Chapter 454: The Businessman in the Eight Palaces

“It’s getting a bit overwhelming…”

After seeing off Qiao Zhanglao, Xu Xiaoshou sat alone in the Ling Zhi, lost in silence.

The arrival of the two big shots from Ling Gong had not only brought the troublesome matter of leading the team but also informed him that he might soon face opponents like Qi Jianxian.

Xu Xiaoshou felt a wave of absurdity.

With his current strength, he probably wasn’t even worthy of carrying Qi Jianxian’s shoes, so how had he ended up having to confront them directly?

“No, four swords are still too dangerous. I can’t fall for Sang Laotou’s trick.”

“The priority is to boost my own strength.”

“Of course, hiding myself might be the best way to stay alive.”

Xu Xiaoshou was grateful he had drawn the “Yinmi” passive skill, but unfortunately, the remaining 50,000 passive points had been spent on “Hufeng Zhifa” during his last Yuan Fu trial.

“No problem, Yinmi can wait for later.”

“The most important thing…”

Xu Xiaoshou suddenly smiled confidently.

His three days of intense training hadn’t been in vain. At least, after over a hundred attempts, he could now barely control his mind after transforming into the Kuangbao Juren.

Though he had only succeeded once at the end, the power displayed that time…

Well, Xingu Gugu was still lying in the Yuan Fu, caught off guard.

Thinking of this, Xu Xiaoshou felt a bit comforted.

Kuangbao Juren was just a base form.

On top of that, as long as he stayed clear-headed, he could layer on his other abilities.

These weren’t as simple as one plus one equaling two.

If he could prepare in advance, he might even trap and kill a Qi Jianxian in Bai Ku…

“Cough, cough, I’m getting ahead of myself.”

Xu Xiaoshou rubbed his head.

That idea was a bit chilling.

He steadied his mind and continued reviewing his current abilities.

“The combination of Kuangbao Juren and Zhalei Zitai—I haven’t tried that yet.”

“No rush, I can test it in Bai Ku. After all, once I transform into the giant, Yuan Fu can barely handle it anymore.”

“Bai Ku is perfect—no rules.”

“Even if I’m discovered, they’d probably just think I’m some random monster that wandered in, and I could slip away easily.”

Xu Xiaoshou nodded in satisfaction.

Setting aside those dangerous surprises, the rule-free extradimensional space was ideal for him.

From the start, whether it was the outer courtyard’s “Fengyun Zhengba,” or Tianxuan Gate,

then Tian Sang Cheng and on to the city lord’s mansion,

all sorts of restrictive rules had always held him back.

Up to now, he hadn’t even had a chance to unleash his full power once.

But Bai Ku was different.

If he chose to go solo instead of sticking with the Ling Gong group…

Xu Xiaoshou felt tempted.

“Dual activation combined with Jianji, Huoyan, and Lingzhen Dao—I haven’t tried those yet.”

“This time, I have to make good use of them in Bai Ku.”

“At the very least, I need to test how far I can go at full power.”

“…Wangzuo level?”

Xu Xiaoshou wasn’t sure.

What he lacked most right now was the Wangzuo’s boundary.

Without a way to break it, the lesson from Hong Gou was a heavy warning.

If the opponent struck first, or even just activated their boundary in battle,

all his abilities would be completely restrained.

“So, I need a way to break the boundary?”

Xu Xiaoshou sorted out his thoughts.

He felt that if he could solve this, he might just pull off a surprise strike and take down a Wangzuo when they underestimated him due to the strength gap!

“Then…”

Narrowing his eyes, Xu Xiaoshou thought of several methods at once.

“Jiannian!”

First, of course, was the Jiannian from the shabby uncle.

He believed it could break the boundary without issue.

But Jiannian was mysterious—it wasn’t his own, so he didn’t dare use it except in critical moments.

Aside from the rebound effects on his body, the unknown fear alone made him cautious.

“Is there really such a good thing?”

