Chapter 76 The City Lord's Precious Daughter Clings to Me

Tang Yan's expression did not change, but inwardly, he was somewhat startled.

If the Eastern Region alone had such geniuses, then how many monstrous figures would there be across the whole Tingxiang Kingdom-or even the broader continent beyond it?

"Black Rank third grade!" Lin Dongxue cried out in shock.

A look of astonishment also appeared on Liu Zhi's face.

Lin Xiao took in the three of their reactions, and curiosity stirred in his heart.

Ever since the day Tang Yan had come bearing gifts, this boy had seemed like someone who had seen countless storms. No matter what happened, he remained calm.

"That's right. Black Rank third grade, and it seems there is more than one of them. In this Eastern Region Grand Competition, most of the participants will be above Black Rank," Lin Xiao said solemnly.

"Moreover, this is only the news we have gathered so far. The exact details still need to be verified. As for whether there are geniuses at Black Rank fourth grade, no one can say for certain. I will send people to keep watch. The moment there is news, I will inform you."

After a pause, Lin Xiao continued, "There are still twenty days until the Eastern Region Grand Competition. It will take us about ten days to reach the place. Once we arrive in Fang City, before the Eastern Region Grand Competition begins, I will take you into Absolute Kill Tower once for tempering."

"Absolute Kill Tower? What is that?" Liu Zhi asked curiously.

"You may regard it as a training ground. It is open to all martial artists below Earth Rank. There are six trials inside, each filled with danger. Without enough strength and combat experience, it is very difficult to pass them all. Each entry costs fifty thousand taels of silver," Lin Xiao explained patiently.

"Fifty thousand taels!" Liu Zhi cried out again. "No matter how long you stay inside, it still costs that much?"

"That's right. Even if you are forced out the moment you step through the door, it is still fifty thousand taels of silver. However, they also have a rule: if someone can pass all the trials, the fee of fifty thousand taels is waived. But passing them is no easy matter."

Lin Xiao looked at them. "Very well, that is the general route. Do any of you have thoughts?"

Liu Zhi and Lin Dongxue both said they had no objections.

Tang Yan, however, opened his mouth. "City Lord, I have a request."

"Speak. What is it?" Lin Xiao said with a smile.

"I want to travel to Fang City alone. Once I arrive, I'll go find you."

Lin Xiao frowned, but he did not refuse. He merely asked calmly, "Have you thought it through?"

"Yes." Tang Yan nodded.

"Very well. Once we reach Fang City, we will meet at Myriad Directions Tower. That is where Yun City will have its temporary resting place. Myriad Directions Tower is the most famous restaurant in Fang City. Once you arrive and ask around, you will know where it is," Lin Xiao said with a nod.

When Liu Zhi heard Tang Yan's words, he quietly relaxed.

If he had to travel with Tang Yan the entire way, who knew how uncomfortable he would feel?

"Why not just go together? Why act alone?" Lin Dongxue asked.

She was sharp as ice and snow. From the way her father had frowned earlier, she knew he was curious too. It was only inconvenient for him to ask too much, so she simply spoke in his place.

"I want to temper myself along the way. Don't worry, I definitely won't delay matters. Ten days from now, we'll gather at Myriad Directions Tower," Tang Yan immediately promised.

Hearing this, Lin Dongxue's large eyes spun, and an idea instantly came to her.

She turned to Lin Xiao and said, "Father, I also want to go with Tang Yan."

"No!"

Before the City Lord could speak, Tang Yan shouted first.

Lin Xiao had originally felt this was somewhat improper as well, but seeing Tang Yan react so fiercely, a trace of a smile appeared on his face.

"Others rack their brains trying to stay by Dongxue's side, yet you, boy, refuse even when she comes to your door."

"Father, what nonsense are you saying!" Lin Dongxue said, annoyed and embarrassed.

Lin Xiao seemed to realize his words were not quite appropriate, and he became slightly awkward.

As for Lin Dongxue, after being rejected outright by Tang Yan, she felt she had lost a great deal of face.

