Chapter 4, Zhongzhou Tanghua

Who would have thought that as soon as she stepped out of the teleportation array, she was confronted by someone who said the master wanted to see her, causing Qu Ningxuan's heart to tighten

As the main hall came into view, Qu Ningxuan immediately gathered her scattered thoughts and unconsciously straightened her back

Knowing that this statement from the man was essentially an ultimatum, and that there would be consequences for not agreeing, Qu Ningxuan nonetheless shook her head without hesitation, her attitude exceptionally resolute: "I do not believe your assurances, nor will I ever betray my friends"

Friend? A man curled his lips into a cold smile, his brows filled with a sense of sarcasm

Recalling the unpleasantness of the past, the man's mood inevitably soured a little. Thus, when he looked at Qu Ningxuan again, there was unexpectedly a hint of softness hidden deep within his eyes

The head of the Shen family is named Shen Yingchang. His cultivation level is merely at the late stage of Heart Movement, and he barely ranks among the top five among his peers. However, he is exceptionally adept at navigating complex social situations and is skilled in the art of persuasion. Having managed the family for so many years, he has successfully maintained order both internally and externally, leaving little reason for others to create trouble. This clearly demonstrates the depth of his scheming and the brilliance of his tactics. Qu Ningxuan is aware of her limited cunning and knows she cannot compete with such a shrewd old fox. Therefore, she often keeps her head down and remains compliant, responding to only a fraction of what he says. The principle of saying less and doing less to make fewer mistakes is an unchanging truth.

Such a contradictory mindset ...? ... Could it be that he is not from the Linyuan Continent? If that is the case, everything would make sense.

Qu Ningxuan understood that there are many eloquent individuals in the world, and one could easily be ensnared by their words if not careful. Therefore, she immediately said: "I can handle it myself, no need for you to worry, senior"

Having roughly guessed Jun Qiantang's identity, Qu Ningxuan's eyes lit up.

I acknowledge that it is impossible to remain indifferent in the face of the eternal spirit of the fairy. The man spoke slowly, word by word, yet with utmost seriousness. However, since I have made a promise, I will never take action against it

Thinking of this, the man helplessly squatted down, making eye contact with Qu Ningxuan, striving to give her a sense of "equal communication," and then softly said: "My name is Jun Qiantang, Jun as in 'ruling the world,' Qian as in 'a thousand sails passing by,' and Tang as in 'the flower of the wild pear.' Have you heard this name before?"

In fact, from the moment he blurted out, "My fiancée has been seriously injured," Qu Ningxuan categorized him as someone "absolutely untrustworthy." Core disciples may reach the Qi Transformation stage under the vigorous training of their sect or family, but it is impossible for them to ascend so quickly to the Spirit Refinement stage. Therefore, Qu Ningxuan had long concluded that Jun Qiantang was an old monster who had been cultivating for many years. ... It is quite possible that he has a dual cultivation partner, but as for a fiancée ...? ... Does she think she is a fool?

For this genius, Shen Yingchang's attitude was always gentle and kind, much like a true blood relative elder of Qu Ningxuan. After Qu Ningxuan performed her greetings, he allowed her to sit down. Seeing her drink tea and warm herself, he then spoke softly: "Yuxuan, have you ever thought about going home to take a look"

Qu Ningxuan had to admit that her luck was quite good. If it were not for Jun Qiantang's urgent need for the blood willingly provided by Lingxian, which was considered relatively noble compared to many other cultivators, her fearlessness of death would have been nothing but a joke. However, when Jun Qiantang... When he spoke his name, it gave Qu Ningxuan a very subtle feeling, as if she ought to know exactly who "Jun Qiantang" was, yet he had to keep his name hidden and could not reveal it.

Qu Ningxuan shook her head decisively

In a fit of rage, Mingming surprisingly did not destroy a single blade of grass or a tree in the vicinity. No, it should be said that there were no traces at all to indicate that he had been angry or even present. This precise control over his power... Could it be that she has encountered someone extraordinary?

