hand and pointed at Lin Dong beside him, who was looking at him with worshipful eyes.

"Actually, there is no need for you to be so frightened."

"I heard from my brother-in-law that when he was in Qing Yang Town, you took good care of him. That Divine Movement Chapter helped him greatly."

"By rights, I should thank you on his behalf."

Hearing this, Yan Xuan, who had only just steadied himself, froze slightly and instinctively followed Liu Yuan's finger.

When he saw Lin Dong, a trace of recollection flashed through his cloudy old eyes, followed by sudden realization.

"So... it was that little fellow."

Back then, he had indeed noticed that Lin Dong possessed some talent in Spiritual Power, which was why he had given him the Divine Movement Chapter.

But he had never imagined that the unremarkable youth from back then would have such a terrifying brother-in-law!

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare!"

Yan Xuan hurriedly waved his hands, his face full of bitter humility. How could he dare claim credit?

"Back then, this old man merely acted on a whim and gave him some basic cultivation methods. It was not some great favor."

"Little Friend Lin Dong is exceptionally gifted. His achievements today are entirely due to his own fortune."

Before a supreme expert who was possibly a Five-Seal Talisman Master, Yan Xuan did not have the nerve to bring up a "favor."

What if the other party thought he was trying to demand repayment by invoking that favor? That would be disastrous.

Seeing Yan Xuan acting so cautiously, Liu Yuan chuckled and waved his hand.

"Enough. Whether it was done casually or not is unimportant. What matters is that you did help him."

At this point, Liu Yuan rose to his feet and looked directly at Yan Xuan, his tone carrying a hint of mystery and promise.

"How about this?"

"In a few days, once I have settled the matters at home, I will personally visit the Symbol Master Association to find you."

"When that time comes, I'll grant you a fortunate opportunity."

A fortunate opportunity?

Hearing those words, Yan Xuan abruptly raised his head, an uncontrollable gleam bursting from his eyes.

Though he had no idea what it would be, Yan Xuan's heart had already begun pounding wildly.

He forcefully suppressed the excitement in his heart and gave Liu Yuan a deep bow, his voice loud and resolute.

"Thank you, Master! Then this old man shall await your arrival at the Symbol Master Association!"

With that, Yan Xuan wisely refrained from disturbing him further. He led away his disciple Zi Yue, who was still utterly bewildered, and respectfully took his leave.

As they watched Yan Xuan depart, the gathered crowd broke into another wave of sighs and exclamations.

This disturbance had ended in a manner no one could have anticipated.

After Master Yan left, Xia Wanjin immediately came back to his senses.

The way he looked at Liu Yuan had become even more respectful.

"Little Friend Liu Yuan, I'll arrange a residence for Little Brother Lin Dong at once! I guarantee it will be the best courtyard in Flame City, with the finest environment for cultivation!"

Xia Wanjin patted his chest in assurance. Without even needing further instructions from Liu Yuan, he directly assigned the Merchant Association's most capable steward to handle the matter.

Liu Yuan nodded, satisfied with Xia Wanjin's efficiency.

Afterward, he left the Wanjin Auction House with Qing Tan and Xuan Su, heading toward his residence in Flame City.

The following few days were rather peaceful in Flame City.

Liu Yuan was in no hurry to visit the Symbol Master Association, nor was he in any hurry to cultivate.

Having just returned to Flame City, he naturally had to spend time with his two beauties first.

Over the next few days, Liu Yuan first showed Qing Tan around the residence. Then, with Xuan Su accompanying her, he took the young girl through Flame City's streets and alleys for a proper outing.

It had to be said that friendship between women was always built quickly, especially when Xuan Su was deliberately trying to please her and Qing Tan was pure and kind-hearted.

In less than two days, the two had become as close as real sisters.

Qing Tan was very dependent on this beautiful and refined older sister, while Xuan Su sincerely adored the obedient and sensible younger girl.

Watching the two beauties, one older and one younger, get along so harmoniously, Liu Yuan felt rather gratified.

A stable harem was the firmest support a man could have while striving outside!

