The Golden Lion King Emerges

"You... go to hell!" Yan Qingcheng glared at Xiao Chen, shame and bitterness burning in her eyes. Yet he noticed a flicker of cunning within her beautiful, lively gaze.

Whoosh!

Xiao Chen moved like a fleeting shadow, leaving only an afterimage as he lunged toward Yan Qingcheng and seized her delicate hand. A bolt of lightning crashed down where he had just stood.

"I saw formations like this at your Undying Sect's main branch," he said. "Still trying to trap me with the same trick?"

"Let go!"

"I won't."

"Xiao Chen, you bastard..."

"Keep cursing me, and don't blame me for acting like a brute and fulfilling your wishes."

"Who wishes for that? Die already! You're such a scoundrel!" Yan Qingcheng trembled with shame and fury, struggling fiercely.

"Come on, let's go see your elder."

"Go yourself! Let go!"

"How can it be done without you? I came here today precisely for you."

"Xiao Chen, you bastard!" Yan Qingcheng was genuinely frightened now. This lazy fellow was actually serious about seeing the elder.

"Your Undying Sect leaked that you were betrothed to me. I nearly got killed by the Basder Ancient Spear because of it."

Xiao Chen and Yan Qingcheng flew across the garden together, their robes fluttering in the wind—the man handsome, the woman like a celestial maiden. They looked quite well matched.

"Hey, isn't that Junior Sister Yan Qingcheng? Why do I see her flying side by side with a man?"

"Junior Sister Yan is actually flying wing-to-wing with a man..."

"I'm going to duel that guy!"

Below, several male disciples of the Undying Sect felt their hearts shatter at the sight.

Upon hearing those words, Yan Qingcheng nearly plummeted from the sky.

"Xiao Chen, you wretch, let me go right now!"

"I won't."

Both had cultivated the Undying Wings, and they swiftly streaked across the pavilions and halls of the garden, landing lightly before the great hall of the Undying Sect.

The elder of the Undying Sect, already informed, sent someone to escort them inside.

In the ancient hall, numerous statues of gods and demons were enshrined. At the very center stood the golden statue of the Undying Evil King himself—handsome, elegant, and extraordinary. The loneliness in his eyes was so remarkably vivid that it seemed to pierce through the ages, impressing that solitude upon the hearts of later generations. Of course, the disdainful, world-dominating demeanor was carved with peerless artistry—solitude mingled with pride, as if all beings lay beneath his feet, as if no opponent in the world was worth his attention.

The Evil King had dominated several eras. At the founding of his sect, he slaughtered many gods and demons, moving with the ease of turning his hand: he alone stormed the divine island's palaces and bathed in the blood of gods. He was the object of sincere worship for everyone in the Undying Sect—men and women, old and young alike.

A man should be like this: ascend to the summit and command a view of all lesser peaks. This was the dream of every man in the Undying Sect—to recreate the Evil King's former glory. The women, too, because of the Evil King's existence, became proud and lofty. In their hearts, only such a man was a worthy match, one to whom they could entrust their lives.

Xiao Chen stood in the hall and silently bowed to the statue of the Evil King.

"Facing the Evil King, do you finally feel your own insignificance?" Yan Qingcheng seized the opportunity to shake off Xiao Chen's hand.

"The Evil King deserves a bow. A man should be like this—ruling the world, spreading his ambition, roaming heaven and earth, and slaying gods and demons in his wrath. What heroic spirit! But I don't revere the Evil King blindly. He was also just a man of firm will who cultivated to that height. Everyone has a different path. What I want to be is not the Evil King—I want to be Xiao Chen."

"Big talk. Deeds speak louder than words!" Yan Qingcheng taunted ruthlessly.

Xiao Chen smiled. "From now on, you'll be by my side, so you can witness it step by step." He slipped back into his lazy demeanor, stowing away all previous sharpness and intensity.

"Xiao Chen, I'll say it again: I have nothing to do with you. One day, I'll make you kneel at my feet!" Yan Qingcheng had endured for a long time. A woman as proud as her had never been so defied. Now, she finally exploded.

"Haha..." Xiao Chen laughed heartily. "By that reasoning, should I make you kneel at my feet right now?"

"You... I'll kill you!" Yan Qingcheng's peerlessly beautiful face was covered in frost; her delicate, curvaceous frame trembled with rage.

Just then, a disciple of the Undying Sect emerged from the rear hall. "My master invites Young Master Xiao Chen."

In the rear hall, an old man of about sixty years, with an immortal air, sat quietly on a meditation cushion. He was none other than Elder Liu Qingfeng of the Undying Sect—the very man who had once rescued a middle-aged cultivator seeking revenge for the Golden Dragon King from Xiao Chen.

He sat still on the cushion and waved his sleeve silently. Two cushions floated over, landing before Xiao Chen and Yan Qingcheng.

"Xiao Chen, what business brings you here?"