“Would that guy just hand over a Jiannian for me to use?”

“If I use it too much, there might be hidden risks, like being assimilated or controlled…”

Xu Xiaoshou frowned and shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it.

After all, he had no power to resist right now, so overthinking was useless.

“Guanjian Dian is a great thing. I should study it more and refine that broken Jiannian as soon as possible!” Xu Xiaoshou pondered.

“Besides that, it should be ‘Beidong Zhiquan’.”

Xu Xiaoshou checked his info panel.

“Beidong Zhiquan (Charge Value: 238).”

He’d been saving it for so long, and it hadn’t even returned to the previous 314.

But he knew all too well how terrifying this thing was—a single move that could slay a Wangzuo!

The image of Hong Gou shattering flashed in his mind, and Xu Xiaoshou set it aside for now.

This was his biggest trump card, still charging, and he couldn’t use it except in dire situations.

“Then…”

Xu Xiaoshou paused, pulling two jade slips from his ring.

Sang Laotou’s gifts.

“Baiyan, Longrong Jie!”

After a long silence, Xu Xiaoshou sighed.

“That crafty old man, his schemes are terrifying. Even if he didn’t predict my other cards, he must have foreseen that I’d have to practice this if things got desperate.”

It was too tempting!

Thinking of the fearsome “Longrong Jie” that had forced back the masked person,

Xu Xiaoshou couldn’t help but be swayed.

This domain-type flame spirit skill not only functioned like a regular Wangzuo boundary but might even be more aggressive.

Once he mastered it, it would be like gaining a boundary ahead of time.

He’d have the capital to clash with a Wangzuo using just Yuan Ting cultivation!

Even if that capital only lasted a few seconds.

But if he really faced a Wangzuo and couldn’t kill them instantly, no amount of trump cards would help.

“So, in the end, I still need that ‘Jinzhao Dahuozhong’?”

Something he had once despised for survival, he now had to pursue for strength.

Xu Xiaoshou chuckled and shook his head.

He hadn’t been in this world long,

but he already felt deeply entangled in it.

“Living is just struggling in a swamp, isn’t it?”

“Either break through the sky, or drown in it.”

Silence fell.

“Jinzhao Dahuozhong…”

A cool breeze blew, and Xu Xiaoshou murmured, his gaze fixed on the distance.

After a moment, he chose not to rest, skipping even his favorite sleep-cultivation method, and stepped out the door.

The information from Qiao Zhanglao wasn’t just a warning.

He also knew that the Ling Gong team was departing early, and Bai Ku would open soon.

“Bai Ku…”

With a snap, Xu Xiaoshou closed the door behind him, heading out again after his dusty return.

“Target: Ba Gong Li!”

The next day.

“Rumble!”

The sky was dark and oppressive, with no lightning, yet the heavens roared.

It seemed like the sky might collapse, cracking and splintering as if some ancient creature was about to burst through—utterly eerie.

Tap, tap, tap.

A series of footsteps stopped, and the crowded people in Ba Gong Li all turned to look.

“They’re here!”

Someone whispered, their voice full of eagerness and desire.

“No, it’s more like the sheep have arrived.”

These burly men, armed with knives and axes, stared at the young people approaching from the town entrance, their eyes gleaming with greed.

“Which Ling Gong are they from? Easy pickings or not?”

“Who cares which Ling Gong? Just remember their faces—these youngsters all have at least one Linglong Stone on them.”

“Once their elders are gone or they’re alone…”

“Heh heh!”

“I heard Old Du’s gang has already ambushed several clan disciples here.”

“Now, not only are their pockets full of Linglong Stones, but even their eating bowls are specially forged from them.”

“Ha ha ha, Old Du’s got it made. He’s set for life after those hits.”

“Jealous! When can I be as sharp as Old Du and auction Linglong Stones?”

“I hear the last of those three has been bid up to over ten million!”

“Tsk tsk!”

