Chapter 27: The Hostility of the City Lord

"Pity."

When Yang Qi saw Yan Feixia appear, he knew that this confrontation with Luo Hun would end without any result.

But this was for the best. Killing Luo Hun on the spot would surely provoke the City Lord's anger, and the Yang family would have to prepare for a war with the Yan family.

It was obvious that such preparations were not yet in place. The Yan family, with its generations of accumulated power, was vast and formidable, while the Yang family was currently scattered and far from united. Relying solely on the main branch of the Yang family, led by Yang Zhan, they could not match the current Yan family.

"Once I advance to the next realm, reaching the 'Eighth Stage' of Qi Gong, I won't have to worry anymore. At that point, I can even contend with a Qi Master. For now, I'll just play along with the Yan family. Given that I saved Miss Yan Feixia, City Lord Yan won't take action against my Yang family for the time being."

Yang Qi thought of a series of backup plans. Since cultivating the divine technique, his mind had become increasingly agile, able to adapt to any situation.

"Miss, it's like this..." Luo Hun, seeing his young mistress inquire, immediately lowered his head and explained the events: "Yang Qi brutally killed disciples of noble families, tarnishing the reputation of our Yan Capital. So, I took action to teach him a lesson."

"That's enough. Let's put this matter to rest." Yan Feixia listened carefully, seemingly deep in thought. Afterward, she said calmly, "You may step down. The feud between the Chen and Yang families is an internal conflict between two major families. The City Lord's residence should not interfere. Understand?"

"Yes, Miss."

Hearing these words, Luo Hun immediately understood what his young mistress meant. She wanted the Yang and Chen families to fight each other, weakening their strength, which would benefit the Yan family and the entire Yan Capital.

"Truly a disciple of the True Dragon Academy." Yang Qi, hearing this, nodded inwardly, not daring to underestimate Yan Feixia in the slightest.

Although he had saved her, she chose the interests of her family over his, which was quite normal. Disciples from the ancient True Dragon Academy were no ordinary individuals.

Today, he had crippled so many talented young disciples of the Chen family. He believed that someone from the Chen family had already secretly reported to their superiors. Today, very likely today, the Chen family would launch a full-scale attack on the Yang family.

"Gentlemen, the conflict at this banquet is due to our City Lord's residence not being thorough enough in our hospitality. Please, enter the residence now." Yan Feixia waved her hand. "Luo Hun, you lead the guards to escort the Chen family disciples back."

"Yes!"

Luo Hun gave Yang Qi a deep look, licked his lips, and his eyes gleamed with a bloodthirsty light. He then hurriedly led the guards to escort all the Chen family disciples back home.

The remaining young talents from various noble families rushed into the residence.

"Brother Yang, your cultivation has become increasingly profound, truly a cause for celebration." Yan Feixia stood shoulder to shoulder with Yang Qi, leading the way and speaking eloquently. She was extremely surprised. Back then, Yang Qi was only at the Sixth Stage of Qi Gong but could kill a Seventh Stage Black-robed Messenger. Now, he could even contend with the Eighth Stage Luo Hun. This rate of growth was as if a 'Life-Stealing Realm' expert had been pouring their power into him day and night.

"It's nothing much, just a breakthrough. It's not a big deal." Yang Qi waved his hand. "But, Miss Yan, have you investigated the Shadow Poison Sect? My Yang family was recently attacked by the Shadow Poison Sect. It's likely that the Shadow Poison Sect is colluding with the Chen family, aiming to overthrow the Yan family's rule in Yan Capital."

"Is that so?" Yan Feixia's eyes lit up, then dimmed. She nodded, "I will certainly report this to Father and have him investigate thoroughly. All matters in Yan Capital are handled by Father. I still need to return to the True Dragon Academy to study."

"Yan Feixia is indeed profound." Yang Qi smiled inwardly, knowing that even if the Shadow Poison Sect was involved with the Chen family, the City Lord's residence would not intervene now. After the Chen and Yang families fought to mutual destruction, the Yan family would step in to clean up the mess, taking over their businesses, wealth, and personnel.

On the Fertile Continent, many city lords had established their own countries. Even the Cloud Sea City had become the Cloud Sea Kingdom. Yang Qi didn't believe that Yan Gufeng didn't want to establish a country, turning Yan Capital into the Yan Kingdom and the Yan family into the royal family.

He just smiled and didn't mention the Chen family again.

Many young talents from noble families saw him conversing with Yan Feixia, as if they were old friends. Coupled with his earlier display of power, they all knew that they were merely supporting roles at this banquet. They sighed inwardly, and some of the more arrogant ones looked at Yang Qi with envy.

Soon, everyone arrived at the banquet venue in the City Lord's residence. It was indeed lively, with beautiful women in abundance, music and dance, and a continuous stream of fine wine and delicacies.

Yan Gufeng, the actual ruler of Yan Capital, sat high above, like an emperor reviewing his subjects, quietly watching the hundreds of young talents enter one by one.

