Chapter 316 Heart City

Outside Xinyu City.

A flying boat landed on an open space not far away, and several young men and women stepped out.

Two of the young men were handsome and affectionate, clearly a couple. The flying boat flashed and disappeared into the hands of the taller young man.

The other two beautiful girls had similar features and should be sisters—however, they always showed great respect to the two young men.

These were Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan, along with the Liu sisters.

·

On their way to the branch of the Liu family, Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan were originally traveling in a precious carriage.

But when they occasionally came out for some fresh air, Zhong Cai noticed that the Liu sisters were always tense and extremely wary of their surroundings...

In a flash, he understood.

Admittedly, the resources in that treasure trove held little appeal for Zhong and his wife, but they were extremely precious to the sisters. Given their Enlightenment Realm strength, the resources they carried were at least level seven; how could they not be nervous and afraid?

Even though they knew it would be safe to stay with the Zhong couple, they couldn't suppress this instinctive emotion.

Zhong Cai pondered that since she couldn't join in the fun with the two sisters anyway, she didn't need to take it slow.

So he took out a large flying boat and brought the two sisters with him.

The airship was spacious, so the couple naturally stayed in the main cabin, while the Liu sisters stayed on the outer deck. Apart from giving directions, they didn't bother the couple and stayed on the deck.

Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan set up the formation, while those who needed to refine pills did so, and those who needed to cultivate practiced.

Nothing happened along the way, and we arrived at our destination without incident.

·

Upon seeing the familiar city gate, the Liu sisters breathed a sigh of relief.

The Liu family has three Palace-Building cultivators, while the main family in the Western River Region has two Spirit Transformation cultivators and several Palace-Building cultivators.

However, Xinyu City is a level four city in the Tianling Dynasty, so the Liu family is one of the most powerful forces in the city.

Xinyu City can be considered the territory of the Liu family.

The Liu sisters were also quite popular in the city, being pursued by many talented young men—their status and fame were actually similar to Qin Huayue's in Linyang City.

It was for this reason that many cultivators who knew the two sisters couldn't help but pay attention to them, and they also subtly scrutinized the two young men who showed such respect to the two Liu sisters.

Everyone was very curious.

What is the background of these two young people who seem to be a couple? And what is their relationship with the two beauties of the Liu family?

However, no matter how many speculations there were, most cultivators would not speak out rashly, but would observe in secret.

·

At this moment, the two sisters arrived at the city gate with their distinguished guests.

On the right side of the city wall, a small stone gate suddenly opened—to avoid conflict, privileged classes in some families and factions often entered and exited in this way, which was faster and more convenient.

Liu Jinlan said, "Please, both of you seniors."

—Although Zhong Cai initially said that she would only send the two sisters to the outskirts of Xinyu City, the couple had helped the Liu family so much. Could the Liu sisters really be used and discarded?

The Liu sisters had long planned to repay the kindness, so as early as when they were on the flying boat and about to arrive in Xinyu City, they solemnly invited the couple to visit the Liu family as guests—they were to be treated to a good time for a while.

Since they were so enthusiastic in inviting her, Zhong Cai didn't mind going to stay at the Liu family's house with Lao Wu for a few days.

So, that's the current situation.

·

Zhong Cai took Wu Shaogan's hand and walked into the city, glancing around at the surroundings.

Xinyu City is very prosperous, with wide roads. Most cultivators have contracted rare beasts, but their levels vary.

The Liu family's residence is located in the middle section of East Street and occupies a very large area.

Zhong Cai stood in front of the Liu family's gate, watching the two sisters send someone to announce their arrival, while whispering to her husband, Old Wu, in a low voice.

[These members of the Liu family's collateral branch are doing quite well.]

Wu Shaogan smiled slightly.

There's always a desire to strive for something better.

Zhong Cai thought about it and realized it made sense. Just like him and Lao Wu, they were constantly upgrading the ancient city and building strong fortresses! Everyone was the same; if they wanted to live more safely, they had to continuously strengthen themselves.

