Turmoil in Iron Ridge: The City Lord's Test

(1)

The wooden stairs of the Welcome Guests Inn creaked underfoot as a line of soldiers in black armor filed inside. Their armor plates clashed like hail striking an iron sheet, instantly drowning out the clamor in the main hall. At their head was a middle-aged man in brocade robes, with a resolute face and a taut jaw. A broad, heavy saber hung at his waist, its sheath set with seven bronze studs-the distinctive mark of Iron Ridge City's lord.

"Who laid a hand on my son Wang Hu?" The man's voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable pressure. The presence of a Peak Dou Ling spread over the entire inn like an invisible net. The diners fell silent as cicadas in winter, lowering their heads, none daring to breathe too loudly.

Xiao Yan set down his teacup and tapped his fingertips lightly against the table's edge. Ya Fei clenched the hem of her skirt, a flicker of tension crossing her face. "That's Wang Gang, the lord of Iron Ridge City. They say he trained in the army in his early years, and he's fiercely protective of his own."

Xiao Yan nodded, rose to meet him, and calmly met Wang Gang's gaze. "I'm the one who injured him."

Wang Gang's gaze settled on Xiao Yan like a hawk sizing up its prey. "Did you know he was my son?"

"I do now," Xiao Yan said evenly. "But he harassed my companion at the city gate. Under Iron Ridge City's laws, what punishment does that deserve?"

A guard behind Wang Gang shouted angrily, "Insolence! How dare you speak to the city lord like that!"

"Silence." Wang Gang raised a hand to stop the guard, a trace of surprise flashing in his eyes. He had expected the young man to panic, but instead he was so composed. He looked Xiao Yan up and down. The presence of a Two-Star Great Dou Master was transparent to him, but the young man's steady bearing left him unable to see through him.

"Laws?" Wang Gang sneered. "In Iron Ridge City, my word is law. You injured my son, and you'll pay for it." He stepped aside, revealing a young man being carried on a stretcher behind him. It was Wang Hu, his face wrapped in bandages, leaving only a pair of venomous eyes exposed, fixed on Xiao Yan.

"Father! That's him!" Wang Hu struggled to sit up, only to aggravate his wounds and bare his teeth in pain. "And that woman too! They not only refused to pay the city entrance fee, they attacked me! You have to avenge me!"

Ya Fei went pale with anger. "Lies! We were going to pay, but you were the one who spoke rudely and started pawing at me!"

"I did not!" Wang Hu flatly denied it. "You deliberately provoked me because you had a little strength!"

Wang Gang's face grew darker, and killing intent entered his gaze as he looked at Xiao Yan. "Whatever happened, you injured my son, so you must be punished. Either cripple one of your own arms, or... die."

[System notification: Wang Gang's (Peak Dou Ling) hostility has increased. Caution is advised.]

["Iron Spine City Turmoil" quest progress updated: The other party is being unreasonable. Display your strength to force him to calm down.]

Xiao Yan slowly tightened his grip on the iron ruler, the Dou Qi of a Two-Star Great Dou Master circulating within him. "If you insist on this, City Lord, don't blame me for not holding back."

"Not holding back?" Wang Gang sounded as though he had heard the greatest joke in the world. "A mere Two-Star Great Dou Master dares say that to me? Today I'll show you that the gap between a Dou Ling and a Da Dou Shi is a chasm!"

His figure blurred, and the full force of his Peak Dou Ling presence erupted. A blast of air shattered the tables and chairs in the hall. The diners screamed and surged toward the door, terrified of being caught in the clash.

"Xiao Yan!" Ya Fei cried out.

Xiao Yan motioned for her to move back, then stepped forward into Wang Gang's pressure. "Whether the gap is a chasm or not, we'll only know once we've tried."

"You're courting death!" Wang Gang shouted. He closed in like a phantom, his broad saber cleaving down with a whistle. The force of its edge was so sharp that it tore a thin line of vacuum through the air.

