Entering Lingxiao City, the city lord Li Yunxiao

"Ah?"

Li Jianshi's small face flushed, and she quickly averted her gaze.

Then.

As if she had thought of something, or perhaps to change the subject, she said, "Venerable He is still entangled with an opponent; let's hurry and save him!"

"Venerable He?" Xiao Ming asked, puzzled.

"Yes, Venerable He is my personal old servant, loyal to our family. He can't get away right now and might even be in danger," Li Jianshi said anxiously, "Brother Xiao, let's hurry and save Venerable He!"

Speaking of which.

Li Jianshi then asked, "Oh, right, thank you, Brother Xiao, for saving my life. My name is Li Jianshi; what's yours?"

"Xiao Ming."

"Xiao Ming..." Li Jianshi savored the two words, seemingly wanting to commit them to memory.

Xiao Ming, meanwhile, looked into the distance.

In his perception, a few miles away, two Half-Step Royal Qi Realm powerhouses were fiercely clashing. One was a Bald Strongman, and the other was an old man.

Presumably, that old man must be the Venerable He Li Jianshi spoke of.

However, Xiao Ming did not immediately set off to rescue him.

Instead, he turned his gaze to the sky above him.

There, a beautifully crafted formation large ship, driven by Ma Rulong, floated!

With Ma Rulong's demise, this formation large ship had become ownerless. It floated quietly in mid-air, its illusory wings occasionally flapping.

Xiao Ming felt a slight excitement.

This formation large ship was clearly no ordinary item; even if he didn't use it, he could sell it for a good price!

"Let's go. Follow me to first secure this large ship, and then we'll go rescue your Venerable He," Xiao Ming said, then rose into the air with Li Jianshi, soaring straight towards the formation large ship above.

At the same time.

In the bamboo forest a few miles away.

Venerable He and the Bald Strongman were fiercely clashing. Both used blade-type weapons, unleashing a flurry of brilliant sword lights and sword qi.

As they fought, they kept glancing in the direction where Li Jianshi was.

Both wore expressions of confusion.

Because just a moment ago, a thunderous explosion had suddenly erupted in Li Jianshi's direction. The terrifying power of the explosion was extremely formidable, and the shockwaves it emitted had startled them greatly!

After sensing the terrifying nature of the shockwaves, Venerable He and the Bald Strongman became even more bewildered.

After all, Ma Rulong was a Yuqi Realm powerhouse. Logically, capturing Li Jianshi, who was at the Great Perfection of the Divine Sea Realm, should have been an easy task and shouldn't have caused such a huge commotion.

Unless, something unexpected had happened!

Worried about Li Jianshi's safety, Venerable He went all out, fighting with a reckless abandon, almost entering a berserk state.

Under Venerable He's frantic attacks, the Bald Strongman gradually began to lose ground. After all, his mission was only to tie down Venerable He, not to perish with him.

"Old man surnamed He, even if you repel me, it's useless. Your young mistress has probably already been captured alive by Worship Leader Ma, hahaha!"

Unable to suppress Venerable He head-on, the Bald Strongman resorted to verbal provocation, deliberately laughing loudly.

Hearing this, Venerable He's face grew even gloomier.

But his heart also became more anxious.

If Li Jianshi was indeed captured alive by some Worship Leader Ma, then he himself and Lingxiao City would be in danger!

Thinking of this, Venerable He became even more frenzied, unleashing even more violent sword lights, adopting a life-for-a-life stance, wanting to quickly repel the Bald Strongman who was holding him back.

Just then.

A majestic formation flying ship flew rapidly from not far away.

The moment he saw the flying ship, Venerable He's heart instantly sank to rock bottom!

The Bald Strongman, however, was filled with excitement.

"The flying ship has appeared; Worship Leader Ma has finished his task!" The Bald Strongman laughed heartily, "Old man surnamed He, today you won't escape death. Worship Leader Ma can destroy you with a single hand!"

