Shadows don't float on the surface

“For now, you should focus on diligently studying martial arts. As for your cultivation, you can temporarily put that aside.”

“You must understand that being too outstanding will attract a lot of unnecessary trouble.”

“A tree that stands out in the forest will surely be toppled by the wind!”

A Genius is always an existence to be looked up to, but during this period, they will not easily acknowledge you.

You will find yourself in a beleaguered situation, with doubts cast to destroy your state of mind, followed by the rampant spread of rumors and malicious slanders against your reputation.

Caution, suspicion, distrust...

If you can defeat them, then all doubts about you will vanish into thin air.

The bad reputation that spread will also gradually subside, and they will even willingly beautify all your experiences.

.......

As time passed, Li Tan’s unfamiliar Cultivation Technique became increasingly compatible, and he performed it with remarkable proficiency.

The Corpse Refining plan was also proceeding smoothly, and his comprehension of the Nameless Sword Technique deepened, with new insights into every move and stance.

Li Yong was also unreserved, pushing all his accumulated valuable experience onto Li Tan.

He truly knew without speaking, and spoke without holding back, acting as a dutiful and considerate Elder.

Looking at the dim sky, Li Yong stroked his beard, a complex expression on his face.

“It’s that time again. Qingfeng City is going to be lively these days.”

“I hope they know their limits and don’t go too far…”

..........

The scene shifts to the Song Family compound.

An old man with white hair was filled with sorrow, and the teacup in his hand was crushed into powder by him!

Miraculously, the overflowing tea had not yet fallen to the ground before it turned into steam and dissipated between heaven and earth.

“My dignified Song Family has not a single prodigy! To contend and discuss the Dao with the Zhao, Wang, and Li Families!”

“Prison Flower, in your opinion, where should we start?”

This woman, Prison Flower, no!

It should be said to be a man, but not entirely; his soft, dark hair was held by an exquisite jade hairpin, and he wore a luxurious purple gown, with elegant flower prints and branch patterns that exuded a scholarly demeanor.

He had a pair of beautiful peach blossom eyes that showed tender affection, a high and delicate nose bridge, and a small, exquisite mouth that was rosy and enchanting, captivating to the heart.

However, what was surprising was that this person was nine feet tall and had exposed veins in his arms, giving a powerful visual impact.

His voice was somewhat hoarse and deep.

“The Wang Family is a Medicinal Pill Family, built on sincerity and believing in things happening naturally.”

“Merchants hate fighting and killing the most, and besides, they are not qualified to contend with us!”

The white-haired old man nodded lightly, turning two jade beads in his hand continuously.

“As for the Li Family, that old madman wants to change the structure within Qingfeng City, which was originally a fool’s dream, but now it actually has some prospects.”

“He’s crazy, and even those old fellows are going crazy with him, who knows what outrageous things they might do.”

“After all, those with nothing to lose fear no one. We can’t afford to provoke them…”

Prison Flower’s voice was no longer low and deep, but rather sharp and somewhat sickly.

After two preparatory coughs, he adjusted his voice again.

What was baffling was that a big man’s voice could be so soft and delicate!

Just listening to a single sentence made one feel warm and comfortable, and his words were full of charm.

“Speaking of the Zhao Family, that’s truly extraordinary…”

“They unexpectedly produced two Geniuses at the same time! Their reputation in Qingfeng City is quite strong, too dazzling.”

“Dragon and Phoenix Twin Prodigies…”

.........

The Zhao Family compound was extremely lively at this moment, with endless discussions, their tones sometimes high, sometimes low.

An elderly man was red-faced from being rebutted, breathless and yet not daring to lash out.

He heavily exhaled a turbid breath, then, disregarding his dignity, drank the tea in his cup in one gulp, immediately spilling water all over his simple collar.

“We are born from the same root, why should we be so eager to destroy each other?”

The old man’s eyes were vacant, staring blankly into the distance, his already cloudy eyes becoming even more bewildered.

