Chapter 1: The Town Youth
Isn't the second young lady even more pitiful? I heard that the head of the family once promised Qin Shan that next month, on the second young lady's fifteenth birthday, she would be engaged to Qin Lie. You are a native of Lingjia Town; is there any truth to this?" Ling Ying suddenly lowered her voice, leaned closer to Ling Feng, and whispered, "How could the head of the family agree to the second young lady's engagement to Qin Lie? Isn't that pushing her into a fire pit?"
In his view, even if the head of the family had made an agreement with Qin Shan, with Qin Shan's passing, that agreement is likely no longer valid.
"Elder brother, sister-in-law left early. I know you care for Yu Shi and Xuan Xuan equally, and I feel the same way." Ling Chengzhi carefully chose his words and said earnestly, "However, even an engagement can affect a young lady's reputation. This year, Xuan Xuan is only 15 years old, yet she has already reached the seventh level of body refinement! Normally, we can see that her talent for cultivation and her comprehension of spiritual techniques far surpass that of Yu Shi. Xuan Xuan's future... is absolutely limitless; she will be the true hope for our Ling family in the future!"
In this realm known as the Spirit Domain, there exists an endless ocean, upon which numerous continents are situated. Various races of beings inhabit these continents, continuously refining themselves with the omnipresent spiritual energy, eternally pursuing the ultimate mysteries of heaven and earth.
Speak your mind!" The head of the Ling family said with a frown.
Here, not only do martial artists and spiritual tools have clear hierarchical divisions, but even the intricate and interwoven complex forces constructed by various families, sects, and merchant associations possess a rigorous class structure
This Fire Cloud Hammer is a second-tier spiritual weapon of the mortal level, and it is my lifeline. Three years ago, in the Extreme Cold Mountains, I was struck by the icy breath of the spiritual beast Ice Soul Python, which penetrated my body. The Fire Cloud Hammer helped me resist the cold, allowing me to survive by a stroke of luck. However, the Fire Cloud Hammer was severely damaged. If it weren't for Grandpa Qin's assistance in repairing it, this Fire Cloud Hammer would have long been rendered useless.
Ling Ying snorted, disregarding the gazes of those around her, puffed out her ample chest, and wore a disdainful expression on her pretty face
Without waiting for Du Jiaolan to become angry, Ling Xuanxuan abruptly stood up, disregarding her father Ling Chengye's displeased expression, and charged out of the house like a ball of fire
Of course I am curious. However, I have made an agreement with Qin Shan not to intrude into the mine without reason. Moreover, the mines within Yaoshan have been cultivated by the Ling family for many years, and we have not discovered any valuable spirit stones. Otherwise, why would I agree to let him and his grandson have the mine?
Along the way, many young martial artists from Lingjia Town had also risen early. Many of the youths who saw Qin Lie greeted him with friendly smiles.
The sound of footsteps approached from a distance, and before long, Qin Lie's figure appeared on time, mechanically arriving at the dining table opposite Ling Chengye. He sat down numbly, picked up his bowl, and began to eat.
It has been five years since Qin Shan brought Qin Lie here. The grandfather and grandson have been in the mine during the day. Brother, aren't you curious about what they are doing in the mine? What have they discovered?
The cultivation of martial arts in the Spirit Domain is divided into ten realms: Body Refinement Realm, Opening Origin Realm, Myriad Forms Realm, Penetrating Mystery Realm, Wish Fulfillment Realm, Fragmentation Realm, Nirvana Realm, Immortal Realm, Void Realm, and Domain Initiation Realm. The foundational Body Refinement Realm is further divided into nine levels, and the subsequent realms are categorized into three minor stages: early, middle, and late stages.
Ling Family Dining Hall
Immediately, the crimson ring astonishingly transformed into a blazing hammer, measuring only the length of his forearm. The hammer was entirely dark red, with clusters of fiery clouds imprinted on its surface like tattoos, emanating waves of intense heat.
I would rather die than get engaged to him
What is even more peculiar is that even those family and sect forces are hierarchically structured, divided into five levels: Bluestone level, Black Iron level, Red Copper level, Silver level, and Gold level, resembling a pyramid that imposes layers of oppression and constraints.
Ling Xuanxuan, bare, heavily pounded the table with her half-exposed, pure white jade hand. The bowl of rice in front of her jumped from the impact, splattering half a bowl of thin porridge onto the faces of Du Jiaolan and her family of three across the table. Although Du Jiaolan, Du Heng, and Du Fei reacted swiftly, they were still left in quite a mess from the porridge.