No sooner had he spoken.

A multicolored sword shadow, several hundred meters long, suddenly shot out from the flying ship. Its sword might was grand, carrying unparalleled power as it slashed down!

And its target was the smug-faced Bald Strongman!

At this moment.

The Bald Strongman and Venerable He were both stunned.

What's going on?

How did the multicolored sword shadow slashed from the flying ship lock onto the Bald Strongman?

Shouldn't it be attacking Venerable He of Lingxiao City?

"Worship Leader Ma, why are you attacking me? I'm your teammate!" The Bald Strongman subconsciously shouted, while simultaneously preparing to flash to the side to dodge the sword shadow's attack.

Venerable He reacted extremely quickly!

Regardless of what the people on the flying ship were thinking, the sword shadow had indeed locked onto the Bald Strongman. What he had to do was not let the Bald Strongman escape the sword shadow's attack range.

With this thought, Venerable He repeatedly swung the long saber in his hand, unleashing one violent sword light after another, blocking the Bald Strongman's escape routes.

With the sword shadow attacking from above and Venerable He's sword lights blocking from all sides, the Bald Strongman was momentarily unable to advance or retreat.

In this flash of lightning.

The multicolored sword shadow crashed down!

"Boom!!!"

The hundreds of meters long sword shadow slashed down fiercely, instantly engulfing the Bald Strongman. Then, terrifying sword might spread out, carving a wide, deep trench into the ground.

When the sword might dissipated.

Venerable He quickly looked into the deep trench, only to see the blood-soaked Bald Strongman lying quietly at the bottom. The strongman was a bloody mess, spewing blood from his mouth.

He wouldn't survive this.

Venerable He was decisive. He immediately unleashed a thick sword light, which fiercely struck the Bald Strongman's chest.

The sword light passed through, shattering the Bald Strongman into pieces, instantly killing him!

After dealing with the Bald Strongman, Venerable He gripped his saber with both hands, vigilantly watching the formation flying ship above.

The Bald Strongman was not a concern; the Yuqi Realm Worship Leader Ma was the most troublesome powerhouse!

Just as he was fully on guard, a beautiful figure flew down from the formation flying ship.

"Young Mistress??"

Upon seeing the face of the beautiful figure, Venerable He exclaimed in surprise, his face growing even more puzzled.

Wasn't the Young Mistress attacked by Worship Leader Ma?

How could she move freely on the flying ship?

As he was wondering.

Li Jianshi had already flown down from mid-air and arrived before Venerable He.

"Venerable He, are you alright?" Li Jianshi asked with concern.

"I'm fine," Venerable He shook his head and said, "Young Mistress, you..."

"I'm fine too," Li Jianshi saw his confusion and quickly explained, "A young man named Xiao Ming saved me. He killed that so-called Worship Leader Ma and saved my life."

"After we defeated Worship Leader Ma, we rushed over to help you. Now that I see you're also fine, I can finally relax."

"So, you received help from a noble person!" Venerable He suddenly understood and breathed a sigh of relief.

He had been wondering why that sword shadow earlier hadn't attacked him but instead locked onto the Bald Strongman, and why Young Mistress Li Jianshi could move freely on the flying ship.

It turned out that Worship Leader Ma had been eliminated, and his Young Mistress had been rescued by a powerful individual.

Recalling the intense tremors that occurred in the distance just now, everything made sense.

"To be able to eliminate a Yuqi Realm Worship Leader Ma, it means this noble person's strength is quite formidable," Venerable He said, "Young Mistress, where is this noble person? This old servant wishes to thank him in person!"

Li Jianshi looked up at the formation flying ship above and said, "Brother Xiao, you should come down too. Venerable He wants to thank you in person."

As her voice fell.

A tall figure shot out from the flying ship, descending from the sky.

With his long hair flowing, Xiao Ming's appearance was revealed.

