Tang Yan's expression remained unchanged, but he couldn't help but be somewhat surprised. If a genius like this exists in the Eastern Domain, how many monstrous talents must there be across the entire Tianxiang Kingdom and even the vast continent?

"Third rank of the Xuan Realm!" Lin Dongxue exclaimed in surprise.

Liu Zhi also displayed an expression of shock!

The city lord observed the expressions of the three and felt a bit curious.

Since the day Tang Yan presented his gift, it seemed like this young man had seen countless storms and faced every situation with calm composure.

"Indeed, it's the third rank of the Xuan Realm, and it seems there might be more than one. In this Eastern Domain grand competition, most of the participants' strengths are above the Xuan Realm," Lin Xiao said solemnly. "Moreover, these are just the reports we've received; the specific details still need verification. No one can confirm whether there are any geniuses of the fourth rank of the Xuan Realm. I will have people keep investigating, and once we get more information, we'll notify you immediately."

After a pause, Lin Xiao continued, "The Eastern Domain grand competition is in twenty days, and it will take us around ten days to get there. Once we reach Fang City, I will take you to the Death Kill Tower for some training before the competition begins!"

"The Death Kill Tower? What’s that?" Liu Zhi asked curiously.

"You can think of it as a training ground, open to martial artists below the Earth Realm. It has six levels, each more dangerous than the last. Without enough strength and battle experience, it’s very difficult to clear the stages. Every time you enter, you need to pay fifty thousand silver coins," Lin Xiao explained patiently.

"Fifty thousand silver coins!" Liu Zhi exclaimed again. "Does it cost that much no matter how long you stay inside?"

"Yes, even if you’re forced out immediately after entering, it's still fifty thousand silver coins. But there is a rule: those who manage to clear the tower are exempt from the fee. However, clearing the tower is extremely difficult. Anyway, this is the plan. Do you have any thoughts?" Lin Xiao asked.

Both Liu Zhi and Lin Dongxue said they had no objections, but Tang Yan spoke up, "City Lord, I have a request."

"Speak, what's the matter?" Lin Xiao smiled.

"I would like to travel to Fang City alone, and once I arrive, I will find you."

Lin Xiao furrowed his brows slightly but didn’t refuse. He calmly asked, "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes." Tang Yan nodded.

"Alright, once we reach Fang City, we will meet at Wan Fang Restaurant. It’s the most famous restaurant in Fang City, so you’ll easily find it," Lin Xiao nodded.

Liu Zhi breathed a slight sigh of relief upon hearing Tang Yan's words. He had no idea how unbearable it would be to travel with Tang Yan.

"Why travel alone? We can go together," Lin Dongxue said, sharp and quick-witted. From her father's slight frown, she could tell he was curious but didn’t want to ask further, so she spoke on his behalf.

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"I want to train along the way. Don’t worry, I won’t delay. We’ll meet at Wan Fang Restaurant in ten days," Tang Yan immediately promised.

Upon hearing this, Lin Dongxue's big eyes twinkled, and she immediately had an idea. She turned to Lin Xiao and said, "Father, I also want to go with Tang Yan."

"No!" Tang Yan immediately shouted before the city lord could even speak.

The city lord had felt something was off but seeing Tang Yan's strong reaction, a faint smile appeared on his face. "Others are trying all kinds of ways to stay close to Dongxue, but you, boy, are turning her down even when she’s offering herself."

"Father, what nonsense are you talking about?" Lin Dongxue pouted in protest.

Sensing that his words had been inappropriate, Lin Xiao became slightly embarrassed.

Lin Dongxue, who had been rejected outright by Tang Yan, felt humiliated and angrily asked, "Why not?"

Tang Yan rubbed his nose. Having lived two lives, his skin was thicker than a city wall. With a tone as though he was considering Lin Dongxue's well-being, he explained, "It's not appropriate for a man and woman to travel alone. If we travel together for ten days, it might harm Dongxue's reputation. If rumors spread, I would feel guilty and uneasy."

"Moreover, the route I plan to take might be dangerous. If I were alone, I could escape when facing danger, but with two people, we might get distracted and accidents could happen."

His logical and reasonable explanation left no room for rebuttal. However, women, as always, weren’t likely to base their actions solely on logic.

"What danger could there be? Do you think you’re invincible? If danger comes, you might even be the one to slow me down!" Lin Dongxue argued, furious.

Tang Yan’s eyes flickered with surprise. Lin Dongxue, knowing that she had defeated Liu Zhi, still confidently claimed she wouldn't be a burden. It seemed this young lady’s strength was more than she appeared.

"I don't care! I’m sticking with you today!" Lin Dongxue's spoiled attitude finally broke out.

Tang Yan helplessly looked toward Lin Xiao, and seeing Tang Yan's pitiful expression, Lin Xiao felt a bit amused. His daughter, a beautiful and elegant lady, and this kid seemed to be rejecting her.

"I’m not sure what path you plan to take this time," Lin Xiao asked.

Upon hearing this, Tang Yan felt a headache coming on. Could it be that the city lord truly wanted him to take care of his daughter?

With a helpless sigh, Tang Yan knew he had no choice but to use facts to scare Lin Dongxue off. He pointed at the map. "This vast mountain range is the Cangyun Mountain. I plan to cross it to reach Fang City. The route is roughly this one. Though it’s on the outer edge, we can’t guarantee that it won’t be dangerous."

Lin Xiao followed Tang Yan’s finger and looked at the map. He had personally explored the Cangyun Mountain range. The areas Tang Yan had marked were mostly places where second-grade spirit beasts roamed. Of course, there were also third-grade spirit beasts, so the danger level wasn’t low.

However, these dangers didn’t exceed Lin Xiao’s limits. He said slowly, "This route is indeed dangerous, but if you are careful, it can be avoided. Third-grade spirit beasts are powerful and hard to deal with, so if you encounter them, remember not to be reckless and just avoid them."

"Dongxue, if you really go with Tang Yan on this route, it will be very tough."

"If I can’t handle this bit of hardship, I should just give up on martial arts," Lin Dongxue said with a proud look, glancing at Tang Yan’s miserable face, "My mind is made up. I’m going with Young Master Tang."

Tang Yan felt his whole body deflate. He had gone through so much trouble trying to scare Lin Dongxue off, but to his surprise, she seemed more excited than ever!

"This is really dangerous..." Tang Yan made one last attempt.

"Enough, if there’s danger, I’ll protect you," Lin Dongxue said, determined.

"I trust Young Master Tang’s character. For these days, Dongxue will be in your care," Lin Xiao concluded decisively and then turned to Liu Zhi. "You come with me, and we’ll talk about your martial arts technique."

Hearing that the city lord would personally guide him, Liu Zhi’s eyes lit up with joy. He hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, City Lord, for your kindness."

With the itinerary set, the group split into two groups.

Tang Yan, looking downcast, mounted his steed, the green-hued horse, and headed toward Cangyun Mountain.

Beside him, Lin Dongxue rode a fiery red steed, her face showing a smug and cunning smile. From her expression, it was clear that she was enjoying herself far more than Tang Yan, whose face was filled with helplessness.