364 - Rebirth of a Star: Another Day, Another Drama

Chapter 364: Retribution Comes Swiftly After the group turned around, Ye Ling Long finally got a clear view of the lead man's appearance. He was strikingly handsome, with sharp eyebrows and starry eyes. Oddly, he appeared somewhat familiar to her, not in a distant or faded memory kind of way, but in the kind of familiarity that comes with someone well-known. As she searched her memory, a figure dressed in a regal purple-gold robe swam into Ye Ling Long's mind. Her pupils contracted sharply as she scrutinized the man's features. No way. This man looked exactly like Qian Jun—practically as if they were carved from the same mold, bearing the same eyebrows, eyes, and facial contours. Qian Jun had always appeared as a child, unable to grow due to his nature as a sword spirit. Yet, if one were to imagine him grown, it wouldn't be a stretch to say this man resembled an adult Qian Jun. An absurd thought flashed through Ye Ling Long's mind: Could Qian Jun be this man's illegitimate child? But she realized quickly that it was impossible. Qian Jun had existed for at least ten thousand years. If anything, it would be accurate to say this man was Qian Jun's child. Lost in her chaotic thoughts, Ye Ling Long found herself staring unabashedly at the man, causing him to frown at her scrutiny. Beside him, Di Qian Qian was visibly outraged. She conjured a sword out of thin air with her right hand and swung it at Ye Ling Long, the blade's energy aiming straight for her eyes, with the intent to blind her. Ye Ling Long possessed formidable spiritual power, honed through tempering her soul during frequent lightning tribulations. At this point, her soul's strength was at least at the level of an Immortal King. Her cultivation, having integrated the Ice Phoenix's heart into her meridians, advanced rapidly. The speed of her training with her Ice Spirit body, enhanced by exotic fire, was nothing short of miraculous. Now, she had reached the early Immortal stage, and her true battle power could even contend with a Golden Immortal. She tilted her body slightly, evading the sharp sword energy, and in a swift counteraction, Qian Jun appeared in her hand. In the next instant, she vanished from her spot, thrusting Qian Jun directly toward Di Qian Qian's eyes. If you desire my eyes, then as a fair trade, I will have yours. Though Di Qian Qian's cultivation was at the Golden Immortal level, she lacked battle experience. She assumed with her power, defeating someone of mere Immortal rank would be effortless. To her shock, in the blink of an eye, her opponent's sword was already before her. As the sword tip neared her eye, almost piercing, a crisp clang resounded. A purple-golden sword blocked Ye Ling Long’s attack. Di Qian Qian collapsed to the ground, gasping heavily, her forehead slick with fear-induced sweat. The sword's point had been perilously close to piercing her cornea. Ye Ling Long retracted her strike without landing a hit, stepping back warily as she eyed the man holding the sword. “What do you mean by this? Attempting to rob us of our pill because we wouldn't sell it?” Feng Li, seeing the commotion, burst out in anger, calling Xiao Hei as he leapt through the window. Xiao Hei crouched low, eyes fixed fiercely on the group, growling lowly from his throat. The man's comrades stepped forward, taking defensive stances. Tension crackled in the air. The leader, noticing Xiao Hei on the ground, showed a flicker of surprise. He gestured for his people to stand down, breaking the standoff. “Apologies, my subordinate acted rashly, not my intent. I am simply interested in that pill,” he said politely, with genuine respect. This response quelled Ye Ling Long's anger. "It's our pill. Even if we don't want to sell it, that doesn't justify resorting to violence, does it?" The man nodded amiably. "Indeed." Oddly, he felt as if he knew this woman, though he was sure they had never met before. Di Qian Qian, furious at her leader speaking cordially with this beautiful woman, erupted, “Master, why waste words on this wench? These people from the Lower Immortal Realm are merely inferior. If you want the pill, just kill...” Before she could finish, a resounding slap interrupted her, leaving half her face red and swollen. Even Ye Ling Long felt an involuntary flush of heat on her own cheeks, internally criticizing the man's lack of decorum, though she couldn't help but think: well-deserved slap. “Di Qian Qian, it seems I've indulged you too much. Do you dare disregard my words?” The man's voice was low, yet it terrified Di Qian Qian into scrambling up, kneeling fearfully. “I'm sorry, master. I won’t dare again,” she sobbed pitifully. However, the man's eyes remained cold, unmoved by her display. He gestured for others to escort her away. Immediately, two members stepped forward to carry her off. “Apologies, my subordinate was ill-mannered. My sincerity remains.” Ye Ling Long felt slightly moved; after all, the Soul Nourishment Pill was merely a high-grade yellow-rank pill, not particularly rare. She could make more later. Ye Ling Long was unaware that in the Celestial Realm, pills affecting the soul had become largely lost, making the Soul Nourishment Pill quite rare. She continued to scrutinize the man, whose face was so like Qian Jun's, making him uneasy. Suddenly, a slightly suppressed voice whispered in her ear, “Give it to him.” It was Qian Jun's voice. "Aren't you supposed to be in a prolonged slumber to recover?" Ye Ling Long queried in her spiritual consciousness. After settling into her new quarters, Qian Jun had informed her of his intent to slumber for a while to recuperate his spirit form. “Since he desires it and if it's not too burdensome, just give it to him,” Qian Jun urged, glossing over her curiosity. Ye Ling Long, though puzzled, tossed the pill in Feng Li's hand to the man. “Your courteous attitude earns this pill.” The man nodded in gratitude, turning away with his retinue. Watching him leave, Ye Ling Long couldn't resist teasing Qian Jun, “Is he truly your illegitimate child? You seem so eager to aid him.” Qian Jun: “...” Simultaneously, Feng Li’s voice cut in, “Ye Ling Long, so easily swayed? Do you fancy that pretty boy? You handed over the pill without even discussing payment.” Ye Ling Long: “...” Sometimes, retribution arrives faster than anticipated.