Return of the Celestial King

At this point, Qin Tuo had a pretty good idea of what Kong Lianqing was getting at.

Sure enough, seeing Qin Tuo’s expression, Kong Lianqing looked rather ashamed. He rubbed his head, clearly embarrassed.

But Kong Lianqing was here on a mission, so he had to see it through.

So, Kong Lianqing continued.

”For this upcoming international exchange conference, the neighboring countries have found some formidable masters. They’re coming on strong and looking to take the top spot!”

Qin Tuo couldn’t help but ask,

”Pavilion Master Kong, I’m sure the Security Pavilion has its own formidable masters. Surely you’re not afraid of the competition.”

A blush crept across Kong Lianqing’s face as he said shamefully,

”Mr. Qin, under normal circumstances, that would be true. But recently, several of my captains were injured. They can’t participate in the conference. This time... we might not be able to place at all.”

His tone grew somber, and it was clear he was deeply worried about the upcoming conference.

Qin Tuo said bluntly,

”Stop beating around the bush. What is it you want? I’m short on time!”

Hearing this, Kong Lianqing was overjoyed and quickly said,

”Mr. Qin, to ensure the international exchange conference goes as planned, I hope you’ll agree to participate. If you do, I have no doubt you’ll take the top spot.”

Having said his piece, Kong Lianqing fell silent, watching Qin Tuo intently and awaiting his decision.

Qin Tuo didn’t say a word. Kong Lianqing’s heart pounded with anxiety, terrified of being rejected.

Suddenly, Qin Tuo frowned and asked,

”When is it?”

In one month, Qin Tuo had to set foot on Peach Blossom Island to uncover the truth.

Then, many of his questions would finally be answered.

Therefore, he needed to use the time until then to cultivate. He certainly couldn’t spare any time for some exchange conference.

Although Qin Tuo had already reached the Grain Avoidance Stage, he couldn’t afford to relax.

He had yet to encounter many other Cultivators, so he didn’t know if the Grain Avoidance Stage was truly enough for him to protect himself.

Regardless, there was no harm in becoming stronger.

When he heard Qin Tuo ask about the timing, an unconcealable look of delight spread across Kong Lianqing’s face.

He knew what the question implied: Qin Tuo was preparing to agree.

So, Kong Lianqing immediately said,

”Don’t worry, Mr. Qin, there’s plenty of time. The conference won’t start for another two months!”

Only then did Qin Tuo relax. If there were two months, then it was no problem at all.

”Alright, I’ll participate in the conference then.”

Qin Tuo agreed casually.

Kong Lianqing was ecstatic; the smile never left his face.

”Then it’s settled! We’ll be counting on you, Mr. Qin!”

Kong Lianqing stood up, preparing to leave.

He knew Qin Tuo likely had things to deal with, so it wouldn’t be convenient to take up too much of his time.

After all, the exhaustion on Qin Tuo’s face was plain for anyone to see.

But before he left, Kong Lianqing seemed to recall something else and said thoughtfully,

”Mr. Qin, in five days, there’s a large-scale antique auction in the Capital City. You might find something you’re looking for. You should check it out if you’re interested.”

Qin Tuo nodded in acknowledgement.

”Okay, I’ll go if I have the chance.”

Qin Tuo was actually very interested in large antique auctions. After all, he might come across some incredibly precious items.

If any of those antiques had developed spiritual properties, they would be of immense help to his cultivation.

”In that case, I won’t disturb you any further, Mr. Qin!”

Kong Lianqing waved goodbye.

His visit to find Qin Tuo had been a resounding success.

Most importantly, it solved a problem that had been weighing on his mind for a long time.

Moreover, Kong Lianqing felt that from now on, the relationship between Qin Tuo and the Security Pavilion was irrevocably intertwined.

Watching Kong Lianqing leave, Qin Tuo shook his head, then also stepped out of the teahouse.

After returning to the villa, Qin Tuo went straight to his room without a word and collapsed into bed.

Soon, the sound of soft snoring filled the room.

Chen Man Ni happened to pass by the door and, realizing Qin Tuo was sleeping inside, didn’t go in to disturb him.

She knew how tired he had been lately, so he truly needed to get some proper rest.

As Qin Tuo slept, the exhaustion that permeated his body began to subside.

Immediately after breaking through to the Grain Avoidance Stage, almost all the energy in his body had been depleted.

Now, as he sank deeper into sleep, his body’s energy gradually began to recover.

Early the next morning, Qin Tuo was still fast asleep when a rapid knocking came from the door.

Chen Man Ni and Ouyang Feifei had apparently gone out shopping, leaving Qin Tuo alone in the villa.

The sound quickly woke Qin Tuo. He went to the front door and opened it.

He saw a staff member, who said with a broad smile,

”Excuse me, are you Mr. Qin?”

Qin Tuo nodded, a questioning look in his eyes.

The staff member continued,

”Miss Xue sent me to deliver some concert tickets to you.”

As he spoke, the man pulled out several tickets for Xue Qingqing’s live concert.

Furthermore, they were all for prime, front-row seats. Tickets like these would fetch an exorbitant price on the open market—if they could be found at all. They were practically priceless, and any that did surface were usually in the hands of scalpers.

Qin Tuo nodded and accepted the tickets.

He glanced at the time and saw it was still early, so he decided to go back to sleep.

He had been so exhausted before, and even after a night’s rest, a faint, lingering fatigue remained.

Since he had nothing better to do, Qin Tuo went back to his room and fell asleep again.

A short while later, the sound of snoring once again filled the room.

Meanwhile, at the central stadium in Ming City, a massive, bustling crowd had already gathered.

Traffic in the city center had ground to a halt as throngs of eager fans swarmed toward the stadium.

Xue Qingqing’s concert was about to begin.

Outside the stadium, Jiang Wanyu, dressed in casual clothes, was pacing back and forth with an uneasy expression.

Beside her, her two roommates were also waiting anxiously, their expressions gradually growing impatient.