·

The guards quickly relayed the message inside. A short while later, as the guards walked out, several cultivators at the Suspended Illumination Realm and Fusion Realm came out, looking the Liu sisters up and down.

However, I only glanced at it briefly.

When the message was sent, the Liu sisters had already sent a letter mentioning how they had been rescued and were able to return safely. Now that the benefactors who had saved the Liu family were coming to visit, they certainly couldn't be neglected.

These people were the parents and other relatives of the Liu sisters.

After quickly and instinctively confirming that the two younger people were safe, they politely welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Zhong.

The eldest among them, who was also Liu Jinlan's biological father, smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "We are so sorry to have failed to welcome you properly! Please come in, and please don't mind our poor hospitality."

Zhong Cai chuckled softly, "You're too kind, sir."

The other elders of the Liu family also greeted them warmly, expressing their sincere gratitude in their words.

·

Zhong Cai had a good impression of the Liu family.

Although I don't know what the Liu family of Xihe Region is like, Liu Di back then was deeply devoted to his lover and respected his sect. Even though he was the one who left behind the inheritance, when it came to "repaying" the Liu family he belonged to, he only asked the inheritor to do a few favors.

He is a very sentimental and generous person.

Given Liu Di's background, the Liu family must have had a pretty good atmosphere.

The fact that the collateral branch of the Liu family that we see today has been gone for many years, yet they are still able to act with integrity, further suggests that the main branch of the Liu family must also be kind and honest.

Wu Shaogan had no impression of the Liu family, nor any feelings about them—neither positive nor negative.

He would accompany Ah Cai wherever she wanted to do or go.

·

The Liu family warmly welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Zhong and quickly arranged for them to stay in a very comfortable courtyard.

Several servants and attendants were arranged, but for no other purpose than to be available to serve them at any time.

At the same time, many servants quickly prepared a fine hot spring for the two distinguished guests to bathe and rest.

Another welcome banquet is being prepared, and the two have already been invited to attend.

Then, the servants all stayed obediently in the corner.

·

Tangquan is a small bathhouse.

Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan soaked in the water together, and Zhong Cai sighed, "These medicinal herbs are used quite well."

Wu Shao chuckled dryly, "You're quite meticulous."

For the Liu family, this was actually quite a large sum.

Zhong Cai quickly discerned that the medicinal herbs used in the hot spring were all of grade four or five, and the medicinal properties were processed very mildly, which would be beneficial to the two men's physiques. However, since their physiques were already quite good, the hot spring's greatest effect was to relieve fatigue, and its actual use for tempering was minimal.

But it was actually quite comfortable.

The two of them sat close together, like they were soaking in a hot spring, which was very pleasant.

However, this couple really didn't have much to do and could be very leisurely, but the Liu sisters couldn't.

With so many resources they carried, it was like they were carrying a bunch of bombs; how could they dare to delay even a little? As soon as they returned, they went to see the head of the family without stopping!

·

Ancestral hall of the clan.

Not only the Liu family head, but also the two Supreme Elders who had reached the Palace Building stage, and several clan elders who had reached the Fusion stage, all of whom had not gone into seclusion to cultivate, had gathered together and taken their seats.

After the isolation array was activated, the Liu sisters, Jinlan and Jinmian, solemnly announced, "Our granddaughter has lived up to expectations and successfully retrieved the secret vault and brought it back!"

These words were filled with joy.

The Liu family head and the others were immediately overjoyed and hurriedly asked, "Really?"

The two sisters immediately replied, "Really?"

Without hesitation, the two took out all the resources they had collected, piled them on the ground, and displayed them to everyone present.

The Liu family head and others quickly checked.

Like the Liu sisters in the grotto, they focused their attention on the ancient books. After just a quick glance, they were all delighted and almost burst out laughing!

