Chapter 16

In the dead of night, Chu Yan was immersed in a medicinal bath. His face was slightly weary, but this fatigue was not due to the battles he had fought that night. The true reason was the process of helping Liu Qingcheng detoxify.

At that time, his body felt as if it had been drained by the spring poison in Liu Qingcheng's body, leaving him extremely exhausted. Despite this, he did not take the Yuanyuan Pill given by Liu Qingcheng.

The reason was simple: although the pill could aid in cultivation, it also had some negative effects on the body. If it were a pill he had refined himself, he might have taken it, as he would have minimized the impurities. Just like the medicinal bath he was now immersed in.

However, Liu Qingcheng's Yuanyuan Pill was different. While it might be precious in Tianyong City, to Chu Yan, it was just a waste. The pill was severely damaged, and pills are classified into different grades. Ordinary pills are called Mundane Pills, which have nine grades. Above them are Immortal Pills. Both Mundane and Immortal Pills share a common feature: they are round and translucent. However, this Yuanyuan Pill was not round; it had edges and a rough surface.

To Chu Yan, this thing did not even qualify as a pill, and taking it would be no different from poisoning himself.

However, Chu Yan did not throw away the Yuanyuan Pill but instead cherished it. The reason was simple: it was given to him by Liu Qingcheng, the first thing she ever gave him, or rather, the second.

Thinking of this, Chu Yan raised his hand and looked at the row of neat bite marks on his forearm, unable to help but smile bitterly: "This little girl really bit down hard back then."

Immersed in the medicinal bath, he soon felt his body heat up, and the medicinal liquid began to emit steam.

Chu Yan clearly felt his internal essence burning, but he did not give up.

I must become stronger, make myself even stronger.

Over the years, Chu Yan had been pursuing two goals: one was to cultivate and successfully rescue his mother, and the second was to defeat that person, the one who abandoned him and his mother!

The night passed without incident.

The next day was the day before Chu Yan and Liu Qingcheng's wedding.

Tianyong City was particularly lively, not just the city but also the border of Changlong Kingdom. Because Liu Qingcheng was getting married, many of the Liu family members who held important positions outside the city rushed back, including Liu Qingcheng's elder brother, Liu Mu.

"It's really lively outside." Chu Yan was woken up by the sound of hooves at the door.

"Master, you're awake? Tomorrow is the day of your wedding with Miss Qingcheng, so many of the family members who hold positions outside have returned," Bao'er said as she brought in Chu Yan's change of clothes.

Chu Yan nodded and put on the clothes.

"Is there any news in Tianyong City?" Chu Yan asked.

"Master, are you talking about the Qin family? They have been packing their bags since early morning and are now leaving the city," Bao'er said with a smile.

Chu Yan nodded in satisfaction. Although he had promised Ye Xun that he would not destroy the Qin family for three months, if the Qin family did not leave, he would still use some force to eliminate them. After all, he did not like keeping a time bomb around.

After changing, Bao'er went to the kitchen to prepare some breakfast for Chu Yan. Chu Yan took this time to examine his internal state.

After another night of medicinal bath, Chu Yan was even more eager to know his current realm. Unfortunately, although the bath had strengthened his essence, it did not break through to the fifth layer of the Mundane Realm, which left him a bit disappointed. "Well, some things can't be rushed. I'll just take it step by step."

After breakfast, Liu Tianfeng sent someone to find Chu Yan and asked him to go to the Liu family meeting hall.

In the meeting hall, there were many unfamiliar faces, but they were all genuine members of the Liu family.

A young man stood beside Liu Qingcheng, his eyes filled with affection as he measured her height and smiled. "Qingcheng, it's been five years. You've grown so much, and you're truly a beautiful young lady now."

"Liu Mu, you've also done well. I heard you are now the commander of a thousand soldiers in the southern part of Changlong Kingdom. Your achievements at your age are even better than my father's back then," Liu Qingcheng said politely.

"I can't compare to Uncle Tianfeng. He was a favorite of the emperor back then, but I will work hard."

"Liu Mu, don't be too hard on yourself. As long as you work hard, you are already a source of pride for the Liu family," Liu Tianfeng said with a satisfied smile.

Liu Mu nodded, but then his expression turned a bit displeased as he looked at Liu Tianfeng. "Uncle Tianfeng, there's something I don't know if I should say."

"Go ahead," Liu Tianfeng said.

