But just then, a sudden ripple appeared, and the city lord and He Xiong led their men out of the vortex.
They had clearly sensed the treasure's presence and abandoned their battle with the celestial beast to rush over.
When He Xiong saw Xiao Chen standing where the ball of light had disappeared, surrounded by the He family members who were eyeing him menacingly, his face instantly turned ashen, and a burning greed flashed in the city lord's eyes.
Although the ball of light was gone, the pure aura of the treasure still clung to Xiao Chen. Even a fool would know that Xiao Chen had obtained the treasure!
"Xiao Chen!" He Xiong roared, his Nirvana Peak aura erupting instantly as he approached Xiao Chen.
"Hand over what you've obtained! That's an opportunity from Yong'an City, not something an outsider like you can take!"
The city lord also took a step forward, his aura slowly spreading out and enveloping the entire space. His tone was filled with unquestionable authority: "Young friend Xiao, the treasure belongs to the virtuous."
"You are young and possess a great treasure; this may bring you to your death."
"Why don't you hand over the treasure? I, the city lord, can guarantee your safety in Yong'an City and give you generous compensation."
For a moment, everyone's eyes were focused on Xiao Chen. There was the anger of the He family, the greed of the city lord, the worry of the Lu family, and the resentment of Zhao Lie.
The atmosphere on the sea instantly froze, like a taut bowstring; if Xiao Chen uttered a single wrong word, it would ignite a new battle.
Xiao Chen remained calm, slowly tightening his grip on the Dragon Spear in his hand, the [Eight Desolate Demon-Suppressing Mountain] he had just obtained within him.
The cultivation technique quietly circulated, and a powerful force of earth surged from beneath his feet into his body, condensing into a faint golden aura that enveloped him.
He Xiong's angry glare and the city lord's imposing aura were almost tangible, locking onto Xiao Chen.
Lu Zhenhai squeezed through the crowd, his face full of gratified smiles, and cupped his hands to Xiao Chen, saying, "Young friend, congratulations on obtaining this opportunity! Such an ancient technique is not wasted in your hands."
He was genuinely happy for Xiao Chen. If it weren't for Xiao Chen, the Lu family would not only have lost the Yunlan Mountain Range, but would also have had no chance to see such a treasure. Now that Xiao Chen had achieved his wish, he felt it was all worth it from the bottom of his heart.
Xiao Chen nodded to Lu Zhenhai, his tone calm: "Thank you, Patriarch Lu."
The fact that we were able to find this cultivation technique is also thanks to you for revealing the secrets of the Yunlan Mountains.
I will later make a copy of the [Eight Desolate Demon-Suppressing Mountain] and leave it for the Lu family, as a way of repaying your trust.”
Upon hearing this, a look of surprise flashed in Lu Zhenhai's eyes. Even if it was just a copy of an ancient top-level cultivation technique, it would be enough to elevate the Lu family's strength to another level!
The Lu family disciples around them cheered quietly in excitement, but He Xiong's face grew increasingly ugly. He clenched his fists tightly, but dared not lash out rashly.
But Xiao Chen changed the subject, turning his gaze to the city lord, his tone still calm: "City lord, if you are interested in the copy of this cultivation technique that I left for the Lu family, you can go to the Lu family to observe it."
"After all, this technique can suppress demons and protect the Dao, so it is somewhat useful for the stability of Yong'an City."
These words seemed generous, but they actually concealed a deeper meaning. Xiao Chen knew all too well that if he only gave the Lu family's cultivation techniques...
After he leaves, the He family and the city lord's mansion will definitely take action against the Lu family in order to seize the cultivation technique. At that time, the Lu family will only end up with their family destroyed and their people killed.
He deliberately allowed the city lord to observe, both to do the city lord a favor and to imply: I have already given you benefits, you must protect the Lu family, otherwise you will be disrespecting me.
The city lord was incredibly astute; he instantly understood Xiao Chen's thoughts.
Looking at Xiao Chen's young yet composed face, he grew increasingly wary. Not only was Xiao Chen strong, but he was also incredibly shrewd; he must have a powerful background supporting him.
He had already acted rashly by threatening Xiao Chen for the treasure, so how could he not accept Xiao Chen's offer?
If he offends the forces behind Xiao Chen, he might not even be able to save his life, let alone Yong'an City.
The city lord quickly withdrew his oppressive aura and put on a kind smile: "Young friend Xiao is indeed magnanimous! In that case, I, the city lord, will accept your offer without further ado."
"From now on, with this city lord's protection, the Lu family in Yong'an City will certainly not be harassed by petty villains!"
He deliberately emphasized the words "petty scoundrels" and glanced at He Xiong meaningfully.
He Xiong's face turned ashen, but he dared not refute it—the city lord was already on Xiao Chen's side, and if he dared to cause trouble again, he would offend both Xiao Chen and the city lord at the same time, and the He family could not afford such consequences.
He could only grit his teeth, looking at Xiao Chen with resentment in his eyes, but he couldn't utter a single word.
Having achieved his goal, Xiao Chen said no more. He took out a blank jade slip from his storage bag, gathered spiritual power at his fingertips, and wrote down the contents of the [Eight Desolate Demon-Suppressing Mountain] cultivation technique.
He inscribed the complete cultivation technique into the jade slip without missing a single word, leaving nothing out. This openness moved Lu Zhenhai even more.
After finishing carving the jade slip, Xiao Chen handed it to Lu Zhenhai, saying calmly, "Patriarch Lu, the cultivation technique has been carved. Please keep it safe."
Lu Zhenhai accepted the jade slip with both hands, as if holding a priceless treasure, and solemnly put it into his storage bag. He then bowed deeply to Xiao Chen: "Young friend Xiao, the Lu family will never forget your great kindness! If you ever need anything in the future, the entire Lu family will go through fire and water for you!"
Xiao Chen nodded slightly, saying nothing more. He turned to look at the distant sea, his gaze deep and thoughtful.
Having already obtained the opportunity in the Yunlan Mountains and acquired the [Eight Desolate Demon-Suppressing Mountain], Yong'an City was merely a stop on his training journey.
He still has a wider world to explore, and he still has to settle scores with that dead dog, Big Yellow.
"Farewell." Xiao Chen nodded to Lu Zhenhai and Lu Yuexi, the brother and sister, as a farewell.
As soon as he finished speaking, he moved and transformed into a streak of light, flying towards the distance and quickly disappearing at the edge of the sea, leaving only a faint afterimage.
Lu Yuexi gazed in the direction where Xiao Chen had disappeared, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, and whispered, "He just left like that..."
Lu Zhenhai patted her shoulder and said with a smile, "Young friend Xiao is no ordinary person; Yong'an City cannot keep him. It is already a blessing for the Lu family to befriend him."
Seeing his sister's state, Lu Duxian knew something was wrong.
The city lord gazed in the direction where Xiao Chen had disappeared, stroking his beard thoughtfully. This Xiao Chen was destined to become a powerful figure in the future. Doing him a favor today was the right move.
He Xiong, along with his family, slunk away from the sea without daring to utter a single word.
Not only did they fail to snatch the treasure today, they also completely offended Xiao Chen. From now on, the He family will probably have to keep a low profile in Yong'an City.
The evening breeze continued to blow, and the sunlight shone on the shimmering sea; everything had returned to calm.
Only the jade slip engraved with the words "Eight Desolate Demon-Suppressing Mountain" emanated a faint light in Lu Zhenhai's storage bag, foreshadowing the imminent rebirth of the Lu family.
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