The nearby crowd burst into sinister laughter.

This time, the opening of the extradimensional space was truly different from before.

Many people had claimed the title of Ling Array Master, using who-knows-where-they-got Ling Array Master badges, even if not officially recognized.

At least, that gave them the right to stay in Ba Gong Li.

As the day of Bai Ku’s opening drew near,

Ba Gong Li had transformed from a desolate, uninhabited place into a prime spot for Ling Array Masters to gather and trade.

Here, everyone was a Ling Array Master.

Whether you were a Jianxiu, Tixiu, or some other miscellaneous cultivator, if your side job wasn’t Ling Array Master, you probably couldn’t even get in.

All of this stemmed from Hongyi’s invitation: “Light summons all Ling Array Masters to Bai Ku to break the arrays.”

Admittedly, it had attracted many powerful Ling Array Masters,

but those who exploit loopholes exist in every world.

And the world is full of outlaws.

Certain people, confident that Hongyi had few people and wouldn’t bother with low-level affairs, dove straight into black market dealings.

In these days, the old foxes had used bloody lessons to teach the young newcomers a harsh reality.

Some things, if your strength isn’t enough, you don’t even qualify to touch them.

Some thresholds, even with the key, you might not have the right to step up to them!

“Wolf Ge, these guys…”

A white-robed Jianxiu called out to the youth leading with a wolf-tail hairstyle.

Faced with those predatory old foxes, his voice carried a hint of panic and wariness.

After all, even on missions from Ling Gong, he’d never encountered so many Lingshi.

What’s more, these fellows all looked vicious and untrustworthy.

“What’s there to fear?”

Luo Qinglang turned back, his sharp brows raised high, his voice full of indifference.

“Anyone with time to posture here is basically trash.”

“Even if Bai Ku opens and they get in, they’d just be the low-level cannon fodder. Why fear them?”

“Besides, they don’t even qualify to enter.”

“Heh!”

He snorted coldly, half-closing his eyes as he glanced at the shadowy corners around.

“What you really need to watch out for are those hidden black hands.”

“Those are the real cutthroats—deceit, ambush, you name it.”

“They might wait until you’re asleep and stab your junior, then swipe your three Linglong Stones.”

“Hiss!” The white-robed Jianxiu felt a chill run through him, shuddering.

After a pause, he asked doubtfully, “But Wolf Ge, I only have one Linglong Stone!”

“Heh.”

Luo Qinglang smiled without answering.

Without further explanation, he stopped and sensed with his spiritual mind the elder lurking discreetly at the back of the group, whose nervousness had exposed his presence.

“Damn old fool, I said I’d lead the team—you didn’t have to follow.”

“This guy’s like a tagalong, hanging back like that. Does he think I can’t see him just because he’s at a distance?”

“Idiot!”

He grumbled inwardly, then turned to the masked woman behind him with a smile. “Zhiwen girl, up ahead is Ba Gong Li. Shall we go in?”

Yu Zhiwen’s starry eyes remained calm as she nodded quietly.

She didn’t speak, but the sword-wielding man beside her glanced at Luo Qinglang’s fawning expression and couldn’t help muttering.

“We’re already at Ba Gong Li— if not in, are we drinking the northwest wind?”

“Cheng Xingchu, do you have an issue?” Luo Qinglang turned back with a smile.

“I…”

Cheng Xingchu gripped his sword, suppressing the urge to strike.

This fool really thought that just because his cultivation was a bit higher, he could ignore status?

What a blockhead!

Breaking through to Zongshi realm at such a young age—wasn’t that wasting a chance to impact Sheng Gong?

Such good talent, yet wasted on bravado. Pathetic!

Cheng Xingchu sneered.

If the cost of making a move wasn’t so high, even if Luo Qinglang was stronger, he’d teach him a lesson.

But…

Forget it, endure it.

After all, getting two Bai Ku spots from Qinggang Ling Gong wasn’t easy.

