“Sect Master, our spirit stone mine near East Sea County has been raided!” a disciple reported inside the main hall of the Tiansheng Sect.
“How did this happen? Didn't we send a Soul Transformation Elder to oversee it?” the Tiansheng Sect Leader asked, his expression darkening.
While that particular spirit stone mine wasn't a critical asset for the Tiansheng Sect, every little bit counted.
More importantly, it was a black mine, meaning they didn't have to pay the mine slaves any wages.
“Reporting to the Sect Master, not only was the mine emptied, but the Soul Transformation Elder has also fallen!”
Upon hearing this, the Sect Master looked up sharply, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
“What? An Elder is dead? Someone dared to kill a Soul Transformation Elder of my Tiansheng Sect? They have a death wish...”
They had previously received reports about large-scale raids on black spirit stone mines in East Sea County, but he hadn't taken it seriously and had simply dispatched an Elder to handle it.
He never expected the culprits to be so brazen as to touch a mine belonging to the Tiansheng Sect, let alone kill one of their Elders.
After all, the Tiansheng Sect was a top-tier power in the Central Province. Had these people eaten a bear’s heart and a leopard’s gall to be so reckless?
The reporting disciple shook his head. “I do not know, Sect Master!”
Internally, he couldn't help but grumble. If I damn well knew, I would have said so already instead of wasting my breath.
The Tiansheng Sect Leader pondered for a moment before dismissing the disciple. He then took out a sound transmission talisman to arrange for an investigation.
His thoughts then drifted to the upcoming Saintess's Husband Selection Assembly. A flicker of curiosity crossed his mind.
He wondered if anyone from the long-vanished Qingshan Sect would show up.
Did they still possess the strength they once had? Would their return cause a stir in the Central Province?
...
After leaving that day, Lu Ming and his group used a teleportation array to travel directly to Tiansheng City, the city closest to the Tiansheng Sect.
The moment he stepped out of the array, Lu Ming couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
“It would be great if these teleportation arrays could reach the Eastern Province. We wouldn't have to spend so much time at sea!”
However, he knew that was just wishful thinking. The distance was simply too great.
Teleportation arrays over such distances were unstable and prone to failure. Someone had tried it before, only to be torn to shreds by spatial turbulence.
At this time, Tiansheng City was already incredibly lively.
It wasn't just outsiders like Lu Ming’s group; Soul Transformation prodigies under a thousand years old from other powers across the Central Province had also arrived.
As expected of the Central Province, Nascent Souls were as common as dogs, and Soul Transformation experts were everywhere.
Lu Ming and the others first found an inn to settle down. Then, Lu Ming used a sound transmission talisman to contact Wang Defa and the others.
They quickly got in touch. Fu Chen and Bao Duoduo had already arrived in Tiansheng City long ago.
Among the various groups, they had been the most successful, encountering almost no major dangers.
Wang Defa and his companions replied that they would arrive shortly after finishing up some business.
When they finally met, Lu Ming and Big Yellow looked at Feng Qingqing with confusion.
Before Lu Ming could even ask, Feng Qingqing gave a sweet smile and bowed deeply to them.
“Greetings to the three Sect Masters. I am Feng Qingqing, Xue Wuchang's wife!”
The moment she spoke, Lu Ming and the others' eyes widened in shock.
What was going on? How did she suddenly become his wife?
Had Xue Wuchang and her already... done the deed on the way here?
That was some impressive speed!
Xue Wuchang, who had been inspecting the room, hadn't expected Feng Qingqing to pull such a stunt. He jumped in shock and immediately retorted loudly once he regained his composure.
“Feng Qingqing, what nonsense are you talking about? We haven't even married yet!”
Feng Qingqing covered her mouth and giggled. “Husband, you are right!”
“Who’s your husband? Who agreed to marry you?”
“Whatever my husband says!”
Watching their interaction, Lu Ming’s lips twitched. He was being force-fed dog food right to his face.
“What’s the deal with them?” Lu Ming turned to ask Wang Defa.
Wang Defa stroked his beard and recounted the events. A classic case of a beauty saving a hero!
After listening, Lu Ming couldn't help but marvel at Xue Wuchang’s luck with women. He was the first of the centuries-old bachelors in the sect to actually find a partner.
