Chapter 90 - 89: Heaven’s Favored Daughter

The front-line Battle Castle.

「Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.」

Ever since Luo Tian sealed the Crow in the Celestial Book, the Beast Tide assailing the Battle Castle had gradually stabilized and returned to normal.

During these past few days,

Luo Tian had been killing Demon Beasts and fending off the Beast Tide in and around the Battle Castle. His two Martial Skills, the Cloud Traveling Step and the Celestial Star Sword Technique, had been honed and improved significantly.

Thanks to the tempering of the battlefield and a steady supply of Spiritual Essence Coins, Luo Tian’s Cultivation was also improving by leaps and bounds.

Now,

the sixth Qi Vein in his body was now more than halfway opened, progressing at a divine speed.

In fact,

any student from the various Wu Mansions who came to the front lines to fight the Beast Tide and managed to survive was experiencing a period of rapid advancement.

On this day,

Luo Tian took the Demon Cores he had harvested that day to the Sun Chasing Holy Mansion’s stronghold to exchange them for Contribution Points.

"A total of 3,245 Contribution Points."

Luo Tian took back his Silver Token, a smile gracing his lips.

Nearby, the thick-browed Steward Fan, who was in charge of recording merits, had a look of astonishment on his face.

Among the Silver Students, the number of Contribution Points Luo Tian had earned was considered top-tier.

And this was after Luo Tian had sealed the Crow in the Celestial Book. The pressure from the Beast Tide had lessened recently, which made it increasingly difficult to kill One-star High Tier Demon Beasts.

Luo Tian was just about to leave the stronghold when, suddenly, a wave of astonished murmurs came from the nearby crowd.

A beautiful young woman in a pink and gold dress approached slowly, her waterfall of long hair dancing in the wind.

Her attire revealed her status as a Golden Student of the Sun Chasing Holy Mansion.

"Is that the talented beauty who’s been making a name for herself in the Battle Castle recently?"

"That’s her! With her Ninth Layer of Meridian Opening cultivation, she managed to kill a heavily injured Spirit Sea Realm Demon Beast with the help of her companions, right?"

"I heard the Azure Cloud Kingdom’s Human List was updated two days ago. Liu Ziyan is ranked in the top thirty now."

The ones gossiping were students from various Wu Mansions, and even some Scattered Stream Martial Artists.

"Liu Ziyan?"

Luo Tian’s brows twitched slightly as he cast a cool glance at the beautiful girl in the pink and gold dress.

Ten days ago, when the pressure from the Beast Tide was immense,

Liu Ziyan had been transferred over from another Battle Castle.

In just a few short days,

she had killed over a dozen High Tier Demon Beasts and even a heavily injured Spirit Sea Realm Demon Beast, making a name for herself overnight.

Afterward,

on the Azure Cloud Kingdom’s Human List, Liu Ziyan’s rank shot up from outside the top eighty straight into the top thirty.

The top thirty of the Human List!

What a dazzling achievement! It could even be said that she had brought glory to the Sun Chasing Holy Mansion.

"Ziyan, you’re here to exchange your merits as well."

Yue Jing emerged from some corner, a warm smile on his face, and walked shoulder-to-shoulder with Liu Ziyan.

Luo Tian’s Spiritual Sense had long since discovered Yue Jing lying in wait nearby for Liu Ziyan to arrive.

Yue Jing and Liu Ziyan walking together drew the envious gazes of many Martial Artists.

The two of them—the man handsome and extraordinary, the woman beautiful and tall—were a perfect match.

Yue Jing was a big shot in the Golden Area and the Vice Manor Master’s own nephew, so he was considered a worthy match for Liu Ziyan.

"Luo Tian, long time no see."

Liu Ziyan’s willow-like brows arched slightly, a hint of coldness rippling in her clear, water-like eyes.

She revealed a charming smile, like an elegant swan looking down upon the boy who, in her eyes, was no different from a stray dog.

"Mm, it hasn’t actually been that long," Luo Tian said coolly.

During their confrontation in Lingyun County City, Liu Ziyan’s schemes and plots had failed. However, Luo Tian had ultimately been at a disadvantage and, for a time, in a very dangerous situation.

At this moment,

Liu Ziyan was like a victor, standing high and mighty, her mocking gaze sweeping over Luo Tian.