His gaze swept over each young talent, and no matter how arrogant they were, they all lowered their heads in humility.

Watching all this, he nodded in satisfaction. Suddenly, his gaze fell on Yang Qi, piercing through his body like a sharp sword, attempting to penetrate the flow of his true qi.

Yang Qi was startled and quickly raised his head to meet Yan Gufeng's gaze.

In an instant, he felt the blinding light of the sun and moon, and his entire body's meridians ached. This was not just mental pressure but a real Qi Gong oppression.

"Deep in hell, the Yellow Springs are obscure..."

The Divine Elephant Town Hell Technique quietly activated. Yan Gufeng's gaze penetrated his body but only felt a void, a profound emptiness, unable to grasp the flow of his true qi.

"Hmph!"

Suddenly, a thunderclap rang in Yang Qi's ears, his head buzzing. It was Yan Gufeng's cold snort, filled with hostility, a naked display of killing intent.

He knew that his strength had already aroused Yan Gufeng's enmity.

But he pretended not to notice, maintaining a calm demeanor, allowing Yan Gufeng to stare at him, appearing relaxed and composed.

After a long while, Yan Gufeng finally withdrew his gaze, seeing that all the young talents had entered the venue. He waved his hand, "Gentlemen."

"Pay respects to the City Lord..."

Immediately, all the young talents felt a surge of energy, involuntarily focusing on his hand, feeling a profound power deep within.

This was the Ninth Stage of Qi Gong, the invincible divine technique of a Qi Master.

Every movement could influence the mind, and his every gesture exuded a leader's aura, representing the pinnacle of Qi Gong cultivation.

"Qi Masters are indeed formidable! Then, how terrifying must the Life-Stealing Realm be, which surpasses the Qi Master? It is said that beyond the Life-Stealing Realm, there are even higher realms. What level are they?" Yang Qi was inwardly shocked. Just a glance from Yan Gufeng had made him feel the City Lord's hostility and the depth of his Qi Gong cultivation.

He could defeat an Eighth Stage 'Qi Transformation' expert, but a Ninth Stage 'Qi Master' was like a vast ocean, clearly different from the Eighth Stage. They were not on the same level.

Qi Master.

"This banquet is to see how the young talents of our Yan Capital fare. Don't be restrained." Yan Gufeng scanned the crowd, his gaze lingering on Yang Qi's face. By now, it was clear that Yang Qi stood out, surpassing all the other young talents.

Originally, he had planned a competition. Now, it was unnecessary.

"Feixia, I have some matters to attend to. You will host the banquet today." Yan Gufeng stood up, called out, and left the scene.

"Send off the City Lord." Many young talents immediately stood up, feeling a mix of emotions. The banquet had not even started, and Yang Qi had already stolen the spotlight. They were merely supporting roles, and there was no more depressing situation.

A few arrogant young talents, after the banquet had been going for a while, actually stood up and bid farewell to Yan Feixia, claiming they had family matters to attend to.

Yang Qi remained seated, coldly observing the scene.

Yan Feixia remained composed, politely seeing off those who left. Soon, the banquet began to disperse in an unsatisfactory manner.

"Brother Yang Qi, it seems you have taken the spotlight. The young talents of our Yan Capital all believe they cannot compete with you, so they are leaving one by one. Soon, you will be the top young talent in Yan Capital." Yan Feixia suddenly raised a wine glass and came over to toast Yang Qi.

"Yan Capital is nothing much, just a small place. I am but a frog at the bottom of a well, not having seen the greater world. But, Miss Yan Feixia, you study at the True Dragon Academy, one of the top academies on the Fertile Continent. How are the geniuses there? I would like to see them."

Yang Qi was nonchalant, probing with his words.

"Oh? A genius like Brother Yang Qi, there are a few at the True Dragon Academy. Our academy produces many geniuses, each unparalleled and capable of dominating the world. If you have the chance, you can visit and see if you can be admitted to the True Dragon Academy."

Yan Feixia's tone was filled with deep pride, an unmaskable nobility and arrogance.

Students of the True Dragon Academy indeed felt proud.

Just as Yang Qi was about to ask more about the True Dragon Academy, an old man hurried in, the old steward of the Yang family.

"Third Young Master, it's not good. The Chen family has mobilized a large number of experts, coming straight for our Yang family residence. The First and Second Young Masters are struggling to hold them off. Master is in a critical stage of cultivation and cannot be disturbed. Please return quickly to take charge."

The old steward said anxiously.

"What? The Chen family has already made their move? This is a family conflict, no small matter." Yang Qi slapped his hand on the table, stood up, and bowed to Yan Feixia. "Family matters, I cannot stay longer. I must take my leave."

"Brother Yang, let's maintain peace." Yan Feixia's face showed a faint smile.

Whoosh!

Yang Qi's figure disappeared.

---

End of Chapter 27.