Xiao Yan's pupils contracted. A Peak Dou Ling's speed was astonishing indeed! He dared not be careless. Using Wind Walking Step and Poison Shadow Enigmatic Step at once, he twisted and darted between the saber's edges like willow fluff in the wind.

Clang!

The iron ruler struck the saber with an ear-piercing metallic ring. Xiao Yan felt a tremendous force surge through the ruler, numbing his arm and driving him back three involuntary steps. Spiderweb cracks spread across the flagstones beneath his feet.

"Not bad. You managed to take one of my strikes." Surprise flashed in Wang Gang's eyes. "But that's not enough!"

He swung again, layers of saber shadows descending like a furious storm. Every strike carried enough force to split mountains and shatter stone, sealing off all of Xiao Yan's escape routes. The force of the blade swept across the inn's beams, sending wood chips flying and leaving the whole hall on the verge of collapse.

Xiao Yan clenched his teeth and poured Green Lotus Core Flame into the iron ruler. Scarlet ruler shadows, carrying searing heat, clashed with the saber shadows again and again. He knew he was no match for Wang Gang in a direct contest and could only rely on his exquisite movement technique and the flames' burning effect to find an opening.

"Flame Splitting Wave Ruler: Flowing Fire!"

The scarlet ruler shadows flowed like a lively stream of fire, winding up the blade toward Wang Gang's wrist. Startled, Wang Gang hurriedly swung his saber to block, but the flames still brushed his wrist, burning him and drawing a muffled grunt.

"This flame..." Wang Gang looked at the scorch mark on his wrist, his eyes turning grave. "Is it a Heavenly Flame?"

"You could say that." Xiao Yan offered no explanation. Taking advantage of Wang Gang's momentary distraction, he used Explosive Step and abruptly accelerated, the iron ruler shrieking through the air as it shot toward Wang Gang's chest.

"A petty trick!" Wang Gang roared. His saber traced an arc before his chest, forming an airtight defense.

Clang, clang, clang!

The iron ruler rained down on the arc of the saber in a rapid series of impacts. Wang Gang felt his arm grow heavier with every blow. Though his opponent's strength was inferior to his, it carried a devious force of vibration that churned his blood. What he feared even more was the flame: every collision burned his Dou Qi, forcing him to split his attention to suppress it.

"Father! Come on! Kill him!" Wang Hu bellowed from the stretcher.

His son's words enraged Wang Gang. A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes as Dou Qi surged wildly within him, and an earthen-yellow glow rose over his saber. "Iron Spine Slash!"

This was the Dou Technique that had made his name, a Profound Tier High Grade technique. His saber descended on Xiao Yan's head, its force as heavy as a mountain, with the might to split the earth!

Xiao Yan's heart jolted. This strike was far more powerful than the ones before! Knowing he could never take it head-on, he immediately drove Burning Heaven Art to its limit. Green Lotus Core Flame blazed over his body, forming a scarlet shield of fire. At the same time, he planted the iron ruler in the ground and rapidly formed seals with both hands. This was Flame Wall, a Profound Tier Low Grade defensive Dou Technique he had exchanged for from the system.

Boom!

The saber collided with the flame shield with an earthshaking crash. The scarlet shield shuddered violently, cracks spreading across it before it finally shattered. Xiao Yan was hurled backward, crashing through the inn's rear wall and slamming into the courtyard, a mouthful of blood spurting from his lips.

[Ding! Severely injured. Dou Qi remaining: 30%! Immediate use of a healing pill is advised!]

Xiao Yan struggled to his feet and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, but fierce fighting spirit burned in his eyes. He could sense that although Wang Gang had the upper hand, he had also expended a great deal, and the wrist scorched by Green Lotus Core Flame had begun to tremble slightly.

"You can still stand?" Wang Gang looked at Xiao Yan as he emerged from the wreckage, the surprise in his eyes deepening. "You're impressive. But this ends here!"

He raised his saber again, preparing to unleash a killing move.

Just then, Ya Fei suddenly rushed out and stood in front of Xiao Yan. "Stop, City Lord! He's a friend of the Mittel Family! My grandfather is Mittel Tengshan!"

