Chapter Fifteen: Reckless Charge
Lu Qingyun gradually regained consciousness. After a moment, he noticed that his body remained unchanged.
A wave of confusion filled his heart. He could not understand why he, a man who had come to Fengyun Gorge on a whim, was suddenly burdened with such a grave responsibility.
Originally a traveler from another world, his understanding of this realm was still very limited, yet he was expected to face such a momentous mission.
The High Priest gazed at Lu Qingyun’s perplexed expression and spoke slowly.
“Lu Qingyun, up until now, you have only used the power of the Azure Dragon a few times. The power you have obtained is incomplete, fractured.”
A sharp shock struck Lu Qingyun’s heart. Indeed, he had only awakened a portion of the Azure Dragon martial soul’s power; its full potential remained a mystery to him.
The High Priest continued.
“If you can obtain the full power, you will ascend to a higher realm.”
There was a hint of hope in his voice.
“There was once a prophecy: someone from another world would come to save this continent. I thought it impossible to fulfill, yet the passage of time has brought you to us.”
A profound sense of mission welled within Lu Qingyun. He asked,
“How should I acquire the full power?”
The High Priest smiled faintly.
“When you truly experience the martial soul’s power, I will tell you to go to another place. There, you may find the secret to completing your martial soul.”
Lu Qingyun clenched his fists tightly, knowing that his journey had only just begun.
The High Priest met his resolute gaze and nodded.
“Go, Lu Qingyun. The secrets of Fengyun Gorge are but the beginning. Your destiny is far greater than this.”
Lu Qingyun took a deep breath, calming his mind.
Yet confusion still clouded his eyes. He felt the domineering power within him vanish in an instant, replaced by a profound emptiness.
He could not fathom why the formidable strength he had just sensed had suddenly disappeared without a trace.
Seemingly perceiving the turmoil within, the High Priest smiled and said,
“This place is very safe. You need not fear losing control of your power. Try to confront the Azure Dragon apparition before you and release all your strength.”
Lu Qingyun hesitated, but seeing the encouragement and trust in the High Priest’s eyes, he finally resolved to act.
He knew this was a rare opportunity—perhaps the chance to truly master the Azure Dragon’s power.
The High Priest’s voice rang out again, bringing solace to Lu Qingyun.
“You must unleash your full power to receive the true legacy.”
Lu Qingyun inhaled deeply, closed his eyes, and began to summon every ounce of strength within.
He felt his martial soul slowly awaken inside him, a mighty force beginning to flow through his body.
He opened his eyes, now shining with unwavering determination. Facing the Azure Dragon apparition, he shouted and struck with all his might.
His fists radiated dazzling light, each punch cutting through the air, striking the heart of the dragon’s phantom.
The Azure Dragon seemed to sense Lu Qingyun’s power and responded with a thunderous dragon roar, intertwining with the shadow of his fists.
The entire space trembled under the might of their clash, light bursting forth, and waves of energy surging.
Lu Qingyun continued to strike, pouring all his strength into every blow.
He sensed his martial soul merging gradually with the Azure Dragon apparition; each collision deepened his understanding of power.
However, as he released more and more energy, an unprecedented fatigue overcame him.
His physical strength rapidly drained, and his mind began to blur.
Finally, after a powerful collision, his vision darkened, and he fainted.
Before losing consciousness, he heard the High Priest’s voice.
“Do not worry, child. Rest well. When you awaken, you will possess new power.”
Lu Qingyun’s body gently fell, cradled by a tender force.
His consciousness descended into profound darkness, yet within that void, he felt peace and tranquility.
Slowly emerging from the abyss, Lu Qingyun opened his heavy eyelids and found himself no longer in the mysterious palace but lying on an open plain beneath a clear blue sky, the warm sunlight bathing him.
“You’re finally awake!”
Wang Pangzi’s voice brimmed with anxiety and concern. Sweat dotted his round face; evidently, he had tended to Lu Qingyun throughout his unconsciousness.
Lu Qingyun tried to sit up but weakness slowed his movements. He turned to Wang Pangzi and hoarsely asked,
“What happened? How did I end up here?”
