Reunion with Su Xue

After accepting the Purple Spirit Quenching Soul Grass and the Blood Rock Earth Dragon's Magic Core, the three left the desolate land where they had fought the Dark Demonic Star Fiend Tiger.

Several days later, after traversing the Monster Mountain Range, Lin Ming and his companions sensed that the powerful aura of the Magical Beasts had dissipated, and their mood improved considerably, feeling that their journey had become much easier.

After all, no one can say for sure how many terrifying magical Magical Beasts are hidden within this vast Monster Mountain Range. For example, the Dark Demonic Star Fiend Tiger, which they fought against, possessed the strength of Dou Zong.

During their subsequent journey, Lin Ming and his companions sensed several extremely powerful auras. Fortunately, Lin Ming only goal was to pass through, so they quickly left, and the matter was dropped.

Of course, the group wasn't afraid to leave. They did encounter a few groups of ignorant Magical Beasts along the way, but most of them wisely retreated after sensing the faint but powerful Dou Zong of the Xiao Yi Xian and the domineering bloodline aura of Zi Yan. Occasionally, a few fierce beasts became Zi Yan's practice subjects and minor incidents during Lin Ming's herb-gathering journey.

Several days later, Lin Ming and his two companions finally traversed the seemingly endless dark forest of the Monster Mountain Range.

The view suddenly opened up to a rolling Qiu Ling area, where the sun shone down without any obstruction, bringing a sense of warmth. A wide dirt road wound its way forward, leading to the faint outline of a human town in the distance.

"Finally out! This forest was so annoying, and they wouldn't let me look for medicinal herbs!" Zi Yan stretched out a big yawn, breathing in the air free of the smell of decaying leaves, her little face full of relief.

Xiao Yi Xian remained as calm and collected as ever, but when she looked at the traces of human activity in the distance, a subtle softening appeared in her eyes.

Lin Ming took a deep breath of fresh air, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding scenery. The Qiu Ling terrain, and in the distance, a patch of distinctive dark yellow soil. A strange sense of familiarity welled up in his heart. He frowned slightly, his Soul Power spreading out like mercury, sensing the energy fluctuations and subtle characteristics of this region.

A few breaths later, a look of realization flashed in his eyes, and then a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"So that's how it is... So we've arrived here."

"Lin Ming, do you know this place?" Zi Yan asked curiously as she leaned closer.

Unlike Zi Yan, Xiao Yi Xian instantly recognized where she was with First Revolution glance.

Lin Ming wasn't surprised by Xiao Yi Xian's reaction. Instead, he looked at Zi Yan and said, "Zi Yan, do you remember the first time we met that Barbarian Race?"

Upon hearing this, Zi Yan immediately waved her little fist and said excitedly, "I know! That Barbarian wasn't nearly as strong as he is now. We easily beat him to a pulp."

Seeing that Zi Yan recalled, Lin Ming immediately nodded and said, "Then this place isn't far from where we encountered the Barbarian. And if I remember correctly, if we continue along this road for a short distance, we should reach Huang Yan City."

Huang Yan City, one of the three major cities of the Jin Huai State, is famous for its Huangyan Mine. Furthermore, Lin Ming obtained his first Heavenly Flames — the Mysterious Yellow Flame —after rescuing Su Xue, who was on the verge of death, in the Monster Mountain Range with Little Mysterious Yellow Flame Xiao Yi Xian. Based on her experience, Lin Ming deduced the possibility of Heavenly Flames and ultimately obtained it from her Mine.

After some thought, the scene seems as vivid as if it were yesterday, even though so many years have actually passed.

"Let's go! Let's go into the city first." Bringing his thoughts back, Lin Ming immediately said.

Upon hearing this, the three of them said nothing and continued along the main road towards Huang Yan City at a leisurely pace.

Lin Ming concealed his aura, appearing as an ordinary young man. Xiao Yi Xian and Zi Yan also hid their astonishing fluctuations to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.

The closer we got to Huang Yan City, the more pedestrians and vehicles appeared on the road. At the same time, a faint, peculiar smell, similar to a mixture of sulfur and minerals, filled the air, which was likely the effect of the Huang Yan Mineral Vein.

Along the way, many caravans were laden with goods, covered in dust, and some of their guards carried considerable Dou Qi battle. From their conversations, Lin Ming vaguely heard words like "Su Family," "mineral vein," and "grand competition," suggesting that Huang Yan City was not at peace.

About an hour later, the outline of a majestic city came into view. The city walls were built of a kind of dark yellow boulder, a local specialty, which reflected a calm luster in the sunlight.

Above the city gate, the three large characters "Huang Yan City" are written in a vigorous and powerful style. The city gate is bustling with traffic and heavily guarded, and the Su character on the chest further demonstrates who controls this city.

Seeing this, Lin Ming could only sigh inwardly. It seemed that after Su Xue's father advanced to the Dou Wang, his control over Huang Yan City had become even stronger! Before, the taxi drivers here belonged to the Jin Huai State. Now, they had become members of the Su Family.

After paying a small entrance fee, the three entered the city. The streets were wide, lined with shops, and bustling with people, making it quite prosperous. The city's architecture was mostly dark yellow, giving it a sense of solidity and weight.

Upon entering the city, the ubiquitous Su Family banners prompted Lin Ming to say directly to Xiao Yi Xian and Zi Yan, "Let's go to the Su Family mansion."

The city is dotted with the Su Family settlements. Staying in the Su Family settlements is already pretty much the same as staying outside, so it's better to go to the Su Family settlements. After all, their ability to maintain such control is beneficial to them, as it allows them to better gather intelligence on the Barbarian Race.

