บท 71: Chapter 71: Searching for the Different Flame!
Rock Desert City, also known as Stone City, is a border city near the desert. In terms of size, Stone City is slightly smaller than Desert City, but it remains just as bustling.
Desert City, being the first line of defense against the Snake People, has its guarding forces directly under the royal family and managed by the City Lord's Mansion. Jiang Yun had previously sensed another peak Dou Ling expert there besides Hai Bodong. There was also an elite army unit. In comparison, the most powerful faction in Stone Desert City is the mercenary groups.
Excluding the small mercenary groups, the Sand Mercenary Group is currently the dominant force in Stone Desert City. The leader, Robb, is a Da Dou Shi, and he has several Dou Shi experts under his command, making him a notable authority in Stone City. Following close behind them are the Dark Iron Mercenary Group and the Storm Mercenary Group.
The Dark Iron Mercenary Group was founded by Xiao Yan's brother. They recently arrived in Stone Desert City, and both brothers are Dou Shi, making them top-tier experts in the city. There are frequent skirmishes and intense competition among the three mercenary groups, but the Sand Mercenary Group generally holds the upper hand.
On this particular day, Jiang Yun brought Zi Yan from Desert City to this fortuitous Stone Desert City. Upon seeing the slightly smaller city gate compared to Desert City, Jiang Yun did not hesitate and entered Stone Desert City with Zi Yan. Because of their distinguished appearance and luxurious clothing, the gate guards did not dare to intercept or charge them, allowing them to enter directly.
The other queuing people seemed accustomed to this situation, showing no reaction or opposition, and instead cooperated by making way. This is the privilege of power. Having strength means being respected and enjoying privileges anywhere you go.
As they entered the city, the streets grew increasingly crowded, and the ruckus began to ring in their ears. The occasional glances from passersby made Zi Yan frown with dissatisfaction. Her fair skin, curvaceous figure, and delicate face, coupled with the noble aura between her brows, made her the focus of attention wherever she went, especially in this desert city.
Noticing Zi Yan's discomfort, Jiang Yun scanned the crowd, slightly furrowing his brows as a subtle soul wave quietly enveloped the two of them. The people around only felt a vague illusion and subconsciously ignored the presence of the two in the middle of the road.
Catching the change in the surroundings, a smiling Zi Yan fixed her gaze on Jiang Yun.
"What's wrong?"
The fluctuation from his soul perception allowed Jiang Yun to precisely locate his target. He was fortunate, as she was already in Stone Desert City. On his way there, he noticed Zi Yan continuously staring at him, prompting his puzzled question.
"You're jealous!" Zi Yan chuckled foolishly, taking a long while to reveal the reason.
Jiang Yun's steps paused slightly, his usual expression unchanging as he continued forward with a calm voice, "No, I'm not."
Zi Yan wasn't angry at Jiang Yun's denial; she continued to look at the somewhat prideful Jiang Yun with a teasing gaze.
Finally, a commotion ahead caught Zi Yan's attention. In a disordered corner, a small, pale-faced girl was surrounded by onlookers, hugging her knees and squatting by the wall, trembling continuously. Her eyes were red, and tears could be vaguely seen falling. She lowered her head fearfully, enduring the crowd's scornful and discriminatory gazes and allowing the surrounding people to insult her.
"She's not human. I saw scales of the Snake People on her hands. She's a hybrid born of Snake People. Get out of our Stone Desert City!"
"Yes, I saw it too. Her body carries the filthy blood of the Snake People. She is a disgrace to humanity."
"Disgusting hybrid!"
"Get out of our city!"
One harsh word after another struck the trembling girl by the wall like a tide. The hateful and discriminatory gazes of the crowd were cold arrows silently piercing the girl's heart. Hot tears silently slipped down her pale, pretty face. Despite her young age, she had to endure such treatment, leaving her heart shattered.
The venomous words ignited an uncontainable wrath in Zi Yan's heart. She wasn't a compassionate person and had seen more brutal scenes in the Black-Corner Region. However, for some reason, she felt a natural affection for the young Qing Lin. Moreover, Qing Lin's plight reminded her of her own childhood when powerful magical beasts bullied her. The difference was that she had the power to resist.
Jiang Yun had expected this situation. His childhood experiences had long revealed the world's true nature to him. There was an inherent enmity between humans and Snake People, especially among the families of those who died in battles against the Snake People, holding deep-seated grudges. With both human and Snake People bloodlines, was Qing Lin at fault? She was probably the most pained.
In this world, weakness is the original sin. If she had great power, none of this would happen. Those who scold her harshest today would be the first to grovel tomorrow.
"Bang!"
Unable to endure it any longer, Zi Yan stomped the ground fiercely. The earth collapsed instantly, and with a blast beneath her feet, she landed at the center of the crowd's encirclement, shielding Qing Lin.
Her cold eyes swept over the surrounding hateful faces, and a powerful oppressive aura enveloped the crowd. They cried out in fear, looking up at Zi Yan in terror, as if facing a flood or a beast.
