The golden radiance around Liu Xi's body gradually dimmed. The fierce battles just moments ago had consumed a vast portion of the divine power within his flesh and blood.
It was time to conserve his strength — he still needed enough divine energy to suppress Maha Tian, Mo Tong, Xuan Guang, and the others.
Exhaling slowly, Liu Xi's figure blurred and reappeared above the lake's center. The pavilion standing upon the water was a construct of his own Spiritual Energy; even through all the chaos, it had remained untouched by the aftershocks of battle.
Standing within the pavilion, Liu Xi turned with a faint smile toward Qing Yanjing — only to find her even more emotional than he was.
A sweet fragrance filled the air as a soft, warm figure threw herself into his arms.
Liu Xi blinked in mild surprise, then embraced her naturally, his cheek brushing against her hair. The gentle tremor of her body told him everything — all her pent-up tension, her long-held fear, and the weight that had finally lifted from her heart.
Holding her close, his voice softened. "From now on, no matter what happens, I'll be the one standing in front of you — to shield you from the wind and rain."
"Mhm…" Her reply was a soft hum, trembling and sweet, almost like a whisper from her very soul.
Liu Xi's eyes curved in amusement, a faintly mischievous smile tugging at his lips — before he smoothed it away.
'Almost time to eat the fish I've caught,' he thought with a smirk that never reached his face. The final wall between them had already crumbled.
But now wasn't the moment for affection. He gently patted her back, coaxing her into calm. "Not here," he murmured lightly. "We still have guests watching. Come, I'll introduce you to some friends."
At his words, Qing Yanjing blinked, realization dawning. She stepped back from his arms, her cheeks flushed with a delicate crimson glow that made her beauty even more enchanting.
"Qin Tian is here," she said softly after regaining her composure. "And beside him — if I'm not mistaken — that's the master of the Sword Domain, the Azure Sword Saint."
She quickly resumed her usual grace, her tone composed as she explained, "He's a natural prodigy of the sword, already at the late Immortal Grade Heavenly Sovereign realm — a recognized Saint Grade seed. We mustn't be disrespectful."
"I know," Liu Xi replied with a faint smile. "Let's go."
Together they rose into the sky, gliding toward Qin Tian and his companions.
Though calm on the surface, Liu Xi was inwardly impressed. He hadn't expected Qin Tian to come personally — much less bring the Azure Sword Saint with him. Both were men worth befriending.
Qing Yanjing, on the other hand, was visibly nervous. Her bright eyes flickered with subtle panic — this meeting felt like an announcement of their relationship to the world.
In the blink of an eye, they descended before Qin Tian's group.
Qin Tian's gaze shifted between Liu Xi and the woman standing quietly beside him — graceful, reserved, her dependence on Liu Xi as plain as sunlight. Even his normally impassive expression couldn't hide the faint trace of amusement and curiosity in his eyes.
"To challenge two Ancient Clans alone and emerge victorious," Qin Tian said with a sigh, "only you could do such a thing, Brother Qing Lian. After today, the Great Thousand Worlds will sing another legend in your name."
Every Ancient Clan possessed unfathomable foundations. Their Saint Grade Heavenly Sovereigns were apex beings capable of suppressing worlds. Yet Liu Xi had defeated not one but two such figures. His rise was nothing short of miraculous.
"This is the Azure Sword Saint," Qin Tian added, gesturing to the robed swordsman beside him. "We came thinking we might need to lend a hand — but clearly, that wasn't necessary."
The Azure Sword Saint smiled faintly, his voice calm but tinged with admiration. "I've long heard of your name. I never thought our first meeting would be under such circumstances. To suppress a Saint while still an Immortal Grade — unmatched beneath the heavens. Compared to you, I fall far short."
The six experts behind him — all Spiritual Grade Heavenly Sovereigns — shared the same look of awe. None had imagined anyone could stand at such a height, let alone achieve what Liu Xi had just done.
Liu Xi clasped his hands in greeting. "The Azure Sword Saint's name echoes through the Great Thousand Worlds. Your mastery of the sword and peerless offensive power are renowned. To finally meet you today brings me great joy."
He swept his gaze over the group, smiling. "For you all to travel so far on my behalf — I'll remember this kindness. Should you ever need my aid in the future, I won't hesitate to answer."
People raised people — reputation built bridges.
Liu Xi had no desire to make enemies of the world. Building goodwill with future powerhouses was far wiser for one who sought to stand at the Great Thousand's peak. Strength alone wasn't enough — one needed connections and allies too.
True to form, the Azure Sword Saint's eyes lit with genuine respect at the compliment, the faintest warmth of camaraderie flickering within them.
Standing closer to Qing Yanjing, Liu Xi sensed her continued nervousness and decided to help her relax.
"This is Qing Yanjing," he introduced smoothly. "I won't bore you with details — you've all heard of the arranged marriage business. Let's just say that she and I… found our own way."
His words left little to the imagination. Qing Yanjing's ears flushed pink, but she smiled gracefully, her composure returning.
"Qing Yanjing greets everyone. I've long heard tales of your valor, but seeing you today, I finally understand what true legends look like."
Her well-placed flattery drew smiles and nods all around.
While they chatted politely, the sky above them still bore the scars of battle. The shattered void stirred as two figures slowly reformed — Futu Xuan and the white-robed Saint. Their Heavenly Sovereign bodies recondensed, but their faces were ashen, their auras frail.
They were Saints no longer.
Liu Xi's azure flames had burned through their Sovereign Seas — crippling their very foundation. Their Spiritual Energy now leaked ceaselessly; decades of recovery would not be enough to reclaim their former strength.
From exalted Saints to crippled Sovereigns — that was a humiliation no proud Ancient Clan could endure.
Qin Tian frowned slightly, then spoke with deliberate caution. "Brother Qing Lian, the Buddha and Maha Clans still possess Saints within their ranks — their heritage runs deep. Forcing them into desperation may not be wise."
The Azure Sword Saint nodded in agreement. "The Yin-Yang Maha Gourd and the Ancestral Pagoda are both Peerless Saint Artifacts — each has felled Saints before. To provoke them further could stir greater chaos."
Liu Xi inclined his head thoughtfully. To bare his fangs now would only ignite war and bring needless destruction — chaos that would benefit the Extraterrestrial Evil Race most of all.
No — it would be better to let the fire simmer, to bleed the clans slowly until they were hollow. Then he could crush them completely.
He smiled faintly. "Any advice, then?"
Qin Tian considered for a long moment, his voice earnest. "Just… leave them a breath."
Liu Xi chuckled, nodding once. "Understood."
(End of Chapter)
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