Puffed up with anger, she asked, "Why not?"

Tang Yan rubbed his nose.

Having lived two lives, his skin had long since grown thicker than a city wall. He put on an expression as though he were thinking entirely for Lin Dongxue's sake.

"It is inappropriate for an unmarried man and woman to travel alone together. If Miss Dongxue follows me for these ten days, it may harm your good name. If some rumor spreads afterward, I would truly feel guilty and uneasy.

"Secondly, the route I plan to take may be somewhat dangerous. If I'm alone and meet danger, I can run. But with two people, distraction is unavoidable, and mishaps can easily occur."

Tang Yan's words were reasonable and well-founded, leaving no room to refute them.

But creatures such as women had never been the sort to argue with you according to reason.

"How dangerous could it be? Do you think you're that amazing? If danger really comes, who knows which one of us will be the burden!" Lin Dongxue argued angrily.

A trace of surprise flashed through Tang Yan's eyes.

Lin Dongxue clearly knew he had defeated Liu Zhi, yet she was still confident she would not be a burden. It seemed this girl's strength was not as simple as it appeared on the surface.

"I don't care! This young lady is sticking to you today!" Lin Dongxue's young miss temper finally erupted.

Tang Yan looked helplessly toward Lin Xiao.

Seeing Tang Yan's pitiful appearance, Lin Xiao found it rather amusing.

His daughter was beautiful as a flower and a proper young lady of a great family. How was it that this boy still looked so disgusted?

"I wonder which road you intend to take this time?" Lin Xiao asked.

Hearing Lin Xiao's question, Tang Yan felt his head swell.

Surely the City Lord was not truly planning to hand his daughter over for him to look after?

With a helpless sigh, Tang Yan knew he could only use the facts to frighten Lin Dongxue away.

He pointed at the map. "This enormous mountain range is Cangyun Mountain. I plan to cross the mountain range and reach Fang City. The route will roughly be this one. Although it stays near the outer area, no one can guarantee there won't be danger."

Lin Xiao followed Tang Yan's finger with his gaze.

He had personally explored the Cangyun Mountain Range before. Most of the areas Tang Yan had marked were places where Second-Rank Spirit Beasts roamed. Of course, there were also Third-Rank Spirit Beasts, so the danger was not small.

Still, these dangers had not completely exceeded Lin Xiao's limit.

He slowly said, "This route does contain danger, but if you are careful, it can still be avoided. Third-Rank Spirit Beasts are powerful and difficult to deal with. If you encounter one, remember not to show off. Avoid it at once.

"Dongxue, if you truly follow Tang Yan along this route, it will be very hard."

"If I can't even endure this bit of hardship, then I might as well stop walking the path of martial arts altogether."

Lin Dongxue glanced at Tang Yan's mournful face, and a pleased curve appeared at the corner of her mouth.

"My mind is made up. I will travel with Young Master Tang."

Tang Yan felt his whole body turn unwell.

He had gone to all this trouble saying so much just to scare Lin Dongxue off. Who would have thought Lin Dongxue would become even more excited?

"This time, it really is dangerous..." Tang Yan made his final struggle.

"Stop talking. If there is danger, big sister will protect you." Lin Dongxue's stance was firm.

"I trust Young Master Tang's character. For these days, I will leave Dongxue in your care," Lin Xiao said, directly settling the matter.

Then he turned to Liu Zhi. "You will travel with me along the main road. It will be a good time to discuss the problems with your moves."

Hearing that he would receive guidance from the City Lord, delight flashed through Liu Zhi's eyes.

He hurriedly cupped his hands. "Many thanks for City Lord's great favor."

With the route arranged, the group split into two and set out.

Tang Yan mounted the Qingbiao Horse with a mournful face and rode toward Cangyun Mountain.

Beside him, Lin Dongxue rode a fiery red steed. Her face was proud and sly, and from time to time, a smile appeared at the corner of her lips.

Compared with Tang Yan's expression, the difference between them was like heaven and earth.