Wang Gang froze, giving Ya Fei an assessing look. "The Mittel Family? The Mittel Family from the Jia Ma Empire?"

"Yes!" Ya Fei produced a jade pendant engraved with the Mittel Family crest. "This is a token from my grandfather. If you don't believe me, you can send someone to verify it!"

Wang Gang stared at the pendant for a long moment, then looked at Xiao Yan. The killing intent in his eyes gradually receded. The Mittel Family wielded enormous influence in the Jia Ma Empire; even the Misty Cloud Sect had to show it some respect. As the mere lord of Iron Ridge City, he truly had no need to offend it over a good-for-nothing son.

"Hmph." Wang Gang put away his saber. "For the Mittel Family's sake, I'll let today's matter rest for now. But you injured my son and wrecked my inn. We can't settle that so easily."

[System notification: Wang Gang's hostility has decreased. The quest can be resolved through negotiation.]

Xiao Yan understood and stepped forward. "How would you like to settle it, City Lord?"

Wang Gang considered for a moment. "In three days, Iron Ridge City will hold a Hunters' Tournament. The champion will earn the right to enter the Black Stone Mine. If you can win, not only will it settle today's account, I'll personally show you a shortcut to Jia Nan Academy."

The Black Stone Mine? Xiao Yan's heart stirred.

[System notification: Associated source crystal can be found deep in the Black Stone Mine. It can increase the purity of Heavenly Flames. Accepting the challenge is advised.]

"All right." Xiao Yan nodded. "I accept."

Wang Gang gave him a long look, then turned to his guards. "Take the young city lord back to have his wounds treated. Also, arrange the best guest room for Mr. Xiao Yan here. Put all expenses on my account." With that, he left with his men.

The people in the inn looked at Xiao Yan, their fear turning to awe. None had expected this young Da Dou Shi not only to withstand the city lord's wrath, but also to make him change his mind.

(2)

Over the next three days, Xiao Yan recovered at the inn while making the most of his time to cultivate. With the help of healing pills and a Dou Qi acceleration card, his injuries soon healed, and his strength stabilized at peak two-star Great Dou Master, only one step away from Three-Star Da Dou Shi.

Ya Fei used the Mittel Family's connections to gather information about the Hunters' Tournament for him. "There are many formidable people in this tournament. The most notable is Lei Li, 'Blood Hand.' They say he's already an Intermediate Dou Ling, and his Blood Shadow Claw Dou Technique is incredibly vicious. He was last year's champion."

"Intermediate Dou Ling?" A spark of fighting spirit flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes. "Just the chance to test my strength."

He exchanged points for a manual of Blazing Fire Fist, a Profound Tier Mid Grade Dou Technique. Used together with Green Lotus Core Flame, it was even more powerful. He also refined several portions of Qi Gathering Powder in case he needed them.

Three days later, the Hunters' Tournament was held in the square at the center of Iron Ridge City. A huge arena had been erected there, surrounded by a crowd of spectators. Shouts and whistles rose one after another.

By the time Xiao Yan and Ya Fei arrived, the first round of matches had already begun. A burly man was driving his opponent back step by step, drawing cheers from the crowd below.

"That's Hei Xiong," Ya Fei said. "He's a Peak Dou Master with limitless strength."

Xiao Yan nodded, his gaze sweeping over the rest area around the arena before settling on a man seated in a corner. The man wore black leather clothes and blood-red gloves, with a scar running from the corner of his eye to his jaw. His gaze was sinister. It was Lei Li. He seemed to sense Xiao Yan's gaze and looked up, a cold sneer curling his lips to reveal a mouthful of yellow teeth.

"Looks like he's noticed you too," Ya Fei said quietly.

"That makes it interesting." Xiao Yan smiled faintly.

Soon, it was Xiao Yan's turn to enter the arena. His opponent was a hunter wielding two axes, an Advanced Dou Shi who launched a fierce assault the moment he came forward, axe shadows overlapping.

