CHAPTER 120: A HINT TO THE CITY LORD

“Unbelievable!” Mo Bin marveled, eyeing Tang Yan like a rare gem unearthed.

With the outcome set, Fang Wentian sighed. “Brother Lin, Cloud City’s really turned heads this year.”

“Ha! I’ve sat in last place long enough—it’s time for a new seat,” Lin Xiao beamed, his joy uncontainable. “Since Tang Yan’s won, the reward’s due, right?”

“You old coot, think I’d pocket it?” Fang Wentian quipped, rising. “Today’s result caught me off guard and taught every martial artist here a valuable lesson.

“Let’s congratulate Cloud City’s Tang Yan, champion of this Eastern Domain Competition!

“This Spirit Storage Ring goes to him. Young Master Tang, come claim your prize!”

Tang Yan’s heart leapt. He stepped onstage, accepted the ring, thanked the crowd, and returned to Cloud City’s seats.

“With that, this Eastern Domain Competition concludes. Now, Elder Mo will announce the Azure Dragon Academy selections,” Fang Wentian declared.

After warm applause, Mo Bin hummed thoughtfully, choosing his words. “Honestly, this competition exceeded my expectations. So many gifted talents shone brightly. Per tradition, we’ll pick five for the Azure Dragon Academy’s trials.”

The crowd held its breath, hanging on his next words.

“The five are: Cloud City’s Tang Yan, Fang City’s Fang Xuan, Fang City’s Wan Fei, Qing City’s Du Shu, and Cloud City’s Lin Dongxue. Five days from now, gather in Fang City—I’ll take you to the Academy!”

Mo Bin pulled five tokens from his robe, infused them with true energy, and flicked them into the hands of the chosen five.

The Eastern Domain Competition officially ended.

Lin Xiao and the other city lords seized the chance to bond with Mo Bin over drinks.

Tang Yan waved. “Let’s head back to the courtyard.”

“Mm,” Lin Dongxue nodded, her expression oddly stiff.

Tang Yan noticed her shift. All the way back, he puzzled over what was up with her.

At the courtyard, he was about to see her in when Lin Dongxue veered off, circling the lake in the back garden.

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Wanfang Tower lived up to its reputation as Fang City’s finest. Even in winter, the garden shimmered with rippling water, lush trees, and vibrant blooms—like spring never left.

“Where you off to?” Tang Yan asked with a grin.

“Just walking. Congrats on the championship,” Lin Dongxue replied, a shy flush crossing her face.

Her cheeks glowed like dusk, adding a bewitching allure. Tang Yan’s heart thumped.

Suddenly, a sly smirk crept onto his face. He gave her a loaded look. “Miss Dongxue, I recall a little bet we made.”

“W-What bet?” Her heart raced like a startled deer. This jerk’s memory is too good!

“Did you forget, Miss Dongxue? Let me jog it. Someone told me if I didn’t win the championship, I’d spar with her for a month. But if I did happen to take the title…” Tang Yan trailed off, his blatant hint turning her face scarlet.

“You… you rotten tease!” she huffed, glaring.

“As the city lord’s daughter, how can you break your word? If this got out, what would people think of the mansion?” Tang Yan pulled out the big gun—reputation.

“Hmph, pervert!” she spat.

“A bet’s a bet,” he teased further.

Pop!

A soft sound snapped Tang Yan out of his smug grin, leaving him dumbfounded.

That fleeting, tender warmth blanked his mind with a boom.

It took a while for his gaze to refocus.

Lin Dongxue stared at him, wide-eyed, her look a mix of bashfulness and resolve. When he met her eyes, her courage fled. With a yelp, she shoved him aside and bolted to her courtyard.

“Tang Yan, this stays between us—no telling anyone! Or I’ll eat you alive!” Her distant threat floated back, making him chuckle.

Back in his own courtyard, Lin Dongxue’s stunning face stirred ripples in his heart.

But… gentle havens bury heroes. His path was the martial way.

Calming his racing pulse, Tang Yan studied the Spirit Storage Ring. He summoned the Wuxie Heavy Sword Shen Shan had gifted him, and with a thought, it vanished into the ring.

Another thought, and it reappeared in his hand.

After a few rounds of this, he stopped. The Heaven and Earth Creation Cauldron could store items too, but only rare herbs—other objects wouldn’t fit. This ring, though, was a marvel: anything could go in, space permitting.

He pulled out the Mountain-Crushing Wave-Stepping Sword technique paired with the Wuxie Sword and pored over it.

This mid-tier Earth Stage technique was his most advanced yet—and far trickier to master. After a dozen reads, he finally grasped its gist.

As he drew the Wuxie Sword to practice, a knock interrupted him.

It was late—who could it be?

Opening the door, he gaped. Lin Dongxue.

Her usual poised grace was gone, replaced by a fidgety shyness. Her radiant, flustered look set his pulse racing again.

“Miss Lin, it’s late—what’s up?” he asked with a smile.

“Horses are ready. We’re leaving Fang City tonight—get packed,” she blurted, eyes down, then scurried off.

Tang Yan blinked. So soon? He stashed essentials in the ring and stepped out.

Nearby, Lin Xiao and Lin Dongxue waited by three steeds.

“Now?” Tang Yan approached, puzzled.

“Five days to reach the Azure Dragon Academy. Day-and-night travel gets us to Cloud City in two. Leaving tonight gives us an extra day there,” Lin Xiao explained, grinning.

He radiated energy—Cloud City’s triumph had boosted his pride.

Tang Yan nodded. The trio mounted up and rode out of the city.

Night fell. Tang Yan calculated inwardly. If he was leaving, the Liu family had to go too.

After a pause, he said, “Lord City, the Tang family will always back the mansion. But Cloud City… some might harbor ill intent…”

He turned to Lin Xiao, letting the hint hang.