Chapter Seventeen: The Key

Facing the sudden accusations and threats, Li Changfeng, as the head of the Celestial Spirit Sect, naturally could not stand idly by. He immediately stepped forward to intervene, firmly refusing to let Zhao Tuo take Lu Qingyun away.

The two sides soon confronted each other in the courtyard, the tension reaching its peak. Zhao Tuo was arrogant and brazen; he pointed at Li Changfeng’s nose and jeered loudly, “A mere Celestial Spirit Sect dares to meddle in the affairs of the Zhao family? Are you looking for death?”

Though Li Changfeng was advanced in years, his aura was undiminished. He responded gravely, “Zhao Tuo, Lu Qingyun is a guest of the Celestial Spirit Sect. He is not someone you can just take away at will. Your Zhao family may be powerful, but that doesn’t grant you the right to act so arrogantly and without reason!”

Zhao Tuo sneered repeatedly, clearly disregarding Li Changfeng’s words. “Who do you think you are, shouting in front of me? I’m telling you now, this boy must come with me today, or you will be our enemy!”

Lu Qingyun stood quietly to the side, calm in expression. He knew this conflict was inevitable. Resolute in his heart, he decided that under no circumstances would he allow the Celestial Spirit Sect to be implicated because of him.

“Zhao Tuo, if you want to take me, you’ll have to ask my fists first!” Lu Qingyun stepped forward, his gaze sharp and cold, locking eyes with Zhao Tuo.

Zhao Tuo grew even more enraged at Lu Qingyun’s defiance and gestured for his men to attack. But just then, a commanding voice rang out in the courtyard.

“Stop!”

Everyone turned toward the sound, seeing a middle-aged man entering, surrounded by a group of attendants. The man carried an extraordinary presence, clearly of high status. His arrival complicated the already tense atmosphere.

“This is Bixiao City,” the middle-aged man said sternly, his gaze sweeping over everyone present before settling on Lu Qingyun. “How dare you act so recklessly here!”

Lu Qingyun felt immense pressure but stood firm, meeting the man’s gaze. He suspected this man was an important figure in the Zhao family—perhaps even the head of the clan.

“Who are you?” Lu Qingyun asked in a low voice.

The man smiled faintly. “I am Zhao Tianxiong, head of the Zhao family. You have some nerve, stealing our secret recipe. Today, you will pay the price!”

Lu Qingyun sneered coldly. “Zhao family head, speak with evidence. I, Lu Qingyun, have always acted uprightly and never stolen anything from your family. It is your Zhao family who repeatedly trouble me—what are your true intentions?”

A cold glint flashed in Zhao Tianxiong’s eyes. He had not expected Lu Qingyun to remain so composed in this situation. This matter could not be resolved peacefully today. He intended to teach Lu Qingyun a lesson and uphold the Zhao family’s prestige.

“Very well. Since you refuse to admit it, let’s settle this by force!” Zhao Tianxiong gestured, and the experts behind him readied themselves for battle.

Seeing this, Li Changfeng signaled the disciples of the Celestial Spirit Sect to prepare to fight. Both sides were on the verge of war.

At this tense moment, Lu Qingyun suddenly spoke. “Wait!”

Both Zhao Tianxiong and Li Changfeng looked at him, uncertain of his intent.

Lu Qingyun took a deep breath and slowly said, “Head of the Zhao family, I have nothing to hide and fear no one, but today, I do not want the Celestial Spirit Sect to be disturbed because of me. Let us settle this with a one-on-one duel. If I lose, you may deal with me as you wish. If I win, your family must apologize and promise never to trouble me again. How about that?”

Zhao Tianxiong’s eyes flickered with surprise before he sneered, “Fine. I agree, but don’t regret it, boy!”

Li Changfeng wanted to stop this, but seeing Lu Qingyun’s determined eyes, he remained silent. He understood that Lu Qingyun was acting to protect the Celestial Spirit Sect, a responsibility he deeply respected.

“Then let’s begin!” Lu Qingyun said, stepping toward the center of the courtyard.

To Lu Qingyun’s amusement and frustration, it was Zhao Tianxiong who stepped forward to face him—his own son Zhao Tuo having caused the trouble, yet the father had to intervene. The Zhao family’s behavior was baffling, their logic and actions unbearably arrogant and unreasonable.

Before the duel, Lu Qingyun spoke again. “I obtained the secret recipe by chance and have been here less than two days. How could I have stolen anything from your family?”