The lowest level of the Qingshi rank forces is the most fundamental power in the Spirit Domain, with numbers so numerous that they are beyond counting, like the grains of sand in a desert. They can only survive and cultivate by relying on stronger forces, their dignity trampled upon at will
"Third brother, you are becoming increasingly pragmatic." The head of the Ling family shook his head and sighed, "Let me think this over. Sigh, Yushi is such a hardworking and selfless child, with a gentle temperament. If I were to do this, I know she would certainly agree, but I truly cannot bear to be so harsh on her..."
Lingjia Town
Elder brother! When did Xuanxuan enter the seventh level of body refinement? The overflow of spiritual energy is clearly a unique sign of the seventh level of body refinement!" Ling Chengzhi exclaimed excitedly, his face filled with joy, "Entering the seventh level of body refinement at fifteen, Xuanxuan's talent is even more astonishing than Yushi's! At this rate, before she turns twenty, she will definitely step into the Opening Origin realm. The Opening Origin realm... she will surely attract the favor of the Nebula Pavilion in the future!
The Ling family is merely a small family force that does not even reach the level of a Greenstone family. The Ling family, along with several nearby small families, relies on the Greenstone-level power of the Xingyun Pavilion in Bingyan City. Each year, they must pay sufficient offerings to the Xingyun Pavilion in order to receive its protection and establish their foothold in Ling Family Town
Wrapped in a fiery red leather armor, Ling Xuanyan's exquisite figure has begun to reveal its charm. On her exceptionally beautiful little face, a pair of bright and intelligent eyes shine with brilliance. At just fifteen years old, she is already renowned for her beauty.
Elder brother, I have a few words I would like to discuss with you privately. Ling Chengzhi suddenly stood up, exchanged a glance with his elder brother, and followed Qin Lie out of the dining hall
For us, this is already quite impressive. Ling Feng maintained a calm expression and said in a deep voice: Five years ago, Grandpa Qin brought Qin Lie to our Ling Family Town to meet with our family head for discussions. In exchange for helping the Ling family warriors repair their ordinary-grade spiritual weapons, he demanded the mining rights to the numerous mines in Yaoshan and left with Qin Lie in Ling Family Town.
Ling Yingwei was taken aback, "Is his grandfather very impressive?"
But he has been dead for two years now, " Ling Ying said in surprise.
Ling Ying stood in solemn respect, "There are levels: Common, Profound, Earth, Heaven, and Divine, each level is further divided into seven ranks. What level of artifact master is he? Has he forged spiritual artifacts for the Ling family?"
Ling Yushi did not continue speaking, while Ling Chengye had already guessed the reason behind the matter, his expression one of helplessness
Oh dear, that was terrifying. I thought it was something impressive, but it's just this, isn't it?" Ling Ying patted her ample bosom and laughed in a slightly exaggerated manner.
Similarly, magical artifacts and powerful artifact refiners are also clearly categorized into distinct ranks: Mortal Level, Profound Level, Earth Level, Heaven Level, and Divine Level, with each level further divided into seven grades
It is merely an engagement. Qin Lie and Xuan Xuan are both fifteen years old. He requested that our Ling family take care of Qin Lie until he turns seventeen. When Qin Lie reaches the age of seventeen, either of us can unilaterally dissolve the engagement. The existence of this engagement is simply to ensure that Qin Lie holds the status of a son-in-law during these years, so that the Ling family will not mistreat him, and nothing more.
Here, the strong stand tall like towering mountains, with devastating spiritual artifacts that intimidate heaven and earth, and with hierarchically structured martial forces that cover every remote corner of the world like a spider's web
Ling Chengye suppressed his inner excitement, cleared his throat, and inquired of Ling Yushi, "When did Xuanxuan make her breakthrough?"
Ling Feng, upon seeing Qin Lie enter, broke into a bright smile and waved his hand in greeting
Pung!
Ling Chengye followed thoughtfully
A streak of fire ignited on Ling Feng's wrist, and the crimson circular ring he wore suddenly radiated a brilliant rainbow light
No," Lingfeng shook his head, "Grandpa Qingshan only knows how to repair spiritual tools of the fifth rank and below.
