Firmament Sword

Xu Luo’s engagement ceremony was not as bustling as Xu Su’s wedding. Not many people were notified; the attendees were mostly the families of Xu Luo’s sworn brothers and some relatives of the Xu Family.

Even so, the entire Xu Mansion was still bustling with activity and festively decorated. Many uninvited guests, having heard the news, also came, hoping to curry favor with the Xu Family.

The two branches of the Xu Family in the Imperial Capital were now both at their zenith. Although Duke Jingguo Xu Zhongtian was gone, Xu Jie’s presence ensured that the Duke Jingguo’s Mansion remained a towering institution in the public’s mind. Furthermore, everyone knew that the Supreme Emperor and Xu Jie were sworn brothers. As long as the Supreme Emperor lived, the status of the Duke Jingguo’s Mansion was unshakeable.

Xu Luo’s side of the family was even more remarkable. His father, Xu Ji, held two princely titles: National Guardian General King and Regent King. His wife, Luo Xinlan, was a First-Class National Lady. His eldest son, Xu Su, was Marquis Zhongyong, and both of Xu Su’s wives were Second-Grade County Ladies... Even Lianyi, who had already left the Xu Family, had long ago been granted the title of Princess of Vulture by the former emperor...

If Xu Luo’s ambitions were not so detached from worldly matters, and if he hadn’t wanted to prevent gossip about his sworn older brother, Huangfu Chongzhi, he would have been made a Prince long ago.

Such glory was unprecedented in the entire fourteen-hundred-year history of the Cangqiong Empire!

Not even at the founding of the Cangqiong Empire had any family been as illustrious as the Xu Family was today. One could say their splendor had reached the absolute pinnacle!

At this point, it was likely that not even the Royal Family was as renowned as the Xu Family!

Although many people were secretly envious and jealous, no one dared to suggest that the Xu Family was receiving excessive favor.

Everyone knew that if it weren’t for the Xu Family, the Cangqiong Empire would have likely seen a change of dynasty long ago. If Xu Ji had so desired, he could have draped himself in the emperor’s yellow robes and ascended the throne, and it would have been seen as a natural course of events.

The threat from the sects was, after all, a distant concern for the common person. And so, even though some felt that dark undercurrents were already surging within the Imperial Capital, the vast majority of people had no such premonition.

Thus, in the mortal world, the Xu Family remained a veritable colossus!

Who wouldn’t want to be connected to such a family?

Lianyi, Phoenix, and Huangfu Shishi were all in their finest attire. Anyone who laid eyes on them was left utterly breathless. Even acquaintances, accustomed to their daily beauty, were completely stunned by the sight of them now.

Even Xu Luo was momentarily lost in a daze when he first saw them.

With their hair in lofty chignons and brows gracefully arched, their radiant lips parted to reveal teeth like pearl. Their eyes were bright and alluring, their smiles enchanting.

They moved with light, delicate steps, their grace as ethereal as a startled swan, as elegant as a soaring dragon.

The three women were like the orchids of spring and the chrysanthemums of autumn; each possessed her own unique and breathtaking charm.

Their beauty was so breathtaking it was almost suffocating. The moment the three women appeared, the once-raucous Regent Prince’s Mansion fell utterly silent!

”To think... such beautiful women exist in this world?” A deep, resonant male voice suddenly rang out, shattering the tranquility.

”I never thought a backward, barbaric place like the Central Plains Star Continent could produce such exquisite women. Truly incredible!” another man’s voice followed.

Those words, however, made people frown. ’What does he mean, ”a backward, barbaric place like the Central Plains Star Continent”?’ many thought with simmering resentment. ’Aren’t you from the Central Plains Star Continent yourselves?’

But this sentence sent a slight jolt through Xu Luo and his companions. They all looked up, sizing up the uninvited guests who had just walked in.

The man in the lead wore a long, aqua-blue robe. He had sharp, sword-like brows and eyes as bright as stars, with long purple hair draped over his shoulders. His skin was fair, and he appeared to be around thirty years old. He carried himself with an exceptionally noble air, his gaze filled with admiration as he looked upon Lianyi and the other two women.

Beside him stood four other young men, all in their late twenties, who subtly flanked him as if they were stars revolving around the moon.

”Who are you people?” Little Fatty frowned, looking at the uninvited guests. They were complete strangers, not anyone from the Imperial Capital.

Besides, who in the entire Cangqiong Empire would dare to cause a provocation at the Regent Prince’s Mansion? Never mind common folk; not even the sects would have such audacity.

”And what thing are you?” one of the men beside the leader sneered. He was the one who had just called the Central Plains Star Continent barbaric and backward. He was handsome, in his late twenties, with a glint of arrogance in his eyes.

”Huo Tong, be polite,” the leader said softly. A slight smile touched his lips. ”We have come uninvited. I hope you will not take offense. May I ask, which of you is Xu Luo?”

Xu Luo sighed inwardly. ’What’s coming will eventually come. I just didn’t expect it to be this soon.’

”I am.” Xu Luo stepped forward, his expression calm as he faced the young man.

The young man sized Xu Luo up and down. ”So you’re Xu Luo? I hear you’re very strong?”