Xiao Yan did not use his iron ruler. He simply used Blazing Fire Fist, his fists wreathed in faint flames as they met the axe shadows. Though the hunter's axes were powerful, they could not withstand the burning flames. Their handles soon grew too hot for him to hold.

"Thank you for the match." Xiao Yan drove a fist into his chest and knocked him off the arena.

[Ding! Defeated hunter (Advanced Dou Shi). Gained 100 points!]

Xiao Yan won the next several matches with ease. His flame Dou Technique and exquisite movement technique opened the spectators' eyes, and more and more people began shouting his name.

At last, the final began.

Xiao Yan and Lei Li stepped onto the arena together. Lei Li flexed his wrists, a red light flashing across his blood-colored gloves. "Kid, you're good to have made it this far. But the championship can only be mine."

"Then let's see." Xiao Yan took a defensive stance.

"You're courting death!" Lei Li roared and lunged forward like lightning, his hands hooked into claws that swept toward Xiao Yan's throat on a foul wind. A layer of blood-colored Dou Qi coated his fingernails; clearly, he had cultivated some sinister Dou Technique.

Xiao Yan neither dodged nor retreated. He struck with Blazing Fire Fist, his fist meeting the claw shadows with a hiss. The flames burned the blood-colored Dou Qi, making it sizzle.

"How is that possible?!" Lei Li was stunned. His Blood Shadow Claw could corrode Dou Qi, and this was the first time he had encountered something that countered it.

Taking advantage of his distraction, Xiao Yan used Explosive Step to circle behind him and smashed the iron ruler, wreathed in scarlet flames, into the center of his back.

Pfft!

Lei Li sprayed a mouthful of blood and staggered forward several steps. He turned, glaring venomously at Xiao Yan. "You've angered me!"

Dou Qi surged wildly within him, enveloping his entire body in a blood-colored glow. His presence soared to High-Level Dou Ling!

"Blood Shadow Frenzied Tide!"

Lei Li waved both hands, sending countless blood-colored claw shadows surging toward Xiao Yan like a tide. Their corrosive force ate small holes into the arena's wooden planks.

Cries of alarm rose from the spectators below, and Ya Fei clenched her fists tightly in particular tension.

Xiao Yan took a deep breath, merging the power of Green Lotus Core Flame and Flame Splitting Wave Ruler to the utmost. "Flame Splitting Wave Ruler: Flame Surge!"

A scarlet wave of fire swept out and collided with the blood-colored claw shadows, producing a sizzling sound. The claw shadows steadily melted away in the flames, but the wave of fire gradually weakened as well.

"Break!" Lei Li roared, pouring all his Dou Qi into the claw shadows.

At last, the blood-colored claw shadows tore through the wave of fire and continued toward Xiao Yan.

At that critical moment, Xiao Yan's eyes flashed brilliantly. The Dou Qi within him broke through its bottleneck in an instant, reaching the Three-Star Da Dou Shi realm!

[Ding! Breakthrough to the Three-Star Da Dou Shi realm. Dou Qi purity increased!]

The surging Dou Qi strengthened the wave of fire once more. It swallowed the blood-colored claw shadows in an instant and rushed toward Lei Li without losing momentum.

"No!"

Lei Li let out a despairing scream as the wave of fire engulfed him. He crashed off the arena, his body charred black, unconscious.

[Ding! Defeated Lei Li (Intermediate Dou Ling). Gained 1,500 points!]

[Ding! "Iron Spine City Turmoil" side quest complete!]

[Rewards issued: 15,000 points credited, friendship of the lord of Iron Ridge City obtained, Profound Tier High Grade Dou Technique "Wind Spirit Shadow-Splitting Step" unlocked!]

The entire venue fell silent for a moment before erupting in thunderous cheers. No one had expected a Three-Star Da Dou Shi to defeat Lei Li, an Intermediate Dou Ling!

Wang Gang stepped onto the arena and looked at Xiao Yan with admiration. "Good lad, you didn't disappoint me. The right to enter the Black Stone Mine is yours. Tomorrow morning, I'll take you there myself."

