When dealing with someone a little reckless,
there was always one thing to worry about: they might very well leave you unable to back down with dignity.
Yu Yuanzhen was a case in point.
Ning Xuan's blunt "No" had put him in a very uncomfortable position.
He had indeed coveted the immortal herb.
But since the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had expressly asked for it back, he would not shamelessly refuse to return it.
The problem was that he did not have the immortal herb now, either.
"Uncle Yu, please let me take the immortal herb back right now."
Ning Xuan continued.
At last, a troubled expression appeared on Yu Yuanzhen's face.
"To tell you the truth, the immortal herb isn't currently with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
He spread his hands, then pointed at Liu Erlong, who lay like a tattered sack on the ground outside the hall.
"When the young sect master came to deliver the betrothal gifts a while ago, you gave the immortal herb to Liu Erlong separately. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan never entertained any intention of taking it."
"But this time, Liu Erlong said she returned in such a hurry that she left the immortal herb at the academy. Why don't you both wait a few days? I can send someone to fetch it."
Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Ning Xuan could not help exchanging a glance.
Neither doubted the truth of Yu Yuanzhen's words.
"No need."
Ning Xuan frowned, then said,
"We can fetch it ourselves."
The immortal herb must never pass through anyone else's hands again.
"But the immortal herb is precious. Liu Erlong probably wouldn't leave it just anywhere. Do you know where she put it, young sect master?"
Yu Yuanzhen spoke thoughtfully.
"How about this?"
"Chen Xin, you and the young sect master can take Liu Erlong with you. Once you've questioned her about its whereabouts on the way, just find somewhere by the road and throw her out."
They could tell.
Yu Yuanzhen was truly furious with Liu Erlong now.
For him to speak of simply throwing her away, he really was treating her like a pair of worn-out shoes.
"No need."
Ning Xuan shook his head.
"The mere sight of her makes me sick now."
"Grandpa Sword and I will stay with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan for now. We can wait until she wakes up and leave once we have the information."
Yu Yuanzhen paused, then slowly nodded.
He immediately summoned members of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and had Liu Erlong carried away for treatment.
Liu Erlong had only fainted and soon regained consciousness.
But when she woke, her face was pale, and she looked utterly lost.
No matter what anyone asked, she merely stared blankly at them without saying a word, just like an idiot.
"Don't tell me her brain was damaged by the beating."
Yu Yuanzhen muttered to himself.
He seized Liu Erlong by the collar and slapped her again.
Blood once more trickled from the corner of her mouth.
Yet Liu Erlong merely continued smiling foolishly, saying nothing.
Even Sword Douluo Chen Xin found this situation difficult to deal with.
"Forget it. Let's look for it ourselves."
Ning Xuan was frowning too.
But just as the two were about to leave the room, Liu Erlong suddenly burst out laughing.
"Ning Xuan, you ruined me..."
"You'll never get that immortal herb back as long as you live! Hahaha!"
Her voice dripped with venom.
She had not lost her mind?
"You wretch!"
Yu Yuanzhen dragged her out of bed again and slammed her savagely onto the floor.
"Haven't you disgraced yourself enough?"
"You flout morality and defy all decency! What sins did our Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan commit to produce you two animals?"
Another savage beating followed.
But Ning Xuan and Sword Douluo did not slow their steps in the slightest.
Liu Erlong kept insisting that Ning Xuan had ruined her.
But she had brought all of this upon herself.
What did it have to do with Ning Xuan?
If someone was unwilling to quietly wait to become the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's young mistress, there were plenty of others who were willing.
They could do perfectly well without Liu Erlong!!!
After leaving the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Ning Xuan could not resist looking back just as he was about to board the carriage.
He looked at the sprawling clan compound before him.
Tall and magnificent, with an imposing grandeur, it drew a disdainful smile from Ning Xuan. He could almost see the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's ruined future already.
"Grandpa Sword."
The carriage curtain fell, and Ning Xuan's cold voice came from within.
"When we get back, tell Dad to terminate all cooperation with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
"Also..."
"Put pressure on the other clans working with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Force them to cut ties too."
"After offending us, I'd like to see"
"just how much longer this Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan can stay on top."
A cold curve formed at the corners of Ning Xuan's lips.
He had not forgotten what he had heard upon first entering the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Yu Yuanzhen had wanted him to kneel and apologize.
Since the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was still dreaming of overshadowing the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect,
Ning Xuan did not mind shattering that dream completely.
Fortunately, he had brought Sword Douluo Chen Xin to break off the engagement this time. With anyone else, things probably would not have gone so smoothly.
"Rest assured, young sect master."
Sword Douluo Chen Xin also spoke.
"The sect master has already made all the arrangements. They won't have an easy time of it from now on."
The carriage slowly departed, heading toward Heaven Dou City.
Yet neither Ning Xuan nor Sword Douluo Chen Xin knew
that shortly after they left,
another very inconspicuous carriage quietly waited at the entrance to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Then Liu Erlong emerged, her face bruised and swollen, dragging her battered body along.
"Back to Heaven Dou City. Hurry, take a shortcut back. Quickly."
Her eyes venomous, Liu Erlong climbed into the carriage and likewise could not resist looking toward the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's compound.
She sneered inwardly,
You old bastard, you actually want to compete with Xiaogang for the immortal herb? Take a good look at yourself and see whether you're worthy.
At the thought of Yu Xiaogang, excitement stirred in Liu Erlong's heart.
Although she had suffered, she had finally regained her freedom. Once she returned to the academy and found Xiaogang, they would leave immediately.
Then, with the world so vast,
and Xiaogang able to make a breakthrough, couldn't they roam freely across the continent under the name of the Golden Iron Triangle?
As for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect? The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan?
They could all go to hell!!!
Heaven Dou City.
It was already evening again by the time they returned to Heaven Dou City.
"Grandpa Sword, why don't we rest for now and go to Blue Tyrant Academy tomorrow?"
As the carriage stopped outside the marketplace, Ning Xuan spoke.
"Of course."
Sword Douluo Chen Xin smiled and nodded.
Traveling such a long distance was still exhausting, even with a carriage to ride in.
The two headed toward the rest area inside the marketplace.
They encountered quite a few people along the way, all Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect staff working at this marketplace. Everyone greeted them with great respect.
The two nodded amiably in acknowledgment.
But just as Ning Xuan was about to enter the lounge, footsteps suddenly sounded behind him.
It was the marketplace's chief steward.
With a wry smile and a troubled expression, he said,
"Young sect master, I really shouldn't be disturbing you now."
"But Madam Yue from Moonlight Pavilion has been waiting for you in the lounge for three whole days."
Ning Xuan paused in the act of opening the door and asked in surprise,
"What does she need?"
Then he immediately slapped his forehead. He had actually forgotten something important.
"All right, go tell Madam Yue I'll come after I've washed up..."
That concludes the third update.
Before you continue