"Get lost!" Zi Yan's voice was cold but echoed around. The chilly, murderous aura in her indifferent tone made everyone disperse, some even scrambling to flee in panic.
After dispersing the crowd, Zi Yan looked back at Qing Lin, almost jumping with anger. When she was busy teaching the crowd a lesson, Jiang Yun had already reached Qing Lin's side.
"What's your name?" Jiang Yun's gentle voice asked as he crouched down, looking at Qing Lin.
Qing Lin, around eleven or twelve years old, was delicate and timid. Her mixed blood of Snake People made her life difficult in Stone Desert City. Her growth thus far could be attributed to her resilient physique and some luck.
The little girl hugged her knees and lowered her head, looking weak and helpless. Seeing Jiang Yun, her beautiful eyes sparkled with a strange brilliance. Despite her young age, she experienced many hardships, making her feel inferior and not daring to expect kindness from others.
The one who helped her drive away the bullies was someone she feared might dislike her upon seeing her scales. Thus, she held her sleeves tightly to hide them, her small body trembling.
Looking at the timid Qing Lin, Jiang Yun used his soul power to soothe her tension, speaking softly. "Qing Lin, what a nice name. It's beautiful, and it won't scare me."
Ignoring her resistance, Jiang Yun gently lifted her weak arm, revealing the green scales shining brightly in the sunlight. Mixed breeds were common in the Evil Spirit Tribe, where strange creatures often appeared. Compared to them, Qing Lin's situation was trivial.
Soothed by Jiang Yun's soul power, Qing Lin's fear subsided. Her petite body trembled slightly as her arm was lifted, but Jiang Yun's words comforted her. She was stunned, then looked up at Jiang Yun, seeing his genuine, gentle expression, warm eyes, and a soft smile. Her tender heart was moved, her eyes gently misting with tears.
Jiang Yun's kindness lit up her desolated heart instantly. She turned her head shyly, gazing at him with her exotic, enchanting green eyes, where three small green dots suddenly emerged.
"Young Master..."
"Do you have any family?" Jiang Yun asked softly, worried about scaring the poor girl.
"No," Qing Lin said sadly.
"No worries. From now on, you're with us. I'm your sister," Zi Yan's sudden voice declared as she gently placed Qing Lin in her soft embrace.
Seeing Zi Yan's bold move, Jiang Yun sighed, worried her straightforward nature might scare Qing Lin. However, Zi Yan glanced at Jiang Yun sternly.
Hugging the adorable girl, Zi Yan gently lifted her face, staring into her moist green eyes, and said softly, "Qing Lin, from now on, you're with us, okay?"
Being in front of the delicate, doll-like girl, Zi Yan felt an immense affection. With a cute face, lively green eyes, a delicate nose, and rosy lips, Qing Lin looked like a frightened little rabbit, prompting an urge to protect her. Though Zi Yan fancied only Jiang Yun, she couldn't resist the urge to adore Qing Lin.
Qing Lin shyly looked at her new sister, then at the gentle Jiang Yun, and her delicate face revealed a rare glow of hope. She nodded vigorously, whispering, "I am willing. I am willing," hugging Jiang Yun's arm tightly, fearing he might abandon her.
Zi Yan's expression stiffened at the sight, her embrace empty. But I drove away the bullies, and I invited her first. This wasn't supposed to end this way.
Jiang Yun was also surprised but felt joy seeing Qing Lin's smile and Zi Yan's dazed look, ruffling Qing Lin's hair and holding Zi Yan's hand, "Let's buy Qing Lin some clean clothes. Then, I should break through to Dou Huang."
As the sun shone, Jiang Yun walked through Stone Desert City, holding hands with Zi Yan and Qing Lin, their shadows stretching long.
The vast desert was swept by yellow sand. At noon, the scorching sun made the desert even hotter.
"Whoosh, whoosh." Wind and sand howled, and three figures flew over the arid desert before stopping in a flat sandy area.
"Is this the place?" Zi Yan gently put down Qing Lin and asked Jiang Yun.
Feeling the intense fire attribute energy underground, Jiang Yun confirmed, "Yes, this is the place."
Zi Yan frowned, stepping forward and looking around, then turned to Jiang Yun, puzzled.
"How do we go down?"
"Of course, we dig!" Jiang Yun replied obviously, seeing no other passage and realizing they had to make one.
Zi Yan stood there speechless, looking at the docile Qing Lin and then at Jiang Yun before hesitantly pointing at herself, "Me? Dig?"
"You're the strongest one here. If not you, who else?" Jiang Yun replied nonchalantly.
"Fine, I'll dig!" Zi Yan spat before extending her hands to dig. But Jiang Yun stopped her in time, laughing, "I was joking. I'll handle it."
Zi Yan pouted and walked to the side, holding Qing Lin like a plush toy, ruffling her hair playfully. Qing Lin looked at her with resigned eyes, used to Zi Yan's behavior after days of getting along. She accepted her new sibling's nature.
Meanwhile, Jiang Yun scanned the desert, releasing a powerful unseen force from his body that spread outwards, using his soul force to locate the aura of the Green Lotus Core Flame underground.
(End of chapter)
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