Of course, Xiao Chen would not say something as absurd as "I've come to fetch my wife." Earlier, he had only said that to irritate the haughty Yan Qingcheng.

"I once received the guidance of your sect master and felt I should pay a visit to the Undying Sect's branch in Heavenly Emperor City."

Liu Qingfeng nodded and began a cordial conversation with Xiao Chen.

Yan Qingcheng's teeth itched with hatred. A moment ago, Xiao Chen had teased her without restraint, but now he presented himself with utter seriousness. She had hoped he would be dismissive toward the Undying Sect's elder and invite punishment, but to her dismay, Xiao Chen was perfectly respectful, making easy conversation with Liu Qingfeng.

Liu Qingfeng said earnestly, "Lately, your edge has been too sharp. Do you know that what is too rigid easily breaks? You cannot do everything by impulse."

"Senior's admonition is correct. I will be careful."

"Mm. Do you have any other business at the Undying Sect?"

"Yes." Xiao Chen then expressed his intention tactfully but without evasion. Though he did not use the words "fetch my wife," his meaning was unmistakable.

Yan Qingcheng nearly dropped the teacup in her hand. This fellow was too outrageous—he actually dared to bring up that matter!

Liu Qingfeng's hand trembled as well. Was this kid too straightforward? Or rather bold and sharp? Couldn't he be a little more roundabout?

"This matter..."

"The Basder Ancient Spear..."

Yan Qingcheng felt mortified. This reckless fellow, after being pierced by the Basder Ancient Spear, had actually suggested that the Undying Sect was responsible. That was the reason he was pressing the marriage.

"Master..." Yan Qingcheng was on pins and needles. Seeing that Liu Qingfeng kept a gentle smile, she couldn't help but call out.

Xiao Chen was startled. Liu Qingfeng was Yan Qingcheng's master? That was quite unexpected.

"In principle, I do not oppose this marriage," Liu Qingfeng stated his opinion.

Xiao Chen was stunned. He had never truly expected to succeed in this marriage proposal. All of this was merely venting his dissatisfaction—the Undying Sect had previously prevaricated about the brothers wielding the Basder Ancient Spear, clearly using him as a shield. Though they dared not come to rebuke him, he could not avoid needling them. He never imagined they would not refuse.

"Master..." Yan Qingcheng grew anxious. Marrying Xiao Chen was unthinkable to her. She had compromised once before; now that she was back on the Eternal Continent, how could she continue to force herself?

"Mm, this matter cannot be too hasty. I think it would be better to wait until Qingcheng completes the Demon-Shattering God-Sowing Art. 'If love is eternal, why need we be together day and night?'"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen nearly sprayed his tea. This old man was too much—pushing the buck with such a sappy line!

Yan Qingcheng felt both a little relieved and a little annoyed. Master really didn't know how to speak. Who was 'eternal, day and night' with this fellow?

Xiao Chen had come only to needle Yan Qingcheng; he had never naively believed he could actually marry her. Now that the effect was achieved, he chuckled and said, "Yan Qingcheng, do you really not want to marry me? If you truly don't, I'll take my leave."

"Dream on!" As proud as the celestial maiden of the Ninth Heaven, as aloof as the Goddess of the Moon, Yan Qingcheng's pure and peerless face was filled with icy cold. "I would rather marry a beggar, a ruffian soldier, than marry you!"

Xiao Chen had been ready to withdraw gracefully, but Yan Qingcheng's words ignited his temper. He laughed. "Fine, you have ambition, lofty enough. I will be leaving Heavenly Emperor City soon. Miss Qingcheng, I hope you won't follow me anymore. I don't want to disrupt your wonderful life."

These words choked Yan Qingcheng. Practicing the Demon-Shattering God-Sowing Art truly required this so-called cauldron.

"You..."

While she faltered, Xiao Chen had already bowed to Liu Qingfeng and walked out of the grand hall.

"Xiao Chen, don't be too smug! I will find a solution!"

"Then I congratulate you in advance. Actually, we are old acquaintances. If worst comes to worst, you can still be my follower—as long as you don't cry and beg to marry me."

Xiao Chen had reverted to that lazy demeanor that Yan Qingcheng detested. He felt he had been a bit petty earlier. After all, he was a man—needling this proud beauty a little was enough; there was no need to take it seriously. Laughing heartily, he shot into the sky and flew off into the distance.

Yan Qingcheng gnashed her teeth, wishing she could grab Xiao Chen down from the air.

"Xiao Chen, I won't let you off!"

"You're welcome to find me anytime. I'm seriously contemplating life's great decisions. If you come too late, you'll only be a concubine." With those parting words, Xiao Chen vanished from the sky.

"Go to hell!" Yan Qingcheng's smooth brow was covered with dark lines.

