Chapter 22 - The Black Dragon

Chapter 22: The Black Dragon “This young friend, I wonder if you…” seaʀᴄh thё NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Uncle Gong hesitated for a moment as he brought Luo Mu to a courtyard before asking.

“The academy task was to clear out a demonic stronghold. Although there were some unexpected developments, thankfully it was more of a scare than a danger…”

Seeing Uncle Gong’s gaze fall on his blood-red clothes, Luo Mu understood what he was about to ask.

He then briefly explained the situation.

“These thieves from the Blood Moon Demonic Cult actually dared to attack the young lady. Truly seeking their own death!”

Upon hearing this, a fierce killing intent flashed in Uncle Gong’s eyes.

Though it was just for a moment, Luo Mu’s pupils constricted slightly.

He nearly instinctively drew his blade.

So far, he had never encountered such an exaggerated killing intent.

Images of a blood-soaked battlefield involuntarily surfaced in his mind.

It seemed his suspicions were correct.

This old steward of the marquis’s residence was indeed very strong.

“Apologies, I lost my composure for a moment. You should rest up now.”

Uncle Gong snapped back to reality, a kind smile appearing on his face. “Someone will bring hot water over shortly.”

With that, he turned and left, closing the door behind him.

Luo Mu stretched his body.

Although he had achieved minor success in his body refinement, he didn’t feel tired; however, his spirit was somewhat fatigued.

“Tonight, I’ll rest well.”

Luo Mu understood the importance of balancing work and rest.

The next day.

As the first rays of sunlight broke through the dawn.

Luo Mu had already begun practicing his sword techniques in the courtyard early on.

He was very close to comprehending the sword momentum.

As soon as he achieved a high multiplier, he would be able to break through that last barrier and gain enlightenment.

Even if that didn’t happen,

he estimated that a day or two of practice would suffice.

Thus, his heart was filled with motivation.

Once he comprehended the sword momentum,

he believed that within the True Qi Realm, even in the inner court, few would be his match!

There was a knock at the door.

But Luo Mu was deeply engrossed in his sword techniques and didn’t hear it at all.

Outside the door was Cheng Qingman.

“Is no one home?”

Cheng Qingman frowned.

Then she jumped onto the courtyard wall and saw Luo Mu practicing his sword skills, bare-chested and completely focused.

He was already in a state of being oblivious to his surroundings.

“Truly… a martial arts fanatic,” she muttered.

“So early to start training?”

“If my father saw this, he would definitely be very pleased.”

Images of her father practicing in the past came to her mind.

It was much like this—lost in thought to the utmost degree.

When she was young, if Uncle Gong hadn’t protected her in time, she would have nearly been elbowed to death by her father in a moment of unconsciousness.

Of course, that was when she was being foolish, thinking to sneak up on him from behind.

Recalling this, Cheng Qingman carefully climbed down from the wall.

She didn’t want to disturb Luo Mu.

Some things were best arranged by herself.

Outside Xunyang City.

A long line was approaching, moving with great momentum.

Everyone was dressed in deep black.

From afar, it resembled a black dragon.

At the head of the procession was a banner fluttering in the wind, embroidered with the character ‘Nine’.

“Your Highness, we could actually ride flying beasts or take a cloud ship. With your status, no one in the vast Xunyang City would dare to have any objections,” a eunuch in the luxurious carriage said thoughtfully.

“We have come here not to flaunt our power. Though Xunyang City is not the true core of the Seven Counties of Changle, many prominent families have taken root here.”

“Especially that Blood-Courage Marquis, Cheng Tiancang!”

The speaker was an exceptionally handsome young man, appearing to be only seventeen or eighteen years old.

He wore a black and gold python robe, exuding an air of nobility.

“If I can bring the Blood-Courage Marquis under my banner, it would be like adding an arm to myself.”

The young man took a sip from the tea in front of him.

Though he was still young, the light golden hue in his eyes was already filled with maturity.

“Your Highness is wise,” the eunuch praised. “Among all the nobles of this dynasty, the Blood-Courage Marquis’s strength is not particularly strong. But who knows what lies behind him…”

At this point, the eunuch paused.

The young man shot him a glance.

The eunuch understood that he had spoken out of turn.

“Apart from trying to win over the nobles of the Seven Counties of Changle, we should also look for talented individuals. We can’t focus all our attention on the older generation.”

The young man put down his teacup. “With the constant border wars, many nobles have already perished, leaving their titles vacant. However, I don’t have any exceptionally outstanding subordinates. Otherwise, I could directly ask my father for a marquis title.”

“Your Highness is destined for greatness; you will surely encounter them.”

The eunuch quickly replied.

“Hmm, you can leave now.”

The young man nodded.

Once the eunuch left,

he let out a soft sigh, a hint of softness slowly emerging on his handsome face.

It was a pity that his maternal lineage was slightly lacking.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have to come to the Seven Counties of Changle to build his own influence.

Thinking of this, the young man lightly twirled a lock of his dark hair between his fingers.

But feeling it was inappropriate, he quickly released it.

He resumed his dignified demeanor.