Chapter 51: Coincidental Encounters
Chapter 51: Coincidental Encounters
The beast let out a low growl and retracted its paw, while the city lord’s giant hand shattered instantly.
“I’ve long heard of City Lord Yun Ao’s formidable strength. Today I’ll witness it firsthand.”
The beast extended its claw again, now wreathed in black lightning that emitted a terrifying decaying aura. The void cracked and the earth shook under this assault.
This attack stunned Yunyang City’s cultivators, leaving them gaping as they speculated about the beast’s origins and power.
Cheng Lingyu’s face darkened. The beast’s ferocity surpassed all expectations.
City Lord Yun Ao’s expression turned grave. His right hand began glowing with mist, luminous patterns manifesting across his palm as unquenchable flames coiled around it to meet the beast’s claw.
Black lightning clashed with crimson flames in a thunderous explosion. As paw and palm collided repeatedly, the sky itself seemed to fracture, void ripples spreading like cracks through time and space.
The roaring beast’s massive lightning-wrapped claw suddenly tore through Yun Ao’s defenses and plunged toward Yunyang City.
Cultivators screamed in panic, but to everyone’s surprise, the claw caused neither civilian casualties nor structural damage despite penetrating the city.
This eerie claw instead extracted an object from the urban center.
“That’s the Hand of Stars!”
A cultivator’s shout revealed the beast’s true objective.
Multiple giant hands suddenly emerged from Yunyang City, all lunging to seize the celestial artifact. The Hand of Stars glowed conspicuously in the dim light as Blood Martial Realm experts launched their snatch. Dazzling brilliance flooded the sky, engulfing the artifact.
A spectacular battle erupted in the void – destructive energies contained within the celestial arena, yet the oppressive aura still left cultivators gasping for breath.
Cheng Lingyu watched intently. Such expert-level combat was rarely seen, their realm achievements stirring his aspirations.
Black lightning beams shot from the churning clouds, joining the frenzied fight for the Hand of Stars.
Suddenly a slender silver hand – unmistakably feminine – materialized within the city, snatched the artifact, and vanished instantly.
The enraged beast attacked again but found its claw blocked by Yun Ao and other Blood Martial experts. After prolonged clashes failed to break their defense, the beast retreated grudgingly.
Clear skies returned as the dark clouds dispersed. Though Yunyang City stood intact, its citizens buzzed with speculation. The Hand of Stars had vanished mysteriously to an unknown woman, while Yun Ao’s destroyed city formation would require extensive repairs.
Returning to the chess academy, Cheng Lingyu found Caiyun sipping tea in the small courtyard.
“Back so soon? What’s your take on today’s events?” Her relaxed smile contrasted with the recent chaos.
“Someone tried stealing the Hand of Stars but failed.” Cheng Lingyu sat beside her, recounting his observations.
Caiyun chuckled. “The world’s full of illusions. Physical eyes often deceive.”
“You disagree, Senior Sister?”
“Answer this – why would such a powerful beast announce its attack? If stealth served its purpose, why alert everyone first? Pure arrogance?”
Cheng Lingyu pondered. “Experts of that caliber likely enjoy flaunting power. Intimidating Yun Ao openly before taking the artifact would demonstrate absolute dominance.”
Caiyun huffed, “If it were truly powerful, it wouldn’t have failed to breach others’ defenses later.”
Cheng Lingyu asked, “Senior Sister, what’s your view on this matter?”
“I think it’s feigning attack to strike from the west. The beast pretended to be fierce to grab everyone’s attention. When many fought over The Hand of Stars, that mystery woman seized it. But who can confirm she’s not allied with the beast?”
Cheng Lingyu froze, awestruck. “Senior Sister’s wisdom rivals Zhuge Liang! This scheme of staged cooperation would catch anyone unprepared.”
Caiyun chuckled, “Don’t flatter me. I’m just speculating – it’s merely one possibility.”
Cheng Lingyu pressed, “If they were cooperating, why did the beast attack Yunyang City initially and damage buildings?”
“Idiot!” Caiyun snapped. “To destroy City Lord Yun Ao’s formation, letting its allies infiltrate undetected.”
“Such intricate plans!” Cheng Lingyu marveled. “Worldly schemes truly surpass imagination.”
“This is strategic layout – like chess, every piece connected. You’re still green. Learn well from your Senior Sister.”
“How long to restore the city’s formation?”
“At least three months. Yunyang City will descend into chaos, weakening the city lord’s surveillance. Forces will exploit this – stay vigilant.”
Caiyun’s warning made Cheng Lingyu recall Cheng Zhaolong. Past encounters meant verbal sparring, but now…
“Revenge killings could erupt unchecked. I’ll be cautious. Senior Sister’s plans?”
“Remain in Yunyang City until I decipher Spirit Chart’s Heavenly Resolution. Work hard to reach Soul Martial Realm before I depart.”
“Progress on the painting?”
“Nearly solved. It bears a powerful seal requiring Spirit Chart’s Heavenly Resolution to break. Your engraving talent shines – master this and we’ll both benefit.”
Under Caiyun’s guidance, Cheng Lingyu rapidly mastered engraved formations, kindling deep interest.
Three days later, Yunyang City’s surface calm hid The Hand of Stars’ disappearance and the mystery woman’s vanishing.
Crime surged – brawls and murders multiplied. City Lord Yun Ao ignored minor disturbances unless critical.
Leaving the chess academy to consult Miao Sanxu about the ghost market, Cheng Lingyu immediately sensed watchers.
A familiar figure emerged – fifteen-year-old Cheng Qinghua, eyes glinting malice, flanked by five Shenhuo Sect disciples in matching garb.
“Seventh Brother! Visiting Yunyang City without informing me?” Cheng Qinghua’s smirk dripped venom.
Cheng Lingyu coldly retorted, “You profit while I suffer, yet dare face me?”
“Alive and thriving, aren’t you?” Cheng Qinghua jeered. “Rumor says you gained advantages. Shouldn’t you thank me?”
Rage simmered in Cheng Lingyu. This cousin’s cruelty surpassed even Cheng Zhaolong’s.
“My gratitude might overwhelm you.”
“Trash of Cheng family!” A Shenhuo youth spat. “Kneel and apologize in Shenhuo’s territory, or suffer!”
Cheng Lingyu assessed them – all True Martial Realm, two at Gathering Lake Stage, others River Stage.
“Big words! I know superior Shenhuo Sect disciples.”
Cheng Qinghua sneered, “Liar! You’ve barely arrived. How know our sect members?”
“What if I said I’m meeting Miss Yun Xi now?”
Shenhuo disciples paled at Yun Xi’s name – City Lord’s daughter, Shenhuo’s jewel.
Cheng Qinghua’s eyes narrowed. “You expect me to believe that?”
“My actions require no permission.” Cheng Lingyu’s voice chilled. “You seek to humiliate me? Let’s dance.”
Killing intent flared – memories of Cheng Qinghua’s past betrayal resurged.
“Fight me, Seventh Brother?” Cheng Qinghua grinned eerily. “Heard you made waves in Shiyang Town. Let’s spar – with stakes.”
“Agreed. Name your wager.”