Nearby, Zhao Tuo was already spewing accusations. “It was you! Last night at the auction, after you and your group caused trouble, my secret recipe went missing. If not you, then who?”

Lu Qingyun knew he would have to endure their slander today and replied coldly, “With such a big Zhao family, how could you be so careless entrusting something so valuable to a useless man? Ridiculous.”

Zhao Tuo scowled, realizing the sharpness of Lu Qingyun’s words, and cursed, “You sharp-tongued bastard! I’ll have my father tear your mouth apart!”

Zhao Tianxiong did not attack immediately but nodded. “So it was indeed you who stole it.”

The fight was about to erupt. Lu Qingyun understood that no amount of explanation would sway the Zhao family; only strength could prove his innocence.

He took a deep breath, adjusted his state, and prepared for the battle ahead.

As head of the Zhao family, Zhao Tianxiong’s strength was formidable. Each step he took was steady and powerful, exuding an imposing aura that seemed to freeze the very air around him.

Lu Qingyun faced such a formidable opponent without a trace of fear. He knew this was the crucial moment to prove his innocence to all.

“Come!” Lu Qingyun shouted, rapidly circulating his inner energy. The power of his Azure Dragon Martial Soul surged within him, ready to confront Zhao Tianxiong’s assault.

As they faced off in the courtyard, the atmosphere was suffocating with tension.

From the start, Lu Qingyun felt immense pressure. Zhao Tianxiong’s attacks came like a relentless storm, one strike after another.

Lu Qingyun struggled to defend but soon found himself at a disadvantage. Zhao Tianxiong’s palm strikes were fierce, each carrying the force to split mountains and shatter rocks. Lu Qingyun was forced backward, narrowly escaping danger; his clothes were torn by the gusts of palm wind, and he sustained several minor injuries.

“Boy, your strength is nothing special!” Zhao Tuo jeered nearby, wearing a smug grin.

Lu Qingyun clenched his teeth, knowing he could not be defeated so easily.

Under Zhao Tianxiong’s overwhelming pressure, Lu Qingyun was gradually pushed into a corner, his back against the courtyard wall with no way to retreat.

At this life-or-death moment, Lu Qingyun took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming with firm resolve.

The power of the Azure Dragon Martial Soul began to surge, awakening a tremendous force within him.

A dragon’s roar echoed in his heart as his martial soul, the Azure Dragon, was unleashed at the critical juncture.

A brilliant blue light erupted from Lu Qingyun’s body, illuminating the entire courtyard.

His aura surged dramatically; his punches and kicks now carried the power of the Azure Dragon, each strike resonating with draconic majesty, shaking everyone present.

Zhao Tianxiong felt an unprecedented threat; his expression grew grave.

Lu Qingyun shifted from defense to offense. His fists flew like a tempest, each blow aimed at Zhao Tianxiong’s vital points.

Though Zhao Tianxiong fought hard to resist, Lu Qingyun’s Azure Dragon Martial Soul granted him the edge, and Zhao Tianxiong’s defenses began to crumble.

Finally, in a clash of power and speed, Lu Qingyun found an opening. Gathering all his strength, he unleashed a punch that struck Zhao Tianxiong’s chest directly.

Zhao Tianxiong was sent flying like a kite with its strings cut, crashing heavily to the ground.

The courtyard fell into stunned silence; everyone was shocked by Lu Qingyun’s strength.

Struggling to stand, Zhao Tianxiong’s eyes were filled with disbelief—he had actually been defeated by this young warrior.

Lu Qingyun withdrew his attack and looked coldly at Zhao Tianxiong. “Head of the Zhao family, do you still believe I am a thief?”

After a moment’s silence, Zhao Tianxiong said gravely, “Lu Qingyun, the Zhao family has indeed misunderstood you. We will give you an explanation for today’s matter.”

Zhao Tuo, standing to the side, was unwilling but, under his father’s stern gaze, had no choice but to grudgingly remain silent.

Lu Qingyun watched the Zhao family depart with a cold gaze. He made no further move, only commanding, “Apologize.”

Though wounded internally and his vital energies turbulent, Zhao Tianxiong understood that Lu Qingyun had held back during their fight. Had Lu Qingyun gone all out, he might not have survived.

He had underestimated this young man; his martial soul was astonishingly powerful.