"I can't understand why my sister has to marry a waste! Qingcheng grew up under my watch. Her talent is well-known. She could marry any royal or noble, so why does she have to marry a waste because of a marriage contract?" Liu Mu's words were sharp and direct.

Liu Tianfeng sighed. He had expected this reaction.

Liu Mu was good in every way, except for one: he was overly protective of Liu Qingcheng. This had been true since they were young, and it remained so. Back when he was not sent to the south, if anyone dared to bully Liu Qingcheng in Tianyong City, Liu Mu would be the first to step in.

Now, knowing that Liu Qingcheng was getting married, he even violated military orders to take leave and return to Tianyong City to personally oversee the matter.

However, upon returning to Tianyong City, Liu Mu heard more about Chu Yan being a waste and a beggar, which made him return to the Liu family with a lot of anger.

Liu Tianfeng sighed. "Liu Mu, there's a misunderstanding. Chu Yan is not what you've heard."

"Is that so?"

Liu Mu sneered and suddenly turned around. Chu Yan had just arrived at the door, still with his usual charming smile.

Liu Mu's talent was not low; five years ago, he had reached the Fifth Star of the Life Body and the First Layer of the Dusty Realm, ranking first in the selection of military officers in Tianyong City. His perception was extremely sharp, and he had noticed Chu Yan as soon as he approached the meeting hall.

"You are not a member of the Liu family, yet you are dressed in gold and silver, which means you are not a servant. The only outsider who could have such a status in the Liu family must be Chu Yan, right?" Liu Mu directly identified Chu Yan.

"Who are you?" Chu Yan frowned, not yet understanding the situation but feeling the strong hostility from Liu Mu.

"Son-in-law, he is Miss Qingcheng's elder brother, Liu Mu, the most accomplished young master of the Liu family. He has always been protective of Miss Qingcheng and even violated military orders to return to the Liu family, probably to oversee the matter," Zhao Wu whispered to Chu Yan.

"So you're Liu Mu?" Chu Yan was taken aback, but then his face cleared, and he hurriedly approached with a forced smile. "Ha, I've heard from Qingcheng that you are now the commander of the southern part of Tianyong City. Today, I see that you are indeed young and accomplished, just as she said."

Liu Qingcheng's brows furrowed. When did she ever mention Liu Mu to him?

However, since Chu Yan had casually mentioned the old ancestors of the Qin and Ye families, Liu Qingcheng knew that Chu Yan was well-informed about Tianyong City, so it was not surprising that he knew about Liu Mu.

"Hmph, Fourth Layer of the Dusty Realm, you are indeed as famous as they say..." Liu Mu said coldly, without a smile.

"Liu Mu, do not be disrespectful to Young Master Chu!" Liu Tianfeng immediately reprimanded.

Chu Yan waved his hand and laughed. "Ha, Uncle Liu, it's fine. Liu Mu is just worried about Qingcheng, which is understandable."

"Boy, I don't know what background you have, but my sister is a prodigy. She deserves happiness. I advise you to voluntarily cancel the marriage with my sister," Liu Mu said.

"Liu Mu, I understand your concern. You worry that I cannot protect Qingcheng and give her happiness. Given my current strength, your doubts are understandable. However... what if I say no?"

Chu Yan's voice suddenly turned fierce, and his expression became sinister. "I will definitely marry Liu Qingcheng, and I will definitely protect her. No one can stop me."

"What if I kill you?"

"You can try!"

"Fine!"

Liu Mu's shoulder trembled, and the sword at his waist drew a silver arc in the air.

Seeing this, Liu Tianfeng and the elders of the Liu family were shocked. The situation had escalated too quickly.

"Liu Mu, stop!" Liu Tianfeng shouted, but it was too late. The silver sword had already reached Chu Yan's throat.

"Liu Mu, stop!" Liu Qingcheng's heart trembled, and her essence energy surged involuntarily.

However, Chu Yan remained calm, maintaining eye contact with Liu Mu. He did not dodge or evade, and when the silver sword touched his throat, he even smiled faintly.

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Not bad!" Liu Mu suddenly burst into laughter, leaving Liu Tianfeng and the others puzzled.

"Liu Mu, Chu Yan is the son of our family's benefactor. Put down your sword immediately!" the head elder of the Liu family shouted angrily.

"Uncle Liu, no need to worry. Liu Mu did not intend to kill me; he was just testing me," Chu Yan said, looking at Liu Mu with a meaningful smile. "Am I right, Liu Mu?"

"Actually, it was not just a test of you, but also a test of my sister," Liu Mu said, finally lowering his sword.