She had just entered the Holy Mansion and had already achieved such dazzling accomplishments—killing a Spirit Sea Realm Demon Beast and breaking into the top thirty of the Human List—like a chosen daughter of heaven.

And right now,

a genius more outstanding and with a better background than Luo Tian was pursuing her.

The smile on Liu Ziyan’s face grew even more brilliant and radiant, as if to say: ’Are you filled with endless regret now for rejecting my marriage proposal all those years ago? Will you regret it for the rest of your life?’

More than killing Luo Tian, Liu Ziyan wanted to see him wallow in regret.

However,

the young man before her was calmer than she had imagined, completely unmoved.

Yue Jing secretly sneered. ’This Luo Tian is a real idiot! To think he rejected the Liu Family’s marriage proposal...’

’The Liu Ziyan of today is simply too stunning. Even with my background, I have to put in a great deal of effort to pursue her.’

"Brother Luo?"

Just then, a clear and gentle young woman’s voice called out.

A young woman of noble bearing and unparalleled elegance walked over gracefully. When she saw Luo Tian, her phoenix-like eyes shimmered with a brilliant light.

"Yunxiu, you’re here too."

Luo Tian’s expression was calm as he nodded slightly.

Five days ago, he had given Princess Yunxiu another treatment session inside the Battle Castle, and the two had grown more familiar.

Even the Eldest Princess treated Luo Tian as an equal.

Princess Yunxiu, of course, did not dare to be arrogant. She addressed Luo Tian, her life-saver, with the respect due to an older brother, and not without a hint of a young girl’s burgeoning crush.

"Princess Yunxiu?"

Yue Jing was a little surprised as he looked at the noble and stunningly beautiful young woman.

In terms of appearance, the original Princess Yunxiu was by no means inferior to Liu Ziyan.

But ever since Luo Tian had treated her a few times, Princess Yunxiu’s charm had blossomed. Her face was exquisitely beautiful, and when combined with her innate royal air, she surpassed Liu Ziyan by a notch.

What truly shocked Yue Jing was that Princess Yunxiu had actually called Luo Tian "Brother Luo."

And Luo Tian had casually called her "Yunxiu."

"I heard from my uncle that Li Yunxiu had some kind of illness but was recently cured by a mysterious expert. She’s awakened a Martial Vein of at least Earth Tier Middle Grade..."

Yue Jing murmured.

’This Princess Yunxiu is breathtakingly beautiful. On top of that, her own aptitude is outstanding, and she comes from the Royal Family.’

"Earth Tier Middle Grade?"

The smile on Liu Ziyan’s face froze slightly.

’In terms of aptitude, Li Yunxiu’s is a level higher than my Earth Tier Low Grade.’

’In terms of background, she comes from the Royal Family of the Azure Cloud Kingdom and is treated like a daughter by the Sovereign himself.’

’Barring any accidents,’

’this girl’s future achievements will only be higher than mine, not lower.’

Involuntarily,

Liu Ziyan felt a surge of intense jealousy toward the girl before her.

’She called Luo Tian ’Brother Luo’ just now. What’s going on...?’

Liu Ziyan quickly took note of how the two addressed each other.

’Did I mishear?’ she wondered.

Right at that moment,

Princess Yunxiu’s cheeks flushed slightly as she dipped her head. "Brother Luo, I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you again today."

"Of course," Luo Tian replied.

The two walked off side by side. Princess Yunxiu was extremely polite, adopting a respectful posture as she left with Luo Tian.

"This... How is this possible!"

Yue Jing and Liu Ziyan stood rooted to the spot, their faces filled with disbelief.

For Princess Yunxiu, with her current status and incredible talent, to be so polite to Luo Tian—even showing a kind of maidenly shyness—was astounding.

Yue Jing’s heart seethed with a maddening jealousy!

The Liu Ziyan he was desperately pursuing had once had her marriage proposal rejected by Luo Tian.

And now,

a Royal Noble Lady, superior to Liu Ziyan in every way, was acting so intimate and dependent on Luo Tian.

"Luo... Tian!"

Liu Ziyan gritted her silver teeth, her previous sense of high and mighty superiority shattering in an instant.

Originally,

her obsession with Luo Tian had already created a flaw in her heart. Now, it was intensifying, showing signs of developing into a Heart Demon.

’Only by killing him can I achieve Perfection in my Martial Arts Heart. It might even allow my Cultivation to skyrocket.’

