âNo⦠I dare not!â
âCity Lord, Father, it was I who misspoke, I deserve to die!â
âMay I ask City Lord Father, have you come here to assign a task to your junior?â
Wang Ling was frightened out of his wits, especially by the series of heads thrown out by Mei Changqing, which clearly indicated trouble.
His own father and City Lord Mei taking the initiative to pay a visit, coupled with the slaughter of so many cultivators, definitely meant something was afoot!
âDare not? I, on the other hand, think you are quite bold, creating chaos in the First Battlefield, treating the barracks as childâs play. Tell me, what have you been up to during this time?â
Mei Changqing raised an eyebrow, casually pulled up a chair to sit down, and spoke slowly.
Now, he appeared extremely calm, but anyone familiar with him would notice that he was on the verge of exploding. Somebody had to die today, so he was, in turn, not as enraged as one might expect.
Wang Guan stood aside with his hands behind his back, silent. At this moment, he dared not provoke Mei Changqingâs brow.
Never would he have imagined that the one who had caused chaos on the frontierâs First Battlefield and attracted the attention of Ling Xueâer was his own offspring â how undutiful!
He knew that Wang Ling was undoubtedly a dead man today, and no one could save him. With such attention, if anyone dared to protect him, they would not only face Mei Changqingâs fury but also Ling Xueâerâs intent to kill, which no cultivator could withstand.
Qin Huan, who was originally positioned at the entrance of the tent ready to seize an opportunity to escape, was also stunned at this moment. She did not understand why Mei Changqing and Wang Guan had suddenly arrived.
Her instincts told her that this boded ill. Wang Ling was the son of Wang Guan, who in turn was Mei Changqingâs right-hand man. The relationships were clear, and now she wanted to kill Wang Ling, it seemed likely she would not escape death.
But at this moment, it was also her last chance. It seemed that the two big shots were completely unguarded. If she made a surprise attack, she might succeed in killing Wang Ling.
After all, she had already resigned herself to her fate today. As long as she killed Wang Ling, she could save the female cultivators of the frontier. No matter the consequences, she did not care.
With that thought, a hint of murderous intent flashed through her beautiful eyes, and her gaze turned fierce.
âWang Ling, you heartless beast, debauched scum, die!â
A streak of cold light was unsheathed, aiming straight for the center of Wang Lingâs brow.
âAh, Father, save me!â
Wang Lingâs face turned pale with shock. He had never imagined that in such a situation, this woman would dare to make a move. Was she not afraid of dying?
âHmph!â
Mei Changqing snorted coldly, slightly lifted a finger, and all of a sudden a tremendous pressure swept through the void. Qin Huanâs attack was halted, and she was pressed to the ground, unable to move.
âMei Changqing, Wang Guan, you aid the tyrant and protect this debauched scum in his evil deeds. You wonât end well!â
âI curse you both, may you die a horrendous death!â
Qin Huanâs face was distorted in rage, her teeth grinding so loudly they creaked, and her lips bled from biting them.
As expected, Mei Changqing indeed made a move. The officials protected their own, leaving no chance for the female cultivators of the frontier.
âHeh, thank you City Lord Mei for saving my life!â
Wang Lingâs face brightened with joy. Mei Changqing taking the initiative to save him, didnât that indicate he would not face a mortal threat today?
It seemed that some of his actions had displeased the elders, and todayâs visit was meant to serve as a warning.
âVile woman, a mere servant dares to assassinate me, utterly disregarding the law. Guards, take this wench away and deal with her as you see fit!â
Wang Ling shrieked.
âIs it your turn to speak?â
Mei Changqing said indifferently, while Wang Guan beside him brewed a cup of tea and offered it.
âJunior acknowledges his fault!â
Wang Ling hurriedly bowed his head and spoke.
âInsolent child, answer the City Lordâs question. What have you done during this period? Confess everything honestly!â
Wang Guanâs eyes shone with a cold glint as he stared at Wang Ling.
âThis⦠Junior has been wholeheartedly committed to eradicating Flesh Mountain on the battlefield. There hasnât been a large-scale Flesh Mountain invasion for quite some time.â
Wang Lingâs eyes darted back and forth.
âWhat else?â
Mei Changqing asked casually.
âMoreover, Junior has made a mistake and indulged in the pleasures of beauty, neglecting his cultivation. Junior knows his error and will not repeat it again!â
Wang Ling hurriedly said. Qin Huan was prostrate on the ground; this matter couldnât be concealed, nor was there any need to. Mere enjoyment of a few women was only too normal in the Cultivation World. Female cultivators with low cultivation levels could only obediently become furnaces for others.
He would choose a few pretty ones and send them to the City Lord and his father, believing they wouldnât refuse.
âHow did you become so infatuated with beauty? Elaborate.â
âThisâ¦â
âJunior has taken a liking to the female cultivators in the camp and hence pursued them. Junior understands that cultivating romantic attachments isnât wise for cultivators guarding the frontier. Junior will cut off these romantic entanglements and focus on the dynamics of the battlefield!â
Wang Ling stammered, his gaze unconsciously drifting toward Qin Huan on the ground.
âNonsense, sheer nonsense. You have clearly bullied female cultivators. You have complete authority in the First Battlefield; how many sisters have fallen prey to your abuse, and how many have been humiliated to the point of taking their own lives? These grievances will be settled with you sooner or later!â
Qin Huan burned with rage, trying to struggle to her feet, but her body was firmly restrained. The huge disparity in power made her feel helpless.
She remembered the senior she had met at the frontier. If that senior were to take action, perhaps she could easily resolve the current situation.
âStop spouting nonsense. When have I ever bullied female cultivators? Shut your mouth!â
Wang Lingâs expression changed, and he rebuked sharply.
âWang Ling, do you know to whom these heads belong?â
Mei Changqingâs tone remained calm, without a trace of ordinary human emotion.
âJunior does not know.â
Wang Lingâs face paled as he spoke, the heads on the ground unnerving him.
âThese were the cultivators your father secretly sent to protect you, and the leader among them was a Great Crossing Realm Expert. But now, they are all dead. Do you know why?â
Mei Changqing continued to question.
âJunior doesnât know.â
Wang Lingâs heart quivered instinctively with a chilling premonition. Things werenât looking good; Mei Changqingâs visit didnât seem to be just a simple disciplinary action.
âThey were vigilant for your safety twenty-four hours a day and were well aware of your actions on the frontier. Yet, they turned a blind eye and neither reported nor stopped you, always adopting a permissive attitude. Therefore, I executed them.â
âNow, itâs your turn.â
Mei Changqing explained softly.
At these words, the tent fell into absolute silence.
Thump!
Wang Lingâs knees buckled, and he knelt down again, his pupils trembling. He had guessed wrong; the City Lord had no intention of sparing him today!
âCity Lord, I admit my mistakes. Please give Junior a chance to atone and make amends!â
âFather, please persuade the City Lord. Your child will change; in the future, I will definitely turn over a new leaf and start anew!â
Wang Guanâs throat moved several times, and a thousand words ended with just a sigh, âInsolent child, even a Daluo Golden Immortal couldnât save you today, mark my words.â