Although these five continents are far apart and it would take a lifetime to reach them, the "Geographical Records of Mountains and Rivers" clearly states that many ancient teleportation arrays left by the ancient immortals allow for free travel between the continents. He did not mention who holds the control over the teleportation arrays, but Qu Ningxuan could guess that in her previous life in ancient times, silk and tea from the East were transported to the West at prices higher than gold, while rhinoceros horns and ivory from the West were also considered rare commodities. The practice of buying low and selling high is universal across worlds, and the resulting enormous profits could drive anyone mad. If she was not mistaken, the ancient teleportation arrays must be in the hands of super sects and prominent families, as others simply do not have the strength to protect such wealth. Even a first-class family like the Shen family does not have the right to know any information related to the ancient teleportation arrays. If it were not for Qu Ningxuan's desire to escape, she would not have repeatedly studied the "Geographical Records of Mountains and Rivers" and enjoyed pondering over it, and she might not have thought of this point.

Do not panic, stay calm, Qu Ningxuan, you must remember that you have no support, you can only rely on yourself, so you must not panic!

If everything aligns with her speculation, Jun Qiantang must have found a hidden ancient teleportation array and rushed over from another continent. If this information were to be disclosed... no, that cannot be done. Jun Qiantang currently holds some goodwill towards her, and she must not disrupt this situation. If this matter were to be exposed and provoke Jun Qiantang, it would not benefit her either. The ancient teleportation array and the immortal spirit of ten thousand years; anyone with a modicum of sense would choose the latter. She must not act recklessly.

Even though he scoffed at Qu Ningxuan's willingness to sacrifice herself to protect her friend, who was merely a spirit companion, this man had to admit that her actions were quite moving, even evoking a hint of envy within him towards that spirit companion. After all, he lived in an environment that was excessively cold and calculating, where interactions between people were purely based on mutual benefit. Those with higher cultivation could obtain wealth, power, status, and the admiration of countless beauties, while those with lower cultivation could only be trampled upon. Dual cultivation partners were slightly better, yet their sincerity was often lacking, resembling more of a partnership. If it were not for this, he would not cherish Jing Wen so much, as they had come to know and love each other without prior knowledge of each other's identities, ultimately coming together.

Her mind was in a chaotic state, thoughts swirling incessantly, and her heart felt as if it had risen to her throat. She secretly resolved that even if she had to sacrifice her only substitute doll, she must escape from the Shen family. Fortunately, she had made preparations in advance, gradually exchanging the high-grade and mid-grade spirit stones provided by the Shen family for low-grade spirit stones under the pretext of wanting to practice formations. She then exchanged these low-grade spirit stones back for mid-grade ones. Although she had been taken advantage of significantly, she also avoided the possibility of the Shen family discovering her plans. Even if she became a loose cultivator, she should be able to hold on for a while, right? ... If the Shen family could wait a little longer, allowing her to break through to the Refining Essence and Transforming Qi stage, reaching the initial stage of integration, which is the Refining Qi and Transforming Spirit realm, perhaps her escape would be smoother...

Having said that, he did nothing and turned to leave directly. Qu Ningxuan watched him disappear, and only then did she collapse beside the tree, letting out a long sigh. But in the next moment, she immediately turned her head to look at the intact willow tree, unable to suppress the trembling of her body

However, Jun Qiantang was just too agitated earlier and lost his composure for a moment. But now, after a little thought, he has identified Qu Ningxuan's weak point. He then said calmly: "If I am not mistaken, it seems you have been facing significant troubles recently"

Jun Qiantang let out a soft sigh, realizing that this path was blocked

The path that she had finally thought of was blocked, and Qu Ningxuan couldn't help but feel even more dejected, thinking to herself that she had indeed been too careless. Now she could only hope that Xiao Ma would not be too perceptive, and absolutely must not come back to save her, not even to glance at her, otherwise her life would be in jeopardy