Looking at this young figure, Venerable He's face showed a respectful expression. However, upon sensing Xiao Ming's Cultivation Level, Venerable He's expression suddenly changed drastically.

This fellow who saved the Young Mistress, his Cultivation Level is only the Late Stage of the Divine Sea Realm?

He didn't see wrong, did he?

Someone at the Late Stage of the Divine Sea Realm is not even as strong as the Young Mistress at Great Perfection; how could he possibly eliminate a Yuqi Realm Worship Leader Ma?

This is impossible, absolutely impossible!

For a moment.

Doubt, shock, confusion, and various other emotions flooded Venerable He's face.

Making his expression extremely complex.

How could a mere Late Stage of the Divine Sea Realm cultivator kill a Yuqi Realm powerhouse!

This completely surpassed Venerable He's understanding!

It wasn't that Venerable He had never seen cultivation geniuses, but even the most formidable genius could only challenge those of a higher Cultivation Level; it was impossible to kill a powerful Yuqi Realm powerhouse with the strength of the Late Stage of the Divine Sea Realm.

Challenging across Cultivation Levels and killing across Cultivation Levels were two completely different concepts.

At this moment, Venerable He felt his worldview had been greatly overturned.

Or perhaps.

This young junior in front of him wasn't at the Late Stage of the Divine Sea Realm at all?

And was suppressing his Cultivation Level, pretending to be a pig to eat a tiger?

All sorts of jumbled thoughts flooded Venerable He's mind.

"Venerable He, this is my benefactor, Xiao Ming," Li Jianshi explained to Venerable He, then looked at Xiao Ming and said, "This is Venerable He."

Xiao Ming's gaze swept over.

And met Venerable He's complex gaze.

"Brother Xiao, thank you for saving my young mistress's life. On behalf of Lingxiao City, I am eternally grateful!" Although he was suspicious, Venerable He didn't show it. Instead, he bowed slightly and spoke with a sincere expression.

Regardless of Xiao Ming's secrets, the fact that he saved Li Jianshi was undeniable, and for this, Venerable He was very grateful.

"No need to be so polite. I just happened to be passing by, and saving Li Jianshi was merely a matter of convenience," Xiao Ming said indifferently.

"Brother Xiao is truly righteous!" Venerable He exclaimed with emotion, "However, although Brother Xiao makes light of it, we cannot simply let this matter pass so easily, as it involves a great life-saving kindness."

"May I ask what Brother Xiao's plans are next? If you have time, would you be willing to return to Lingxiao City with us so we can fulfill our duties as hosts?"

After speaking.

Venerable He looked at Xiao Ming with fervent eyes. He had already developed the intention to recruit Xiao Ming.

If such a powerful Xiao Ming, capable of killing a Yuqi Realm powerhouse, were to join Lingxiao City, then the power of their city would greatly increase out of thin air.

Even if they couldn't bring Xiao Ming under their command, being friends would be excellent.

At the same time.

A strong sense of anticipation also surged in Li Jianshi's beautiful eyes as she looked at Xiao Ming.

After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Ming said, "Alright, I also happen to have business in Lingxiao City, so I'll impose on you all."

"No imposition, no imposition at all," Venerable He's face broke into a wide smile, "It is our Lingxiao City's good fortune to be able to host a young talent like Brother Xiao."

"Our City Lord loves to make friends with heroes from all walks of life. If he hears about today's events, he will definitely be very happy."

Li Jianshi, standing nearby, also showed a sweet smile.

Xiao Ming nodded slightly, then looked around and said, "This is not the place to talk. If there are no other matters, let's set off now."

"Wait a moment, I still have a few small things to do," Venerable He said apologetically, then explained, "Those guards who protected the Young Mistress all died in battle. They were all loyal, and their bodies cannot just be left exposed in the wilderness."

"I must bring all their bodies back, and this is also a rule of our Lingxiao City."

Saying this, Venerable He's figure flickered, and he flew towards the bamboo forest a few miles away.