Lu Ming then turned to the couple and advised, “Make sure to expand the lineage of the sect soon! Let me hold the next generation of our sect...”
“Yes!” Feng Qingqing agreed happily with a nod.
“Great Sect Master, I have no intention of marrying her!” Xue Wuchang protested.
Lu Ming nodded. “Fine, we’ll discuss this after you two get married.”
Xue Wuchang opened his mouth, speechless. Was that even a logical response?
Feng Qingqing just chuckled softly behind her hand.
Lu Ming then turned back to Wang Defa. “By the way, what business were you handling?”
After all, this was their first time in the Central Province. What business could they possibly have?
Big Yellow and Huang Tianbao also looked at Wang Defa with curiosity.
Wang Defa chuckled. “What else? I was helping that illegitimate sect of yours handle some matters, of course!”
Lu Ming and the others were stunned.
“What the hell is an illegitimate sect?” Lu Ming asked with a frown.
Wang Defa then explained the situation regarding the Bandit Sect.
After hearing the story, Lu Ming didn't know what to say. The trouble he had worked so hard to discard had been eagerly picked back up by Wang Defa and the others.
Who could he even complain to...
Forget it. Since they had taken it under their wing, he would help them out whenever possible in the future.
There were still a few days before the Tiansheng Sect Saintess's Husband Selection Assembly began.
Lu Ming and the group rested for a few days before going on a shopping spree in Tiansheng City.
After all, their journey had been quite taxing on their resources. With the tournament coming up, they would likely have to fight, which would consume even more.
At the same time, they planned to sell off the treasures they had acquired along the way.
...
The sounds of drums and gongs thundered through the sky, and colorful flags fluttered in the wind.
The Tiansheng Sect Saintess's Husband Selection Assembly had officially begun.
Lu Ming and his group lined up and followed the crowd into the plaza prepared by the Tiansheng Sect.
Upon entering, they saw several hundred-zhang-tall white jade arenas standing in the center of the massive plaza.
Tables and chairs were arranged on both sides, and many people were already seated, drinking tea and chatting about the Qingshan Sect's Saint.
Each group had a flag behind them.
The most eye-catching one was at the very front: a young man wearing a golden python robe. He was tall and handsome, with an air of sharpness and nobility between his brows.
Behind him stood a large flag that read: “Tianqi Crown Prince.”
Lu Ming raised an eyebrow and muttered to himself, “Posturing like that invites a lightning strike.”
His gaze swept to the side, landing on another handsome and elegant young man in a dust-stained green robe.
The flag behind him read: “Saint of the Yunhua Sacred Palace...”
Lu Ming raised an eyebrow again. “Another one posturing. He’s asking for a lightning strike too.”
Just then, Huang Tianbao pulled on Lu Ming’s sleeve. “Eldest Senior Brother, should we put up our flags too?”
Lu Ming nodded. “You guys go ahead and hang yours first.”
As the Saint of the Qingshan Sect and the prospective fiancé of the Tiansheng Sect Saintess, he was bound to be the center of attention. He didn't want to reveal himself too soon.
He wanted to let them stay curious and keep guessing for a while longer...
Following Lu Ming’s instructions, Huang Tianbao and the others didn't hesitate and quickly set up their flags.
Behind Huang Tianbao, a blood-colored flag was unfurled with large black characters: “Saint of the Blood Fiend Tower!”
Behind Big Yellow hung: “Demon Race Little Ancestor.”
Fu Chen’s read: “Emperor of the Xinghe Dynasty!”
At that moment, Bao Duoduo grumbled, “What should I hang?”
Lu Ming thought for a moment. “Hang 'Saint of the Heavenly Demon Sect'.”
Bao Duoduo was stunned. “Is that appropriate?”
Lu Ming replied dismissively, “When you're away from home, you give yourself your own identity!”
Wang Defa chuckled. “I’ll hang 'Saint of the Bandit Sect'!”
Lu Ming nearly choked on his own spit.
“Other Saints are young and handsome. Why is an old fogey like you joining the fun? You hang 'Elder of the Bandit Sect'!”
Wang Defa grumbled in dissatisfaction, “I only look old!”
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