“No issue, let’s go in.”

He waved helplessly.

“Heh heh.”

Luo Qinglang wasn’t about to let it go, laughing mockingly. “I heard the people from Tian Sang Ling Gong arrived early and are already inside. Want to go say hello?”

Cheng Xingchu’s pupils shrank instantly.

Tian Sang Ling Gong…

Wasn’t that where Xu Xiaoshou was?

The memory of being slapped in the face and failing to provoke, only to be knocked out, made his face burn.

His heart twisted.

But a real man can take it and let it go…

He had to maintain that attitude in front of Zhiwen girl.

So, Cheng Xingchu waved casually.

“Whatever.”

Yu Zhiwen’s eyes flickered slightly.

Mentioning Tian Sang Ling Gong, that unreliable guy flashed into her mind.

In the grand hall back then, the young man’s “Sword Come” had been so dashing—she still couldn’t forget it.

“No need.”

Yu Zhiwen shook her head rationally. “Different paths, no need to force it.”

Tian Sang Ling Gong couldn’t get Bai Ku spots, but she had secured them from Qinggang Ling Gong.

By the time they met again, they’d be rivals.

Going now might lead straight to drawn weapons.

“No need… then forget it?”

Luo Qinglang smoothed his wolf-tail hair with both hands, his expression turning cold again as he looked ahead.

“So, I’ll take the lead?”

Whoosh, whoosh—a word, and the young people behind him quickly stepped back.

Even Yu Zhiwen and Cheng Xingchu didn’t dare be arrogant, moving behind Luo Qinglang.

Clang, clang, clang!

Three sword cries, and three long swords were drawn from his ring by Luo Qinglang.

In his hands, one in his mouth—he held them all.

Boom!

As the three swords assembled, a terrifying killing intent erupted, shattering the stone floor of Ba Gong Li.

This made even the old foxes inside show surprised expressions.

“My heavens, Zongshi?”

“This is worthy of someone from Ling Gong—nothing like those ordinary clan kids.”

“At such a young age, Zongshi cultivation? I’m envious!”

“No!”

A sharp-eyed one shrank back, shock on his face. “More than Zongshi, more than Tianxiang realm—this young man is Yin Yang realm?”

“Hiss!”

Everyone at the town entrance inhaled sharply.

Zongshi, Yin Yang realm?

Even at their middle-aged level, reaching Zongshi Tianxiang was impressive.

This young man had far surpassed his peers, even exceeding most present, straight to Yin Yang realm?

“Good lad, Zongshi cultivation and from a major power—he must have the strength to challenge higher realms.”

“With such fierce killing intent, this kid’s no pushover. This wave might be too much for Ba Gong Li’s hidden hands.”

“Yeah, earlier Old Du and Cui Wei tried to sneak up on Tian Sang Ling Gong’s rear, right?”

“That leader, tsk tsk…”

“One look, and Old Du was foaming at the mouth. I heard he won’t even touch his wife now—who knows what got wrecked.”

“What else? He’s useless now!” Someone snickered.

“I was there that day. That Rao Yinyin was terrifying. Though I couldn’t see her cultivation, this guy seems tough, but he’d still suffer against her.”

“You all out of the loop?”

Someone mocked, “Tian Sang Ling Gong’s real powerhouse isn’t Rao Yinyin—it’s Tan Ji.”

“That guy apparently wanted to strike that day but was held back.”

“Yet, after sunset, he went alone with a heavenly spear and raided Cui Wei’s ‘Fengsheng Tang.’ That night, blood filled the courtyard!”

“Damn, that happened? How’d I not know?”

“Cui Laojian isn’t already at Yin Yang peak with a bunch of underlings? And Tan Ji went alone?”

“Exactly.”

“I don’t believe it!”

“Don’t? Well, have you seen Cui Laojian these past few days? He’s probably lying low somewhere licking his wounds!”

“This…”

The onlookers were hooked.