Suppressing his injuries, Zhao Tianxiong turned to Zhao Tuo and said sternly, “Apologize to him.”

Filled with resentment, Zhao Tuo could not accept bowing to this young man. But before his father’s authority, he had no choice and reluctantly apologized, “I... I’m sorry.”

Lu Qingyun glanced at Zhao Tuo but said nothing, merely nodding slightly to accept the apology.

After the apology, the Zhao family slowly withdrew.

Outside the Celestial Spirit Sect’s gates, Zhao Tuo remained dissatisfied and asked Zhao Tianxiong, “Father, the Grand Elder’s strength is so great. Why didn’t we let him intervene?”

Zhao Tianxiong replied quickly, “That boy’s martial soul is too powerful. We cannot act rashly. This matter must be discussed with the city lord first.”

Though unwilling, Zhao Tuo understood that his father’s decision was wise.

After the Zhao family’s departure, everyone in the Celestial Spirit Sect was stunned—especially those who had mocked Lu Qingyun. At this moment, they truly understood that a tiger does not turn its head because of a dog’s barking.

Xu Feng stood nearby, pleased and proud. He walked over to Lu Qingyun, patted his shoulder, and said with a smile, “Brother Lu, you truly made us see you in a new light. Even the head of the Zhao family was no match for you.”

Lu Qingyun smiled faintly in reply. “Brother Xu, you flatter me. I only did what I ought to do.”

Li Changfeng also approached, looking at Lu Qingyun with deep admiration. “Lu Qingyun, your strength and character are admirable. The Celestial Spirit Sect is honored to have a friend like you.”

Lu Qingyun responded humbly, “Master Li, I merely did my best to avoid being sullied by others’ dirt.”

Li Changfeng’s study was simple yet elegant. Bookshelves were filled with ancient texts and scrolls, and several landscape paintings adorned the walls, creating an atmosphere both tranquil and dignified.

Lu Qingyun and Xu Feng were invited to sit in the study, the three seated around a sandalwood table.

Li Changfeng got straight to the point, addressing the matters concerning Windstorm Gorge and the secrets of the Grand Priest.

“Lu Qingyun, Xu Feng has already told me about your experiences at Windstorm Gorge and the Grand Priest.”

Lu Qingyun glanced at Xu Feng, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. “Brother Xu, after I fainted, what exactly did the Grand Priest say to you that day?”

Xu Feng looked at Master Li before slowly answering, “The Grand Priest was very mysterious. He told us to find a key in Bixiao City.”

Lu Qingyun frowned slightly, probing further, “A key? What kind of key?”

Xu Feng shook his head. “The Grand Priest didn’t explain in detail, only that the key could unlock an ancient secret and greatly benefit our cultivation.”

Li Changfeng took over. “After Xu Feng returned, he investigated. There are two possible leads: the key is either at the auction house or in the city lord’s possession.”

Lu Qingyun pondered the possibilities. “The safer bet would be the auction house.”

Xu Feng nodded in agreement. “I think so too. Although the auction house is full of all kinds of people, we’ll have more chances to come into contact with rare items, including this mysterious key.”

Li Changfeng looked at Lu Qingyun with a hint of expectation. “Lu Qingyun, since you’re not familiar with Bixiao City, Xu Feng will accompany you. Be cautious; the auction house is full of formidable and scheming people. Avoid unnecessary trouble.”

Lu Qingyun nodded in understanding. “Master Li, rest assured, I will be careful.”

Xu Feng also said earnestly, “Brother Lu, although we endured hardships together at Windstorm Gorge, Bixiao City is more complicated. We must be even more careful.”

Lu Qingyun smiled slightly, grateful for Xu Feng’s concern. “Brother Xu, thank you for the reminder. If we work together, I’m sure we can find the key.”

After discussing a detailed plan in the study, they decided to visit the auction house during the next major auction, when many rare items would appear—an ideal opportunity to search for the key.

With the plan set, Lu Qingyun and Xu Feng left the study to prepare for the upcoming auction.

Meanwhile, in the Zhao family, Zhao Tianxiong and Zhao Tuo were plotting how to deal with Lu Qingyun.

Zhao Tianxiong, applying medicine to his wounds, grew angrier as he thought. His face darkened.

“Zhao Tuo, how are the personnel arrangements? Before meeting the city lord, we must crush his momentum!”

“Let him know who truly rules Bixiao City!”