The Ling family is grateful and knows how to repay kindness! Qin Lie is actually quite pitiful. He came to Lingjia Town with his grandfather at the age of ten, and it has been like this ever since. When Grandpa Qin Shan was alive, there were people who took care of him with great care. However, with the passing of Grandpa Qin Shan, these past two years... sigh. " Ling Feng changed the subject and couldn't help but express his feelings with a sigh.
The head of the Ling family remained silent for a long time. After a while, he finally spoke: "Let us set this matter aside for now. Over the years, you have been in charge of the medicinal mountain, and I have never interfered. Today, you insisted on calling me to the medicinal mountain; what exactly is going on?"
You will understand when the time comes; I have a vague feeling that this matter may be related to Qin Lie.
In the early morning, as dawn was just breaking, the young man Qin Lie got out of bed in a daze. After a simple wash and grooming, he headed straight to the Ling family's dining hall
For five years, no one knew what he and his grandfather were doing in the Yaoshan mine for such a long time, not even the family head, Ling Chengye, who remained perplexed.
... ...
What exactly is the matter with Xuanxuan and Qin Lie's marriage? Brother, I know you would not sacrifice Xuanxuan's lifelong happiness, so why?
Ling Chengye was about to angrily reprimand when he suddenly froze. He looked at the fallen splinters of wood, his eyes brightening slightly, revealing a contemplative expression.
Qin Lie, dressed in coarse linen, has a slender figure and a relatively handsome appearance. However, his eyes are vacant and hollow, lacking any spark, giving the impression of a lost soul
As you mentioned, the engagement is merely a formality; it is not necessary for Qin Lie and Xuan Xuan to be engaged. It would also be acceptable for him to be engaged to Yu Shi, right? Even if Yu Shi is two years older than Qin Lie, it should not be a problem
So it is. Ling Chengzhi nodded, pondering for a moment, and said: "Elder brother, there is something I am unsure whether I should say or not, sigh..."
How to say it
As she passed by the wooden door, she clapped her small hands, and a burst of orange-red flames suddenly shot out. The wide wooden door exploded, and before the ten or so splintered pieces of wood could hit the ground, Ling Xuanyuan's delicate figure had already vanished.
Hey! Du Fei suddenly couldn't help but chuckle, glancing sideways at Qin Lie, and mockingly said: "My future brother-in-law's eating habits are acceptable. Next month, when Xuanxuan and he are officially engaged, it won't be a big deal. Just consider it as having adopted a well-behaved and quirky pet dog."
The Ling family has three brothers: the eldest, Ling Chengye; the second, Ling Chenghui; and the youngest, Ling Chengzhi. Ten years ago, Ling Chenghui broke through to the Kaiyuan realm but fell into a demonic state, resulting in his untimely death. His wife, Du Jiaolan, remained in the Ling family with their two sons, Du Heng and Du Fei, who took her surname, and continued their cultivation with the resources of the Ling family.
Every morning after breakfast, Qin Lie would enter the Medicine Mountain behind Lingjia Town, walking into the mines within those mountains. He would not return to Lingjia Town until just before dark, and after having dinner with the Ling family, he would once again return alone to his residence to rest
The surrounding young men and women of the Ling family, upon hearing Ling Ying's words, all felt a chill in their expressions and were filled with displeasure
Many members of the Ling family have encountered the same issue of damaged spiritual artifacts as I have. Fortunately, with Grandpa Qin Shan around, those damaged artifacts have been repaired; otherwise, the losses to the family would have been extremely severe. " Ling Feng remarked from a distance, gazing at Qin Lie's figure.
In the three years that followed, Grandfather Qin took Qin Lie back and forth between Lingjia Town and the mines of Yaoshan. During this time, Grandfather Qin was responsible for repairing any broken spiritual artifacts of the fifth rank or below. As long as the rank did not exceed the fifth rank of the mortal level, he could restore any severely damaged spiritual artifact to its original state, with its power undiminished!
The younger sister had just made a breakthrough seven days ago. She was originally eager to share this good news with her father, but unexpectedly... "Ling Yushi changed the subject with a light sigh, saying: 'However, a couple of days ago, she heard that her father had long agreed to Grandpa Qin that he would arrange her engagement to Qin Lie on her birthday, so..."
On the rugged mountain path, the two brothers, Ling Chengye and Ling Chengzhi, maintained a distance from Qin Lie as they headed towards Yaoshan. Their gazes flickered towards Qin Lie, and they spoke in low voices.
Call!