Although Qu Ningxuan hails from the secular world, she has already attained the peak of her cultivation. The man surmised that her innate talent and comprehension must be exceptionally high, likely due to her dedication to cultivation and her disinterest in worldly affairs, which has shaped her peculiar disposition. Once she begins to engage with people or matters, she will understand that there are no true friends in this world, only interests. Whether in interpersonal dealings or the incessant conflicts between various factions, as well as the deceptions among sects, between sects and families, and among families, this reality is vividly illustrated. If it were not for her rapid cultivation, high level of attainment, and boundless potential, would those old fellows agree to marry Jingwen to him? He believes that among the rare medicinal herbs listed for him, some are indeed necessary for Jingwen's treatment, but the majority are likely what the sect wishes to stockpile... conveniently utilizing him as free labor...

Having digressed, let us return to the main topic

Is that so? Jun Qiantang smiled gently, truly stunning, "You will change your mind."

When a low-ranking cultivator encounters a high-ranking cultivator, do they not tremble in fear and flatter excessively? There is no need for the latter to beckon; countless individuals would rush to prostrate themselves at his feet, willing to serve him like loyal hounds, showing even more warmth and respect than they would to their own fathers, almost to the point of licking his shoes. Why, then, has he encountered such an anomaly today? ... Especially in the Eastern Wilderness rather than in the Central Plains; otherwise, he could easily reveal his identity ...? There is no need for him to beckon; countless individuals would rush to prostrate themselves at his feet, willing to serve him like loyal hounds, showing even more warmth and respect than they would to their own fathers, almost to the point of licking his shoes. Why, then, has he encountered such an anomaly today? ... Especially in the Eastern Wilderness rather than in the Central Plains; otherwise, he could easily reveal his identity ...? ... No, this girl is not afraid of death; how could she care about the pressures from all sides? The problem is, Jingwen is waiting for these medicines to save her life!

Qu Ningxuan, well-versed in the geography of mountains and rivers, naturally understands that this world is dozens of times larger than the previous one, yet it consists of only five continents, located in the five cardinal directions: east, south, west, north, and center. The continents are separated by vast oceans, harsh weather, and countless ferocious sea monsters lurking beneath the waves. Numerous islands are scattered like stars, established by countless sects, families, and others on hetushucom.com

Qu Ningxuan's eyes held a hint of light mockery, yet she said nothing.

Qu Ningxuan had previously engaged in countless mental preparations, yet she did not anticipate this matter. Upon hearing Shen Yingchang's words, she was momentarily taken aback

If the other party has heard this name, they naturally know that he has always been a man of his word. However, although those rare treasures are hard to come by, they at least have a general range. The spirit herbs, on the other hand, must rely on chance, not to mention the deadly "willingness"? He abandoned the ailing black serpent and followed a fleeting trace of aura, expending great effort and constantly divining to arrive here. Having finally seen the eligible Qu Ningxuan, how could he easily give up?

After calming her emotions slightly and tidying her appearance in front of the water's surface, Qu Ningxuan forced herself to stand up, pacing back and forth repeatedly to restore her nearly limp body to normal. Only after confirming that she was just as she usually was did she take a deep breath and walk towards the distance

The Central Qinghe Continent is undoubtedly the most expansive and fertile among the five continents, with the most suitable climate, abundant spiritual energy, and the greatest number of natural treasures and ancient relics. Therefore, the people of the Qinghe Continent proudly refer to it as "Zhongzhou" and, with a hint of disdain, have named the other four continents as follows: Donghuang, Nanzhao, Xiyi, and Beimo. Although the inhabitants of the other continents feel indignant, the hidden families and super sects of Zhongzhou outnumber those of the other four continents combined, leaving them with no qualification to challenge Zhongzhou, and they can only begrudgingly accept this designation.

Seeing her like this, the man felt truly frustrated. If it weren't for the fact that Sui Lingxian was exceptionally skilled at escaping and was extremely sensitive to mental control spells, even if he managed to control this girl, he still wouldn't obtain the blood she willingly offered. Why did it have to be so troublesome? In front of those lofty old fellows, he always maintained a dismissive attitude; why was it that when he encountered this girl, he nearly lowered himself to plead?