Chapter 324: Cao Youqian — Shameless, Truly Shameless
"Impudent!"
A furious roar erupted from within the Qingjin royal palace, and a massive claw blocked the descending sword strike.
Qingjin Jiao thus escaped death. Gone was his former arrogance and pride—he now curled up pitifully, his appearance utterly wretched.
He could not comprehend how Xu Caichen, after joining Wendao Academy, had managed in so short a time to reach the Spirit Nurturing Realm and even comprehend such profound techniques.
Fortunately for him, five figures emerged from the Qingjin royal palace, standing protectively before him.
At their head was a jiao exuding kingly might, its human body clad in pale-golden robes, its head that of a dragon.
Fixing his gaze on Xu Caichen, he said sternly, "Boy, you dare harm my son? Today this king shall teach you that there are always higher mountains and greater heavens. Do not think that flaunting Wendao Academy's prodigy title allows you to run wild."
Hearing this, Black Flame Jiao shivered.
In the letter he had asked the old white-headed turtle to deliver to the Qingjin royal palace, he had only written that Xu Caichen came with prodigies of Wendao Academy.
He had not specified that the two accompanying prodigies were Xiao Chen and Cao Youqian. Judging by this scene, the Qingjin King was in for disaster!
If the Qingjin clan's ancestor were to be alarmed, things would spiral out of control.
What to do?
Damn that Qingjin Jiao for refusing to follow the plan!
He had only intended for a light clash, not for matters to escalate to the point where the old ancestor might be forced to intervene!
Xu Caichen, however, remained calm as ever, his gaze falling back on Qingjin Jiao. "Daoist Qingjin, just now you said otherwise. Why is it that now, unable to win, you call for your father?"
"Hmph!"
Now that he had support, Qingjin Jiao grew bolder. "My marriage is naturally for my father to decide. Moreover, you've injured me and still wish to take away my fiancée. How could such a thing be allowed?"
No sooner had he spoken than a round of clapping resounded.
Alongside it came a mocking voice: "Shameless, utterly shameless. I've roamed the Xuantian Continent for years, yet never have I seen such disgraceful hypocrisy as yours."
"Who is it?"
The Qingjin King whipped his head toward the sound, unleashing a ray of azure light from his eyes.
Just as that light neared the carriage from which the voice had come, its door opened and a sword swung out, dispersing the light.
An expressionless, handsome man with indifferent eyes stepped out, long sword in hand.
Behind him followed a tall man with a careless, roguish air.
"It's you!"
Beside the Qingjin King, a one-horned jiao whose arm was bound in bandages instantly glared coldly at the roguish man.
Cao Youqian, sensing the hostility, instinctively looked over. Meeting the jiao's murderous stare, he replied with complete indifference, "What, have you also experienced young master's might?"
"You!!!"
The one-horned jiao trembled with fury, teeth clenched, yet no words would come.
The Qingjin King turned to him. "Old Sixth, you have a grievance with him?"
The one-horned jiao bowed. "Elder brother, it was this brat who broke my arm and slew my poor child."
Cao Youqian blurted out at once, "So you're the father of that wretched jiao who liked sneak attacks. Your claw, yes, I broke it. But that useless son of yours? He wasn't slain by me—he wasn't even worthy."
The Qingjin King's face grew dark as ice, his gaze locking on Cao Youqian. "Good, very good.
First you kill my nephew, then injure Old Sixth and Qingjin. Today, we'll settle old and new debts together."
"Whatever."
Cao Youqian shrugged. "Oh, and you'd best summon that so-called ancestor of yours as well. Otherwise, you'll only have to call him again later—it's far too troublesome. Isn't that right, eldest senior brother?"
Xiao Chen said evenly, "Indeed. Since we're settling debts, let's clear them all at once. Better that than letting grudges linger endlessly. We cannot kill them all forever."
The gathered Sea Clan within the Qingjin royal palace boiled with rage, their eyes sharp as blades upon Xiao Chen and his companions.
If looks could kill, the three would already have been torn apart by a thousand cuts.
"Arrogant brats!"
"Arrogant fools, today we shall show you the might of the Qingjin royal palace!"
"..."
The Qingjin King had yet to speak, when several Nirvana experts standing at his side all spoke out. Were it not for the King holding them back, they would already have charged forward to suppress the three juniors.
Even with all his composure, the Qingjin King's expression was dark as he glared coldly at them. His voice was sharp as he said:
"Brats, you are courting death yourselves. Do not blame this king for bullying the weak."
Xiao Chen stepped half a pace forward, speaking with calm indifference. "If that is the case, then strike, Qingjin King."
"Hmph!"
At the King's side, a jiao with a savage, tusked face snorted coldly. "To deal with you, there is no need for my elder brother to act. I, Qingfeng Marquis, will suffice!"
"Very well."
Xiao Chen's tone remained just as calm, as though saying: whoever comes forth, to him, it would all be the same.
The Qingjin King was already burning with anger. Faced with such constant provocation, he lost patience. With a wave of his hand he commanded, "Second Brother, this one is yours."
"Yes."
Qingfeng Marquis answered and stepped forward.
At the same time, the one-horned jiao with a severed claw spoke. "Elder brother, that arrogant brat is mine. This time I must repay the humiliation of that punch."
"Good. With me here holding the line, act as you will."
The Qingjin King had no intention of acting himself yet. After all, the Qingjin royal palace boasted one king, two marquises, and two Nirvana experts. With five great powers presiding, how could mere juniors of Wendao Academy be worth his concern?
Receiving his approval, the one-horned jiao fixed his gaze on Cao Youqian. "Junior, come forth and meet your death!"
"Since you're so eager to die, I'll grant your wish!"
Cao Youqian wasted no words, leaping directly toward the one-horned jiao.
"Roar!"
The one-horned jiao gave a thunderous roar, transforming into a colossal azure jiao. Its maw gaped wide as a dragon pearl floated forth before it.
The pearl radiated dazzling azure light, like a sun within the sea, flooding the waters with brilliance.
"Undying Azure Flame!"
The one-horned jiao shouted, spewing forth azure fire. Empowered by the dragon pearl, the flames' heat surged skyward. Wherever it passed, seawater boiled away and all things were reduced to ash.
Cao Youqian, seeing this, merely crossed his arms before him. He made no move to resist, allowing the flames to swallow him whole.
The shrimp soldiers and crab generals of the palace erupted in cheers at the sight. "General One-Horn is invincible! The human junior has chosen death!"
Qingfeng Marquis turned his gaze on Xiao Chen and sneered. "Brat, your fellow disciple is about to be reduced to ash. Before his soul is destroyed, I will drag you to hell, so that you may accompany him on the Yellow Springs road."
"You are mistaken."
Xiao Chen drew a divine sword slowly from his storage ring, his voice calm. "On the Yellow Springs road, it is you two brothers who will huddle together for warmth."
"Facing death, and still you boast!"
Qingfeng Marquis transformed into a massive jiao. Unlike other four-clawed jiaos, its talons were especially long, sharp, and ferocious.
"Diamond Dragon Claw!"
As his claws descended, endless Buddhist light surged forth, condensing into a colossal hand bearing the 卍 sigil, striking with irresistible force.
"A petty trick."
Xiao Chen spoke lightly as he drew his sword and swung it with casual ease…
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