Chapter 68
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Chapter 68: Key of the Sky
Watching his sister leave, Yi Qianmo rushed forward but was abruptly stopped by the old man.
The elder’s cold eyes bore into him as he asked, “What can you give her?”
Yi Qianmo froze, unable to respond.
“If you truly care for her, you should let her return with us,” the old man continued. “The Tang family in Qin Land is a world-renowned family of cultivators. And your Yi family? What can you offer her?”
The elder’s gaze shifted toward Su Muyu, who stood silently nearby. “Without this woman’s presence, you wouldn’t even be able to protect yourself. If you are sensible, I can ensure no harm befalls the Yi family in the Yan Kingdom. But if you are not…”
He let the unspoken threat hang heavily in the air before adding, “Even with the lady’s protection, erasing your Yi family would be as effortless as waving my hand. Don’t waste her time. You and she belong to different worlds. Even if you begin cultivating, the gap between you will remain as vast as the heavens and the earth. Take care of yourself!”
Without waiting for a reply, the old man turned and left, his entourage following.
“Lingyu!” Yi Qianmo shouted desperately, “Take care of yourself! Brother will come for you!”
The old man glanced back briefly, his eyes flashing with a murderous intent before his lips curled into a contemptuous smile.
The caravan disappeared over the city walls of Green Cloud City. Watching it vanish from sight, Yi Qianmo stood silently, fists clenched in frustration and helplessness.
“The Tang family of Qin Land… No wonder their legacy is so incredible,” came a voice from the shadows.
Zhou Lanting emerged, stepping to Yi Qianmo’s side. “That old man was at the Golden Core Stage!”
“No wonder…” Yi Qianmo muttered, a heavy weight pressing down on his heart. He had suspected as much, but hearing Zhou Lanting confirm it left him even more unsettled.
“But he underestimated you,” Zhou Lanting said, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Your potential far surpasses your sister’s.”
“That remains to be seen,” Yi Qianmo replied, his voice calm but heavy with resolve. He turned and began walking back toward the city. “The Tang family is not to be underestimated, especially if even Su Muyu fears them.”
Zhou Lanting chuckled. “You can act humble all you want, but you’re the boldest person I’ve ever met. Even before entering the Qi Refining Stage, you dared to manipulate me and kill disciples of the Xuanyuan Sect. The Tang family probably doesn’t faze you at all.”
Ignoring Zhou Lanting’s remarks, Yi Qianmo made his way home.
As soon as Su Muyu returned to the Yi estate, she sought Yi Qianmo out.
“The Tang family of Qin Land,” she mused, still processing the day’s events. “No wonder the legacy you mentioned is so extraordinary.”
Yi Qianmo nodded but said nothing.
“When will we leave for Tianyuan Academy?” Su Muyu asked after a pause.
“I need to handle some family matters first,” Yi Qianmo replied. “Once that’s settled, I’ll head to the capital.”
Su Muyu hesitated, then nodded. The Tang family’s appearance had temporarily eased her concerns, knowing their presence would deter others from coveting Yi Qianmo’s legacy.
“Fine. But remember, the big exam at Tianyuan Academy is fast approaching. Though I’ve recommended you, many factions there hold influence. The royal family alone doesn’t dictate everything. I hope—”
“Don’t worry,” Yi Qianmo interrupted. “I won’t disappoint you.”
Satisfied with his response, Su Muyu left for the capital.
Later, Yi Danian summoned Yi Qianmo to a secret chamber.
Pointing to a large chest, the elder said, “The Tang family left this as compensation.”
Yi Qianmo opened the chest, revealing neatly arranged jade boxes. Inside were dozens of Qi Nourishing Pills and a hundred low-grade spirit stones.
“This is an insult,” Yi Qianmo muttered, unimpressed.
For most families, such resources would be a treasure trove. But given the Tang family’s immense wealth, it felt like a miserly offering.
“Keep these for now,” Yi Danian advised. “You’ll need them at Tianyuan Academy.”
Yi Qianmo removed ten spirit stones from the chest. “I’ll take these. The rest can stay with the family for you and my uncles.”
Yi Danian did not argue, knowing his grandson’s unyielding nature.
Later, in the solitude of the secret chamber, Yi Qianmo sat cross-legged, focused on his cultivation.
Summoning Repel Evil, a blood-red aura surged forth as the image of an evil god appeared, its expression fierce and menacing.
Yi Qianmo raised his hand, a flash of light emanating from the blade. The oppressive aura shrank rapidly, leaving behind a trembling figure—a diminutive old man.
“Please, sir!” the old man begged. “I was wrong! Lift the ban, I implore you!”
“Speak out of turn again, and you’ll wish for death,” Yi Qianmo warned coldly.
“I won’t dare! I won’t dare!” the old man stammered.
“What are you?” Yi Qianmo demanded.
“An old, decrepit soul,” the figure replied. “Once, I was Taoist Qingmu, from beyond the sky.”
“Beyond the sky?” Yi Qianmo frowned. “Are the red-haired monsters your kin?”
“Some are; some are not,” Taoist Qingmu replied evasively.
Yi Qianmo pulled a purple key from his robes. “What about this?”
Taoist Qingmu’s eyes widened in shock. “The Key of the Sky! Where did you find that?”