These are exactly the cultivation techniques and secret skills that the Liu family desperately needs!

It was just a small treasure trove, but the resources it contained far exceeded expectations.

but……

The head of the Liu family then inquired, "What exactly happened that saved you two distinguished guests? A few days ago, news came from Lin Yang City that there seemed to be a great upheaval there, and it seems that the location of our Liu family's treasure vault is not far away?"

The two sisters exchanged a glance.

Seeing this, many of the Liu family elders also looked at the two of them, waiting for their answer.

Liu Jinlan hesitated before asking, "May I ask what is the cause of the unrest in Lin Yang City?"

The Liu family head said, "I only know roughly that the Jiao family perished after their spirit was annihilated, the Qin family head also became a spirit, and the Qin family replaced the Jiao family as the overlord of Linyang City."

A look of satisfaction flashed across Liu Jinmian's face.

Many members of the Liu family noticed her expression, and some either asked questions or made guesses.

"Could it be that this matter is related to you? And what about the Jiao family—"

"Your two saviors, could they have come from the Jiao family—?"

"Could it be that Jiao Jia's spirit has died...?"

Their words conveyed a sense of unfinished business.

The two sisters, Liu Jinlan and Liu Jinmian, quickly spoke up and carefully explained everything they knew.

"At that time, Jiao Ye... if it weren't for those two seniors..."

"...Searching for the secret vault...Senior Zhong explains..."

"...We left the mountains early and headed home, but we were unaware of the changes in Lin Yang City."

From Jiao Ye's attack on the two sisters to everything that followed, including why the two women talked to the Zhong Wu couple, their guesses about the couple's identities, and how easily Jiao Laozu died, everything was recounted without omission.

The Liu family head and the others hadn't expected so many things to have happened, and their expressions changed constantly as the events unfolded.

Undoubtedly, those two deserve immense credit for this treasure trove's discovery, and no amount of high-level hospitality would be excessive.

After a moment's consideration, Patriarch Liu said, "Several groups have already obtained the treasure vault. Of the resources obtained, we'll take ten or eight of the level six and seven rare herbs as a thank-you gift for those two young masters. Oh, and we'll also send some Xuan Stones."

"Please allow the two young masters to stay at the Liu family for a while longer. Give them everything you can. Do your best to meet any needs the two young masters may have."

The entire Liu family unanimously agreed.

Then, they could no longer suppress their smiles, feeling more at ease and more hopeful about the clan's current resource reserves.

The elders also discussed the uses of many resources.

After they finished what they needed to do, they all dispersed.

At the same time, they also instructed some of the younger members of the clan to stay close to Liu Jinlan and her sister as much as possible in the near future, and see if they could take advantage of the opportunity of the sisters acting as guides for Zhong Wu and his wife to run errands for them.

Those two are most likely disciples of the Spirit Immortal Sect and the War God Hall, so it's natural to make them more familiar to everyone.

·

All the other clan elders had left, but the Liu family head kept the two sisters behind, his expression somewhat grave.

Liu Jinlan was somewhat puzzled, especially when she saw that expression, her heart tightened, and the sense of relief she felt after handing over the treasure disappeared.

Liu Jinmian was also puzzled, so she asked in a low voice, "Grandfather, is there anything else you need?"

—Indeed, the current head of the Liu family is the sisters' grandfather.

Patriarch Liu sighed softly and still offered a word of advice: "This time, you weren't vigilant enough."

Liu Jinlan was taken aback.

Liu Jinmian seemed to suddenly realize something, and cold sweat broke out on her back.

The head of the Liu family said, "It was too reckless of you to bring people back to the Liu family this time."

Upon hearing this, the Liu sisters both lowered their heads.

The head of the Liu family only wanted to enlighten them, not to reprimand them. Seeing that they had indeed thought of the worst possible outcome, he said no more.

·

That was indeed very reckless.