The killing intent in Liu Ziyan’s eyes was stronger than ever before.

...

「An hour later.」

Luo Tian emerged from Princess Yunxiu’s chambers once again. This was the third time he had treated her since arriving at the Battle Castle.

After the treatment,

Li Yunxiu’s face was even more radiant and beautiful, her clear eyes rippling as she watched Luo Tian leave with some reluctance.

Inside the Battle Castle,

Luo Tian returned to his temporary quarters and inspected the Nether Dragon Divine Vein within his body.

Over the last three treatments, the Nether Dragon Divine Vein had absorbed a large amount of Yin Netherworld Power and had grown considerably.

HUMMM!

Patches of ethereal blue scales appeared on the Dragon-shaped Divine Vein inside his body, making it look more solid and vivid.

At the end of the Divine Vein, the flawed, patternless area had actually grown a little. Although the change was minuscule, Luo Tian perceived it clearly.

TSSS~

Luo Tian raised his hand slightly. A streak of ethereal blue, cold light surged into his palm, and a layer of faint blue, fine lines faintly appeared on its surface.

A terrifying cold pressure originating from ancient times emanated from his hand. The nearby temperature plummeted, and a layer of frost condensed on the ground.

’With just my Divine Vein Power, I now have the combat strength of at least the Eighth Layer of Meridian Opening,’ Luo Tian estimated in his mind.

’If I combine it with my Cultivation Martial Skills, especially the Celestial Star Sword Technique which is close to the Spirit Level Upper Grade, I might even be able to fight someone at the Ninth Layer of Meridian Opening!’

’Once I hone my skills a bit more and raise my Cultivation, becoming a Golden Student will be within my grasp!’

A sharp glint flashed in Luo Tian’s eyes.

’That Liu Ziyan acts so high and mighty. How could she know that I’m getting closer and closer to her level?’

’It’s not a distant dream to even surpass her.’

「That night.」

Luo Tian took out a Spiritual Essence Coin, closed his eyes, and began his Cultivation. His sixth Qi Vein continued to open further.

The pressure from the Beast Tide wasn’t great right now, so after killing some Demon Beasts during the day, Luo Tian would seize the time at night to cultivate.

「The next morning.」

Luo Tian went outside the Battle Castle, preparing to fend off the Beast Tide as usual.

"Luo Tian, Senior Yue wants to see you."

The charming young woman at the Eighth Layer of Meridian Opening came over to pass on the message, her face cold and indifferent.

This woman was one of Yue Jing’s two trusted subordinates.

"Alright."

A strange look flickered in Luo Tian’s eyes.

He was currently still a member of Yue Jing’s elite team.

Some time ago, Yue Jing had been chased by that terrifying Great Demon, which had left a shadow on him. Since then, he had basically treated Luo Tian with cold indifference, leaving him to his own devices.

A short while later,

the students of the elite team gathered at the city gates.

"Starting today, we no longer need to defend the Battle Castle. A mission with greater rewards awaits us."

Yue Jing announced with a dignified expression, his gaze sweeping over Luo Tian and the other four or five Silver Students.

Soon,

Luo Tian learned the details of the mission.

As it turned out, it had something to do with Luo Tian.

Ever since Luo Tian sealed the Crow in the Celestial Book, the Beast Tide at this Battle Castle had returned to normal.

However, scouts from the Azure Cloud Kingdom discovered that some of the more intelligent Demon Beasts in the Beast Tide had bypassed the front lines and infiltrated the interior of the kingdom.

This was a rare occurrence in the history of Beast Tides.

Therefore,

the Holy Mansion issued a new batch of missions: have some elite teams head to the rear to kill the Demon Beasts that had infiltrated the Human Realm.

’Did those Demon Beasts infiltrate the Human Realm to find this?’

Luo Tian’s consciousness sank into the Celestial Book.

At this moment,

besides the one or two lit-up pages, the Celestial Book now had a new, special page.

Engraved on this page was a massive, pitch-black demon bone. It was wreathed in purple-black patterns and emanated a terrifying, monstrous demonic aura.

Ever since he sealed the Crow that day, this object had mysteriously appeared on the page. It was incredibly strange.

"Kid, you’ve gone too far! The ’Demon Emperor Bone’ I worked so hard to steal has been sealed by you!"

A black mist flashed, and the Crow appeared, speaking in a frantic and exasperated tone.