Indeed, it had happened just the day before.

Ba Gong Li wasn’t big,

but among the many Lingshi, there wasn’t much real interaction, like common folk.

Some intel, if not shared, even nearby people might not know.

That day, many had been holed up, activating their strongest protective arrays for cultivation.

Luo Qinglang stared at the noisy scene ahead and froze.

He’d thought these guys, looking so fierce, would swarm him with a provocation.

Then his three-form sword would come into play.

But how had they shifted to chatting about the sky?

“Tian Sang Ling Gong?”

“Tan Ji?”

A existence stronger than him?

Luo Qinglang’s face turned fierce. What a great chance to show off, and no one was cooperating?

He glanced secretly at the masked woman behind him.

Luo Qinglang admitted, even with his experience, he’d never seen such beautiful starry eyes.

Just those eyes had him hooked.

No chance to perform? He’d create one!

Whoosh!

He tossed a Linglong Stone into the air, then caught it back smoothly.

In that instant, everyone’s gaze locked on.

“Linglong Stone?”

The guys who’d been unanimously talking about “Tian Sang Ling Gong” were suddenly blinded by the Linglong Stone’s glow.

“Isn’t this what you all want?”

Luo Qinglang watched them turn back and finally showed a hunter’s smile.

“Come on, I’ll set up a ring here. Whoever kills me gets it directly!”

“But challenges come with a price!”

He paused, bending with his sword, coldly stating, “The price is death!”

Yu Zhiwen’s starry eyes showed a hint of confusion.

Weren’t they going into Ba Gong Li?

Why set up a ring here?

“Madman…”

Cheng Xingchu facepalmed.

He’d heard of Luo Qinglang’s “battle maniac” reputation back in Qinggang Ling Gong, but didn’t expect him to be this insane?

He understood Luo Qinglang’s mindset!

But to win a beauty’s smile by challenging everyone?

Absurd!

“Oh my god!”

The white-robed Jianxiu who’d followed Wolf Ge nearly buckled at the knees.

Staring at the burly men opposite, whose eyes had turned red as if about to pounce, he felt his scalp tingle.

“Wolf Ge’s at it again.”

“Get back!”

Rustle, rustle—everyone behind scattered.

Luo Qinglang’s fighting spirit peaked, his killing intent raging, making even the tattered lanterns on the town inn sway and crackle.

The town’s thugs felt their blood boil, the image of the Linglong Stone and their desires clouding their minds.

In an instant, someone leaped forward.

“I’ll take you on!”

Smack!

At that critical moment of tension, a faint sound echoed between them.

Everyone’s eyes were drawn to it.

It was a tall, slender figure in a thick black robe and straw hat, completely covered.

Behind him were two shorter figures, similarly dressed,

and further back, one taller, also in the same outfit.

“Everyone looking now?”

With a low, hoarse greeting, the lead straw-hatted masked person waved, and the shortest figure behind stayed still.

The other tall and short ones hesitated, then slowly unfurled a banner.

“Masked Person Organization: Straw Hat.”

Below, in smaller text:

“—Specially selling Linglong Stones.”

Luo Qinglang: ???

What kind of foolish group is this?

I’m about to start a war!

And you’re advertising?

Before he could speak, the next second, Luo Qinglang’s pupils shrank.

Not just him—all the thugs at the town entrance reacted the same.

The lead of the “Straw Hat” organization, that fully covered masked person, sat down at a makeshift wooden table he’d casually set out.

Then,

Tap, tap, tap!

Three Linglong Stones were placed directly on the table.

Everyone’s eyes bulged.

“Hey!”

The “Straw Hat” leader called out, the wind howling as the banner fluttered.

“Take a look, folks!”

“Linglong Stones, fresh ones!”

“Passing through, don’t miss out.”

“The last three, guaranteed genuine, no fakes!”

“If you’ve got money, throw some in the pot; if not, just join the crowd. Come gather ‘round!”