Chapter Thirty-Six: The Eldest Daughter of the Qi Family

Creak...

Lu Han opened the door and stretched lazily.

“Han boy, wash your face and get downstairs quickly. That young man waited for you for a long time yesterday,” Old Ling’s voice echoed in Lu Han’s mind.

Lu Han hurriedly washed up and went downstairs. As he stepped out of the inn, he spotted Leg Third swaying at a small stall outside.

“Leg Third!” Lu Han greeted him and quickly approached.

“Master Lu, I didn’t expect you to be up so early,” Leg Third replied as Lu Han came over.

“You’re even earlier, must have been waiting for a while,” Lu Han smiled gently.

Leg Third scratched his head, embarrassed. “Brother Chen and the others are waiting at Crescent Square. Let’s hurry over.”

Lu Han nodded.

At the heart of Crescent City lay Crescent Square—a vast, rectangular plaza, with a crescent-shaped mural at its center. Every ten meters or so stood a three-meter-high stone stele, densely inscribed with various tasks and their rewards. These were the task steles, common in larger towns.

The square was bustling. Many waited for task issuers; some had completed their assignments and lingered for their rewards.

Near the center, four individuals stood before one of the task steles—three men and one woman. One appeared to be in his twenties, clad in a blue robe, with sinister brows and a restless air. He spoke impatiently, “Brother Chen, are you sure Leg Third can handle this? If you can’t find him, let’s just go with us four.”

The one addressed as Brother Chen turned, his rugged face marked with the weather of years. A coin-sized scar at the corner of his eye did nothing to mar his appearance; instead, it added a touch of heroic vigor.

“Cao Dong, you still doubt Third? He’s helped us many times, and has always handled things perfectly. Besides, the task stele clearly states five participants, all above the seventh stage of the Postnatal Realm,” Chen said firmly.

“Indeed, Cao Dong. The issuer isn’t even here yet, no need to be so anxious,” added a burly man with a thick beard.

Beside Brother Chen stood a woman, seemingly in her thirties, dressed in a crimson robe. She carried an air of both valor and charm, with two willow-blade swords strapped to her back. She watched Brother Chen quietly, a smile playing at her lips, hinting she must have been even more beautiful in her youth.

Soon, Lu Han arrived at Crescent Square, led by Leg Third.

“Brother Chen, Brother Chen!” Leg Third brought Lu Han before them.

“Third, thank you for your trouble. Here—this is for you,” Brother Chen handed him five gold coins.

“And this young brother, how should we address you?” Brother Chen clasped his fists, his eyes flashing with curiosity. Lu Han was young, yet already possessed the strength of the seventh stage of the Postnatal Realm.

“Lu Han.”

“Brother Lu, my name is Chen Jun. If you don’t mind, everyone in Crescent City calls me Brother Chen.”

Through Chen Jun’s introduction, the other three were introduced: the burly, bearded man was Niu Gao, eighth stage Postnatal Realm. The brooding man was Cao Dong. The woman was Hong Banmei, also at the eighth stage. The four often completed tasks together. This time, the assignment required five people, but few were willing to travel so far to Tianlan City, so Leg Third was asked to help recruit.

“Brother Lu, so young and already at the seventh stage. You have boundless prospects ahead,” Chen Jun patted Lu Han’s shoulder.

“Hmph, only seventh stage? I bet he’s just here for the reward. When trouble comes, he’ll probably hide behind us,” Cao Dong scoffed, clutching his sword.

Chen Jun shot Cao Dong a glare and turned apologetically to Lu Han, “Cao Dong’s temper is like that. Hope you won’t mind.”

“No matter,” Lu Han shrugged, only wishing to return home quickly.

“Third, you can go now. If I need you, I’ll find you,” Chen Jun patted Leg Third’s shoulder, murmuring as he watched him leave, “Third’s parents died in the Wild Beast Mountains when he was young, and he has no talent for cultivation. Life in Crescent City is tough for him. I help when I can.”

Indeed, on the Sky Continent, martial arts prevailed. Without talent, it was hard to survive in this world ruled by strength.

Leg Third had just left when a horned horse-drawn carriage approached. Horned horses had the shape of normal steeds, but were covered in scales with a single horn on their heads. They were the common means of transport in Sky Continent, bred from horses and horned beasts, inheriting speed, stamina, and a gentle temperament, making them beloved among people.

“Stop.” An elderly man dismounted from the carriage.

“This task was issued by my young mistress. You only need to escort us to Tianlan City, and the task will be considered complete. Here is half the reward,” he said, holding out a pouch of coins.

“May I ask who your young mistress is?” Chen Jun did not take the pouch, but instead asked.

“If we know nothing about our employer, I’m afraid I cannot accept this escort mission,” Chen Jun frowned.

“You already accepted the task,” the old man said, annoyed.

“Since we took this task, we have the right to know everything about our employer,” Chen Jun replied.

The old man was about to protest when a voice from within the carriage interrupted him.

“It’s enough, Steward Wei. Gentlemen, I know we have been remiss, but with so many eyes here, it’s best to leave the city first. I’ll explain everything afterward, is that alright?” The woman’s voice was like a clear spring, melodious and pleasant.

Chen Jun glanced at his companions. Seeing no objection, he led the five to purchase horses and follow the horned horse carriage out of Crescent City.

It’s worth noting that Lu Han had never ridden a horse; he almost fell as soon as he mounted, prompting Cao Dong to mock him as a “country bumpkin.”

Gradually, Lu Han managed to steady himself. Shortly after leaving the city, Chen Jun and the others stopped, as did the carriage ahead.

A young woman, about twenty years old, stepped down from the carriage, supported by Steward Wei. Her slender figure was graceful, her movements light, her attire elegant—a pale green dress beneath a flowing white silk robe, a white belt at her waist. Her dark hair was styled in a cloud bun. Though not stunningly beautiful, she was certainly a local beauty.

Chen Jun and Niu Gao paid her no mind, while Cao Dong’s sinister gaze lingered on Hong Banmei with a hint of possessiveness before he glanced to the distance.

“I did not mean to conceal my identity, but circumstances forced my hand. I am from the Qi family. My name is Qi Lingxuan,” the woman said softly, her voice as lovely as before.

“Qi Lingxuan? The eldest daughter of the Qi family! No wonder you did not wish to reveal your name in the city. Rest assured, Miss Qi, I have accepted your payment and will not expose your whereabouts,” Chen Jun thumped his chest. Having lived so long in Crescent City, he understood the family rivalries well.

The Qi family was one of the prominent clans in Crescent City, home to a formidable Xuan Lord. They had long been at odds with the City Lord’s mansion, sometimes even clashing outright. If the City Lord’s mansion learned that the Qi family’s eldest daughter was traveling with only a steward to Tianlan City, danger would surely follow.

The group rode away, fading from Crescent City’s sight.

“Miss, if the family head finds out, you’ll surely be punished,” Steward Fu’s voice was low, just enough for Qi Lingxuan to hear inside the carriage.

“I promised Brother Liangchen I’d attend his twentieth birthday. I’ve already sent him a letter. Besides, I had Xiao Cui impersonate me; she should manage for a few days. By then, Father won’t be able to drag me back,” the young woman blushed as she mentioned Brother Liangchen.

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