Han Man quickly explained,
“Brother Lu, you’ve been unconscious for three days. Since you fainted in the palace, we brought you out.”
A shock struck Lu Qingyun; he had not expected to be out cold for so long.
He scanned the surroundings and saw only Wang Pangzi and Han Man—no other figures in sight.
“What about Xu Feng and the others?”
His voice carried a trace of urgency.
Wang Pangzi sighed and took up the explanation.
“Three days ago, Xu Feng carried you out without saying a word. He left only a map before departing.”
Han Man pulled a piece of parchment from his bosom and handed it to Lu Qingyun.
“This is the map he left. It marks the name and exact location of a city. He said you should find him there.”
Lu Qingyun unfolded the map. Delicate lines traced a path to a distant city: Bixiao City.
“Bixiao City?”
He whispered the name, sensing the deep significance it held—perhaps entwined with his fate.
“Brother Lu, should we go to Bixiao City to find him?” Han Man’s eyes sparkled with curiosity for the unknown and unwavering loyalty to Lu Qingyun.
Lu Qingyun nodded. He knew he must go to Bixiao City.
“All right, let’s prepare and depart immediately.”
After a long and arduous journey, Lu Qingyun, Wang Pangzi, and Han Man finally arrived at Bixiao City.
This city was unlike any they had previously seen; its grandeur and prosperity were renowned across the continent.
Towering walls, bustling streets, dazzling shops, and finely dressed crowds all testified to the city’s vibrancy and wealth.
However, no sooner had they stepped inside than they encountered trouble.
A young man rode recklessly through the crowd, charging straight toward them.
Luckily, the three dodged just in time, narrowly avoiding collision.
Wang Pangzi, furious, strode forward and shouted at the rider.
“Hey, how do you ride a horse like that? Didn’t you see people ahead?”
Wang Pangzi’s reproach was met with ridicule.
The young man, arrogantly confident in his noble birth, was Zhao Tuo, scion of the prestigious Zhao family of Bixiao City.
He looked disdainfully at the weary trio, his face twisted in contempt.
Stopping his horse, he looked down on Wang Pangzi with a mocking smile.
“People? Where are the people? All I see are a few beggars daring to block my path!”
Wang Pangzi was taken aback, not expecting such insolence. Angrily, he retorted,
“Beggars? Watch your mouth! You nearly ran us down, do you even realize that?”
Zhao Tuo sneered, surveying Wang Pangzi, then glancing at Lu Qingyun and Han Man.
“Heh, I suppose you’re here to beg in the city? Look at your filthy clothes—don’t dirty my horse.”
Lu Qingyun furrowed his brows, recognizing Zhao Tuo’s deliberate provocation but tried to defuse the situation.
“Sir, we have just arrived in Bixiao City. That was merely a misunderstanding—we meant no offense.”
Zhao Tuo was relentless, arrogantly declaring,
“Misunderstanding? My horse is no one’s to offend, especially not scum like you! You should feel honored! But since you’ve insulted me, you must pay the price.”
Han Man could no longer hold back and stepped forward.
“How can you be like this? You ride recklessly and then blame us?”
Zhao Tuo’s face darkened. He had not expected these seemingly insignificant people to dare to defy him. He shouted,
“How dare you! Do you know who I am? I am the Zhao family’s scion! In Bixiao City, the Zhao family is heaven!”
Wang Pangzi refused to back down.
“Is the Zhao family so great? Even heaven must have rules!”
Zhao Tuo was infuriated by Wang Pangzi’s words. With a wave of his hand, several followers surrounded them. He ordered,
“Teach these insolent fools a lesson!”
Wang Pangzi prepared to fight back but was stopped by Lu Qingyun.
Taking a step forward, Lu Qingyun faced Zhao Tuo with calm yet undeniable authority.
“Zhao Tuo, you have gone too far.”
“You must apologize for what happened today.”
Zhao Tuo was stunned, then burst into loud laughter.
“Apologize? You insignificant ants think you deserve an apology from me? Ridiculous!”
Despite Zhao Tuo’s arrogance, his men suddenly struck, staggering Wang Pangzi.