(3)

Early the next morning, Wang Gang brought Xiao Yan and Ya Fei to the Black Stone Mine west of Iron Ridge City. Its entrance was dark and deep, giving off a faint smell of sulfur, and the rocks around the opening were covered in black crystals.

"This mine is Iron Ridge City's lifeline. It produces plenty of black stone, a fine material for forging weapons. But powerful magical beasts live in its depths, so ordinary hunters don't dare venture far inside." Wang Gang handed Xiao Yan an illumination talisman. "The associated source crystal is near the lava pool in the deepest part. Be careful."

"Thank you, City Lord." Xiao Yan accepted the illumination talisman and turned into the mine.

The mine was more spacious than he had imagined. Luminous ores studded the rock walls, lighting the way ahead. Xiao Yan circulated his Dou Qi, raising his perception to its limit as he carefully advanced.

[System notification: Presence of a High-Level Dou Ling magical beast detected deep in the mine. Please take care to avoid it.]

Xiao Yan understood and quickened his pace. He did not want to stir up unnecessary trouble; he would take the associated source crystal and leave.

After walking for about half an hour, he came upon an enormous cavern. At its center was a pool of churning red lava, with black stones floating on its surface-black stone. At the edge of the lava pool, specks of golden light glittered. They were associated source crystals!

Just as Xiao Yan was about to go forward and gather them, a black shadow lunged from behind a rock at the top of the cavern and landed before him on a foul wind.

It was a pitch-black leopard, larger than an ordinary one, with strange green eyes and corrosive saliva dripping from the corners of its mouth. It was a High-Level Dou Ling magical beast-a Shadow Leopard!

"Roar!" The Shadow Leopard growled at Xiao Yan, clearly taking him for an intruder.

Xiao Yan frowned. It seemed avoiding it was impossible. He tightened his grip on the iron ruler, and Green Lotus Core Flame quietly ignited.

The Shadow Leopard attacked first, pouncing like a phantom, its sharp claws whistling through the air toward Xiao Yan's face.

Xiao Yan used Wind Spirit Shadow-Splitting Step, instantly leaving three afterimages as he evaded the Shadow Leopard's attack. This was the Profound Tier High Grade movement Dou Technique he had just unlocked. It was several times faster than Wind Walking Step and could also leave afterimages to confuse opponents.

"Flame Splitting Wave Ruler: Flowing Fire!"

Scarlet ruler shadows wound toward the Shadow Leopard's legs like nimble flames. The beast moved swiftly, dodging again and again, but the flames still grazed one of its hind legs, drawing a howl of pain.

"Roar!" Enraged, the Shadow Leopard spat a black energy wave straight at Xiao Yan, carrying a powerful corrosive force.

Xiao Yan dared not take it head-on. He used Explosive Step to retreat several meters in an instant. The energy wave struck where he had just stood, corroding a large pit in the ground.

He seized the opening after the Shadow Leopard's attack and closed in like lightning, smashing the iron ruler toward its head with the force to burn the heavens and destroy the earth.

Bang!

The iron ruler struck the Shadow Leopard's head with a dull thud. The light instantly vanished from its green eyes, and its massive body slowly fell.

[Ding! Killed Shadow Leopard (High-Level Dou Ling). Gained 2,000 points!]

With the Shadow Leopard dealt with, Xiao Yan went to the edge of the lava pool and carefully gathered the associated source crystal. It was only the size of a thumb, golden all over, and gave off a gentle energy. When it came into contact with Green Lotus Core Flame, it gave a soft, delighted hum.

[Ding! Associated source crystal obtained. Can increase Green Lotus Core Flame purity by 10%. Absorb immediately?]

"Absorb."

Xiao Yan held the associated source crystal in his hand and circulated Burning Heaven Art. The crystal turned into a warm golden current that flowed into his body and joined Green Lotus Core Flame. The flame's color grew deeper, and its temperature rose considerably.

[Ding! Green Lotus Core Flame purity increased to 10%. New ability unlocked: Flame Clone (can create one flame clone possessing 30% of the original's strength, lasting 1 minute.]