The next day, because Keke had overslept, it missed its match time and its qualification was ruthlessly revoked. When Xiao Chen found it, the little creature was still sound asleep backstage. With no choice, he led it home.

However, the little beast was very displeased; its eyes held unconcealed reluctance. Xiao Chen knew he had to keep a close watch on it, or it might cause no end of trouble.

Four days later, the Beast King Tournament had reached a fever pitch, stirring waves of emotion in the spectators daily. The Beast-Fighting Palace was nearly full for every match.

The first round of the Beast King battles had just concluded. On the fifth day, the second round began!

That day's first fierce battle was between the Golden Lion King and a Black Tortoise.

The strength of these two young beasts had been severely underestimated. They had fought their way up from the ranks of quasi-beast-kings and were now the absolute top-tier fighters among the true young beast kings—the hottest contenders for the Southern Wastes Beast King title!

Now, the two strong contenders had clashed, promising a battle of dragon versus tiger.

The Golden Lion King appeared extraordinarily majestic. Though barely over a meter long, it possessed an innate kingly aura. Its body seemed cast from gold, shining brilliantly; the dazzling golden light was blinding. It sat there motionless, like an ancient divine mountain, exuding an overwhelming sense of pressure!

It had three golden lion heads, each inspiring awe and fear. Particularly striking was the vertical eye between each head's pair of eyes—when it opened and closed, faint light flickered, chilling even veteran experts. Everyone agreed that this was a true heavenly beast, with high odds of victory even against a Dragon King.

As for the Black Tortoise, no one dared underestimate it any longer. Veteran experts had already confirmed it was a direct descendant of the true Xuanwu, an innate sacred beast with limitless potential!

With the beat of a drum, the match began. The Golden Lion King radiated golden light; though it had not moved an inch, it had undeniably become the sole focus, drawing everyone's eyes. There, in the dazzling golden radiance, the Lion King, majestic without anger, emanated a natural kingly aura that pressed heavily upon the audience outside the arena.

The Black Tortoise moved like lightning, spinning like a sharp wheel-blade, cleaving through the air toward the Golden Lion King.

Whoosh!

The Golden Lion King was swift as lightning. It tore out with a claw and slammed violently onto the Black Tortoise.

Clang!

The ear-splitting sound shook the entire Beast-Fighting Palace. But the Xuanwu's shell was indestructible; it could not be breached.

Earth essence surged. Earth-yellow light appeared around the Black Tortoise, and energy rippled intensely. The essence of the earth swept out a yellow radiance toward the Golden Lion King. The tortoise shell was dark to an eerie degree, black enough to chill the soul. The surging energy waves pierced through the energy barrier before the stage, causing palpitations in every spectator.

Such a young sacred beast was too terrifying. With this level of power now, how formidable would it become when fully grown?

Boom!

The yellow qi of the great earth rolled forth with astonishing momentum. In an instant, it blasted the Golden Lion King away, sending it crashing into the energy barrier covering the arena.

A fierce wave of energy rippled, and the light barrier nearly shattered. There was an uproar outside. The Black Tortoise was far too powerful, able to control such domineering heavenly and earthly energy!

But the result was unexpected. The Golden Lion King was not shattered to pieces as anticipated. Dazzling golden light blazed; the Golden Lion King shook its glittering golden mane vigorously, leaped up from the ground, and was unharmed!

Swift as lightning, the Golden Lion King ran with a thunderous rumble, the entire arena shaking. In an instant, it reached the Black Tortoise and struck mightily with its lion king claw.

Bang!

The Black Tortoise was sent flying, yet it remained unharmed. Its shell could not be shattered.

The Lion King's eyes shot forth piercing cold beams. It leaped up, bit the Black Tortoise in midair, and shook its head violently, flinging the tortoise away. Still, it could not break the shell.

The Black Tortoise again gathered yellow light, stirring a more violent surge of earthly essence, and engulfed the Golden Lion King.

Boom!

The Golden Lion King was blasted into the air. A mouthful of golden blood sprayed from the center head, but its imposing body remained as swift and powerful as ever, unaffected.

But this enraged the Golden Lion King!

With an earth-shattering lion's roar, the energy barrier covering the arena shattered directly. The vertical eye on the Golden Lion King's center head snapped open, emitting a scorching crimson beam like a light of destruction. In an instant, it shattered the Black Tortoise's shell!

Bang!

The Black Tortoise's entire body burst apart!

A crushing defeat!

The Black Tortoise, one of the strongest recognized sacred beasts, died on the arena stage. The Golden Lion King had won with indisputable, terrifying strength.

The scene fell into dead silence. The Golden Lion King was too powerful!

A single opening of one vertical eye had shattered the Black Tortoise—the creature reputed to have the greatest defense among all beasts. Among the young sacred beasts, who could still stand against it?

Xiao Chen's heart sank. Even he was not confident he could withstand that strike of annihilation. And that was only one of the Golden Lion King's three vertical eyes!