“One mountain cannot accommodate two tigers. Since there is a Qilin son, why seek a Phoenix daughter?”

“Geniuses often die young. Why not sacrifice a pawn to save the king?”

A slovenly old man, sitting in the corner, seeing the atmosphere turn sour, quickly stood up to mediate.

“Sixth brother, flesh and blood are thicker than water. We should also understand Third brother appropriately.”

“Hmph!”

Before the atmosphere could ease, a cold snort came!

“I think you’ve truly become senile!”

“To ensure the overall situation, what’s wrong with losing one or two chess pieces?!”

The main hall was deathly silent, so quiet that a needle drop could be heard, and no one was willing to break the stillness first.

The situation became deadlocked, and two tears streamed down the old man’s face, looking very desolate and tragic.

“Born at the wrong time.”

“This old man cannot save you…”

........

The scene shifts again.

On a desolate grassland, a beautiful young girl quietly observed the surroundings.

“This place is truly strange!”

“The flowers, plants, and trees all lack a trace of vitality, as if they’ve been poisoned!”

“Not even a trace of birds, beasts, or human presence can be found.”

This person was none other than Zhao Xinyi!

Her eyes were filled with confusion and surprise, and the dim, oppressive sky above her head spoke volumes about the strangeness of this place.

A rustling sound came from the dry, withered grass, which now sounded incredibly harsh!

“Who!”

Zhao Xinyi let out a cold shout, the killing intent in her eyes seemingly materializing, and a cold, gleaming dagger appeared in her hand at some unknown point!

Seeing no response, she tiptoed towards the grass, wanting to see what was going on.

She gently kicked aside the messy dry grass, but as soon as she touched a blade, it snapped.

“Hoo…”

Zhao Xinyi breathed a sigh of relief, her taut nerves gradually relaxing.

“It was just a gust of wind. It’s just that these withered grasses have long been weathered and brittle, which is why they break with a single blow.”

“I just scared myself. Zhao Aotian, that guy, was actually transferred away by an Elder at the critical moment, leaving me to complete this handover mission alone!”

Thinking of this, Zhao Xinyi tightened her grip on the dagger, her face filled with indignation.

“When I get back, I’m definitely going to make that guy pay! I must extort a good sum from him!”

Before her words fell, another anomaly occurred!

A figure appeared in the sky at some unknown time, its delicate face and sturdy build appearing incongruous.

“Prison Flower!”

He first made what he considered a cute gesture, then displayed his elegant dance moves.

Pink petals seemed to respond to his performance, showering down upon the earth like spring rain.

A delicate flower was bitten in his mouth, creating a scene that was both indescribably eerie and elegant.

“Flowers are soft in the spring breeze, lovesickness ties the gut.”

Zhao Xinyi stared intently at Prison Flower, maintaining a facade of calm, but her heart was already ashen.

He had silently appeared beside her; such a method must be Foundation Establishment!

She forcefully suppressed the trembling of her body, and with a cold face, she was the first to speak: “Who are you? Are you the handover personnel!”

But what responded to her was only a burst of bell-like laughter.

Prison Flower covered her mouth to avoid embarrassing herself, her beautiful peach blossom eyes filled with tender affection and charm.

“Little sister, older sister is not handover personnel, you know.”

“It’s just that a certain important person has heavily paid me to resolve a small problem…”

Zhao Xinyi quickly made up her mind: this person was absolutely not to be fought head-on!

What she needed to do was stall! Until the strong cultivators from her Family arrived to support her!

“This beautiful older sister, this Junior was instructed by an Elder of the Family to come here to ensure the success of the transaction.”

“It was this Junior who was ignorant of the rules just now. I hope this older sister will not hold a grudge.”

Zhao Xinyi’s attitude was very respectful, and her words carried a hint of threat, all to warn the person in front of her not to act recklessly!

She was not alone, but backed by her entire Family!

But to ensure this person wasn’t crazy, she had already crushed the hidden Spirit Stone for communication in her sleeve the moment Prison Flower spoke.