Chapter 58

Xia Qing stood at the foot of the mountain, dressed in a white robe, looking like a celestial being, isolated from the world, making others feel ashamed of their own inadequacies.

In front of her were seventy-eight geniuses from Heifeng County.

"First, congratulations to all of you for making great progress over the past five months."

"Whether or not you secured a top ten spot, each of you is a pillar of our Great Xia. I hope you will continue to work hard and make greater strides on the path to immortality."

"Frictions are inevitable in battles, but since they are not matters of life and death, I hope you can let bygones be bygones and not let minor conflicts lead to unforeseen consequences."

As Xia Qing spoke, she deliberately glanced at Jiang Anping and Ma Wei.

"Besides the top ten spots, there are five alternates who can also accompany us to the City of the Nether King. These five alternates also have the chance to participate in the Hundred Counties Competition."

"Everyone, collect your resources according to your rankings from the management office. The top ten will receive their resources separately from me."

"You have all worked hard for five months, so I won't waste more words. Those who want to go home can go home, and those who want to stay can remain at the County Governor's Residence, where we will continue to cultivate you."

"From now on, you are free to do as you please. The top fifteen will gather here in three days."

"Jiang Anping, Meng Jing, you two come with me."

After Xia Qing finished speaking, she specifically called Jiang Anping and Meng Jing aside.

Ma Wei stared at Jiang Anping's back, a cruel smile flashing across his face.

"The tenth spot is ultimately mine!"

Jiang Anping and Meng Jing followed Xia Qing to her private courtyard.

The surrounding air was filled with spiritual energy, and each breath felt like absorbing a spirit stone. Exotic flowers and plants grew there, emitting a rainbow of light, creating a breathtaking scene.

A cute white beast was chasing a rainbow butterfly around the courtyard.

A person in a black robe stood in the pavilion, their face obscured.

When Jiang Anping's gaze fell on this person, his heart raced and his pulse quickened.

This person possessed an extremely terrifying thunder power, so powerful it was indescribable.

Jiang Anping had a hunch and glanced at Meng Jing.

Meng Jing held Jiang Anping's hand and whispered, "Wood, let's go to the auction later. I heard there will be a lot of good things there."

Xia Qing stopped in front of the pavilion, turned, and looked at Meng Jing.

"We had an agreement. If you secured a spot, you would contact your mother."

Meng Jing bit her lip and said, "Princess, is my mother in trouble?"

"If contacting her would cause her trouble... then let's not contact her."

Although Meng Jing wanted to contact her mother, she knew how terrifying her mother's family was.

She was afraid that contacting her mother rashly would cause her mother trouble.

Xia Qing nodded, "Indeed, she is in a bit of trouble. Your mother fell in love with someone she shouldn't have and broke off an engagement with a major clan, causing significant trouble for the Lei Clan."

Meng Jing nodded slightly, her eyes filled with disappointment.

She missed her mother so much that her mother's face was almost a blur.

Xia Qing changed the subject, "However, I will fulfill my promise."

She suddenly looked at the person in the black robe.

The person in the black robe pulled down their hood, revealing a stunning face.

This face was about fifty percent similar to Meng Jing's, but more mature.

Tears streamed down the woman's face, her bright eyes fixed on Meng Jing.

Seeing her, Meng Jing's body trembled, and she stood there as if struck by lightning. After a long moment, she rushed forward.

"Mother!!"

"Xiao Jing!"

The two embraced and cried, their tears mingling.

This woman was Meng Jing's mother, Lei Lan.

Meng Jing never expected her mother to appear in person and couldn't stop crying, "Mother, I miss you so much, wu wu~"

She missed her mother so much that her mother's face was almost a blur.

Lei Lan was also in tears. How could she not miss her daughter, but due to the family's restrictions, she had no chance to see her.

Jiang Anping watched the two embrace, a warm expression on his face.

If his mother were still alive, he could also be like Meng Jing, cuddling in his mother's arms...

Jiang Anping touched his stomach; his parents' remains were in the Treasure Basin. He must become an immortal and gain the power to resurrect the dead!

Lei Lan and Meng Jing embraced and cried for a long time.

"Mother, will you be in trouble for coming to see me?" Meng Jing asked, her eyes red and teary.

Lei Lan took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, "No, Princess Xia invited me here on behalf of the Great Xia."

"Then... when will Mother leave? Can you go back and see Father? He misses you too."

Meng Jing asked cautiously, thinking of her father's sad face made her heart ache.

"No problem, I'll go back soon, but before I do, I need to handle some issues."

Lei Lan wiped her tears and looked at the young man beside her, her gentleness gone, her voice cold, "Don't get too close to my daughter; it will harm you."

"Mother! What are you talking about!" Meng Jing asked anxiously.

Lei Lan's voice turned cold, "Didn't you see what happened with your father?"

"You awakened the clan's talent and will eventually return to the clan. Those old fossils will never allow someone like Jiang Anping to be with you."

"But I don't know them; why should they have the right to control me!" Meng Jing pushed her mother away, shouting, her heart filled with fear.

"There is no 'why' in this world, only strength."

Suddenly, Lei Lan emitted a terrifying aura that enveloped Jiang Anping.

The immense pressure made Jiang Anping kneel, his knees cracking the floor.

Lei Lan stared coldly at Jiang Anping, "Remember what I said, don't get too close to Meng Jing."

Jiang Anping remained expressionless, "I don't know what you mean by getting too close to Meng Jing."

"But Uncle Meng saved my life, and he asked me to take care of Meng Jing. I will take care of her, no matter what ancient family you are. If you make Meng Jing unhappy, I will not forgive you!"

His voice was firm and resolute.

"Like you deserve to!" Lei Lan sneered, her aura becoming even more terrifying.

The little white beast was frightened and hid in Xia Qing's arms.

Jiang Anping's bones creaked under the pressure, blood seeping from his spine, but he still stood tall, his face determined, looking straight at Lei Lan.

"Mother! What are you doing! Don't bully Wood!"

Meng Jing saw Jiang Anping's suffering and was on the verge of tears.

Lei Lan gradually retracted her aura, her previously cold expression softening. She raised her hand and flicked a pill into Jiang Anping's mouth.

"This is the power of the strong. They don't even need to move to crush you with their aura. The Lei Clan has many people stronger than me, and you need to know what you will face in the future."

The pill quickly healed Jiang Anping's injuries, and he slowly stood up, his expression unchanged, "I said, I don't care about any ancient families. If you make Meng Jing unhappy, I will not forgive you."

Seeing the young man's determined and serious face, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Lei Lan's eyes, and she threw a jade slip to him.

"I hope you keep your word."

With that, Lei Lan hugged Meng Jing and transformed into a bolt of lightning, disappearing from the spot.

In Lianshan County, at the General's Residence.

Meng Kuo was diligently reviewing documents.

His daughter had been gone for several months, and his wife for several years. To ease his longing, Meng Kuo threw himself into his work, trying to distract himself.

But how could such emotions be so easily suppressed?

Meng Kuo put down the document, sighed, and took out his wife's pink handkerchief, his face softening.

If his wife and daughter were by his side, how wonderful it would be.

Suddenly, a flash of lightning appeared, and two women materialized in the room.

Seeing these two women, Meng Kuo dropped the pink handkerchief, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"Xiao Lan! Xiao Jing!"