’What kind of question is that?’ Xu Luo frowned inwardly. But this was his engagement day, and he didn’t want any trouble. He gave a faint smile. ”Just exaggerated rumors. All who come are guests. Please, come in.”

”I think the rumors are mostly exaggerated. Let me test your strength for myself!” the man named Huo Tong said with a malicious grin. His body blurred into a phantom-like shape as he rushed toward Xu Luo, striking out with his palm.

This time, however, the leader said nothing, merely watching the scene unfold with an intrigued expression.

Xu Luo was taken aback for a moment before anger flared in his heart. His face remained impassive as he used the Shaking Light Step to instantly evade the palm strike. Then, he said in a low voice, ”If you are here as guests, you are welcome. But if you’re looking for trouble... then I’m sorry, but please leave!”

”Not bad!” Huo Tong cackled. A startling aura erupted from his body as he charged at Xu Luo once more. This time, his palm strikes flickered, aiming for Xu Luo’s vital points!

BANG! BANG!

Xu Luo executed the Tyrant Technique, his body becoming a blur as he dodged the attack. He landed two quick punches on Huo Tong’s body, producing a pair of muffled thuds.

Huo Tong cried out strangely and stumbled back a dozen steps. His aura was in disarray, his face was flushed, and his eyes were fixed on Xu Luo in a furious glare.

”That was just a warning. Provoke me again, and don’t blame me for what happens next,” Xu Luo said coldly.

”I’d like to see you try!” Huo Tong roared, about to charge forward again.

”Enough,” the leader said coolly. He looked up at Xu Luo. ”It was a misunderstanding. This little brother of mine is a martial arts fanatic. When he heard that Xu Luo was the number one expert of the younger generation on the Central Plains Star Continent, his fighting spirit was roused. I hope you will forgive him for any offense caused.”

On Xu Luo’s side, anyone with a discerning eye for martial arts revealed looks of displeasure.

’He attacked his vital points, intending to kill him... and that’s just a ”misunderstanding”?’

Xu Luo, however, simply smiled. ”In that case, I won’t stoop to his level. But friend, you should still advise your brother—not everyone is as good-tempered as I am.”

”Who the hell do you think you are!” Huo Tong raged.

”Huo Tong, shut up!” the leader snapped at his companion. He then turned back to Xu Luo. ”We came here today to confirm something, but from the looks of it, it has nothing to do with you.” A faint smile played on the leader’s face as he glanced at Lianyi and the others. ”However, upon seeing these lovely ladies, I’ve had a new idea.”

”They are my fiancées,” Xu Luo said, his face calm as he watched the young man. He had already guessed what they had come to confirm.

’When I just made my move, I used the Tyrant Technique. The energy it emits is True Essence, the same as that of any other Martial Artist in this world—it’s not Star Power!’

’The power released by Breaking Army Seven Kills, Shaking Light Burst, and Dharma Heaven and Earth, however, is all incomparably potent Star Power!’

’An ordinary person naturally couldn’t tell the two types of power apart, but to an expert, the fundamental difference between them is as obvious as a lantern in the dead of night.’

”Fiancées? So you’re not married yet?” The young man said with a genial smile. ”Perfect. Have them come with me, and I can guarantee your family won’t suffer any repercussions in the days to come!”

HISS!

Everyone present couldn’t help but gasp in shock upon hearing the young man’s words.

’This man... just how shameless... how arrogant and domineering must he be to say something like that?’

Especially with that matter-of-fact look on his face, as if he were the master of all their fates!

”Shameless bastard! Are you still dreaming?” the fiery-tempered Lan Xin was the first to snap, stepping forward to curse at him.

”Noisy,” the young man frowned. ”Slap her.”

SWOOSH!

A figure beside him shot out like a streak of light, rushing directly toward Lan Xin and raising a hand to slap her across the face.

”Get lost!” a cold female voice suddenly rang out, immediately followed by a tremendous crash.

BOOM!

The figure that had moved like a streak of light was sent flying back even faster, a look of utter astonishment on his face as he stared in disbelief.

Ling Fengxian stepped forward, her face an icy mask. ”Is the Ancient Race so impressive?” she said coldly. ”Coming here to run wild without first weighing your own strength!”

”And who are you?” The leader raised an eyebrow, looking at Ling Fengxian with some surprise as a flicker of admiration crossed his eyes. ”I didn’t expect a fourth peerless beauty here. You... can come with me as well!”

”Are you looking for death?” Ling Fengxian was no ordinary woman. She had a fiery personality and an explosive temper.

”Since you know I come from the Ancient Race... do you really have the nerve to defy me?” The handsome young man’s smile never faded as he spoke. ”Aren’t you afraid of the family that backs me?”

Hearing this, many people felt the corners of their mouths twitch. At first, they had all thought the young man, with his noble bearing and refined speech, was a decent person.

But in the blink of an eye, he had revealed his true colors. Not only was he arrogant and tyrannical, but he had also started resorting to threats. He was the very picture of a spoiled, profligate son!

”Afraid my ass!” Ling Fengxian swore, glaring coldly at the young man before her. ”This isn’t the Ancient Race Continent! This... is the Central Plains Star Continent!”