The Su Family mansion is located in the heart of Huang Yan City, covering a vast area with high walls and a grand courtyard, exuding an extraordinary aura. The vermilion gate is tightly closed, with two imposing stone lions standing in front of it, and eight guards with calm demeanor and sharp eyes standing on both sides.

All eight of them possessed the cultivation of High-Level Dou Master. Although they were nothing compared to the others, the Su Family's strength was evident when compared to the Xiao Family.

The arrival of Lin Ming and his companions immediately attracted the attention of the guards. Especially Xiao Yi Xian and Zi Yan; their beauty and aura, even when deliberately concealed, still shone like pearls in the dark. The head Guard Team stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over Lin Ming. He sensed that although the man was young, his aura was as deep as the sea, making him somewhat unfathomable. His tone became more polite. "Young master, ladies, this is the Su Family residence. May I ask what brings you here?"

Lin Ming clasped his hands in greeting and said, "Please inform him that I am Lin Ming, an old friend, and have come to pay a visit to Miss Su Xue."

"Lin Ming?" The Guard Team frowned, seemingly trying to recall the name, but he couldn't place it. Miss Su Xue was a noblewoman from a prominent family; she wasn't someone anyone could just see casually. However, seeing Lin Ming's extraordinary bearing, he didn't dare to be negligent and cautiously asked, "Young master says you're an old friend. Do you have any proof? Or should I inform the steward first?"

Lin Ming had long expected this, after all, several years had passed, and things had changed. He thought for a moment and took out a small Jade Tablet from his Storage Ring. The Jade Tablet pendant was made of ordinary material, but it was engraved with an exquisite character "Snow," which Su Xue had given him when they parted years ago, saying that if he ever passed through Huang Yan City, he could use this to find her. At the time, Lin Ming hadn't paid much attention to it and had casually put it away, but he never expected it to come in handy today.

The Guard Team took the Jade Tablet, examined it carefully, and his expression changed slightly. The Jade Tablet was indeed an item belonging to the Su Family, and the "Snow" mark on it was indeed the young lady's mark. He dared not hesitate any longer and became even more respectful. "So you are the young lady's distinguished guest! My apologies for not being there! Please wait a moment, I will go and inform her!"

The Guard Team, carrying the Jade Tablet, hurriedly entered the mansion. About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a series of slightly hurried footsteps echoed from within the mansion.

The door creaked open, and a beautiful figure hurried out from inside.

The person who arrived was a young woman dressed in a light yellow dress. She had a beautiful face and a gentle temperament, but there was a hint of worry and fatigue between her brows. She was Su Xue, the eldest daughter of the Su Family. Several years had passed, and she had lost some of her naivety and gained more mature charm. Her cultivation also seemed to have improved a lot, reaching the Dou Ling level.

Her gaze immediately fell on Lin Ming and the other two. When she saw that face, which was even more resolute and mature than she remembered, her beautiful eyes lit up with surprise.

"Young Master Lin Ming! Xiao Yi Xian, Zi Yan, it really is you!" Su Xue's voice was filled with excitement and disbelief.

Seeing this, Lin Ming smiled slightly and said, "Su Xue, it's been many years. How have you been?"

"I'm fine, I'm fine!" Su Xue nodded repeatedly, a genuine smile blooming on her face. "Oh, please come in!"

Under Su Xue's personal guidance, Lin Ming and his companions entered the Su Family mansion. The mansion was exquisitely decorated with pavilions, terraces, bridges, and flowing water, showcasing the wealth and taste of the Su Family as a powerful clan. The Su Family servants they encountered along the way all turned their heads when they saw the young lady so respectfully leading three strangers, secretly speculating about the identities of Lin Ming and his group.

Upon entering the spacious and bright living room, guests and hosts took their seats, and maids served fragrant tea.

Looking at Lin Ming, Su Xue sighed, "Several years have passed since we last met, and you two, Lin Ming, are even more impressive than before. If it weren't for you and Xiao Yi Xian saving me back then, I, Su Xue, would probably be... I will always remember this kindness."

Lin Ming waved his hand and smiled, "Su Xue, you're too kind. It was nothing at all. We're the ones who have come uninvited today, causing you trouble."

"Young Master Lin Ming, what are you saying! I'm overjoyed that you could come!" Su Xue quickly said.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lin Ming got down to business. "Su Xue, we're passing through Huang Yan City for two reasons: first, to revisit this place and take a look; and second, to gather some information. Do you know of any news about the 'Barbarian Race' circulating here?"

"Barbarian Race?" Su Xue frowned slightly upon hearing this, recalling the name carefully. "The name seems vaguely familiar. Our Huang Yan City is located in a remote area, and information is relatively scarce. In recent years, we haven't heard of any large-scale activities by Barbarian Race. However..."

She paused, then continued, "Our Su Family mainly deals in mines and has connections with merchant caravans in various places. I can instruct the caravan members to keep a close eye out and report any information related to the Barbarian Race to you immediately."

Lin Ming was slightly disappointed, but it was also expected. The Barbarian Race were elusive; it would be strange if they were found so easily. So Lin Ming said again, "Then I'll trouble Su Xue to go to her aid."

"You're too kind, young master," Su Xue said with a smile. "Please make yourselves at home. I'll have the best rooms arranged for you. My father will be hosting a banquet tonight to welcome you all. We would be honored if you would do us the honor of attending."

"Then I shall respectfully accept your offer," Lin Ming nodded in agreement.

Seeing this, Su Xue also laughed.