Of course, Liu Yuan had not been idle during those nights either.

Though the imperial life of a harem of three thousand beauties was still far away, enjoying the blessings of having two women was quite pleasant.

So...

Amid such a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere, three or four days passed in the blink of an eye.

Only after Qing Tan had fully grown accustomed to life in Flame City and become close with Xuan Su, no longer needing him to accompany her at all times,

did Liu Yuan remember that he had promised that old man a fortunate opportunity.

"It's time to visit the Symbol Master Association."

Early that morning,

Liu Yuan changed into a clean, neat white robe and left the residence looking refreshed. He headed straight toward the northern part of Flame City.

Flame City Symbol Master Association.

It was an exceptionally grand tower-like building that soared into the clouds. Its entire structure emitted a special Spiritual Power fluctuation that inspired awe.

This was the sacred ground in the hearts of all rune masters in Flame City.

Normally, security here was extremely strict, and ordinary people did not even dare approach.

With his hands clasped behind his back, Liu Yuan leisurely arrived before the Symbol Master Association's entrance.

"Stop!"

The moment he approached, two guards in rune master robes stepped forward and blocked his path.

One of the guards looked Liu Yuan up and down. Seeing that he was so young and wore no rune master insignia, he frowned slightly and coldly barked,

"This is an important site of the Symbol Master Association. Unauthorized persons are forbidden from entering!"

Liu Yuan did not get angry. He merely stopped and replied with a faint smile,

"Go notify Yan Xuan. Tell him someone has come to deliver him a fortunate opportunity."

"Deliver a fortunate opportunity?"

The guard was first stunned, then seemed to have heard some tremendous joke. An extremely strange and mocking expression appeared on his face.

"Kid, are you still asleep?"

The guard sneered, looking at Liu Yuan as though he were an idiot.

"Who do you think our President is? A dignified Four-Seal Talisman Master! In all of Flame City, people can only beg the President to grant them opportunities. When has anyone ever come to give the President an opportunity?"

"You look decent enough, so why is there something wrong with your head? Get lost, get lost. Don't make trouble here, or don't blame me for getting rough!"

The other guard shook his head as well, clearly taking Liu Yuan for some hotheaded fool desperate to become famous.

Liu Yuan sighed helplessly.

These days, no one believed the truth anymore.

He had no desire to argue with two gate guards and merely said calmly,

"My name is Liu Yuan."

"What Liu Round or Liu Square? Why should I care what you're called—"

The guard impatiently waved his hand, about to drive him away.

However, once that name turned over in his mind, his movement suddenly froze.

Then,

the face that had been full of disdain and mockery instantly turned deathly pale. His pupils contracted violently, as though he had seen something utterly terrifying.

"Liu... Liu... Liu Yuan?!"

The guard's voice instantly jumped an octave, becoming sharp and shrill. It even cracked from extreme fear.

"Y-you... You are that one... from the Wanjin Auction House... who made the President..."

Although the events at the Wanjin Auction House had been deliberately suppressed by the higher-ups these past few days, they had long since spread throughout the Symbol Master Association!

It was said that a young man named Liu Yuan possessed heaven-defying Spiritual Power. He had sent even the President flying with a single move and made him bow publicly!

After the President returned, he had even specifically instructed them that if a Young Master named Liu Yuan came to visit, he must be received with the highest level of hospitality and not slighted in the slightest!

That name was practically taboo within the Symbol Master Association now!

"It really is you?!"

The guard's legs went weak, and he nearly fell to his knees.

Looking at the young man before him, who still wore a faint smile, he felt a chill shoot from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.

I'm finished!

I actually mocked such a terrifying figure just now?

"Y-young one had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai! Young one deserves death!"

The guard instantly changed his expression. His face was piled with a fawning smile even uglier than crying, and he bent lower than a shrimp as he repeatedly begged forgiveness.

"Young Master Liu, please forgive me! I'll report this at once! At once!"

Having said that, he did not dare wait for Liu Yuan's response. He turned and rushed into the Symbol Master Association like a startled rabbit, scrambling and stumbling all the way.