Although those two didn't seem to covet the Liu family's treasure trove and even helped them more than once, suggesting they were absolutely kind and trustworthy, you can't judge a book by its cover. If someone was pretending in the beginning and their ultimate goal was all of the Liu family's treasure trove, how could that not be possible?

Especially considering that the other party easily killed Jiao Xin with two level-eight puppets, such force could easily crush them if used to plunder the resources within the Liu family.

If the Liu sisters had been cautious enough, they shouldn't have told them in the first place that the Liu family was located in Xinyu City.

Even if no matter how you analyze it, you still feel that the Liu family is not worthy of the two people's covetousness, and the two people have no ill intentions towards the Liu family... you still shouldn't have any wishful thinking.

Even the slightest deviation could bring great misfortune to the Liu family.

Even if the two sisters encounter countless difficulties on their way back, they must not reveal the whereabouts of the Liu family.

·

Liu Jinlan hesitated for a moment, but still said, "To be honest, after spending time with those seniors, my sisters and I could no longer have any doubts about them just by looking at their demeanor and their daily life. If you were to see them with your own eyes, I'm afraid you wouldn't be so cautious either."

The head of the Liu family hadn't initially gone out to greet the guests, but given how things had developed, the hospitality for these two well-meaning guests needed to be elevated once again. At the same time, he had also become somewhat interested in the two guests' "completely trustworthy" demeanor.

So he spread out his spiritual senses and went to "take a look".

Then he quickly withdrew, without even attracting the attention of the young master Zhong—but the young master Wu on the other side noticed. If he hadn't run fast, even his primordial spirit would have been captured!

It was with that one glance that the head of the Liu family was certain that the two men possessed an air of composure and integrity, and that they could not arouse any suspicion in him whatsoever.

It's as if even the slightest doubt would be a huge disservice to the two of them.

·

Many cultivators, curious about the distinguished guests, used their divine senses to observe them. Before Zhong and Wu even bathed together, these people quickly glanced at their faces and avoided them.

Even those who arrive late, after waiting and waiting until the two have bathed together, still want to "take a look".

The two who had just showered: "..."

Zhong Cai leaned against Wu Shaogan's chest, letting him dry her hair. Then, feeling the numerous souls drifting in from all directions and then immediately returning, she couldn't help but twitch her lips slightly.

They're really enthusiastic...

Wu Shaogan carefully wiped his long hair and applied some perfume to it.

Zhong Cai snapped out of her daze and shook her head again.

It's just being looked at a few more times, it's really not a big deal.

They've encountered so many different kinds of stares along the way, and they've become quite used to it.

·

In the evening, servants came to knock on the door to inform them that it was time for the banquet.

The Zhong and Wu couple, of course, followed the host's lead and arrived at the banquet venue in the family's precious carriage.

The quality of the various dishes on the table was much better than expected, and many powerful members of the Liu family were present.

Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan didn't feel there was anything wrong with it, and knowing that two other people had helped save their lives, they ate very comfortably.

From then on, the Liu family was extra attentive to them at every meal.

If the Zhong and Wu couple wanted to eat out, many members of the Liu family would come to accompany them, and the Liu sisters would always be among them.

If the couple only wanted to stay in the courtyard, then as long as they said they wouldn't attend the banquet, no one would bother them anymore.

·

The next day, the Liu sisters came to visit.

Their purpose was simple: to ask their benefactors if they wanted to go out for a stroll.

And if we go, do we need them to be our guides?

Zhong Cai certainly didn't want a third wheel.

But anyway, when they arrived, many cultivators had already seen the disguises he and Wu Shaogan were currently wearing at the city gate. If they went out on the street like this, they would definitely be looked at by everyone, and they wouldn't be able to truly enjoy their time together.

So why not let the two sisters be their guides and lead them around the city?

After they had had their fill of fun, it was time for the two of them to leave.

·

West Street, restaurant.

Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan sat in a private room on the second floor and ordered a lot of food to enjoy together.

The storyteller downstairs had a very loud voice; he didn't even need to infuse much of his spiritual energy into it for all the onlookers to hear.

The story they're telling over there right now is the latest news.

Things happening in Linyang City.

Zhong Cai: "..."

It seems there's really no other excitement around here?

Or is the Jiao family's matter quite serious, so you can't help but want to talk about it more?

Zhong Cai decided to listen attentively as well.

He hadn't really paid much attention to the aftermath of killing Old Master Jiao, so now he could just listen to it for fun.

·

The food and drinks were served quickly; the Liu sisters had ordered and paid for the meal.

The Liu family had made it clear that, in order to repay the two's kindness, all their expenses in the city would be covered by the Liu family. As a result, the Liu sisters received a large sum of money for their travels. They were responsible not only for carrying the two's bags while shopping, but also for "buying bags" for them.

Once inside the restaurant, the dishes ordered must be the best available there.

The Liu sisters did this very carefully.

Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan did not refuse.

Anyway, the Liu family feels comfortable doing it this way, so let them do it.

·

As the storyteller's tale unfolded with dramatic twists and turns, cheers erupted from downstairs.

Zhong Cai's expression was somewhat subtle.

The Jiao family has extremely poor interpersonal relationships.

Thinking of this, Zhong Cai ate the piece of food that Wu Shaogan had put on his plate, then turned his head and opened his mouth to eat a piece of fruit that Wu Shaogan had fed him.

It's quite sweet.

The Liu sisters are listening very attentively now.

Compared to Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan's casual attitude, the two sisters, who had almost become victims themselves, were extremely pleased to hear such a vivid and interesting story, and couldn't help but reveal a bit of schadenfreude.

That's wonderful.

That disgusting family deserved this fate!

·

As the group ate and listened, a young man in a yellow shirt hurried over. He looked anxious and smiled apologetically at them before quietly beckoning to the two sisters.

Liu Jinlan looked up and saw that it was You Su, a good friend of the two sisters from the You family.

She remained there entertaining guests, only gesturing to Liu Jinmian.

Liu Jinmian stood up and followed the young man in yellow to the side, asking, "Master You, what's the matter that's so urgent?"

You Su didn't want to disturb the two sisters, especially since he could see that they treated these two unfamiliar young men with respect... but he really had no choice and couldn't afford to delay any longer.

So he lowered his voice further and said, "Jinmian, your Liu family has a deep foundation. I wonder if you have any treasures that can cure poison?"

Liu Jinmian was taken aback: "An antidote? What kind of antidote do you want?"

You Su sighed: "It's a treasure that can cure my elder brother's poison."

Liu Jinmian frowned slightly: "Your elder brother... your sworn brother?"

You Su nodded slightly.

A sense of helplessness arose in Liu Jinmian's heart, but she also understood that You Su had no other choice but to take the initiative to approach the sisters.

·

You Su's older brother was actually the adopted son of You Su's biological mother. He was adopted at a young age and later protected You Su. The two had a very deep relationship.

The You family is not a good place. The intrigue and backstabbing there far exceed that of the Liu family. Even You Su himself became friends with the Liu sisters because he was harmed by his own clan during a training trip. Fortunately, his sworn brother was not around, so he was rescued by the Liu sisters.

Later, You Su's sworn brother returned and gave the two sisters a large sum of resources as a token of his gratitude.

The brothers were very kind and honest, and the Liu sisters naturally admired them.

Afterwards, the two had several interactions with You Su, and their friendship gradually deepened.

You Su is currently facing a difficult situation concerning his sworn brother, and since he has no other means of assistance, he can only turn to his two friends for help.

In addition, the Liu sisters hadn't encountered this problem before they left, and now they've been traveling for a long time. Perhaps You Su himself has been waiting for a long time but is at a loss... That's why he's showing such impatience.