Another One

"Meng Xiaohui's name has disappeared from the Heavenly Pride Ranking."

"What? What does that mean?"

"What else could it mean? Meng Xiaohui is under thirty thousand years old, and it's impossible for him to have been pushed off the ranking. The only possibility is that he was killed."

"Killed? Meng Xiaohui was actually killed? Then the Meng family must be—"

"Breaking news, breaking news!"

"Two peak Heavenly Immortal experts from the Meng family, along with their half-step Immortal King ancestor, have been slain."

"And… it happened right here in Heavenly Pride City."

"What? Are you joking?"

"Do I look like I’m joking? The news is about to spread everywhere."

"Good heavens, is the sky of the Xuantian Domain about to change? The Meng family’s experts were all killed?"

"The Meng family has been arrogant and domineering for years, offending many, especially the Yun and Wu families. This time, they’re probably doomed for good."

"Who was the killer? Did the City Lord’s Manor make a move?"

"Unclear, but some suspect it was Chen Chang'an."

"Chen Chang'an?"

Ever since Chen Chang'an appeared in Heavenly Pride City, his name had become a hot topic in every conversation.

Initially, after Chen Chang'an claimed the top spot on the Heavenly Pride Ranking, everyone assumed nothing else would stir up discussion unless he broke through to the Immortal King realm.

Yet, within just a few days, such shocking news had surfaced again.

By now, word of the Meng family’s annihilation had spread throughout Heavenly Pride City, and eyewitnesses had confirmed the corpses, leaving no room for doubt.

The only uncertainty was whether the killer truly was Chen Chang'an.

"Speaking of which, Chen Chang'an hasn’t been seen for a while."

"Could he have already left Heavenly Pride City?"

"Hard to say. He’s been staying at the Heavenly Pride Pavilion, and not many know his whereabouts."

"Ah, I really want to know if it was him."

"What difference does it make? Whether it was him or not, we’re not even on the same level as someone like that."

"Fair point."

Heavenly Pride Pavilion

Chen Chang'an waited another three months before Da Huang and the others finally concluded their training.

"Big bro, big bro, did you miss me?"

"Hahaha! I’ve reached the Golden Immortal realm—fifth level, no less! How impressive is that?"

"None of the others could match my speed, right?" Da Huang exclaimed excitedly.

Reaching Golden Immortal fifth level in less than two years was indeed remarkable.

In the Xuantian Domain, few could achieve such progress.

However, Chen Chang'an found it curious—Da Huang, as a member of the Qilin race, naturally cultivated swiftly, but why was Xiao Yao just as fast?

"Xiao Yao, you’re also at Golden Immortal fifth level?"

"Your cultivation speed isn’t slow at all. Why was your progress so sluggish during your years at the Huan Hua Immortal Sect?" Chen Chang'an asked, puzzled.

"Oh, I never really trained seriously. My master said I was too playful."

"Honestly… I barely spent any time cultivating."

Xiao Yao scratched her head awkwardly. She had always preferred fun over the discipline of cultivation.

If not for Chen Chang'an, she likely wouldn’t have devoted herself to training this time.

Compared to these two, Qingluan’s progress seemed slower, only advancing to Golden Immortal third level.

But relative to ordinary cultivators, her speed would still leave jaws on the floor.

"Sorry, Master. My breakthrough was too slow." Qingluan lowered her head in shame.

"Slow?"

"Have you forgotten how long we’ve been cultivating compared to you?"

"That’s just rubbing it in!" Da Huang huffed.

"I… I’m really not slow?" Qingluan asked nervously.

"If anyone calls you slow, they’re lying."

"If anyone says you’re extremely slow, don’t doubt it—they’re just jealous."

"Your speed is unmatched in the entire Xuantian Domain… well, aside from maybe two others."

Da Huang had initially wanted to say "one other," but after glancing at Chen Chang'an, he quickly corrected himself—there was always a bigger monster.

"Alright, now that you’ve all finished training, there’s something I need to tell you."

"I’m leaving the Xuantian Domain."

"What are your plans?"

Chen Chang'an directed this question at Xiao Yao and Qingluan, knowing Da Huang would follow him regardless.

"Leaving? So soon?"

"Elder, won’t you return to the Huan Hua Immortal Sect?"

Xiao Yao was surprised. She had joined them for adventure and new experiences, never intending to leave the Xuantian Domain.

Meanwhile, Qingluan fell into deep thought.

After a long silence, her hesitant gaze turned resolute.

"Master, I… I want to go on my own journey."

"Staying by your side means I’ll never face true danger."

"I don’t want to be a burden. I want to grow stronger and become someone who can stand beside you."

"But I’m not sure whether to stay in the Xuantian Domain or venture elsewhere."

Though she had made up her mind, Qingluan lacked a clear plan.

"Qingluan, you’re young, and your cultivation is only at Golden Immortal third level. For now, stay in the Xuantian Domain. Once you break through to the Heavenly Immortal realm, seek out the City Lord of Heavenly Pride City and ask her to send you to the Flowing Clouds Domain."

"You can train there or visit their Heavenly Pride City to experience the real Heavenly Pride Tower and see how it differs."

Qingluan nodded. Though parting with Chen Chang'an was bittersweet, she knew this was necessary to grow stronger for their eventual reunion.

"Xiao Yao, what about you?"

"I… If I leave just like that, my master might be heartbroken."

"Never mind, I’ll stay."

Chen Chang'an smiled but said nothing more.

"Then this is where we part ways. Da Huang and I will go find Lu Xiaoyun."

"Goodbye, Master."

"Farewell, Elder."

Chen Chang'an and Da Huang left the Heavenly Pride Pavilion, but after a few steps, they paused.

"What a coincidence. Running into you again?"

"Yi Tuo, are you stalking us or something?"

Chen Chang'an spotted Yi Tuo in the distance the moment they stepped out. Once might be chance, but twice?

"N-no, not at all!"

"I heard Heavenly Pride City was lively, so I came to see the sights."

"Oh, alright. Carry on, then. We’re leaving."

"Ah? So soon? Where to? Mind if I tag along?"

Huh?

Tag along?