Chapter Thirteen: Identity Revealed — The Prince of Tianshu Commandery’s Mansion!

Upon hearing Huo Qing give up, the room suddenly fell silent, only to burst forth in stifled laughter moments later.

Who would have thought that this seemingly distinguished man would be bested by this young fellow?

The essence of a fourth-grade spiritual beast had been auctioned off at an exorbitant price of forty thousand spirit crystals. Anyone hearing this would surely think them mad.

Spirit crystals, known for aiding cultivation, also served as currency. Yet forty thousand spirit crystals could sustain a powerful Celestial Spirit Realm cultivator for four whole months.

By comparison, the spirit crystals clearly held greater value.

The man’s expression twisted in frustration as he suddenly glanced toward a shadowy figure enveloped in darkness. That figure shook their head at him, as if signaling that now was not the time to act.

Resigned, he sat back down, though his eyes remained locked on Huo Qing, filled with a chilling murderous intent.

Huo Qing turned to Ye Hongling with a smile and said, “Even if we don’t get it, he won’t have it easy either.”

“Pfft!” Ye Hongling couldn’t help but chuckle softly, her eyes fluttering like newly blossomed peach flowers, delicate and beautiful.

Seeing Ye Hongling’s mood lighten, Huo Qing breathed a sigh of relief and asked curiously, “Who is he? Why does he harbor such hostility toward you?”

Ye Hongling fell silent for a moment before speaking slowly, “By now, I suppose it’s time I reveal my true identity.”

“I belong to the Prefecture Lord’s Mansion of Tian Shu Prefecture—more precisely, I am affiliated with the lineage of the Fourth Prince of the Prefecture.

“The Fourth Prince has three sons; my father is one of them. Over the years, my father and his two uncles maintained amicable relations, each respecting the other’s domain.

“But half a year ago, during a trip, my father was ambushed by those two uncles. Their assault was ruthless—they crippled all his meridians and poisoned him with a deadly toxin, leaving him bedridden and paralyzed.

“I once tried to detoxify him, but not only did I fail, I also partially contracted the poison myself.

“Fortunately, the portion I contracted was minor compared to my father’s. The pill I found in the Sword Sect ruins completely neutralized the toxin, and my cultivation, which was originally at the Celestial Spirit Realm, was restored.

“But the worse was yet to come. After my father was paralyzed, the Prefecture Lord suddenly disappeared, and the struggle among the four great princes erupted swiftly.”

At this, Ye Hongling’s voice trembled, tinged with tears.

“Now, the Fourth Prince’s mansion is on the brink of collapse. He’s powerless against the other three princes and has been forced into retreat. His forces, including my eldest and second uncles, have nearly disbanded.

“Later, I learned that on the day of the attack, they actually approached my father to rebel alongside them. When he refused, they dealt him a fatal blow!”

Her voice was thick with overwhelming hatred.

“That man’s name is Ye Jiuyou; he is my eldest uncle’s son!”

Huo Qing’s heart stirred upon hearing this. He had never imagined the secret intrigues hidden within the usually closed doors of the Tian Shu Prefecture Lord’s Mansion.

So Ye Hongling was truly part of that household. No wonder she exuded an inexplicable aura of mystery when they first met.

The secrets she carried now made sense.

Seeing Huo Qing silent, Ye Hongling mistook his quietude for anger and hurriedly said, “Huo Qing, don’t think too much of it. This matter is too complicated. When we first met, it wasn’t appropriate to reveal it…”

Huo Qing waved his hand and replied, “Given all you’ve endured, it’s natural for you to be guarded. Besides, after spending these days together, I think you’re worthy of friendship. I will do my part to help you with your troubles.”

A warm current flowed through Ye Hongling’s heart, reddening her eyes. This was the first time since the upheaval at her mansion that someone had offered help.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Huo Qing smiled faintly, “It’s nothing. Since you helped me detoxify and trust me, I have reason to go this far.”

His gaze shifted, locking eyes with Ye Jiuyou. A cold glint of murderous intent flickered between them.

In the following moments, Huo Qing listened as the method and ingredients for forging the Demon-Slaying Pill were revealed, then casually bid for them.

As expected, Ye Jiuyou snatched the item again.

Huo Qing reclined in his chair, a sly smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

“Hey, keep this safe for now. If you manage to get him out of Black Demon City alive, I’ll write my name backwards in your honor.”

He had resolved that whether due to Ye Jiuyou’s previous provocations or as Ye Hongling’s mortal enemy, he would not let him leave alive.

Time passed, and with the final lot sold, the crowd gradually dispersed.

Huo Qing’s tightly shut eyes suddenly opened.

He sensed a chilling gaze, cold as eternal ice, firmly fixed upon him.

“Hahaha, Ye Hongling, you wretched stray. You come here instead of mourning your dead father? What, hoping to keep the flame of your Fourth Prince’s Mansion alive?”

A taunting voice rang out. Huo Qing and Ye Hongling looked up to see Ye Jiuyou approaching casually.

His eyes held a hint of pity as he sneered, “Too bad, your hopes are futile. This place will be your grave!”

He then turned to Huo Qing with a cold laugh.

“You think hiring a freeloader like him will save you? He’s nothing but a lapdog who barks behind you. Soon I’ll show you exactly how I break each of his bones and torment him to death!”

Ye Hongling’s beautiful eyes blazed with fury, her body radiating a tangible aura of lethal intent. Facing her enemy, she was momentarily speechless with rage.

Huo Qing crossed his arms, a playful glint in his eyes.

“My friend, no need to be so harsh. I should thank you for bidding on the essence of that fourth-grade fire-attribute sparrow beast and the method and ingredients for the Demon-Slaying Pill.”

At this, veins bulged on Ye Jiuyou’s forehead. He glared at Huo Qing like a demon rising from the abyss.

In the next instant, bursts of spiritual energy surged forth from his palm, aiming to suppress Huo Qing with overwhelming force.

“You ignorant bumpkin, daring to provoke Ye Jiuyou? Die!”

The terrifying palm wind had not yet fully descended when it sent Huo Qing’s coat fluttering. He tilted his head back, a trace of disdain flashing in his eyes.

A mere early Celestial Spirit Realm novice dares to attack him?