Seeing this, Lu Qingyun stepped forward swiftly, loudly reprimanding Zhao Tuo.
Zhao Tuo sneered at Lu Qingyun.
“Who are you to meddle in my affairs?”
Lu Qingyun’s gaze grew cold. He knew the conflict was unavoidable.
He turned to Wang Pangzi and Han Man.
“Step back. Let me handle this.”
They recognized Lu Qingyun’s strength and nodded, retreating.
Lu Qingyun addressed Zhao Tuo solemnly.
“If you refuse to apologize, do not blame me for being rude.”
Persisting in his demand for an apology, Lu Qingyun remained unfazed despite Zhao Tuo's mockery and the crowd’s gossip.
“Bold enough to seek attention, huh?”
“You’re doomed!”
Anger surged within Lu Qingyun, yet he maintained composure, insisting on the apology.
Zhao Tuo, his pride wounded, furiously accused Lu Qingyun of insolence and demanded he kneel.
Lu Qingyun stepped forward, shielding Wang Pangzi, confronting Zhao Tuo directly.
“If you do not apologize today, I fear this will not end well.”
Enraged, Zhao Tuo sneered maliciously.
“You want me to apologize? What a joke! I tell you, today you will not only apologize but also kneel and admit your mistakes!”
“Otherwise, none of you will leave Bixiao City unscathed!”
A cold gleam flashed in Lu Qingyun’s eyes. His voice was low and resolute.
“Kneel? You’re not worthy.”
“What you’ve done is shameful enough. Now forcing others to kneel? The Zhao family’s reputation will be destroyed by you.”
Zhao Tuo’s face turned ashen with rage. He roared,
“How dare you insult me and the Zhao family!”
“Men, break his legs! Show him who rules Bixiao City!”
Humiliated beyond measure, Zhao Tuo ordered his men to attack.
Lu Qingyun entrusted Wang Pangzi to Han Man’s care, then swiftly subdued Zhao Tuo’s followers one by one.
In an instant, he pinned Zhao Tuo beneath his foot, speaking coldly.
“I’ll give you one more chance.”
“Apologize!”
Shaken by Lu Qingyun’s power, fear crept into Zhao Tuo’s heart. Begging for mercy, he reluctantly apologized to Wang Pangzi.
“I’m sorry!”
“Today’s incident was my fault!”
Lu Qingyun observed Zhao Tuo, understanding that such spoiled heirs valued face above all. Forcing an apology was the limit he could push.
He released him and let him leave.
Zhao Tuo fled with his men, leaving behind a bitter threat.
“Just wait. I won’t let you off.”
Amidst the bustling shops and endless crowds of Bixiao City, Lu Qingyun surveyed the scene and proposed,
“We have some resources and spirit herbs from Fengyun Gorge. Let’s find a place to sell them and exchange for spirit jade to prepare for future needs.”
Wang Pangzi and Han Man nodded in agreement.
Spirit jade served as the continent’s common currency. Not only convenient for trade but also infused with a trace of spiritual energy, aiding cultivation.
Lu Qingyun emphasized,
“We only need enough spirit jade for daily expenses. Don’t exchange too much to avoid attracting envy.”
“Bixiao City is vast and full of hidden talents. We must avoid unnecessary conflicts.”
The three carefully navigated through the crowds, searching for a suitable shop.
Yet, despite their low profile, they caught the attention of some watchful eyes.
After selling some rare materials and spirit herbs at an herbal shop and obtaining a sum of spirit jade, they sensed they were being observed.
Lu Qingyun whispered to Wang Pangzi and Han Man,
“We may have been targeted. We must be more cautious and not reveal any nervousness. Let’s find an inn and plan our next move.”
Feigning calm, they strolled along the street.
But as they neared the inn, Lu Qingyun noticed the number of followers shadowing them had not diminished but increased.
These individuals wore varied attire, yet all bore hostile gazes.
Lu Qingyun knew they had to act; if surrounded, their situation would become dire.
He spoke seriously to Wang Pangzi and Han Man,
“It looks like we need to take a detour and find a way to shake them off.”