Ling Yushi, dressed in a green long skirt, has long, jet-black hair cascading over her shoulders. Her exquisite face bears an elegant expression akin to an orchid, and her skin is as white as jade. Even while seated, her tall and alluring figure captivates Du Heng, whose gaze remains fervently fixed upon her without a moment's distraction.
Ling Feng furrowed his brow slightly and said, "Xiao Ying, you have not been in Lingjia Town for long and have not received the kindness of Grandpa Qin Lie, so it is understandable that you may have some opinions about him. I do not blame you. However, we, the sons of the Ling family, have all received help from Grandpa Qin Shan while he was alive. Even though Grandpa Qin Shan passed away two years ago, we still remember his care and support. I hope you can consider our feelings and give Grandpa Qin Lie the respect he deserves"
Pung!
At this point, Ling Chengzhi's expression became solemn. "In the future, Xuanxuan will enter a higher realm of martial artists, reaching levels that we cannot aspire to! In such circumstances, she may form alliances with powerful forces beyond our imagination. However, if she has a past engagement, it would leave a stain on her record, which could affect her future..." In such circumstances, she may form alliances with powerful forces beyond our imagination. However, if she has a past engagement, it would leave a stain on her record, which could affect her future...
Rest assured, Xuanxuan has now broken through to the seventh level of body refinement, and she is destined to enter the Nebula Pavilion in the future. Naturally, I will not allow Qin Lie to affect her prospects. When the time comes, I will immediately annul the engagement
The several young men and women mostly had cultivation levels around the fourth or fifth stage of body refinement, and they did not take Ling Ying, who had already reached the sixth stage of body refinement, seriously at all.
Step on it
"For the future of the family, and for Xuanxuan's future as well, I ask you, elder brother, to consider this matter seriously" Ling Chengzhi urged
Good morning, Qin Lie!
With a single command, they can change the colors of heaven and earth, stain the mountains and rivers with blood, and reduce billions of lives to ashes!
Brother Feng, why are you wasting your breath on a fool? You clearly know he can't respond to you, yet every morning when you see him, you still greet him?" Dressed in a bright yellow athletic outfit, Ling Ying had a voluptuous figure, was in her prime at eighteen, and was quite beautiful, with a prominent bosom that sparked imagination. She cast a disdainful glance at Qin Lie and casually remarked.
After speaking, Du Fei looked at Ling Xuanxuan with a strange smile
In her eyes, there was only the goal of reaching the seventh level of body refinement, Ling Feng
As for those golden-tier powers at the pinnacle of the pyramid, they represent the most resplendent existence. They not only possess the most powerful warriors in the world, the most extraordinary spiritual artifacts, the most expansive territories and mineral veins, and the most enigmatic forbidden lands and secret realms, but they also command numerous silver-tier, copper-tier, iron-tier, and stone-tier powers
For the past five years, Qin Lie has arrived on time every morning for his meals. Although the people of Lingjia Town regard Qin Lie as merely a fool, his habit of eating on time has never changed. In the first three years, he was brought here by Qin Shan, and after Qin Shan's passing, Qin Lie has continued to come alone for the past two years, still maintaining this good habit
Before Qin Shan passed away, he insisted that I agree to this matter. Considering the assistance he provided us over the past few years, I reluctantly agreed. However, it is not as you might think; he merely hoped that after his death, Qin Lie would continue to receive the care of the Ling family as always
Day after day, year after year, he lived this way, with life presenting no waves or changes whatsoever
Unfortunately, Qin Lie seems unable to hear the voices of those around him, his expression remains blank, and his steps do not falter as he brushes past Ling Feng and continues onward
At that moment, Qin Lie, who had been engrossed in eating since he entered and seemingly oblivious to everyone around him, suddenly stood up, as if he had not heard any of the conversations or conflicts that had taken place. As usual, he finished his meal and prepared to leave.
The head of the Ling family suddenly wore a gloomy expression
Three square wooden tables are combined to form a long dining table, on which are placed steamed buns, congee, and side dishes. The head of the Ling family, Ling Chengye, sits at the main seat, with his sister-in-law Du Jiaolan and his third brother Ling Chengzhi on either side. Next to Du Jiaolan are her two sons, Du Heng and Du Fei, while the two young women beside Ling Chengzhi are his elder brother's daughters, Ling Yushi and Ling Xuanxuan.
Unclear. Regarding this matter, Ling Feng is equally perplexed.
He headed straight towards the Medicine Mountain behind Lingjia Town
Grandfather Qinshan is a weapon smith!" Lingfeng said lightly