That was where Xiao Ming and Ma Rulong had fought earlier, and the bodies of Li Jianshi's group of guards were scattered throughout the bamboo forest.

It didn't take long.

Venerable He carried each of the guards' bodies onto the formation large ship, arranging them neatly and spotlessly.

Seeing this.

Xiao Ming, who had already arrived on the flying ship, couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.

To be honest, he was very surprised!

Because in the cruel cultivation world, protective martial artists like guards were simply unimportant; if they died, they died.

No one would collect their bodies.

Today was the first time he had seen such a thing.

While Xiao Ming was surprised, his favorable impression of Lingxiao City deepened a few points.

As the saying goes, a straw in the wind shows which way the wind blows.

Since Venerable He valued the bodies of his own guards so much, it showed that Lingxiao City's way of doing things was quite upright; at least, they treated their own people very well.

This was uncommon in the cultivation world.

After Venerable He finished all his tasks, Xiao Ming activated the True Essence within his body, controlling the formation flying ship to move rapidly.

The illusory wings on both sides of the formation flying ship gently flapped, and instantly, the flying ship shot forward like an arrow released from a bowstring.

Along the way.

Venerable He enthusiastically chatted with Xiao Ming, seemingly wanting to probe Xiao Ming's background.

Xiao Ming was also a shrewd person and did not reveal too much information; he didn't even expose his identity as a disciple of the Qingtian Sword Sect.

Before taking action to save Li Jianshi, Xiao Ming had deliberately changed out of the unique Qingtian Sword Sect disciple attire, wearing only a very ordinary set of clothes.

This made it impossible for Venerable He to discern his origins.

Furthermore.

Through his conversation with Venerable He, Xiao Ming also learned a lot about Lingxiao City.

For example, the powerhouses who attacked Li Jianshi today were very likely experts from Sunset City. And Sunset City, Lingxiao City, and Ziguang City each had their own grievances, which was why today's events transpired.

By the time night fell.

Under Venerable He's guidance, Xiao Ming controlled the formation flying ship and arrived above Lingxiao City.

Looking down, he saw the entire city brightly lit, with shops and vendors along the roads enthusiastically hawking their goods. Powerful martial artists mingled among ordinary people, making Lingxiao City appear quite prosperous.

Upon arriving at Lingxiao City.

Xiao Ming first controlled the formation flying ship to land in a wide area within the city, then patiently waited for Venerable He to handle the follow-up issues concerning the guards.

After all matters were dealt with.

Venerable He then led Xiao Ming and Li Jianshi to a cluster of luxurious buildings at the very heart of the city.

This was the City Lord's Mansion of Lingxiao City.

It didn't take long.

Xiao Ming, guided by Venerable He, met the City Lord of Lingxiao City, Li Yunxiao.

Li Yunxiao was a middle-aged man around forty years old. He had a jade-like face, was dashing, and even somewhat handsome.

Presumably, only such a man could father a little beauty like Li Jianshi.

Li Yunxiao was a powerhouse at the Late Stage of the Yuqi Realm, a full major Cultivation Level higher than Xiao Ming.

However, upon meeting, Xiao Ming found that Li Yunxiao completely lacked the calm demeanor of a Yuqi Realm expert; he was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.

He paced anxiously in circles!

Only after seeing Li Jianshi did Li Yunxiao's emotions stabilize. His figure flickered, and he instantly appeared before Li Jianshi, asking with concern, "My precious daughter! You've finally returned. Are you alright? Why are you back so late?"

Li Yunxiao asked like a machine gun, rapid-fire.

"I'm fine, Father. You worried," Li Jianshi said obediently.

However, Li Yunxiao did not believe Li Jianshi's words, as he keenly noticed that Li Jianshi had sustained some minor injuries.

Subconsciously, he looked at Venerable He.

"Venerable He, tell me honestly, what happened on the way back?!" Li Yunxiao asked in a deep voice.